Love Comes After

The way back, Da Ying could feel her heart beating, beating fast...too fast. She had to make a stop, place her hand on her chest and take a few deep breaths. She didn't understand why it was beating so crazy fast, there was no way she could have fallen for Qin Xie De. No matter how many times she kept telling herself that she didn't like him back, his confession kept lingering in her mind. She shook her head, trying to get the image of his handsome face out of her head. She almost slapped herself, she actually thought he was handsome just now.

She had already made up her mind a long time ago; she would not be involved in a romantic relationship until she destroyed all her enemies. Love was something she never dreamed of or craved for but now...why did Xie De have to come along and make her doubt herself.

Her thoughts were quickly washed away the moment she stepped into her room. The vase sitting on her reading desk had moved slightly, that was a sign...not a bad but a good sign.

She figured it was too risky to have her four guards report to her in person every few nights and so she came up with a new communication. If they heard news, they would write it down and place it inside the small porcelain vase on her desk and turn it. Why? Because she knew Xie De sent An Du to spy on her. She only found out that night she secretly met up with Man Xie. By now, Xie De was probably searching for Man Xie. No matter how much she wanted Man Xie to stay by her side and assist her, it was too dangerous. If Xie De found out Man Xie's true identity, it would be hard for her to explain.

Da Ying quickly walked over, picked the vase up and tipped it upside down. The content fell into her tiny palm. She unhurriedly opened the white paper, it was blank. The next moment, she reached for the candle next to her and placed the note on top of the small flame. The note was written with special ink, ink that was only visible under fire. The words slowly appeared in front of her….

[General Ming is having a secret meeting with Yao Pan Bao (Prime Minister Yao's only son) tomorrow night, Yao residence] she quickly crumpled up the paper and set it on fire. She knew she could count on her guard Wu Man to get the job done. Now that she has found her next target's next move, she would not let him get the upper hand. The sooner she figured out his plan, the quicker she could counter attack. Her plan was to get rid of General Ming before her brother Mu Yan returned from the battlefield.

On the other end of town was a very disheartened Qin Xie De. He had not moved from the spot he was in earlier. Still with the wine bottle in hand, he leaned on the wooden pillar, staring up at the night sky. He stayed there unmoved for the longest time; the first sign of life was his sudden laughter. This was the first time he had confessed to a woman, not just any woman but someone he has liked for 5 years. With the way he had treated her, he had expected her to reject him but he never expected she would stomp on his heart so cruelly. He had to admit, he had a shred of hope she would reciprocate his love. He didn't know how long he had been sitting there, looking at the moon like a madman. He only stood up when he decided his next decision, pursue. Pursue her...

The next morning, Da Ying had a strange encounter with the two faced Wen Wan. Wen Wan made her way to Da Ying's Thousand Lotus Pavilion early in the morning. Da Ying politely welcomed her into her palace. The two of them were having tea and osmanthus cake outside in the pagoda next to the flower garden. Wen Wan had to admit, the mixed colors of red, pink and white flowers arranged in a beautiful circle was eye catching. She did not admire Da Ying, she only felt envious, envious that this lowly sister of hers could create such a beautiful garden. If she could, she would have someone tear up her garden. That thought stuck to her…she's the most powerful princess in the city, what couldn't she do.

"Jie Jie's garden is really beautiful. In the future, if it's not too much trouble, why don't you come help design my garden for me?" Wen Wan sweetly spoke, her eyes still glued to the scenery in front of her.

"Mei Mei is praising me too much. I am but an amateur, I dare not," The two of them continued to have small talk, pretending to be on friendly terms. The whole time, Da Ying was waiting, waiting for her to get to her point. There was no way Wen Wan would make an appearance on her own free will.

"Da Ying jie jie, I came over here to invite you to the gathering I'm hosting. Since my birthday banquet was ruined, father let me have a small gathering. I wasn't sure if I should invite you..." she hesitated. "I was worried you were still shocked after General Ming accused you," she looked at Da Ying full of "worry." "But I felt it wasn't right not to invite you. If you are still feeling the shock from last night, I won't bother you but I would love for you to come," Da Ying didn't move her hand, letting Wen Wan grab her hand in a friendly gesture. "Everyone will be there, why don't you go make some new friends and possibly find a man you fancy. I'm sure father will agree to your marriage as long as you present it," Da Ying secretly laughed at this two faced woman in front of her. Her foolish plan to humiliate Da Ying was so obvious, even Da Ying could read her intentions. "I would not miss my own sister's gathering," Da Ying placed her hand on top of Wen Wan's, letting a small smile on her face show. The moment Da Ying confirmed she was coming, Wen Wan also let out a wide smile. This was easier than she had expected. "Really? Jie jie will really come?"

"En,"

The first step was finished; Wen Wan had no more reason to stay. "Jie jie, I must go get ready. I look forward to seeing you later," Wen Wan elegantly stood up and walked out with her maids Yin'er and Ju Lu by her side.

Bai Zhi and Ban Shiang was also standing in the back, witnessing the whole conversation. Bai Zhi was the first to speak up, "Xiaojie, are we really going?"

"Of course, I have my own reasons," What better way to get information on the Grand Duke than through his son, Lu Xi Feng….