Three ex-husbands and a marriage

Coming back home

"Cha! Cha! Hurry Hanli, you don't want people to know that a woman is leaving you in the dust! Cha!" I shouted. My hands shook the reins and legs tighten against the mount, commanding the horse to run faster. My mare sped up, as if master and horse are spiritually connected as we race towards the Bai Regent's territory.

"Rui An, I don't mind having everyone know that this Hanli is very willingly for you to press me down on the dust! Ha!" he shouted in return. His horse similarly paced next to mine.

My laughter immediately got carried by the wind as our group sped along the sandy beach that connected the wilder lands with the Southern provinces of the Tang Imperial Empire. Both Hanli and I are far ahead of Xu Mi and his loyal servant. Engaged in this liberating race for the nth time, I laughed and flirted freely. The main recipient is equally flirtatious and charming, giving tic for tac.

The ocean breeze whipped my face and hair gently, the steady rhythm of the horse's hooves as it hits the hard sandy beach and her powerful muscles raced like a well oiled machine. Since the incident at Man Chiu's palace, I had boldly enticed the Captain to sneak away with me in the dead of night. Using my compass, I navigated us through the tunnels and fled the Man territories.

The four of us had successfully escaped and began a game of cat and mouse with Man Chiu. The excitement of the last few months have been exhilarating to say the least, we managed to outstrip and outsmart Man Chiu's pursuit at every twist and turn. I doubt that without Hanli, our escape would not have gone so smoothly.

Now we're nearing the Bai territory, my heart filled with a mixture of anxiety, dread and hope. I need to see with my own eyes, whether they are alive or dead, I must know. Even if it is only to light an incense stick in front of their graves, I must have closure.

"Has my words finally managed to embarrass the infamous Rui An?" he teased.

"Pressing you down! That's great imagery that many young ladies would drool over. I know what you are doing, won't fall for that. Don't try to distract me, Hanli, I am determined to win this round!"

I tightened my knees harder and leaned left. The horse naturally curved left as she sped up faster. He laughed. A booming warm voice that filled my heart like warm, thick and sweet pumpkin soup on a cold winter day.

"Over these months you have won a big fat zero. Where did Rui An get so much sudden confidence in this round?" he teased.

"That was because I had not fully recovered so you have been taking advantage! Cha!"

"Is that right? I see...you have been indulging me! Thank you, and I am more spurred to try harder. I wonder what Rui An has in mind for the prize?"

"Prize for the winner is to do whatever the other side ask for once," I said with a confident flourish.

"Anything?" he asked with a hearty laugh.

"Anything!"

"Your confidence is blindingly beautiful!" he exclaimed.

"Ha! You are entering my territory so of course I have con....ahhh!" I screamed as my horse threw me off abruptly.

I'm done for! My body flung forward at an uncontrollable pace. Wind, hair and dust whipped my face as I brace for impact. The sudden images of death that flashed through my mind didn't eventuate as I was caught by my safety net. My head bumped against his hard chest as our bodies hit the ground and tumbled over many rolls towards the waters edge.

He caught the brunt of the impact, sheltering my body within the safety of his arms. When the disorientation subsided I realised that I was laying on top of his body. He held me securely but the stillness of his body made me worried.