Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

Invigorated

(CAPTAIN WANG)

"We have to make them sleep for real."

That is what Dayu said to me pertaining to Prince Guo and Dao. Prince Jin was no issue. Pain medicine plue alcohol can put anyone to sleep. Prince Guo and Dao have clear and awake minds.

"Why?" I asked Dayu.

"So it will seem real. They are supposed to be down with drinks. Then let's put them to sleep."

That is why Dayu made Dao and Prince Guo drank sleeping potion. He personally made sure the two boys will drink it. Dao is easy to convince, Prince Guo was a bit of work but I have never met any man Dayu is unable to persuade to follow his order. The second Prince is no exception. In the end, Prince Guo drank the potion.

And it's also the reason why we are confident that even if the Empress shake her son, Prince Guo will only moan but won't be awake.

"I think he is asleep, my Empress." The Emperor finally said.

"And is that enough reason for us to leave them here? Call for more palaquins, we will take the Princes back in the Palace." The Empress said.

"By all means, take Prince Guo." Dayu spoke up. "But I am afraid Prince Jin had to remain here. He made a promise to Hua that he will not leave the estate to properly apologize to her tomorrow. Our daughter is upset when she saw her suitor drunk like that."

I remained quiet. This is Dayu's decision. Prince Jin must remain here. He still have more medicine to drink and his wound had to be cleaned first thing in the morning. Dayu will want to do that for Prince Jin to ease Hua's worry.

The Emperor stared at Dayu. "Then you must forgive us but you have to accomodate both my sons, Master Dayu." The Emperor said.

"Your Majesty!" The Empress turned livid. "Prince Guo must come with us..."

"Prince Guo will want to stay here with his brother." The Emperor said. "Have some care for our son's pride, my Empress. What will Guo feel if he learned that we took him but left his brother here?"

"I don't care about what Guo will feel." The Empress equipped behemently, "I want to keep him safe in the Palace. This place might not be safe for my son..."

"They will be safe here, your Majesty." I finally speak. I let out a small humorless laugh, "I hope her Majesty is not suggesting that my home, General Wang's home, is not a safe place. This house is heavily secured. All my treasures are inside this house. My children are here."

"And if General Wang's children are safe, so are the Princes." Dayu seconded my arguement. He felt insulted as well. "Besides, they have their guards with them."

"Yong is not Guo's guard." The Empress said rigidly.

"But surely Yong is an excellent guard. He will protect the second Prince with his life." I said before looking at Yong who nodded frantically. "You can take my life if I fail to protect my Prince." The serious guard said.

"And we are willing to accomodate some Palace Guards." Dayu said. "You can leave some guard here to secure the Princes more."

"Can we?" The Emperor asked with an amused look in his eyes.

"Your Majesty!" The Empress just won't give up. "I won't feel at ease. What is our guarantee that the Princes are safe here?"