Exhausted from my escape, my alertness waned. I believed I had evaded my pursuers, unaware that I had unknowingly stumbled into the enemy's camp and was now surrounded on all sides. The Mongolians relentlessly attacked, thrusting their spears at me. I agilely dodged their every move, desperately seeking an opportunity to finish off my assailant before others caught up to me. Suddenly, a sword came hurtling toward me from a distance. I managed to evade it, but in doing so, I lost my balance.
The spear struck my shoulder, causing me to grunt in pain. However, I quickly pivoted forward, driving my sword through my opponent's body. My attention remained fixed on the dying Mongol in front of me as I retrieved my sword from his fallen form. Unfortunately, I failed to react in time to block the blows from a new enemy.
His fists connected with the side of my stomach and my head. With my wounded shoulder bleeding profusely, my vision began to blur. The last thing I remember before losing consciousness was striking out at my new adversary, hoping that Wu Yang would arrive before it was too late.
Wu Yang's point of view:
I impaled the Mongol in front of me with my sword, scanning the battleground in search of that slender frame and beautiful face that had captivated me since our first meeting. To my disappointment, he was nowhere to be found.
A sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach, and I couldn't help but fear that something terrible had befallen him. I cursed myself for not insisting that he accompany me. Desperately, I surveyed the lifeless bodies at my feet, hoping against hope that I would not come across his lifeless form among them. If only Buddha would grant me the chance to find him, to gaze upon his innocent face once more.
"Die!"
An enemy shouted, running toward me at full speed. I prepared myself for the attack, consumed by an overwhelming desire to kill them all and find my beloved Cai. Dodging his blade, I deftly leaned to one side, dropping onto one hand and propelling my body into the air. Landing kick after kick into his face, he flew backward and landed on his back with a grunt. I landed gracefully on my feet and advanced toward him, dual blades at the ready. As he attempted to flip onto his feet and launch himself at me, I swiftly slid onto my knees, cutting into his legs. He fell to the ground, and I followed up with a swift stroke, slicing his neck open.
"Your Highness!" the left general called out to me, causing me to turn in his direction.
"Have you found him, General?" I asked, wiping the blood from my sword.
"No, Your Majesty, but the Mongolians are retreating on the other side of the forest." he replied.
"Typical they have no loyalty, leaving their own behind to be slaughtered while they flee like cowards."
"The news was somewhat comforting, as it meant we could return to the capital and address Minister Guang's betrayal, Once we triumphed, no one would dare oppose you again."
"Return? What return? We cannot leave without knowing what has happened to Cai Lung. The capital will see me once he is restored to his rightful place." I declared defiantly.
"I will not rest until he is found."
The general attempted to persuade me to return to the palace, citing pressing matters that required my attention. Reluctantly, I acknowledged the truth in his words, though the decision weighed heavily on my heart. Gazing toward the forest's edge.
I whispered.
"From you to live apart, Ten thousand miles and more between us, Each at opposite ends of the sky. The road I travel is steep and long, Who knows when we shall meet again? The Hu horse leans into the north wind, The bird nests in southern branches. Day by day, our parting grows more distant, Day by day, robe and belt hang looser. Shifting clouds obscure the white sun, The traveler does not look back. Thoughts of you age me, Years and months pass by in an instant. Abandoned, I shall say no more, But gather strength and eat my fill."
Turning away from the forest's edge, I ordered the army to move out. With a heavy heart, I left my beloved Cai behind in that heartfelt poem and embarked on the long journey back home.
Cai Lung P.O.V:
As I awoke from my slumber, a sharp pain radiated through my shoulders. Gently, I reached out with my other hand to touch the bandage covering the wound. My surroundings seemed blurry, and a pounding headache made it clear that I had been struck hard. Slowly, I realized I was lying in a bed, and a surge of relief washed over me, knowing that he had found me.
The thought of leaving my loved one behind was unbearable. Wincing in agony, I mustered the strength to sit up and take in my unfamiliar surroundings. I quickly realized that I was no longer at the camp, but rather in a bed made of stone, not the comforting furs I was accustomed to.
A gruff voice interrupted my thoughts, cautioning me against moving. Startled, I glanced around the room, its stone walls feeling cold and unfamiliar.
"Where am I?"
I managed to croak, my voice hoarse and parched. Desperately, I longed for a sip of water. The man in the room called out to someone named Tai Lee, instructing her to fetch water for our guest. Moments later, a young girl dressed in furs appeared, bowing respectfully to the man.
"Esteemed leader." she murmured, before rising and filling a cup with water. She approached me, offering the cup to quench my thirst. Doubts flooded my mind. Was it safe to drink from
these strangers? Where exactly was I? Lost in my thoughts, I hesitated for too long, prompting the man to snatch the cup from the girl and bring it to my lips.
"Drink." he commanded.
His words struck a chord within me. If he truly wanted me dead, he could have easily let me perish. Perhaps there was some truth to his intentions. I parted my lips and took a long, refreshing sip of water, instantly soothing my parched throat. Grateful, I allowed him to guide me back into the bed, the pain overwhelming my senses. The girl left us alone, leaving me alone with the man. He stood there, arms crossed, observing me intently. Uncomfortable with his gaze, I turned away.
"What is your name?" he finally broke the silence. Uncertain of how much to reveal, I opted for a fabricated name.
"Bai." I replied. There was a prolonged silence before he uttered the dreaded words.
"You are beautiful, but that name does not suit you. Anyway, Bai, we have much to discuss once you have recovered." With those parting words, he left the room, leaving me in a state of panic.
"Where am I exactly?"
"You are in my base, Bai. I am Liu Chang dong, leader of all Mongolian's ," he revealed upon exiting. Hearing those words, I felt my heart sink. I was in deep trouble now. As he left, taking away my sense of calm and any remaining composure, panic consumed me. I was left wondering what on earth I could do in my weakened state. Walking seemed impossible, let alone defending myself if the need arose.
YOU ARE READING
宮殿 Gōngdiàn×The Palace
Romance當蔡仁遇見皇帝的時候，他永遠不會有新的東西。 The autumn leaves littered the dirt road of Fu Shang, the sun setting over the mountains as a young man said farewell to his village and mu quin. This was his destiny, for when the winter of his eighteenth year arrived, his in...
