Emperor And I ✔️

Sunshine And I

Chapter 35

Bai Shen Hong
Emperor Huizhong

"This is where I saw the sparkle of light shoot into the sky. No doubt it was the fire explosive that belongs to the Imperial family for it was one like no other." The servant pointed to the sky as he led the emperor onto the clearing where the military servicemen had stationed to train, when the fire explosive sent to Elora was spotted.

Shen Hong regretted that he had dismissed Eunuch Nam the night the explosive was seen. In his sorrow, Elora would have eased his pain. All she would have needed to do was smile for him and his heart would indeed relent and let go a little bit.

"Grand General, we have searched all over the Capital, the bridge and everywhere possible and we still cannot find her. Forgive us." Luo Meng spoke from behind him.

"What about the merchant that gave her the package?"

"We are still searching for him as we do note that he may possibly have information concerning her whereabouts."

"Very well," Huizhong turned around to the servant who did the great work of spotting the explosive, "well done. What shall I reward you with?"

The young man shied away, and courteously said the expected words that everyone was to say when asked what they would like by a royal member. "Grand General's immense commitment to the military is enough reward."

"I insist." Elora was important to him and he would make sure anyone who contributed to finding her was well spoilt.

"If so, would Grand General mind honoring me with my greatest desire."

"What would that be?" His eyebrow rose curiously.

"Luo Meng... " he stuttered. "Please grant me a duel with Luo Meng."

Shen Hong chuckled, amazed that that could be someone's dream. Without a doubt, his personal bodyguard was well respected and highly looked at. He was the only one who could match with him and come close to winning over him when it came to sparing. Probably the servant's dream was to duel with the emperor, but to request that would be impolite as it would possibly indicate that he had ambitions to defeat the dragon, an indirect insult and mockery.

"Luo Meng," Shen Hong granted the request and in submission Luo Meng stepped onto the clearing's middle ground. The rest of the present military servicemen encircled the two excitedly. One started shouting Luo Meng's name, then the next joined in, and then the rest-a discord of chanting.

"Luo Meng! Luo Meng!" They shouted happily. Huizhong knew that in their hearts they hoped their friend would win, but to show respect for the emperor's favorite they hyped Luo Meng anyway.

What Shen Hong marveled at about being in the presence of the military servicemen is how they were not afraid of being themselves in front of him. They did not shake in his presence like the feebles at the palace, due to circumstance of having waged war together and having gone through the tough of times as a unit. To be precise, they found him relatable and more of someone who was of acquaintance.

"Luo Meng!" They chorused when the military service man pulled his sleeves and Luo Meng showcased off his sword into the air. From years of practising with Shen Hong, every fighting move of Luo Meng was much of a replica of the emperor's than his own.

Shen Hong watched with interest though it was already obvious that Luo Meng would win. The repetitive war cry hushed a little and Shen Hong was caught off guard to see a young lady walk in on them. Instinctively, swords were sheathed to stop her from going further so as to protect the emperor. Since meeting at the Dura Mountain Camp, the cunning lady always managed to show up in the most unlikely places he would think to find her.