Sorrow In Autumn

Chapter 18 Through The Storm

Well Wattpad has not really let me log on for a few days so I just wanted to thank everyone who commented on the last chapter!

Especially my dear friend Akai_Seirei. Your stories and kind heart know no bounds.

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I edited this part and cut down on the word count. It was too much, but I didn't want it to be confusing.

So, Shen Wei left the Palace after the attack by Cong Bo, going to the mountain retreat to recover on doctor's orders. He actually healed his own wounds and went off to find Guo Changcheng. Butler Wu only saw the king when he was genuinely injured and was told to leave for Leguan which is the king's tradition.

The Meng Sect loathe Southern Haixing and might just kill Zhao Xin Ci on the spot, so Ma Gui casts an illusion on them, disguising them as Northern tribesmen.

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The rising sun brought hope.

The sky was still grey with the passing of the storm that had raged overnight, a downpour that had washed down the mountainside into the vast river, until it raged across the plains flooding forest and farmland alike.

No one spared any interest in the talk of brilliant light and a talisman high in the night's sky above the Hanga valley. Nor did they care when travelers spoke of a tremor through the earth, so violent one traveler fell from his horse. Storms in this region were violent and the Dixingian garrison on the other side of the valley was always running drills with vast arrays lighting up the sky at odd hours.

Especially not when more important news had arrived.

As the warmth of the golden light filled the sky, the brave ventured out of their homes, thankful that the city of Lèguān had survived another onslaught. Word spread from the courtyard of the Meng family compound to the furthest street in the growing city, carrying even to the guards on the high walls of the Southern Gate.

The Emperor had arrived during the night, riding through the storm.

Many mourned the lost opportunity to see the royal carriage and escort, riding so proudly through the streets of their city built by the Emperor, to honor the clan of Meng. There had even been a few occasions over the years when the Emperor could be seen riding one of his horses, dressed in black finery much to the excitement of the waiting crowds.

Others could scarcely believe that the entourage had made it unscathed through the worst storm in recent years. Trees had fallen along the road and the bridges were flooded, icy water still swirling in ever growing pools, flowing down the pathways of the Meng Sect stronghold.

The Sect quickly put up the flags welcoming the king and the Meng family rejoiced in seeing Shen Wei returned to them. Incense burned throughout the city and passers-by stopped by the compound gates, passing on wishes for his luck and protection

Then the shocking news followed. The Emperor had not come alone.

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The head of the Imperial household, hurried along the polished wood corridors glittering with the early morning light, leading several well-trained, highly discrete Dragon Palace attendants to the ornately carved door of the Emperor's quarters. Archways curved over their heads reaching down to meet stunning motifs carved into the walls and they passed decorative lotus ponds set into the floor with dark energy, the water gently rippling.

He had handpicked all of them to serve the Emperor when he came to Lèguān to scour the mountains beyond the city and the old Hanga valley, searching for Chieftain Kunlun. They carried a light meal and a chest containing the robes the Emperor had requested.