Blood Bonds And Golden Ties

Chapter 22: Assassination

[Shi Han Jun]

"This won't do!" Han Jun cried.

"Take it," the woman cupped his hands in hers. She stared into his eyes.

Han Jun, realizing nothing would convince her to change her mind, finally said, "Alright. We'll take it. Don't worry, I'll take care of this horse so that when your son comes back, I can give it to him."

She patted his hands and said, "You can even take the carriage we have. It's not much, but it will do."

She hobbled to the stable and was about to open it. Xiao Zhao, who was standing nearby, quickly rushed in front of her and sung the door open. She glanced at Xiao Zhao and smiled. Hobbling into the stable, she moved to grab the harness.

"Let me do it!" Han Jun reached up and grabbed the harness. He put the harness on the horse and led it out.

"There is the waggon," the old woman pointed.

There, behind the horse, was a small wooden wagon. It had no roof but was shaped like a simple, rectangular box with somewhat tall sides. Han Jun handed the the end of the harness to Xiao Zhao. Standing in front of the wagon, he put his hands on his hips. He walked to the back of it then and disappeared. "Uhhhh!'" Xiao Zhao heard Han Jun say. It moved forward a bit, but fell back when the force behind it stopped. Han Jun appeared from behind it and yelled, "This wagon is heavy! Could use some help!"

Xiao Zhao held the harness out to Li Qing who merely stared. "Well? Get it!"

Li Qing rolled his eyes and then grabbed the harness.

Xiao Zhao sprinted to Han Jun's side. He put his arm against the back of the carriage. "On three, we both push," Han Jun said.

Xiao Zhao nodded. "One...Two...Three!" Xiao Zhao used all his might to move the the carriage. It started to roll and soon, they were out of the stable.

Xiao Zhao slapped his hands together. Han Jun strode to the horse and after hitching the carriage, he turned to the lady and bowed.

"Thank you for your kindness."

"Stay safe."

Han Jun nodded. Turning to Li Qing and Xiao Zhao, he said,"Let's go."

Li Qing flew into the air and landed gently on the seat. Xiao Zhao stepped up the small ladder that hung to the side. Han Jun also climbed up. Li Qing slapped the reigns and the wagon moved forward. Soon, they were on their way, a trail of dust flew up behind them.

*************************************************************************

"Your Highness, our men have returned," a man said as he bowed.

"Is it finished?" The Second Prince sat on his seat with his leg up. He held a cup in his hand and was just blowing on it.

"That..."

Hearing the hesitation in his voice, Second Prince's eyes snapped to the man. "You failed again?"

"You Highness!" The man immediately fell to his knees and kotowed. "Show me mercy! The night crawlers intervened and–"

"Enough! I gave you a chance to make up for your mistake! You are not fit to work for me! Guards! Take him away!"

A couple of black guards grabbed the man's arms and dragged him away. The man's feet dragged along the ground. "Please! Have mercy on me!" The man pleaded, but his cries fell on deaf ears.

Second Prince turned to another guard and ordered, "Quick, write a letter to First Prince! Tell him if he doesn't get rid of Third Prince, I will tell everyone his secret!"