QingYu: A Wuxia Tale (Going Through Reediting)

Premonition

(Qing's POV)

I saw Dayu in the crowd. He was with the other helpers standing in and watching as the Master General and his entourage entered the yard to be welcomed by the officers of the military base who are lined up to greet them.

I saw him looking at General Zong, I smiled, Dayu really thinks of the General as his hero.

Then Dayu smiled and turn around to leave. I frown. Wondering if I see it right. Did he really smiled? But that smile is different from all the smiles I have seen on his face.

That smile had a cold edge on it. Even evil...

I felt a cold wind swirl around me. I shook my head. Maybe I am just imagining things.

"Qing ah,"

I straightened when my father stopped in front of me. "Father," I smiled widely and let him hug me. I hug him back.

I am close to my father. Part of why I became a soldier was due to him supporting me. My mother doesn't want me to serve the country this way but my father persuade her to let me follow my heart.

He is a hero to me. And as we regard each other after not being able to see each other for two whole months, I felt an overwhelming happiness that he was here now and in good condition.

"How are you son?" he asked after letting me go to pat my cheek.

"I am happy Baba," I said. Because of Dayu of course. Dayu is my main source of happiness now. And I think he will be that for a long long time. "How is mother and my sisters?" Our family is living in Beijing.

"Missing you," father replied good naturedly. And we laugh together as we remembered the lively women in our lives.

My father stared at me. I smiled at him. He nodded, "l want to talk to you later. There had been a development from our sojourn to Beijing and talk to the Emperor. I want you to join me and the Master General later after dinner,"

"But there will be feast to celebrate your arrival Baba,"

"After eating. Do you understand Captain?"

I nodded, I am no longer his son but his soldier. He is no longer my father but my superior, "Yes General Wang," I answered smartly and my father looked pleased.

They move on to greet the other captains and officials.

My mind turn to Dayu. I planned to spend the night with him. Explain about my father so he can ready himself when I take him to meet my Baba.

I want my father to know about Dayu. I want him to know that this is a relationship I will cherish and intended to continue. I want my father to know that early on so he won't make any plans for my future involving finding a wife for me.

I have decided to spent my days on this Earth with Dayu. And nobody else. And I want my father to be aware of that fact.

The whole day was spent in welcoming the generals. Officials shows them the changes and improvements made during their absence. The new recruits, the new training methods we are applying to train the soldiers. The new weapons that arrived.

The generals spent the day going around the camp to inspect everything. Once they are satisfied, they convened with the other higher ups to discuss their journey to Beijing and their meeting with the Emperor.

As a Captain, I am still not allowed to be on that meeting. That meeting is still restricted for us in the lower ranking.

"I'm exhausted," Jiang said as he loosen the collar of his uniform. If I am not comfortable with formal proceedings like this welcoming of the general thing, Jiang loathes it.

He hates formal gatherings. As a second son of a powerful politician, a minister, Jiang grew up attending formal gathering with his family. We met in one of those.

But we came from different backgrounds. My family is mostly military and business merchants. Jiang's family are political with ties to the Emperor and the crown. I thought we will not be friends as their is a competition going on between the ministers side and military men.

But in the end, what do two boys knew about politics and military agendas. Jiang being a soldier is a disgrace to his mother's family but if I am stubborn, Jiang is living his life on his own terms. He doesn't need to be afraid because his father is actually encouraging him and his inheritance is secured.

"Where is Mei?" Jiang asked me. I sighed, not surprised that he is asking about that on the first few minutes that we stood together. He is always searching for my second in command.

But I understood him now. My eyes are also roving the base, looking a particular helper in the crowd.

"I haven't seen my second in command since this afternoon. The dinner feast is about to start and I..."

I stopped when I saw Dayu walking while holding a wooden tray laden with dishes. He and another helper are arranging dishes in a table. Jiang followed my eyes.

"Lucky bastard," he muttered pertaining to me. "You have your eyes on yours while mine is still missing and...Qing ah!"

He called my name but I ignored him. I have my target on sight and I won't let him leave without at least getting near enough for me to smell Dayu.

Creepy...I know.

"Captain," the other helper on the table nodded at me. Dayu is still busy putting down the dishes from his tray. I waited for the other helper to leave before sliding near Dayu to stand at his side.

"No," he said even before words came out of my open mouth. I sighed at him, "I haven't said anything yet,"

He looked at me and smiled. I smiled back at him, can't help myself. "After the feast I will still have to help in cleaning everything. I can't leave to come into your cabin..."

"That's fine because my father asked to talk to me after we ate. It will be a while before I can go to my cabin to rest. I just want to make sure that you will go to my cabin tonight. You will, right?"

He hesitated then nodded. I smiled, satisfied that I will hold him again tonight as we sleep. Like I said, I feel uncomfortable when Dayu sleep separately from me.

We stared at each other. Time passes, I don't give a damn. I can spend this lifetime just looking at him and I will think that it is a life well spent.

Lights play on his eyes. Shadows slide on his face. He looks myterious and alluring at the same time. I can't wait to spend that life staring at him and staying at his side.

"Captain Wang,"

I coughed and turn to look at whoever called my name. Dayu smothered a giggle behind me before he said a quiet "excuse me" and left. I want to chase after him and maybe take him away to a place with just us.

But the soldier, a part of the Master General's entourage won't be deterred to tell me my marching orders.

"The Master General and your Father wanted you to sit with them at the principal table." the soldier said.

I sighed. This will be a long night for me then. Sharing a meal with my father and with the other officials are tiring for me.

I look at the direction where Dayu went. Could I still chase him so we can leave here together?