17. Farewell Friend And Welcoming Death

Wahhhhh!

Rushan cried seeing his friend packing to go. When he heard from his Imperial brother that his friend was going to war, he had not believed it, but when he ran back seeing him pack he felt his heart squeeze with so much emotion.

Lui Xian just sighed seeing his dramatic friend. He had wondered since the first time they met, as to why this prince was still alive. Alive from all the throne rivalry that always occurs in royal lineages, but now he understood. Rushan was too much of an idiot to be considered a rival for the throne. All he did was to run to the Emperor with brotherly love showing in his eyes.

"Your Highness stop crying. It's only going to be a month away fighting some rascals. You know I will come back." He tried to pacify him feeling really complicated.

'Aren't I the one who is supposed to cry right now? I am being sent to the death's door without even getting a chance to confess my love. I wonder why I am so unlucky.'

"I guess I'll have to pass by the market to buy a lucky charm."

"What?"

Lui Xian didn't realize that he had spoken loudly, about what was troubling him in his mind. That was until Rushan intervened. He could only brush it off as he moved to his drawers to take some herbs he had once taken from Feng Shao. The guy treasured them so much that he would weigh them each and every morning. Lui Xian was clever enough to steal very little each day until it accumulated into a handful. Which he stored in a small pouch.

Speaking of him, it had been a month since they had separated and he thought he would feel nothing. But it seemed he was lying to himself. He still felt worried even if it was just for a little bit. After all, they had spent a whole month together.

Even though the man is stuck up, he still cared a 'little bit' for him. A little bit being the keyword.

"Xian. Come back safely. I wouldn't want to be left alone here in this cold prison. You know I have you and Imperial brother but now you are going and he is occupied." The prince shared his worries as he helped him pack.

Lui Xian couldn't help but feel some pity for him. Although the Prince wasn't totally useless, he was still a kitten compared to a fierce tiger. No matter how much he worked, how much recognisition the ministers gave, it still mounted to nothing in front of the Emperor. And also the gruesome environment he was natured in. He worked very hard but the palace wasn't after all a paradise, instead, it was a living abyss waiting to swallow it's prey. Leaving him in such a place wasn't safe but still, it was his home.

Rushan reached in his sleeves and took out an object wrapped in a yellow cloth.

"Here, have this." He handed it over to Lui Xian who opened it and marveled at the content. Be picked it up and scrutinized its beauty. As he looked at its sharp edges.

It was a golden blade with a few gems embedded at the hilt.

"Thank you. And Your Highness, please don't worry too much, you will be fine. And I will make sure to come back safe and sound." He comforted the other who then smiled feeling happy to have Lui Xian as a friend.

Although he is of royal blood, and he was able to meet many people during some of his travels, especially when he got twenty. The closest friend, companion or partner he has ever had is Lui Xian.

Even though their encounter is nothing out of the ordinary, it is still sweet and funny.

It was during one of the days he had returned from travelling, and he had wanted to meet with his brother. Strolling towards the palace at a relaxed pace, whilst humming to a sweet tune, he spotted a young man peering from a corner at his brother. Who seemed to indulge himself in chatting with his concubines under a tree. He saw how eager his face was to see the man he admired, then it immediately sagged down into one that was depressed and very sad.

At that time he had felt an urge to cheer him up unknowingly starting a very strong bond of friendship.

Rushan could not help but smile whilst staring at his friend who was done packing. He moved away to give him space and then reached for his sword before passing it to its owner.

"Xian. Once you are back I have something important to tell you." He spoke lowering his head. He then clenched his right hand into a fist.

It seemed as if he was still deciding if he should or shouldn't talk about the matter.

"....."

Lui Xian was a little bit surprised but he said nothing. He wasn't sure if he would be able to come back after all there was a full fledged war happening. He might come back but as a stone-cold heavy corpse or a ghost. Thinking about it, he felt a chill run down his spine.

"I think I have an idea as to who is playing this game. But I need to confirm it first." Rushan continued releasing a breath.

The duo friends continued chatting until the time to depart was almost there. Lui Xian bid his friend farewell. He joined the other group as they departed towards south. Lui Xian was on a stallion horse as he travelled among the high ups who were also sitting comfortably on their horses swaying as they conversed on how they could deal with the enemy.

Lui Xian had no say in their discussion and so he kept silent here and there observing the surroundings around them. The troop of soldiers marched behind them maintaining the arch they were travelling in some holding their shields and spears and their swords resting on their waists.

Five carriages were filled with warfare necessities and other things they could use for themselves trailing in between them.

It took a month to reach the south, of course whilst taking rest on some days and feeding the animals so that they could have the energy to go on.

It was one of those taunting winters at the border and the ground was blanketed with thick snow. Even the trees were covered with the whiteness that was making everything seem cold and beautiful. Beautiful if you couldn't spot bodies scattered about and the stench of blood filling the whole area.

Even the blood stains resembled a fiery flower that had just bloomed on that day. No survivor was seen at the camp only lifeless bodies greeted them instilling fear that they tried to bury afraid of losing the will to fight.

They were all on guard afraid that the enemy would come back. The mere soldiers with no rank unloaded all the things as some collected all the men that had fallen wrapping them in reed mats as they were arranged appropriately.

They all settled and allocated agile and qualified spies with work and sent lookouts, and at last, they took some rest.