Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

Assignment

(PRINCE JIN)

So this is the reason why philosophers say that you should not give up on life.

Three days ago, I was inside my room feeling like the whole world is dark and there's no hope left in my life. The lady that I love was hurt while protecting me and I learned that someone is out there ready to do me some harm for them to get what they desire.

Two days ago, I forced myself to continue living although I feel like just ending my misery. But one look at my Baba and I knew I cannot do it. Add that to the fact that I still want to see Hua smile one more time. Conjuring the image of her face in my mind a thousand times just to go through that second day. The third day, I was ready to run away.

That seventy two hours of living miserably. Like I am in hell already. Three days of suffering in doubts and fear.

But one hour with Hua and my world is righted again. Everything now makes sense. I have plans again. Plans for a future with her. Just one hour with the woman that I love and I am living again. Breathing freely.

And I almost got close enough to kiss her.

Do I feel resentful of Master Dayu interrupting us? Maybe. A little. But a large part of my heart is just singing in joy. Hua and I are in love. She loves me.

She loves me! The most beautiful and strongest lady I know...loves me. I can barely imagine it. Why will she love me? Why?

But she does. She do...love me. Hua loves me.

I laughed out loud.

Which surprised Yong, Manchu and General Wang who were walking with me to get inside the military base inside the Palace halls. In this base, General Wang kept his office and do most of his works and commanding of the army here in the capital and other parts of the country.

General Wang took me here instead of taking me directly to the Palace.

Inside his office, General Wang made sure that we are secured first and that no one will listen to our conversation. Then he light up some candles to give the simple room some lights.

General Wang sat behind his desk and took a parchment of paper and started writing on it. "What I am about to give to you is confidential. Even my children didn't know about this. You must keep it mind, no one can know. Do you understand?"

"Yes, General..." I look at Yong and Manchu who are standing at either side of me. General Wang stopped writing and held out the parchment to me. "Read it silently..."

I took the paper and read it silently like he ordered. My eyes widened at what I read. Yong's mouth fell open while Manchu choked on air and cough.

"Give it back to me," General Wang said, indicating the paper in my hand. I handed it back to him slowly.

I watched as General Wang burned the paper right before our eyes.

"Can I ask some questions?" I swallowed hard as I wait for his reply.

"Sure, go on." General Wang waved his hand.

"Since when?"

"Since the Emperor expressed the desire to have Hua as a candidate for your bride selection?" Is the general's reply.

"Whose idea was it?" I asked again.

"Master Dayu. He will not let Hua go, just like that. You have to understand, your Highness, Hua's Father will not stand still when it comes to Hua's safety."