11 Birthday Surprise

Princess:

The way i talked to Minister Choi actually pleased myself. Poor old man..... but i feel a bit stupid too of rejecting such a chance to back stab but i will not actually enjoy my work at his faliure if i do so.

As for the minister Chois acts only me and the empress were aware. Not even the Commander.

At the empress's palace:

"Mother empress!!!please let me take the responsibility!!!"crown Prince started to plead infront of the empress in her chamber."Dont worry!!!please!please!please!!!!!"

"Fine! Just do it right! As i said however it is to make this brother and sister get along with each other again let make them help too!! Remember, other than saving some coins for the people, this is to bring the family together!!!"the empress adviced the crown prince.

At the military training Office:

Commander:

"Colonel Bojan," i asked for him while reading some Official reports cause i wanted him to organize all the files. But no one replied and no one entered the room.

Damn it! I wanted to meet the Princess to get some help on some merchants right after analysing these reports. Its getting late!!!

"Colonel Bojan!!!!" I shouted as i exceeded my limits of being patient. With that however Bojancame running to the Office and BANG! He hit his ankle on my table and jumped crouching up to comfort it whimpering.

"Cant you just be more quick!!!am i supposed to do all these????" As i expressed my anger he straightened himself and looked at me with shock. Its then i realised that i shouted too much.

Ignoring it i spoke."Line these files properly as i have to o now to discuss soething with the princess!" Telling so as i started to gather some papers on my table i was annoyed to hear him giggling. I gave him a deathly look to shut him. He then politely bowed.

"Sorry sir for my low efficiency. I was helping with the Crown Prince for the grand celebration."

Its then i got the fact that in thi stime of the year other than the national celebrations there is another which makes the whole palace busy.

"Fine, i almost forgot the Emporer's Birthday! But thats not your main duty." Saying so i stood up.

"Sir, thats not the only reason!" His face went red as it was trying to hold something without spitting.

"What else?"

"The Princess Huwanuwei's Birthday will be celebrated at the same time. But the crown Prince told me to keep this a secret from her cause as the two royal siblings will give surprises to each other without each other knowing. The empress and the crown prince are the main planners to make them get together! And also in this way the tresury will have some savings as it will be a single celebration!" All i coud do was listen to him as something so peculiar started to grow inside my heart. I cleared my throat and tried to verify.

"Is it the Princess's Birthday?" He giggled and my curiosity. Seriously?

"I mean are they both born on the same day?" I tried to turn his stupid imagination.

"No but its said that both are like almost nearly. However it will be a family gettogether truelly!" Bojan replied. For some reason i found myself dumb as i felt like there is something so important which is left to do. I felt it so heavy in my heart. As i was not in this world Bojans voice bought me back.

"Sir arent you going to do something too???"he asked. Though i had the answer i just replied stupid.

"Do what?" I looked away at the bookshelf saying so.

"Like giving a gift to her! A birthday surprise!!" He said excitedly. I felt so uneasy.

"Why should I?" And i reached the bookshelf as i lamely took a book out and turned pages.

"Sir! I know that you like Princess Huwanuwei more than respect!" I cut his words.

"Be careful with what you say Bojan!" I still flipped the pages.

"Sir! Ive being your subordinant for years and by now, i know you a lot! May be what i say is unsuitable to say all these, but i know that you care for her a lot. Even she will be happy to have another surprise!" He got bored of me for not giving attention.

"Fine sir, but this loyal subordinant has noticed that ever since she came to your life, you sir has changed a lot. I mean this is good. Wonderful! Its as if you have awakened your young spirits. All this time you sir only cared about the duties. Sir did care for your subordinated too. But you never enjoyed your youth sir! But now,...you are more spirited, for the first time in my life i heard you laugh out loud in the army base while having breakfast with the Princess! And now i see you worry sometimes about her safety which is apart from your duties, instead of just having rigid expressions now SEE! Because of being late to meet her you have gone mad ona simple thing!!! I dont say it is bad but i feel so happy for you sir and i want you sir to be more happy too. She might be a princess but everyone knows her kindness. She is open hearted!!!you sir will surely have a chance!! "His voice then sounded exhausted.

"If you sir can consider all i know is this is a goo chance for you to express yourself sir, if you need my help just summon me as i have somthing to do at the court yard." He then turned towards the door.

All he said was true. I did feel myself changing and its now it truelly hit me inside....

"Bojan!" He paused at the door without turning to me. Still keeping my head lowered to the book i spoke.

"Do you know somekind of a gift to present.....her!!!" I finally looked at him a bit embarassed.

He suddenly turned to me delighted by my request. His nasty smile spread wide across his face.

"Of course sir! But there is something i wanted to say from the beginning!!" A hint of demonic happiness glimmered in his eyes mocking me.

"What?" I asked annoyed.

"You are reading the book with it turned upside down!" He burst into laughter.

As i looked at the book with sense, why am i so stupid to hold the book upsidedown???????????this time all i wanted was a small hole to bury my head as embarassment freaked me out.

At the royal courtyard:

"Commander!" I turned to see the Princess rushing towards me like a child as i was passing the royal courtyard to meet her. I bowed as she panted.

"Im sorry! I was a bit busy today. Crown Prince and i are incharge of the brother's birthday celebrations! The reports are ready ill send you those through Bojan." As she spoke a management Office interupted.

"Princess! The pipa player is incapable of reaching here by the celebrations and the embassidors reaching here are willing for her performance, what shall we do?" She then thought a bit.

"Now ill replace her with someone. However is it true that the Goryeon Embassidor is willing to trade a significant amount of Jingseng?"

"Yes Princess!"

"Please get the help of the royal physician too along with the minister of sales to check its quality and accordingly prepare the payement." She said thoughtfully.

"I will inform them Princess!" He bowed."Also princess i cut off your monthly costs and accurated the accounts of the other royal palaces cutting off the unimportant costs as you adviced for this month!" He continued.

"Thats good! Now make sure that Colonel Bojan is ready with the embassidors's safeguards too. Now you may leave!" Though her voice is domineering it carried respect and care.

"Yes Princess!" Then he left bowing to both of us.

"Wow! Be more careful!"she rushed to the servant hanging the red lanterns along the roof as the ladder he was on swayed dangerously. I followed her.

"Ill help with it, now go and take care of your strained ankle!" For few seconds the servant and i both gazed at the princess astonished. Then he tried to reject her words.

"I told you! Get down and only do something with your hands if not your ankle will be stiffened and will effect you for weeks!" He couldnt stand infront of her orders anymore.

"Yes princess!" He then obediantly got down and left limping.

I know that i cant stop her from doing the work so...

"Let me hold the ladder for you and lend you the lanterns, princess!" She nodded."Thankyou!"

Then she climbed the ladder as i held her. All the pass buyers stared at us as if....forget it.....!!!!

However neglecting all those attention we decorated 10 poles with the lanterns. At the last she smiled down at me.

"Its done! Now catch me!!" What???? Then she jumped from above.

In the next moment of my surprise i was carrying her in the bride style making me feel so uncomfortable as my heart raced at her touch. Her eyes were fixed to mine as if we were exchanging a moment of silence on the horizon. Her eyes twinkled.

Then releasing my heart at peace she got down from my hands and taped my chest."nice catch! Goodnight!" I was dumbfounded by her reactions. Luckily no one saw the last moments.it was almost dawn as she paced towards the gates. Its then i remembered something...

"Princess!" She turned to me."yes!is there something you want to tell me?" She asked pleasantly.

I gained all my courage.

"There is something i want to gift you and show you for ...." now what shall i say!!i want to give you a birthday surprise!!... however she herself saved me from my uneasiness.

"When and where shall i have it or see it?" She asked kindly.

"Can Princess come to the city gates in the evening a little before the dawn, the day before the celebrations?"

I was worried about the reply as she looked concerned.

"Ok! I love to see what my friend wants to give me." She again nodded and rushed out of sight.

Friend...of course im a friend.....i just sighed at the thought. How shall i expect more?? This is even more than i can expect...

As i was heavily breathing in order to calm myself down a faint voice echoed as the whole world went silent. I was waiting at the city gates for hours waiting for her, planning and gaining courage to give the surprise. For some reason i felt unworthy of myself.....

"Ming Zeng!" Her voice spoke with enormous affection.

My heart skipped a beat as i saw the young lady in pure white robes, with a bright smile like daylight stepped towards me while the orange shade of the setting sun landed on her elegent figure making a breath taking scenario as her long black hair was slightly fluttering by the breeze.

"Ming Zeng! Where will we go?" Its then i came to my senses back again.

"Ughm! Princess please come along with me." I then escorted her to the horse ive readied. We both then left the city behind. I raced the horse as she followed me. It was getting dark.

Princess:

We came to a halt far from the city. It was a forest. But grabbing attention a huge tall tree was highlited among the ordinary small trees. Even sounds of a water source was heard near. Then Ming Zeng got down and lend me a hand. "Princess will you trust me?" He asked.

Of course for some reason i trust you from my life!"Of course Ming Zeng!" Then he cleared the way deep into the forest and paused at the huge tree.

"Princess, i know that this is sinister to ask from you. But can you climb this tree with me?" For a moment i was shocked to hear his words. But also im too curious to know whta he wants to show. So i nodded and climbed along with him. He always kept a look on my feet as if he was ready any moment to catch me from falling. "Ming Zeng Dont worry! i should say , climbing trees was a hobby of me for a time." I continued and finally we were on the top.

The view was breath taking. The sun was setting between the great mountains which are now coloured in red ànd orange. A beautiful waterfall was glimmering with the gold sunrays as it flowed from a huge rock mountain beside.The greenary surrounded had a touch of gold because of the day break. The sweet breeze dazzled around making it cool........

I just stared at the beautiful view.

Commander:

She removed the silk cloth under her eyes which she always wore out of the palace revealing her rosy lips.

Compared to her astonishinig beautiful face the scenario was nothing. Her eyes glittered with happiness...i felt like fowers bloom within me when i realised i could please her...but some kind of fera crept in me.

"Princess are you angry about me for bringing you here? Its just i have nothing else to satisfy you! I couldnt think of a gift!" She then turned and frowned. Then again smiled gorgeous.i kept my head lowered preventing of her gaze.

"I am more than sattisfied Ming Zeng thank you alot!!! Can i just stay here longer?" As i looked up her innocent eyes pleaded.

"Of course Princess there is something more i wanted to show you!" Her face look excited.

We both then settled in too top branches enjoying the sunset. But before i lit a torch.

The night fell. Buzzing of many insects were heard. A wolfe's howl echoed in the mountains.

"Ming Zeng, i cant wait anymore im too curious!" She smiled. My heart felt relaxed after all the tention as i smiled her back.

"Did you right now smile?" I was stunned by her question.

"The last time i saw you relaxed was at the war grounds. I felt so uneasy after returning as the princess to the palace as i felt you treated me different from before! I felt uneasy! But its nice to see you back like this!!!!!!" Without hesitation she leaned forward from the branch and hugged me making my muscles stiffened asnd my bones shatter as my heart raced. I felt her heart beat racing too. I felt like she is the only thing only life in the world..... she then parted from the embrace as she suddenly looked away back at the direction sun set and spoke uncomfortably."Now show me!"

I nodded after gathering my senses. I then blew out the torch.



Its then the surrounding baeuty appeared. The night sky was clear without clouds as in the horizon billions of stars shined out. Captured by the view she stood up from the branch balancing herself. This is the most beautiful picture ive ever seen.

He white robes fluttered in the wind as her black long hair was also on air. Her beautiful face couldnt be challenged by the moon which showed up itsef between the mountain sky.

She then sat down back on the branch and faced me.

"Ming Zeng! This is the best gift ive ever got! But now dont tell me this was given to me because of saving you!" I felt stupified.

"No!!!!" My words then flowed reluctantly.

"Its for your so close Birthday!" As i said so she suddenly burst into laughter.

"Now who told you so?"

"Bojan did!"

"Ooh!! However thankyou for the gift Commandre Ming Zeng but my birthday has already passed. It was during the months of war!" She looked at me apologetically.

My heart felt damp. Was i that stupid to believe Bojans stupid words!!! Its my fault though! How can he even know!!!But seeing my hopes fade she spoke turning ways.

"Commander shall I know when is your Birthday?"

"Next month 20 th!" I said obediantly.

"Fine! Now lets get going, today you are going to buy me a dinner too cause im really hungry" leaving me still in shock she climbed down again putting on her silk veil. I followed her and in no time we were sitting in a restuarant in the city.

"Commander,the food really tastes good! Now eat it !you have too many work tommorrow so eat properly!!!" I nodded and smiled at the young lady sitting infront of me who is though busy with eating her food but never forgot to advice me..... as we were both done i payed for it and this time without following secretly, under her agreement i dropped her at her cottage.before leaving a glint of hope rose through the memories,

"Princess there is something i wanted to tell ....." when i looked to her face i felt like her eyes were longing for my words ,but," Take a good rest for tommorrow will be busy!" Her eyes suddenly looked frozen then it shined back again.

"Ok Commander! Now you may leave!" Instead of calling by my name she used official way.why did she get angry suddenly? However since i didnt want her to get more botgered I left back to my residence.

Next day the whole palace was too busy welcoming the guests and satisfieng them. As for me, i had to practice a war performance, actually a dance along with the Emporer as this was his birthday surprise for the Princess. Hes going to perform for her sister! In a way i was happy to train them atleast...but the Emporer himself was annoying.....truelly they are siblings!!! For the whole day i didnt see the Princess....

However the Emporer tripped when he was trying to overdo a simple step.

"Commander, why did tou trip me?" I was dumbstruck. Now when did i do that? Its then i realised he tried to frame me for his embarasment.

"Sorry your highness!" He nodded.

"Fine lets do that again!" He tried the step again and tripped over. This time he stood up and spoke something different.

"Now that we have practised enough you all might take a rest!" He gestured the troup to leave. Since i understood that his highness wanted to say something more i waited.

"Commander Ming Zeng! I know my secrets will be safe with you! So i need a favour!"

"This loyal servant will serve you with all might, your highness!" As i bowed he laughed a bit and continued. "I know! This is the thing, dont misunderstand me, my muscle is strained a bit so its hard to do the last steps," he paused for a moment. So wht your highness is saying is that since you cant do the steps they should be changed? As if reading my mind just like his sister he spoke." No !!!we dont have time to change the steps i just want you to do them!" He smiled bitterly. What????

"But you majesty wanted to be a surprise to the Princess! If I appear it might lessen the pleasure!"

"I didnt tell you that you should show yourself up! In the middle of the dance ill wear a mask and for the last steps ill disappear behind the stage as you replace me and in the end the samething will happen as you hide behind the stage and ill uncover my mask!its that simple!!!!" He looked proud from his plans. Siblings again!!! In the same manner the way princess decieved the enemies at the war were tackful and cunning! Impressive!

"I will do as you wish your highness!" So thats the plan.

So the celebration began. It was night and the torches were lit. But the moon shone bright

As the royal family entered everyone stood up. As they were seated everyone noticed that the famous Princess Huwanuwei is absent. The embassidor of Japan was worried."Your highness, may i know whether the Princess attends today." The emporer looked more worried. Since his surprise dance is the last item we had time.

"She should be here!"

"Dont worry your highness! Shes got a surprise gift for you and im sure that she is getting ready with it."the empress chuckled. Emporer's face darkened.

"Father emporer, we managed to keep secrets from both of you. So the Princess got a surprise for you too." As soon as the Crown Prince said so a eunach announced the Princess Huwanuwei is ready for performance. This time emporer looked so happy and excited and all of the others were also looking forward for the peformance. A group of 'pipà' players in white robes entered the stage and forming up a half circle they began to play a heavenly melody. Then a lady like a goddess descending from heavens in a white robes with a shade of pink and a gold pheonix embroided behind with her hair tied up, with a veil covering below her eyes entered and a 'Gu Zheng' was kept infront of her. The hall was silent as if being enchantered by the goddess like lady infront of them until,

"Princess! Sister can you play that?" the stupified emporer asked. Seriously?didnt th emporer had anything to ask than that? I know that it is hard to believe that she is good at everything...still...



The Princess slightly nodded and started to fly over the strings. The torches were blown out letting only the moon light to accompany her. She looked like a celestial being under the moon. Evryone was dazed by the view. It was a pin drop silence.Her fingers then started to fly over the strings giving a chilling aura. It was beautiful but it felt pretty freezing. The torches being blown out might be a reason too but it was the music. Then a group of dancers in white robes started to sway around giving a feeling of winter. The music paused as even the dancers froze. Her melodic voice spoke."Brother Emporer, please come and join me for our father's most loved!" The Emporer was veiled with sorrow. He then nodded slightly and sat right next to her as a eunach came and gave his highness an 'Erhu. they both played in harmony. They looked sensitive at each other as they both whole heartedly sang the same with the music. Though the dancers and some actirs performed along with it it was the two siblings performance was attracted.

When the cold of winter comes,

Starless nights will cover days,

In the veiling of the sun

We will walk in bitter rains.

And in dreams

i can hear your name,

But in dreams,

We will meet again......

(From the Lord of the rings...its just this meaning suited....)

The whole audience kept silent as the two siblings shared their sorrow.

Then the music ended with a heavenly melody played by the Princess as the dancers walked out of the stage. Breaking the awkward silence mepress spoke."Princess Huwanuwei it was wonderful. Your highness you were great too, but i never knew that you both have practised together!" Both the emporer and the Princess stood up as the emporer replied.

"We never did. It was father who taught us this. Its the first time we sang together!" He then turned to the Princess." Will you forgive me for not looking after you!" Princess nodded."Thankyou Sister! Now wait till the end for my performance for you!" He smiled.

As her eyes glistened with happiness i could feel her smile under her veil.

So the celebration went on and everyone was praising about everything. Even the final event of the emporer was done. I couldnt help not noticing the gaze of the Princess while i was dancing with the mask pretending to be the Emporer.

However its done on the Birthday surprises for the year.