A Wuxia Tale: Union

Riding Path

(DAYU)

The sky is still dark when Captain Wang and I get on our saddled horses. I get to kiss my children goodbye while they continued to slumber in their beds.

"We really need to start looking for nannies for the twins," I said to Captain Wang."

"We will, as soon as we got back from HuBei." My lover gave that assurance to me. "Let's go," Captain Wang expertly maneuvered his horse to face away our home. It's obvious that he is eager to start our journey.

I look at Mei first, my cousin smiled and nodded at me. I gave Mei a little nod back before pulling the rein of my horse and following Captain Wang.

It's just for a week. No need to worry. But I hope whatever Captain Wang needs to do with me, it will be worth leaving the children behind for a week.

Even though I am saying that, I still high doubt about it. For me, caring for Hua and Dao comes first. Nothing can be more important than that.

We travelled Southbound all morning. We only stopped a bit to water the horses, brushed them down a little and ate the flavored rice balls we took with us as breakfast.

Then we rode again. It's not a brutal pace but Captain Wang made sure that we are riding in a steady rhythym. Only stopping if it's absolutely necessary to get enough rest.

By nightfall we already crossed one whole province, two major streams, and enough towns for me to feel a little tired.

We stopped in a quiet town on Henan. We looked for a little inn where we can rest for the night. Captain Wang gave the stable boy a little extra to priorities our horses.

"Make sure they will get enough rest," my lover said to the stable boy.

"Yes, Sir."

After getting that affirmative answer, Captain Wang and I entered the inn to get a room. He just requested one room  and two hot meals from the innkeeper, not making any additional demand.

But still, we got a quiet and well maintained looking room. When the door was closed, I turned to my lover. "Does the innkeeper recognizes you?"

As a celebrated General of the Emperor in the Capital, I won't be surprise if someone will recognize Captain Wang.

But I don't think being recognize will make my Captain happy.

"No," Captain Wang shook his head. "I didn't even paid extra for this room. I don't want to attract attention, my heart."

"I see..."

My lover made me sat on the bed as he poured water on the basin and wet a cloth. I shed off my sweated on travel clothes and sat quietly as my lover wash me down with the wet cloth.

"It's a bit cold. I don't want to demand hot water..."

"That is fine," I smiled at my lover as the light from the sole candle dance around the simple room. After washing most of the travel dust from my body, I donned fresh and clean clothes. Captain Wang then wash himself to do the same.

Our meals came. They mostly consist of bland soup, sauteed mountain vegetables and rice. "The rice is chewy enough. Just cooked right," I said to my lover while we are eating.

Captain Wang simply nodded and finished his meal. The meal was not for enjoyment. I put the tray with empty dishes outside of our room. Captain and I just cleaned our mouth and gurgle some mint water before going to bed.