Promoted To Commander

 Mr Ma looked elegant and gracious as he sat, looking at Adlin. Mrs Sima was sitting at the head chair as her husband is away on military service.

Mr Ma, how is your father? Mrs Sima asked. 

Mr Ma sat up in his chair and join his hands together to reply politely.

My father is doing fine, thank you Mrs Sima for asking.

Okay, that's good. Mrs Sima was impressed. I wonder if you will attend the upcoming local government official exams?

I will for sure. I'm not bragging but I'm sure the essays I will write will surely get recognition. 

Okay, you are hardworking.

Thanks for the compliment, Mrs Sima. 

Why is he not yet here? Adlin asked in her thoughts, she had made preparations to sabotage the meeting. 

I wonder if Adlin likes poetry and painting? Mr Ma asked.

Uh hmmm... I like .... Hmmm..

My dear darling Mr Ma my dear Mr Ma, someone's voice interrupted her. 

Who is making noises out there? Mrs Sima scolded and some maids rushed out to intercept the intruder.

It was non other than Cyrus disguised as a woman who is Mr Ma's lover. Adlin smiled to herself, her escape route has come.

 The maids who went to stop him weren't strong enough to hold him, he just pushed them to the side and rushed in.

My dear Ma, you are really here. I have finally found you. how could you leave me at home and come here to marry this woman? He asked standing right in front of Mr Ma.

He grabbed Mr Ma by the clothes and pulled him up from the seat.

You must explain to me why you would do that, I'm even pregnant for you, he cried out.

He fell on the floor pretending to make it look like Mr Ma pushed him to the floor and started crying loudly. 

Guards! Come and throw this insane woman out of this place! Mrs Sima was infuriated.

No Stop it, Adlin intervened. Hey you Mr Ma, how dare you keep your pregnant wife at home and come here to play with me in the name of marriage? You must be insane. 

Please Mrs Sima I don't know where this crazy woman came from, see you later, goodbye! Mr Ma said and ran out of the mansion.

Adlin helped Cyrus up and said "I'm sorry madam, come let me help take you to your husband, don't hurt your child".

Adlin immediately ran out with Cyrus and left the mansion.

It was then Mrs Sima realized she had been fooled.

Oh you bad girl! You deceived me, she said and stamped her feet on the ground. 

 Adlin and Cyrus were walking on the streets after they ran out of the mansion, Cyrus still wearing his makeup and disguise as a woman when they heard the sound of drums and stamping feets of both horse shoes and soldier boots. Everyone cleared of the way to let the army march through the streets, they were going on an expedition at the borders of the nation, enemy soldiers attacked the borders.

Adlin you never get tired of watching an army going on an expedition, Cyrus told her.

It's just amazing, Adlin replied. Each of the soldiers have dedicated themselves to fight for the country, don't you think it is so valiant?

Hmm, Cyrus nodded. It's true.

In the long lines of marching soldiers, Adlin spotted Stanley marching with the others in line. She didn't know what made her notice him, at least if she saw him again later, she would recognize him.

 At the imperial court, the emperor gave an order, promoting general Sima to marshal. He would take his son, Sima Adu promoted to commander together with him and lead the troops to the border city Mezhou and resist the enemy army. 

 At home, Adu lay on the bed feigning sickness after he heard about the imperial edict. His mother sat by his bedside watching him, while some maids attended to him, massaging his head and shoulders. 

Kpohoo kpohoo! Adu coughed. Father is going on an expedition tomorrow.

Indeed, his mother replied. It's fine if you don't go with him, but please don't run around and make trouble. 

Kpohoo kpohoo! He coughed even harder, I want to follow him...but... I'm sick. Trouble? What trouble can I cause? I am the commander assigned by the imperial court.

You? I just think you are lazy. As the commander, how long have you been in with the army in whatever they are doing? Mrs Sima asked. Look at Adlin, she goes to the barracks everyday with your title as general Sima's son. She is a girl, her father doesn't even say anything about it.

If sister liked it, let her have fun. 

Have fun? Mrs Sima seemed alarmed. The title of commander represents that the whole Sima family have made contributions in the army to the nation for many generations. 

I know, I have heard this many times.

He got up from lying down and knelt on the bed as if pleading.

I am not afraid of death. You know I am the only heir. You and father are willing to let me go to the battle field, what if something bad happens? He asked with a squinted face.

That's true, his mother agreed, feeling emotional. If it weren't for this, with your father's temper how could he tolerate you continuously?

He..., Adu hissed. He never liked me, he said. 

Your father is old and sick. Everytime he goes on an expedition, I become so worried and pray for his victory and safe return, his mother said.

Then you should spend more time at temples to pray for his well being, he said as if he was delighted about it. 

Just then someone rushed in to announce general Sima's return.

Eh! Quickly quickly! Bring my sword for me, Adu shouted hurriedly and In panic.

The room became busy, everyone going up and down to help him prepare in the best possible way to meet his father. 

 In the reception hall, general Sima was seated and was waiting for Adu to show up. Adu came in with two maids supporting him from both sides of his body. He coughed occasionally to make his feigned sickness look real.