Love Sword

36

Inside the residence of Hu, there is a certain room made specifically for the purpose of entertainment to feed the Hu lord's thirst. As soon as Ping Shi pushes the doors open, a pungent fragrance pushed through his nostrils.

The strong smell made Ping Shi hold his breath involuntarily, he walked in and knelt down in front of a large canopy bed in the middle of the dim room.

A man is sitting on the bed leaning towards the bedrest decorated with intricate designs and many luxurious cushions are scattered everywhere. There are two naked women laying at the end of the bed, their long black hair scattered over the red bed sheets. The warm lights from the scented candles showed their slender white backs.

Another naked woman is laying on the man's arms. Unlike the two other, she is awake. Her face is so beautiful that it seems like somebody carved her carefully. She turned her head towards the person walking in, to her surprise, the person walking in seems to be more handsome than the lord Hu. His cold face is so charming she felt a little regretful that she is laying in the arms of someone else.

Whatever! He does not have wealth like the lord.

'Why are you here?' Asked Hu Long with a displeased face.

Ping Shi bowed his head.

'I have captured Jin Shan's lover, my lord.'

Hu Long scoffed

'What's the use?'

He glanced over at the ugly person on Ping Shi's back.

'So ugly, I really want to vomit!'

'Jin Shan and Xie Ting Ting are going to get engaged soon! What lover? So useless!' Shouted Hu Long in anger.

Ping Shi's lowered eyes glinted a little.

Engaged? What is Jin Shan doing? Isn't he supposed to be in love with Xiang Ning?

The woman who is laying on the lord's arms quickly massaged his arms.

'Please don't be angered, my lord.' She said coquettishly.

Hu Long sighed

'Get that thing out of my residence right this instance!'

Ping Shi tightened his hold on Xiang Ning and bowed before retreating respectfully.

He traveled to a small cottage where he usually lives and settled Xiang Ning down to sleep on the single straw bed he has in his room. He looked at the hideous face of the youth with a lost gaze.

This person actually fell asleep when he told him to pretend to fall asleep. He must've been extremely tired from all the journey. Luckily, he slept before they reached Hu Long's entertainment room.

What he heard from Hu Long, if this little prince heard him as well, he would probably be very sad right?

Ping Shi slowly let out a breath and stood up.

He walked to the small chair at the side and sat down. Closing his eyes, he hoped to get a little sleep.

———

Back at the Jin residential mansion, there are commotions everywhere. Servants, young maids, guards are all hastily preparing things. Tomorrow is the grand gathering of clans and they have to set out in the early morning by sunrise.

Madam Jin has a big smile on her face, everyone can tell that she is in a very good mood.

Jin Xuan paced around in his room. It is really odd! How come his brother agreed to get married to Ting Ting so easily? It is the best for the clan but to be quite frank, Jin Xuan would rather have Xiang Ning as his sister in law instead of Xie Ting Ting.

He was restless but did not do anything or say anything, afraid that something unexpected would happen again. Right now, his top priority is to make Jin Shan the head of clan first. Other problems can be solved later.

———

Ping Shi woke up when he heard a rustle. His eyes shot open in an instance. He turned around to look at the quiet cottage interior. Because there is a small fire in the fireplace, the inside is actually warmer and cozier than the outside.

He stood up in suspicion and cautiously made his way to the windows. He turned the curtains and looked out. No one. The snowy forest outside is very deserted and cold. Completely lifeless, just like before.

'A'Shi...'

Ping Shi put down the curtains and turned around. He saw the little prince sitting up hazily, not awake from his slumber just yet.

Ping Shi walked to the person on the straw bed and ruffled his messy black hair.

'Awake?' He asked.

'Where am I?' Asked Xiang Ning.

'In my place. What? Is it not comfortable like your palace, little prince?' Teased Ping Shi.

Xiang Ning ignored his teasing and stood up.

'Can I shower? I feel very dirty.' He complained, looking down at his muddy clothes.

'It is too cold to wash outside, I will bring some hot water.'

Xiang Ning wanted to protest, not daring to disturb the other but Ping Shi already left before he could say anything.

These martial artists are really fast ah!

A few moments later, Ping Shi came back with two giant steaming buckets of hot water.

He poured it into the bathtub behind the blindings in the corner of the room. The hot water gradually cooled down and turned warm. A perfect temperature to bathe in.

Xiang Ning took off his clothes and got into the bathtub as soon as Ping Shi left the cottage to give him some privacy.

He felt extremely relaxed and clean after the bath. He put on the new set of clothes given to him by Ping Shi. The clothes he is wearing is old but it fits him.

Ping Shi came in, he looked at the young man in front of him. He is wearing his old clothes that does not fit him anymore. In this type of simple and cheap clothings, the youth has an extraordinary beauty.

Ping Shi grabbed the ugly mask and put it back on for the younger.

'It is better to be safe than sorry.' Whispered Ping Shi while putting the mask onto the white glossy face of the prince.

'The grand gathering of clans is going to happen tomorrow. I have to escort the lord there.' Said Ping shi.

Xiang Ning's eyes lit up.

'I want to go! Let me meet Chang'ge.'

Because Ping Shi already explained to him the full story of what happened and what Jin Shan's true identity is, he naturally knows that Jin Shan would be there tomorrow.

Ping Shi was hesitant. If Xiang Ning goes, he would surely see Jin Shan getting engaged to another person. It would definitely break his heart.

To Be Continued...

Short Stage:

Ping Shi: How dare you be disloyal to little prince? I will take him then, he is mine now.

Jin Shan: Who said he is yours?

Li Jun who already prepared fifty of his most well-trained shadow guards to go save Xiang Ning: ......