FENG YU JIU TIAN [VOLUME TWO]

Chapter Three

Winter scenery stretched across the land, unfortunately for Feng Ming the group travelled along the major highways of Rou Yan hence all that was in sight were barren mountains and the sporadic rice fields. Even as a tourist the sight became dull and repetitive.

Three days had passed since they set off, Feng Ming had been cooped alone inside his personal carriage and he was at edge of losing his mind, being surrounded by four walls wasn't doing much for his sanity.

Sticking his head out the window, he spotted General Tong who appeared awe-inspiring as he rode alongside the motocade, spurring his well train horse back and forth as he inspected and oversaw the party.

"General Tong!" Feng Ming shouted from his perch.

His loyal servant immediately urged his horse towards the Prince's carriage to subserviently answer his call.

"What is Your Highness's orders?"

"How many days till we arrive?"

"Not long my Prince, within five to six days we will be out of Ruo Yan's territory and crossing the boundary of Fan Jia. Eleven more days, we shall reach Fan Jia's capital city."

Feng Ming lamented his disappointment, "It's going to take that long?"

"The pace and progress we have made so far is extremely good, although Fan Jia and Xi Rei appear close in terms of proximity. In comparison, travelling to the remote country of Lin Dan takes up to three full months!"

Feng Ming grumbled, and diverted his attention to General Tong's magnificent steed. A mischievous smile stretched across his lips.

"General Tong, your horse..."

"His Royal Highness, I am under King Rong's strict orders. Our journey is exposed to danger, to prevent any incidences under no condition is the Crowned Prince permitted to ride a horse. I, Tong Jian Min absolutely will no dare to disobey King Rong's command."

The general's grave tone squashed any hope in Feng Ming, the Prince resigned dejected with his head down casted as he returned to the prison like sanctuary of his carriage.

If I'd known earlier I wouldn't have agreed to this trip,

I will either get beaten to death by Fan Jia's third Princess or if I am lucky bore myself to death before I get there.

It was quite the struggle to occupy his brain till nightfall, when evening finally set in the travelers stopped at a clearing, pitching up tents to spend the night.

Feng Ming was in a hurry to leave his cell, jumping out of his carriage and seeking the warmth of his tent.

Chiu Lan and the two other maids followed behind, and busied themselves with helping Feng Ming prepare his bedding.

Whilst amidst in her duties, Chiu Xing suddenly let slip, "I wonder how Lie Er is doing?"

Chiu Yue giggled and replied, "What's this? Is this why you've been peeking out of the window every day? Did you want to catch a glimpse of him?"

Chiu Lan contributed to the friendly banter aimed at Chiu Xing, "Don't blame her, it's Lie Er's fault for being born to be so attractive."

"Bah!" Chiu Xing spat, her reddened face betraying her as she retaliated, "Who says that he is attractive? I certainly didn't! When it comes to appearances, our Prince is winning in that department!"

The said Prince was slowly taking off the clothing items he could manage, starting with the muffler around his neck, hearing his servants ridiculing one another made him laugh. With a straight face he contributed asking Chiu Xing, "If you want to see Lie Er so badly, perhaps I shall summon him here."