QingYu: A Wuxia Tale (Going Through Reediting)

Suspicion

(Qing's POV)

After that humiliating scene with Dayu, I never stray my eyes away from my father as the officials continued their morning inspections.

I can't believe he did that. Deliberately humiliate anyone. Especially me because I am his son.

I never knew that my father had an unreasonable side. But maybe we are the same. Maybe he was also surprised that I have it in me to disobey him.

Growing up, I had always been a dutiful and obedient son. I never rebel. I can be stubborn but I always put my parents' wishes for me in front of my mind when I make decisions.

My desire to be a soldier was meet with an approval from my father. In fact, he was happy with that decision of mine.

"There are a lot worse career for you than being a soldier Qing ah. You could decide to be a minister, now that would be a disaster,"

We laughed together that time. In total agreement with each other.

But now, not only is my father disapproving my choice of lover. He has deliberately humiliated Dayu.

And General Zong was encouraging my father. I wonder what will they gain if I ever follow them and marry the princess like how they planned to. Because I think, my father still harbors some desire for me to marry the daughter of the Emperor.

After the inspections on the armory and infirmary, the generals dismissed us. I talked to Jiang for a while first before I followed my father and General Zong. I have the intention to try reasoning with my father again about Dayu.

When I turn into a corner I stopped when I saw my father and General Zong talking. I quickly retreat to hide back on the corner where I turned.

"What is wrong?" I can hear General Zong asked my father, "You have been quiet for a time now? Is this about that servant?"

My hands fisted. I don't have to rack my brain to know who is the "servant" the Master General is referring to.

"Nothing," my father replied in a subdued but amused tone. "I just thought of something when I studied that servant's face,"

"What is it?" General Zong sounded curious.

"No, I think I am just being silly..."

"Old friend, tell it to me," the Master General is really interested.

I heard my father sighed, "I just...that boy...he looks like that woman in the SiChuan Border,"

My heart thudded. The woman in the SiChuan Border?

My father laughed, "I know! I am being silly. But it just crossed my mind that that servant looks familiar. He somehow resembles that woman in that border."

General Zong laughed too. "That was a long time ago old friend. How can you still remember that woman's face? I will admit, your son's servant has pleasing looks and feminine charm but hardly unique. You might be mistaken,"

My father laughed, lightly this time. "You are right Master General. That's why I said I feel silly when that thought crossed my mind. Let's forget about it,"

After that I heard shufflings of feet and the sound of footsteps. I stepped out from the corner wall and watch the two generals' backs as they walk to their offices' building.