1 The Duchess

Once upon a time in the kingdom of Amel there is a duke's house. The duke of Kella was a very gentle man he was what others considered blessed. The duke was married to a beautiful wife and had a caring son. One day he lost them both in an riot from the resistance who claimed that the duke was corrupted. With the loss of his wife and son he blamed his people and God for it. The once gentle man slowly turned cruel and feared by all. The people even gave him the nick name the lost duke, because ever since his wife and son died the duke became a changed man. The rumors became the truth.

One day the duke came back with two children a boy and a girl. The boy was called Shìbīng and the girl Yuèguāng he found them in an orphanage. The orphanage was going to close as they were the only ones left. They were going to be sold as slaves since no one adopted them. The duke only wanted the boy but Shìbīng convinced the duke to take along with him Yuèguāng. Saying she could be useful.

Shìbīng was brought under tutelage from the duke. He was loved by everyone because he was meant to become the dukes heir to continue his legacy. Yuèguāng was just placed into a corner of the house. She was humiliated and beaten down physically and mentally by everyone. The people treated her even lower than the lowest servant within the estate. Yuèguāng never told Shìbīng about her sufferings she just listened to his complaints and supported him in everything he did. While he was teaching her in his spare time they had a lot of fun together. Yuèguāng became Shìbīng only support for his troubles but for her she was all alone. She wanted to be something for someone but didn't have the strength or courage.

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As months and years passed by they were now teenagers. Shìbīng argued a lot with the old duke and Yuèguāng would be the one to pacify them. But this time the fight didn't go so well between them. Shìbīng was of opinion that Yuèguāng was only trying to control him. That she couldn't possible understand his sufferings. Yuèguāng tried her very best not to cry as they parted in a bad way. The next day Shìbīng ignored her and started to begin rebelling against the duke. By staying outside every night and drinking till the next day. The servants noticed the change in attitude Shìbīng had towards Yuèguāng and their bullying escalated to the point that even the old duke noticed it. Months passed when she finally saw Shìbīng again. But she only saw his cold and unfeeling eyes burning with hatred towards her. She didn't understand why he came to hate her so much just because of one argument. She knew they had to talk it out one day but he never gave her a chance. Till this day that misunderstanding was still going on strongly. As Shìbīng was summoned by the duke he entered the room. Not even 5 minutes had passed when she heard them arguing again. He wanted his freedom in order to follow the love of his live and the duke wanted Shìbīng to stop fooling around. The duke got so mad he punched Shìbīng. He told the servants in the room to lock him up so he couldn't leave the estate. When Shìbīng was dragged outside the room he saw Yuèguāng looking at him so he spit at her direction, cursed at her and the old duke. Yuèguāng heart broke as she heard the words he spoke towards her. He was her only light and now that light hated her. When she finally had gathered her thoughts she remembered the words Shìbīng said in the room. She gathered her courage and knocked on the door of the duke. When she heard she could enter she opened the door and closed it behind her with a trembling hand.

A week had passed while Shìbīng was locked up in his room when he got the summon from the duke to go to his office. When he entered the room the first thing he saw was Yuèguāng standing behind the old duke smiling gently at him. He scoffed and looked towards the duke who stared at him with a smirk. The duke gave Shìbīng his freedom but said that he won't receive any financial support from him or his sister. Shìbīng had rejoiced inside that he gained his freedom and you could see that his face had become softer. The old duke send Shìbīng out of the office and looked at Yuèguāng with a dark and sinister look. When Shìbīng left the estate he directly went to his loved one and told her the good news. At first she was worried that the old duke let him go too easily. Shìbīng too noticed this point but comforted her and said that he would be careful. A full month had passed before there came a notification to the public that the duke had abdicated his position and that his heir will take his place. When Shìbīng heard this he was enraged. He knew what the duke had done what he was planning to do and he never liked doing it. Even more so now that he has someone he loved. When his girlfriend comforted him they waited together for someone of the ducal estate to pick him up. When it turned midnight no one from the ducal estate visited them. They both thought maybe someone will come in the morning. When morning came and the night had passed they still saw no one from the estate. The couple left it as it was since they themselves had no intentions of going to the estate and so weeks passed by. Rumors started that the new duke was a smart but cruel person even worse than the former duke. When the rumors reached Shìbīng he couldn't believe it because there was only one male heir and that was him. But since he didn't accept it then there was only one other person left there who possibly can and that was Yuèguāng. Shìbīng couldn't believe that she could be crueler than the former duke. Yes she did try to control him but it wasn't to the point of her being cruel or even as a tyrant. When months passed Shìbīng heard more and more rumors about Yuèguāng. The more he heard the more he felt disgusted towards her. So one day Shìbīng joined the resistance. There were riots happening in protest for the actions Yuèguāng took and Shìbīng did everything to bring her down. His girlfriend looked at him with sadness as she supported him.

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Five years had passed and Shìbīng became the leader of the resistance. He had even married his girlfriend within those five years. On day Yuèguāng had to leave to the capital in order to report the situation they were going through to the king. She knew that the people were deceived and that another duke was using her people to riot and rain destructions upon her fief. She found out through the old duke that he had an enemy. And that that person was the one who murdered the late duchess. Yuèguāng searched and gathered information about that person. Then she told all that she had found to the old duke. The old duke started to grief and asked her to drag that person to hell just like how his late wife had suffered while tears where running down on his face.

When they reached the plaza the resistance was there waiting for her. The soldiers tried their very best to stop the people and protect Yuèguāng. They knew that over the years she was a kind and worthy person to serve. She even forgave those who bullied her in the past. That is why they didn't understand the people of the fief. All she ever did was to bring more prosperity to their villages. Yuèguāng saw that her soldiers were getting hurt so she decided to step down from her carriage and speak to the masses. When she came out of the carriage the whole plaza became silent. She looked around and saw her brother standing in front of the group. She was surprised and happy to see him again so she smiled gently at him. But when he stepped forward she could see the disgust and hatred in his eyes. Her heart shuddered and she knew instinctively that what he was about to say wasn't something she would like to hear. They began a discussion one where she stayed polite and he insulted. She had such a sharp mouth that Shìbīng got so mad he slapped her across her face. Yuèguāng was in a daze when she placed her hand on the cheek. She looked in disbelief at him and the soldiers with a disapproving look. Shìbīng himself was surprised at his own actions and didn't move. The soldiers had enough and started to move forward in order to arrest them. When the soldiers moved the resistance started to throw stones at them. They insulted, spitted and even hit the soldiers. One stone hit Yuèguāng on her head as it started to bleed badly. She took one final look at Shìbīng gave him a gentle smile and retreating back into her carriage. Under the escort of the soldiers they once again left towards the capital. It took a few days before she reached the capital where she went to report to the king.

The king was known for his kindness and his love for his people. When he heard the news of what the people had done towards her he was furious and in disbelieve. He was even friends with the old duke before he became king. The king knew what she was going through and what she was doing. The king was sad he could not help her without evidence. If not she wouldn't still be standing here to report to him about all her actions but immediately send to kill the person. Yuèguāng reported all that had happened the past few days and even handed in the evidence. The person who set up the old duke back then and now her. When the king read the evidence he was sad and frustrated. He felt helpless even though he was king his old friend suffered all these days. He had seen how his old friend slowly lost his mind to hatred. The king kept Yuèguāng for a few more days as he sent his soldiers to capture the duke of Remington he wanted her to witness everything and then tell his old friend the news. When the duke of Remington was brought in they tortured him first. First for a confession of his actions 19 years ago and second for his confession for instigating a rebellion of the people towards Yuèguāng. The man caved in quickly and even pleaded mercy. When Yuèguāng heard why he did all the things she was disgusted with him. All because of jealousy and hatred for the old duke he killed the late duchess. He even planned an assassination for Yuèguāng that will make sure to take her down. Even at the cost of their own life will they accomplish their mission. The duke of Remington said that what he can't get he will destroy. The man laughed in derision while Yuèguāng felt a shiver going through her spine. When she left the room and returned to the king she reported to the king all that she had learned. The king promised Yuèguāng that he will punish that man and that his old friend will have his vengeance. Yuèguāng asked the king to send one of his men to tell the news to the old duke. She did it to ensure the old duke heard the news in case something happened to her on the way back home.

Meanwhile the old duke went and summoned Shìbīng to his estate. At first Shìbīng was reluctant but his wife persuaded him to go and see what he wanted. Maybe they could even solve the situation with the resistance and Yuèguāng by just talking to the old duke. Shìbīng nodded at his wife and left the next day early in the morning. When he reached the estate he looked shocked to see that the place had changed. The house didn't change but the garden was showing warmth through the flowers and roses that where nicely kept all year round. When he entered the house he was even more surprised since he could only remember the cold and dreary interior. But now the house had a warm atmosphere with beautiful colors. As he was shown around by the maids the butler was telling him all that had happened in a short summary. The butler brought Shìbīng in front of the sleeping cambers of the old duke. Before the butler left he told him that the old duke was very ill and might not make it pass this year. Shìbīng remembered the last time he saw the old duke was back then when Yuèguāng was standing behind him in his office. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. It stayed silent for

a few minutes' so he decided to knock again. When he heard a feeble come in followed up by continuously coughing he entered the room slowly. Shìbīng saw the old man sitting on the bed looking out the window as he coughed. When the old man looked at Shìbīng his face was still stern but a tad warmer. As Shìbīng closed the door and sat down he listened silently to the old man. Only when it turned dark did he leave the estate. When he reached home he talked with his wife about what happened. The old man apologized and asked for forgiveness. Furthermore he asked for him to help Yuèguāng as she did it all for him so he could be free from the old man. She gave up her freedom so he could have his. His wife was tearing when she heard the story that Yuèguāng was abused from a young age and even gave up her own freedom for their love. Yuèguāng took on everything and never received anything in return. Then she remembered something and stared to cry even more. She told Shìbīng who was panicking because of his wife tears that when they got married she met Yuèguāng. She congratulated them, gave them her blessings and even gave her a gift. When I wanted to call you she asked me to keep it a secret. His wife started sobbing so he pulled her gently in his embrace and softly told her that when Yuèguāng comes back they will talk and discus things properly.

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3 days passed when Shìbīng received another summon to go to the estate. When entering the old man's sleeping cambers he saw an imperial soldier sitting on the chair next to him. The soldier greeted Shìbīng and told the old duke the reason for his visit. The soldier told the old duke all that Yuèguāng has done. That they finally have the confession of the mastermind who wronged and falsely accused them 19 years ago and now. What would be their punishment before being beheaded. The imperial soldier even told them when Yuèguāng would arrive. She would be 2 days later after today. After he was done with the report the imperial soldier left the estate. Shìbīng had a hard time digesting all the information he just heard. He just looked at the old duke who was looking in front blankly while tears where running down his face as if he finally let go of a burden he no longer carried. The old duke then told Shìbīng he now just wanted for his daughter to come back home safe and sound. He wanted to apologize to her for all the things he had done to her.

2 days had passed and Yuèguāng still hadn't returned home. Shìbīng and the old duke started to worry but continued to wait for her. On the 4th day the imperial soldiers came back with a coffin. They entered the estate and placed the coffin in the ballroom. One of the soldiers went to bring the old duke to the ballroom while preparing him for the news that was to come.

Meanwhile Shìbīng had started to hear rumors that the tyrant duchess was successfully assassinated 2 days ago. At first he couldn't believe the rumors so he started asking around looking for more precise information. On the 4th day he saw his wife running up to him with tears in her eyes, he felt his heart going cold. When his wife begged him to go to the estate he couldn't move or think it took him a few moments for him to start moving again. Shìbīng grabbed his wife's hand and brought her along to the estate. There they saw the servants and private soldiers crying and weeping. Shìbīng looked around and saw the imperial soldiers coming out of the house. He quickly went up to them and asked to hear what had happened. The imperial soldiers looked at each other before replying. What he hear filled his heart with remorse and anger. He heard that on the way back Yuèguāng was assaulted, beaten, dragged, pulled and even raped before she was killed. Or to be precise she was hanged on a tree while struggling to free herself. By the time someone passed by that area and found the group, it was already too late. Shìbīng eyes turned dull as he gripped his wife's hand tighter and kept muttering that it couldn't be true. One of the imperial soldier recognized Shìbīng as the leader of the resistance. He scoffed and whispered in his ear while saying through gritted teeth. That on her stomach there was carved the emblem of the resistance. Shìbīng face turned pale as tears started to fall down. He didn't plan for things like that, he didn't even want her dead or raped. He just wanted her to stop her actions and change into someone kinder. As the girl he remembered in his childhood when they were still laughing with each other.

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Two weeks passed and Yuèguāng had finally been buried. Not long as if following her the old duke passed away with tears in his eyes. He regretted treating Yuèguāng the way he did. He regretted the way he lived. If only he could change his ways back then if only….. but it was already too late the past can't be changed. The old duke could now only accompany her in the afterlife hoping to spoil and treat her better than this life.

When the king heard the news of both their passing he was furious and shouted out a decree. He told to the people that duchess Yuèguāng had served the king dutifully. She had even showed him the way his kingdom could actually improve. But the people from her fief did not appreciate it and even slandered her. In the end their actions ended up killing her so for their actions the king rewarded them. The people of that fief had to pay the full taxations that had been going on in the kingdom for the past five years. The king would implement the actions of Yuèguāng in the rest of the kingdom except for their fiefdom. Shìbīng was then appointed by the king to be the new ruler of the fief as he was the adopted son of the old duke. While in the will of the late duchess Yuèguāng he was to take over if something were to happen to her. The people screamed injustice and even complained to Shìbīng but when they were shown all the documents and the reports of the past few years they all kept silent. They finally had seen that they had indeed been profiting much more than the other territories.

When Shìbīng moved into the estate together with his wife he felt very sad as he saw the memories of his past floating by. As his wife had an afternoon tea party as instructed by the maid in order to relax. Shìbīng was wandered in the halls he first went passed his own room where it all started. Here he was a boy who needed to learn the ways of becoming a proper duke if not an slightly evil duke. It was also here that he trusted Yuèguāng the most. When he continued his walking he looked outside the windows and saw the big courtyard. The courtyard had a big tree with a swing hanging in it. There they played around and did he teach Yuèguāng the things he learned. There he also confided to Yuèguāng all his problems and his worries. Now that he thought about it he never hear her speak about things that where worrying her or her problems. It was only him that spoke while she smiled gently as if watching over him. As he walked he came before the old duke his study. There he remembered his teachings, the place he first rebelled and the place where he felt he was betrayed by Yuèguāng. When he finally reached her room he stood by a closed door not daring to enter. In the room he heard the sound of a baby crying. He quickly became suspicious and entered the room as there shouldn't be any one allowed to be inside that room. When he saw the maid holding a small child he felt an anger rising up. The maid looked shocked with fear and wanted to explain the situation. But when the baby heard the loud noise he first fell silent then when he looked at who it was. When he didn't see the person that he wanted to entered the room he started to cry even louder screaming his heart out. Shìbīng tried his best to hold in his temper as he knew that there was a small child with him in this room. He asked the maid with gritted teeth what it was that she was doing here in this room. The maid trembled and quickly explained that the only way to calm down the late duchess son was to bring him to this room. Here was the place where he would fall asleep. Shìbīng felt as if lightning struck him down. His own sister had a child and he didn't even knew about it. He looked at the child as if it was a small wonder he quickly asked who the father was but the maid shook her head. She said that the duke already passed away 2,5 years ago. He tried to remember if there was a big event where the duchess married but he couldn't remember it. He even asked the maid when such an important event had happened in his excitement. The maid stayed silent for a minute then answered Shìbīng quickly his question. But her answerer quickly destroyed all the hope he had about it. It would seem that they held their marriage in silence in order to protect her new family. But in the end it was all for naught as he walked towards the maid and took over the baby. Shìbīng unconsciously lifted up the corners of his lips and he silently cried. Shìbīng held the crying baby in his arms and looked a bit awkward holding him. The maid quickly but sternly explain to him how to hold the baby and what to do in certain situations. After she was satisfied with how Shìbīng held the baby she asked for him to sit down. The maid left the room to get something the late duchess had entrust to her to him. He slowly sat down and looked around him when he saw underneath the matrass something shiny sticking out. The baby was still crying but as he was in the arms of Shìbīng he slowly felt a security that his own father and mother gave towards him. So the baby gave Shìbīng a gentle smile as if it was a nod of approval for carrying him. Shìbīng smiled at the baby and found him a very cute baby when he stopped crying.

When the maid came back she had a letter that was addressed to him. Shìbīng stared at it for a few minutes before taking it when the baby fell asleep. The maid took the baby back and carried him to his own room. When the maid left the room she stopped by the door for a moment and said something to Shìbīng. She had said something that Shìbīng wished he knew before it all ended this way. Not once did the late duchess live an happy life. The only moments she was happy and smiled genuinely was when she met with 3 people in her life. Her husband, her son and him included where her daily doses of happiness. Shìbīng sat there in silence for a little while longer. When he finally got a grip on himself he took another good look into her room.

Yuèguāng room was bright and inviting as if trying to leave the darkness outside her room. At her desk where documents and papers filled to the brim that needed to be signed. He then turned around to look at the wall next where her bed was positioned. He saw family photo's where they were smiling happily. The picture was a family of three of them holding their son for the first time. The next picture was a photo of her marriage where they celebrated with only the people living in the estate. Shìbīng tore his eyes from the pictures as he felt a sharp ache in his heart. When he placed his eyes on the documents again he started to walk to one of them and took a good look at it. Yes he knew of what the king had told him but he never saw any proof of it officially. So when he saw all the documents here gathering dust he started to read them diligently until nightfall.

One of the butlers came to announce that the meal was ready and that the madam was waiting for him inside the dining hall. He stood up to wipe his tears away and brought the letter and the object from underneath the matrass with him. Before he left he took one last look in the room then closed his eyes and left. Both he and his wife ate in silence when he remembered the baby all of a sudden. he asked the butler the name of the baby and where he was staying. When Shìbīng heard the name and its meaning he thought it was very much like her. Weisheng it meant greatness is born. Shìbīng laughed and looked at his wife who too looked at him. He saw the emotions, shocked, happy and sadness. With a small nod from his wife he knew they were on the same page. Het told the butler he would like to

adopt Weisheng as his son. To teach him about life and his parents. He even asked the butler all what they needed and what was necessary in order to take care of the baby.

At night when they were in bed Shìbīng brought forth the letter the maid had handed over to him. He grabbed his wife's hand as he didn't dare to read it without her presence by his side what if the letter was full of her hatred for him. His wife hugged him from behind as he ripped open the letter and started reading it. But once he did once again his tears where falling but this time with a smile and a promise of him to take good care of her son Weisheng.

The End