Chapter 16
The Blind Concubine spoke: "General, are you happened to be the same General who two years ago triumphed over the other country and recovered the lost territory on the borderland. The General that upon hearing the name, the enemy troops will tremble in fear, General Qi Sheng?"
"You know me?"
The Blind Concubine stated word for word: "Even if for a long time I have lived in the depth of the palace, nevertheless, I always hear of General's fame based on great military, I have been admiring General's military accomplishment. How the General fought for the country, the extraordinary skill in the battlefield, it is truly of a hero. Please accept my respect."
General Qi burst out a loud laughter.
His sharp eyes keenly gazed at Rui Ze, "The Little Prince really did find a persuasive talker!"
Rui Ze looked like he was suffering from swallowing a housefly of hardship.
General Qi waved his hand, saying: "For the moment, you are excused from your corporal punishment."
Little Prince surprised and happy at the same time: "Really?"
General Qi crooked a brow: "Crying, kneeling, ruse of self-injury. Unfortunately, I could not enjoy this kind of drama with variety tricks!"
Xiao Bao immediately stepped forward to support the Blind Concubine and helped him rise, while fixing a glare at Rui Ze, the little rice dumpling.
The Blind Concubine came to in front of General Qi Sheng, faced upwards in respect, said: "All I have said just now was the truth."
General Qi said: "The battlefield is perilous, a trifle careless is precisely what caused you to be removed from the horse and become a dead body. Whether it is the Generals or the soldiers, everybody was going all out and readily to risk their life. Qi Sheng engaged in the battle, fought the enemy in hopes to be able to lead all of the *brothers safely home. Unworthy of the Hero title."
*t/n (He refers his troops as his brothers.)
The Blind Concubine fluttered his eyes, said: "Since ancient times, for they who marched into battle, who wouldn't want to be like that? I truthfully admire General, absolutely not because of pleading for the Little Prince, saying cheap flattery…"
"I know."
Qi Sheng cut off his words, sincerely said: "I know you meant what you said."
The Blind Concubine's whole face blushed.
His heart was slightly feeling happy.
General Qi Sheng told him: "The midday sun is scorching, don't just stand under it. Let me take you to a shady tree."
The Blind Concubine felt a little bit embarrassed, he refuted: "I am not that delicate, this is not even the hottest periods yet, why can't I endure it."
Laughing, General Qi Sheng said: "Just look at yourself, emaciated and looking so thin. Even a burst of wind can blow you away."
He brought the Blind Concubine to rest under a shady place. Rui Ze since earlier had taken a small tree's twig, digging the ant's hole in the ground. His head faced down on the small hole tunnel.
General Qi Sheng narrowed his eyes, his voice heavier to several degrees: "Little Prince, you really thought that this matter is concluded just like this? Right now, increase the practice for another hour, otherwise, if the Emperor inquires, do not blame me for not showing any mercy."
Rui Ze lifted his head as if someone had trampled on his tail. Immediately, His small face creased. Throwing away his small twig, crestfallen while stood up under the big scorching sun, resuming his horse stance's practice.
His face returned to his expression of a person who had suffered bitterly and in deep hatred.
Xiao Bao secretly laughed endlessly.
At the time they got back at night, Little Prince kept shouting his legs hurt, couldn't walk anymore, ordering the palace's servants to carry him back to his palace.
The Blind Concubine and Xiao Bao altogether got back with him.
The three of them entered the main room, Little Prince asked them: "Have a meal together with me?"
Ordering the palace's servants to arrange the meals.
The Blind Concubine said: "In a moment, I will give you your medicine and massage. Tomorrow you won't be hurt anymore."
Xiao Bao spoke: "Master, he wasn't hurt. Unmistakably, he just faked it, to make the General believe, he regretted that he couldn't be able to say that his leg has ruptured.
The Blind Concubine laughed slightly: "However, no matter what, the Little Prince had been suffering all day today. To have a little comfort, it is reasonable."
Rui Ze nodded his head with all his might: "It is a must."
The Palace's servant brought the cooled mung bean soup, the Blind Concubine ladled out a small bowl for him: "Drink slowly."
He hadn't finished his words, from outside the door, a loud voice announcing: "His Majesty the Emperor has arrived---"