THREE

Lady Xing sat inside a grand carriage that was being pulled by four handsome looking horses. Li Fei Long’s head guard, Lou Sheng, led this entourage while Li Fei Long rode his favorite horse right in front of the grand carriage, between his guards. Li Fei Long’s grand entourage rode elegantly past the main street of Luoyang, mainly to give a good image of Li Fei Long in front of the Luoyang people.

The two head eunuchs were riding on their own horses, each on the side of the grand carriage. Every time Lady Xing curiously peeped out of the carriage, Ming He or Qian Chang Xin cleared their throat as a sign of their disapproval. The commoners who were lining along the main street should not get to see her face.

Before they took off, Ru Qing and Ru Ming prepared her to get ready for the one day and one night journey back to the capital city. Both briefed her on stuffs that she had to take note of. 

Only the four Qīn Wáng and The Grand Chancellor owned this kind of grand carriage. All feature the same high-quality wood. Each Qīn Wáng and The Grand Chancellor were allowed to make some changes but will need permission from The Emperor.

Lady Xing was enjoying her trip inside the comfortable grand carriage. The four horses pulling her ride were galloping in the same rhythm and at a steady speed. Since the two high profile eunuchs kept making sure that nobody noticed her appearance, Lady Xing could only rest her head and lean lazily on her seat that was covered with soft velvet fabric. She was thinking how boring this journey would be without her two yahuan beside her. Ru Qing and Ru Ming were sitting inside the two horses carriage behind her carriage. 

The bustle of the people began to subside after they left the city of Luoyang. The entourage sped up and after some time Lady Xing began to doze off. She was almost falling asleep when their entourage began to reduce speed and eventually stopped in the middle of the way.

She heard the sound of an approaching horse. A moment later Ming He whispered to the side of the grand carriage.

“Wang ye, please….”

The curtain lifted and Li Fei Long entered the carriage as Lady Xing tried to sit up straight.

With a grin on his face, Li Fei Long sat next to her and pressed his hand on her hips so she could not fix her posture. He too sat comfortably next to her. After giving a couple of intimate taps on her hips, Li Fei Long shouted confidently towards Ming He and Qian Chang Xin who was waiting for his cue from outside the grand carriage. The entourage back to the capital city continued. 

***

No matter how magnificent the grand carriage was, after a long journey, Lady Xing awoke from her sleep with a slight body sore. The moment she opened her eyes, she saw Li Fei Long sitting elegantly next to her, looking polished and fresh just like yesterday. 

“Ming He and Qian Chang Xin must have arrived at Duan Wang Fu to prepare for our arrival. Ben wang has assigned them to prepare living quarters for you.” Said Li Fei Long without giving her a glance.

The noise of the crowd outside the carriage diverted Lady Xing’s attention. Their entourage must have entered Chang’an. She heard some buzz about who was inside the grand carriage.  Her curiosity drove her to open the curtain and look outside.

The moment she lifted up the curtain, her eyes met with an old lady who opened an eatery stall at the side of the street. The old woman gasped and pointed at lady Xing who was passing by her stall at that moment.

“I think I just saw one of Duan Qin Wang’s shi qie.” She exclaimed to her buyers.

Lady Xing clearly heard that. She quickly dropped the curtain and regretted her action.

The reaction from the people in the capital were way different from Luoyang. Back at Luoyang the most people did was admire how grand the entourage looked, especially cheering towards the imperial family. Here at the capital, they might frequently witness the entourage of important people going in or out the capital. The people of Chang’an liked to discuss any possible rumours about the royal families. 

Intentionally clearing his throat, Li Fei Long could not maintain his calmness. For two days, Li Fei Long kept teasing Lady Xing. The girl beside him has been amazed by all things she saw but not once willing to let go of her stance towards him. Curious like a child, that was exactly how Li Fei Long described her every time he found her stunned by any possible things.

A simple ornament would leave her in awe. The bright sky captivated her eyes. Even just ordinary wood structure mesmerized her. Every single thing except him.

“Ben wang needs to consider having you blindfolded.” Clearly sounding irritated, Li Fei Long then realized his own words had double meanings. 

The image of him putting on the blindfold on the girl next to him made him smirk. He saw Lady Xing probably had the same imagination as him because her cheek blushed while her eyes avoided his. His desire for her was again ignited. 

Li Fei Long reached out for her arms, pulled her close so she could feel his breath. Lady Xing reacted swiftly and tried to hold her stance with both her hands on his chest.

She remembered clearly how hard his muscles were. She remembered every inch of his body the moment her palms touched that solid figure. Lady Xing decided that being too close to this man was a bad idea. She needed to make a good plan to be free from Li Fei Long. 

“Wang ye must remember to find qiè’s family.” 

Keep reminding him was the last resort she could think of. The grin on Li Fei Long’s face widened as the grip on her arms got tighter. Their faces were so close to each other. So close that Lady Xing was sure in the next second they might end up kissing. Without realizing it she had closed her eyes and waited.

He chuckles instead and thoroughly enjoys teasing her. When she opened her eyes and met Li Fei Long’s deep soulful eyes, she knew he was toying with her reaction. The man looks very pleased. 

Their grand carriage stopped at Lou Sheng’s firm command. Their entourage must have arrived but Li Fei Long did not have any intention to let her go. 

“Ben wang will come and see you later tonight.” He whispered. 

Judging by the look of his eyes, she knew for sure what Li Fei Long planned to do with her tonight. He pinched her chin with the promising look which made Lady Xing feel little butterfly flutters in her stomach.

Before she could remind him of her temporary status in the fu, they heard Ming He and Qian Chang Xin greeted them from outside of the grand carriage. As soon as his fingers left her chin, Ming He lifted up the curtain and Li Fei Long stepped out of the carriage. 

Acted like a perfect gentleman, Li Fei Long stood next to the carriage. He reached out to Lady Xing’s hand and helped her out. 

“This way, my lady.” Qian Chang Xin bowed half way then gestured to the palanquin where two servants were already waiting for her.

Ru Qing and Ru Ming helped lead her way as she got fixated with the beauty of the massive mansion. Their entourage has entered the front yard of the mansion. There were house guards who looked fierce and there were guards who took care of the horses and the grand carriage. The other servants moved efficiently to handle other things. Lady Xing cannot stop admiring the ancient beauty in front of her eyes, they were fascinating to her.

Li Fei Long noticed the way Lady Xing touched the palanquin. Her fingers trace the carving on the palanquin. The way she was captivated made Li Fei Long feel somewhat proud of himself. Li Fei Long did not move until Lady Xing sat down on the palanquin and the servants lifted it up and took her to nei yuan.

“Nu cai has informed Xiao Gan Zi gonggong about the arrival of our fu’s special guest. Xiao Gan Zi gonggong has prepared cui you yuan as Lady Xing’s temporary residence.” Ming He informed Li Fei Long right after the palanquin got out of sight. 

Cui you yuan was located far behind from the main resident in a secluded area. The yard was the smallest among others. Although Li Fei Long believed his head house steward, Xiao Gan Zi, would not deviate from his duties, Li Fei Long wanted Lady Xing to be housed as close to him as possible.

“Inform Xiao Gan Zi to move her to zheng yuan. After ben wang enters the palace to report to Fu huang and meet Mu fei. Ben wang will visit Lady Xing to have dinner together.” Li Fei Long said.

Ming He was intrigued with Li Fei Long’s orders. To let the lady guest stay inside zheng yuan while Duan Qin Wang currently did not has a “legitimate” wife. This would give Li Fei Long a bad reputation. Knowing that his lord has the intention to win the heart of the daughter of The Grand Chancellor, Ming He resolved the situation quickly with his common sense.

“Do I need to prepare the potion for tonight, wang ye?” Asked Ming He respectfully.

Li Fei Long laughed and Ming He lifted his head. 

“No need.” Li Fei Long waved his hand happily to dismiss Ming He and made his way to his favorite horse that was already waiting for him. Ming He gave another bow before Li Fei Long rode his horse out from the mansion with Lou Sheng and few of the guards rode their horse behind him. 

***

Both Jing Gui Fei and Shu Gui Fei joined the imperial family at the same time. Having similar backgrounds, they both came from equally strong families. Jing Gui Fei and Shu Gui Fei also gave birth to their sons at about the same time. Therefore, Duan Qin Wang and Rui Qin Wang had been close frenemy since they were born.

While both imperial consorts have always been in rivalry, The Emperor has never been biased towards either one of them, who held the second highest rank inside hòu gong. Whatever Jing Gui Fei received, Shu Gui Fei will also get it. 

Zhong Jing hall was on the west side, while Zhao Xiang Palace, where Shu Gui Fei resided, was on the east side. These two palaces have a completely different decoration style even though both palaces have the same standard. Each styled based on their master characters.

The Emperor gave Jing Gui Fei the name of Noble Consort due to the way she carries herself. She was very well known for her expertise in art-painting. Her speech style was very calm with a slightly intimidating stare.

Meanwhile Shu Gui Fei was better known for her various skills. Indeed, Shu Gui Fei was not as beautiful as Jing Gui Fei, but her talent in singing and dancing was better when compared to Jing Gui Fei. Shu Gui Fei's character was more cheerful and lively which makes her suitable to be the in-charge for hou gong’s entertainments and banquets.

The taijian outside Zhong Jing hall made an announcement of Duan Qin Wang’s arrival. The palace maids and taijian serving inside the main room silently kneel and bow their heads lower towards the door. The moment Li Fei Long stepped inside, Jing Gui Fei’s smile bloomed like flowers in spring.

The only son that she was proud of appeared so handsome in her eyes. Li Fei Long got his mother’s hawk-eyed observing skill. His well-built body came from his family's genes. Li Fei Long was famous for being the most strict and serious character among the qin wangs.

Li Fei Long gave Jing Gui Fei a respectful bow then sat himself on the nearest chair next to Jing Gui Fei. One of the personal servants served him a warm special tea and after Li Fei Long took a sip, Jing Gui Fei could not wait any longer to ask her beloved son.

“Why do you seem spirited? Was Fu huang pleased with your report on Luoyang?”

The question made Li Fei Long recall the case that sent him to Luoyang. It was not a serious case. On the contrary, the intention behind his assignment was huge in Li Fei Long’s opinion. At least, his heart remained calm after he found out Rui Qin Wang also had his own state duties by the time The Emperor summoned the Minister of Personnel, Minister of Rite and the Head of Department of State Affairs.

Deep down he knew the reason behind his high spirit today was because of who was waiting for him in his fu. 

“The matter in Luoyang was only a small issue”, Li Fei Long answered in a humble manner. He paused briefly before he mentioned the name that had been in his head this couple of days. “Erchen met one capable man while erchen was in Luoyang. Have Mufei heard anything about the Duke of Jiang and his family? Perhaps, the daughter of Duke?”

He placed his cup back on the side table calmly, Li Fei Long touched his thumb ring as Jing Gui Fei frowned. 

“The Deputy Head who was responsible for the secondary palace, Shen Du Palace. A very capable man. He even received a marriage degree from The Late Emperor. The Duchess of Jiang’s older brother is the Ministry of Justice, Feng Luo Cheng. Why are you interested in this particular person?” 

This was the first time Li Fei Long showed an interest in someone and openly mentioned it to Jing Gui Fei. When they were supposed to be on guard until the marriage degree would be announced, Jing Gui Fei had to remind Li Fei Long not to have any misstep.

It was his habit to touch his thumb ring. He remained calm as he noticed Jing Gui Fei sounded uneasy. Inside this reception hall were only Jing Gui Fei ’s trusted people. However, mentioning his new interest in another woman would never be appropriate. 

“Erchen has met the Duke of Jiang and he seems very much a humble person.” Li Fei Long continued, like it was not a serious matter. 

Jing Gui Fei sighed deeply. “After you mentioned his name, ben gong remembered that the Duke of Jiang was a very loyal character. The Duchess's maiden family background is also a very strong line. Their first son is currently leading a troop as one of the great generals while their daughter might be one of the candidates that is suitable for Qin Wang in The Emperor’s eyes.”

“Have mufei heard whether Duke Jiang’s daughter has any foe?” Li Fei Long added.

The mother and son conversation turned awkward. Jing Gui Fei was displeased with her son’s interest in another woman and did not want to continue the conversation. 

“The best candidate for you is still Han Yao Ying”, Jing Gui Fei snapped. 

Li Fei Long lowered his gaze and answered respectfully, “Erchen understand”. 

Before the conversation turned sour, Jing Gui Fei calmly orders her personal servants to serve lunch. She urged Li Fei Long to join her for lunch. After Li Fei Long agreed, Jing Gui Fei started asking mundane questions about everyday life, and then their mother-son conversation returned back to normal again. 

Just after her personal mama sent Li Fei Long out, that trusted mama returned back to Jing Gui Fei ’s side bringing Zhong Jing hall’s head gonggong. 

Jing Gui Fei stood up and held her personal mama’s hand. Looking down at her trusted gonggong, she issued her order sharply. “Find out about the Duke of Jiang and why Duan Qin Wang showed interest in him.”

Jing Gui Fei turned her body and walked away to the inner chamber without having a second look at the gonggong. She was troubled after seeing Li Fei Long looked very high spirited despite the marriage degree not yet brought out by The Emperor. 

Her personal mama helped her to sit in front of her painting table. It was Jing Gui Fei’s favorite thing to do after she had a meal. Instead of lazing around, Jing Gui Fei usually spent her time admiring painting or even doing painting. This time her mind was wandering restlessly. 

“Ben gong is certain Duan Qin Wang had encountered something in Luoyang.” Jing Gui Fei said fretfully.

***

Duan Qin Wang had encountered someone, and that person was looking for a way to escape when Li Fei Long spent his day inside the palace.

Before the palanquin stopped at the assigned yard, Ming He intercepted their small group. Lady Xing heard him order the taijian to head another way. The palanquin turned around and finally stopped in front of the main building of Duan Wang Fu. The moment she stepped out from the palanquin, she saw an even more impressive main quarter, Lady Xing could sense why they brought her here.

Judging from the phrase Li Fei Long mentioned before, Lady Xing assumed that this passionate Duan Qin Wang might have planned to “eat” her once again tonight as apparently, he changed his mind and housed her inside his main living quarters.

Lady Xing stood in silence and looked around her. With all the taijian, yahuan and many guards around this massive mansion, how could she ever escape?!

A small girl who seemed to be just around four years old ran into the courtyard followed by one servant behind her. Her sweet face has this similarity with the way Li Fei Long smiles. Lady Xing’s eyes widened with her thought. How many kids the lustful Qin Wang have?

“Gege, we need to get back.” The servant held her small master’s wrist but Lady Xing noticed that young yahuan stole a glance at her before she lowered her head. As if she could read that yahuan’s mind saying “ah another one…”.

She wondered how many concubines Li Fei Long kept inside this mansion. She became more determined to run away from him as soon as possible.

Ming He was faster than anybody else. He was already standing in front of the yahuan. Clearly looked very stern, he gave that young yahuan some scolding. Acting like a doll, Lady Xing let herself be led in by Ru Qing and Ru Ming.

They entered the back side of the building. Some taijian prepared her bath, some yahuan brought in some new clothes, accessories and makeup while Ru Qing and Ru Ming helped her remove her clothes.

“How many kids does Wang Ye has?” After a long silence and of course after being left alone with Ru Qing and Ru Ming, Lady Xing then dared to ask that question. “How many wives?” She added and turned her head to look at Ru Qing, who looked wary with her questions.

“Answering Lady Xing, Wang Ye does not have any official wife yet. In the fu, wang ye only has one ce fei and two yiniang. The one Lady Xing just saw was duolun gege by Yu Wan ce fei. The only child of wang ye.”

Ru Qing and Ru Ming stopped helping her as she was already naked. The copper tub next to them was steaming with hot water. Lady Xing stood and walked in to enjoy her bath. She missed her bathtub from her “previous” life but this copper tub will do the job to sooth her aching muscles after a long journey. The two yahuan thought she would not ask any more questions as they approached her again and helped her with her bath.

“Help me to escape from this place.”, Lady Xing whispered to them softly. Even though there were only her and these two young yahuan, Lady Xing was still wary that someone outside might hear her. 

The two yahuan hastily dropped to their knees. Ru Ming dropped the copper bowl she was holding and it made a loud noise spinning on the floor. The two started to kongtow full of fear. 

“Please, my Lady! I beg for your mercy on us.” Ru Ming cried while Ru Qing said similar things next to her. 

Lady Xing was surprised with their reaction. “Quiet! I am just asking for your help!”

Ru Qing clasped her hands in front of her chest while crying. "But if we help you, we will definitely be beheaded. Please, my Lady, please stop thinking that way. Wang ye really dotes on you. Don't you see how wang ye specifically put you inside his living quarters?!”

“He just wanted me to serve him in bed.” Lady Xing snapped impatiently at her.

She sat upright inside the tub, ignoring the splash of water she caused. “Why don’t you two follow me too?” This time she asked desperately.

Looking at the two young women in front of her, she thought she would have a bigger chance to survive in the outside world in this era. Her binding feet made her lose balance. Her current body age was as young as eighteen years old. With nothing but clothes on, to run away also need an excellent plan.

Ru Qing and Ru Ming exchanged looks for a second then they both continued to kongtow as if their life were on edge. 

Rolled her eyes and went back to lean on the tub, Lady Xing gave up her idea of escaping. She has to change her tactic in order to have a good conversation with them, since in this era social classification was shackled with many rules.

“Help me with my bath. We are all tired after the long trip from Luoyang to here. I will not misuse both of you for now.” Her cynical nature returned as she gave out a long sigh. 

She missed her days where she was a carefree girl with her cynical jokes. She missed her friends and she missed her family even more. With her head tilted to the side, she slowly dozed off.

Later, Ru Qing and Ru Ming woke her up and helped her out of the tub. They dressed her with a loose and delicate robe then let her lay down on the big ancient bed. The canopy was bigger than the bed she slept in the previous mansion. 

“You two have some rest”, she murmured with eyes half opened. Before she could see the two yahuan bowed down respectfully, Lady Xing had fallen asleep peacefully.

***

Facing the servant who served all the dishes on the table in front of her, Lady Xing was apprehensive of the dishes and tea. Were these laced with the lush potion? She wondered.

The tea was the most amazing kind of tea that she ever knew in her life. The food smelled tempting and nothing seemed suspicious.

The owner of the residence stepped in right after the front servant announced his arrival. Duan Qin Wang was still wearing his formal robe after a long day at the palace. There was no hint of tiredness on his face. He was obviously in a very good mood.

Lady Xing stood up quickly to welcome him along with the others inside the room. She had her head bowed and she heard his footsteps getting closer to her. Her eyes saw the tip of Li Fei Long’s boot then she felt a strong grip on her arm. Lady Xing looked up and found Li Fei Long just a step away from her.

“Rest well?” Asked Li Fei Long earnestly. 

Lady Xing nodded slowly. Her body just followed his strong grip, making her sit back on top of the chair. Li Fei Long sat himself next to her but his hand now covered one of her hands. The other hand reached out to his tea cup that was just placed there by Qian Chang Xin. He took a sip of it but still his other hand never left Lady Xing’s hand.

“Ben wang does not know what kind of food you like. This head house steward is responsible for the choice of menus for tonight.” Li Fei Long glanced at Xiao Gan Zi gonggong who was standing at his post next to Ming He and Qian Chang Xin.

The eunuch had been appointed specially by Jing Gui Fei to take care of all matters inside Duan Wang Fu. Even though he was much older than Li Fei Long’s personal eunuch, Xiao Gan Zi gonggong was as wise and as agile as the two personal eunuchs. 

“Even though qie does not remember anything about what qie likes or dislikes, the dishes look delicious. Qie thanked wang ye and Xiao Gan Zi gonggong for all this hassle.” Truly feeling grateful, Lady Xing was confused to see the reaction from what she just said. Xiao Gan Zi hurried and bowed down deeply while Li Fei Long still stared at her.

“Please, my Lady, do not thank me. Nu cai is just a lowly person. Nu cai just here to serve wang ye.”

Hearing that plea, Lady Xing let out a long sigh. The grip on her hand felt stronger and made her return his stare. The boundary between master and their servants was too strict until Lady Xing felt annoyed. For all her life she used to say thank you to anyone who had done good to her, regardless of their social status, it was her common sense. Right now, everything has changed. As Duan Qin Wang’s special guest, her social status apparently was way above all. 

“Ben wang grands you a pouch of silver on behalf of Lady Xing. Now, let’s enjoy our dinner.” Finally, Li Fei Long let her hand go. He lifted up his chopstick with a happy face while Xiao Gan Zi gave his gratitude to him. 

“Here…. try this and let me know whether you like it or not”, Li Fei Long put some steam fish dish on top of Lady Xing’s rice bowl. He eagerly waited for her to lift her own chopstick.

Knowing for sure she would like this kind of meal, Lady Xing tried to stay calm as Li Fei Long was still waiting and staring at her. The taste of the dish was as good as when she ate at a five-star restaurant. The fish meat was so thick and chewy. The aroma was mouthwatering and the broth was much lighter than any fancy restaurant has.

She nodded in agreement. “Qie likes it…” 

“Try the other dishes. They were also my favorite”. Excited with the sumptuous spread of food, Li Fei Long stopped looking at her and began to move his chopstick for himself. 

So, it turned out that all of these dishes were Li Fei Long’s favorite. That old eunuch was a sly fox. He appeared to regale Lady Xing but in reality, all along he just butt licked none other than Li Fei Long. In fact, all of the servants sucked up this handsome Qīn Wáng, she observed. 

She was not here to butt lick this qin wang. She would never be his play thing. Slowly putting down her bowl, Lady Xing turned her head and said “Wang ye promise qie to stay in this fu as your guest until wang ye find out from which household qie came from. Qie hopes wang ye still hold that promise.”

The ambience immediately turned stifling with her request. The servants bowed even deeper the moment Li Fei Long put down his chopstick. His face turned steely and made Lady Xing feel a little panicky.

She knew what she did. But she could not retreat as this what she was supposed to do if she does not want to be his toy.

The moment of silence was killing her. Li Fei Long avoided her eyes. That man took the handkerchief and wiped his lips. Everyone in the room held their breath. Lady Xing was watching him with her heart pounding. 

Would he throw his tantrum on her? Or would he give command for the guards to kill her? Her thoughts run wild to every possible outcome.

Li Fei Long threw his golden handkerchief to the floor. In a second he stood up and walked away to the door.

“Lead Lady Xing to cui you yuan. Ben wang will visit ce fei tonight.”

It was worse than Lady Xing could have imagined. Li Fei Long just walked out without a second look at her. Ru Qing and Ru Ming were already next to her side and held her hands. As she walked and followed her two yahuan, her eyes looked back at the dining table. The dishes were still warm and were merely touched by her and Li Fei Long.

“My Lady, you have angered wang ye.” Ru Qing whispered as they walked timidly exiting the main building. 

“I know. I wish I could rewind what just happened and say what I have said after we finish our dinner. Clearly, I am not smart enough.” She said grudgingly.