17 Mission Completed

There was no real competition for commander Ming Zheng to get the hand of the princess and the wedding date was readily set and settled on the full moon day 10 months later under the princess's suggestion.

To the whole kingdom it is a blessed event and were looking forward to. Specially after revelation of the conspiracies of  red Eagle nest, it became a peaceful and prosperous time for all the free merchants and opened doors for small merchant groups as under the protection of the phoenix Hall under the Princess they developed themselves in the silk road.

For the time being all the political parties for safety withdrew their unruly hands from business in fear of getting caught with the tide wiping out the red Eagle  nest which were banned as an organisation as traitors of the empire.

In gratitude for arresting the criminals of the red Eagle nest Brother Chen was rewarded and personally given the blessings for his marriage.

It was such a blessing that the same day the empower decreed that there won't be the capital punishment this year as a blessing for the expecting child of the Queen which naturally caused the convicted criminals to be banished to the islands as slaves. The whole empire were ringing bells of peace.

The phoenix Hall was also handed over  to the government but still under the supervision of the Princess.

Everything looked peaceful, but few knew this was the silence before  a huge storm. As the royal couple was under the influence of expecting another member lots of burden was set on the Princess and the Crown prince.

All the politicians, specially the prime minister were on turmoil as they saw the tides changing out of their control. And were like sitting on pins and needles as they barely escaped from the  red Eagle nest's case.

"Prime minister, what are we supposed to do now?" Minister of revenue asked panicked.

The ministers which were on the prime minister's boat which was almost two third of the whole gathered at his house after a month of the red Eagle nests case bringing the queen's faction, Princess and commander Ming Zheng on high alert.

"Even the taxes can't be controlled and unlike before those common dogs bark at the court even at the slightest scratch. They dare to climb over our heads!!!" Other ministers also chimed in.

"Enough!" The prime minister choi slammed his fist on the table.

Everyone quietened down as every one was aware of this legendary man's wrath who used to be highly respected and revered....before.

"Let me think,"as soon as he spoke so a guard rushed in whispered something to his ear making everyone curious.

Prime minister slightly nodded as he went out again. Then a new person arrived.

Cloaked in black, he wore a straw hat and brought a mysterious aura to the congested room.

"Long time no see minister Choi!"the stranger lifted his hat. Prime minister looked confused but thoughtful.

"Why?am I that forgettable?Even after eight years you are still a failure not even compared to a 13 year old child."

Prime minister's  eyes widened as if struck by lightning.

"You!"

After half an hour the ministers were left boiling in excitement.There was not a single sign left of the stranger.

The minister of revenue interrupted.

"I appreciate his help but how can we trust him. Afterall he wanted us to leave the Princess.And why would he help us?"

Prime minister suddenly started laughing out loud.

Everyone looked confused but was lightly enlightened by his next words.

"The first time I met him he was the one who helped me with contacting the red Eagle nest and was greatly amused by his quick wit and cunningness at that age.I felt like I've seen him somewhere before but that was years back and its hard to remember...but now I remember where else I've seen him. I first thought of using the Princess to later gain back power over him. But now..."he sighed.

"Try not to check the waters cause he didn't even spare his own father. Such people should not be tempted."

"Lets go with the plan because we are only hanging by the line."he sighed again.