You’re Consort Liu

Concentrating on manipulating the air around her hands, Wan Xin threw another punch forwards. A small blast of air seemed to release at the point where her fist stopped. She could feel the obvious difference in strength from her previous punches. She turned, beaming at the one who taught her, "teacher Jing, did you see that?"

"Yes I did," he nodded, a smile spreading on his face, "and call me Jing Ke." Initially, Jing Ke had started teaching Wan Xin martial arts as a gesture of thanks for her saving him. However, he was now pleasantly surprised by the sense of satisfaction he felt watching her progress. "Watch your footwork. Make sure it's steady."

"Yes teacher Jing," Wan Xin happily responded. [I'm finally moving one step forward], she threw another two punches. [If I can continue to improve my martial arts like this, I won't be a burden for Xiaojie or Meng Su anymore]. She now concentrated on her footing as Jing Ke had advised. He truly was a genius in martial arts. He had helped Wan Xin progress much further than Meng Su could in the past year. Although Wan Xin knew it wasn't Meng Su's fault. Her style of martial arts was simply too hard for Wan Xin to learn.

"Try releasing a more powerful punch," Jing Ke instructed.

Drawing in a deep breath, Wan Xin concentrated in front of her. She felt ready. [I can do this], Wan Xin told herself, determined. Placing weight onto her left foot, she slightly turned her body. Her arms moved forward. A small blast of air now seemed to shoot from her fists. [It worked], an excited Wan Xin watched before she became worried.

At the exact same moment, Meng Su had returned. She didn't dodge, allowing the small impact to hit her shoulder. Meng Su smiled, letting Wan Xin know she was unhurt. [Wan Xin has improved quite a bit], she thought. Turning towards the man, she noticed his proud look. She directly asked, "did you teach Wan Xin this?"

Jing Ke nodded, standing up to move towards Meng Su. "How are things? Did you manage to deliver my message?" Seeing that only Meng Su returned, he got anxious. [I've placed all my trust and hope into that girl], he thought, an image of Ding Yiu flickering before his eyes. [Did I make the right decision?] He clenched his fists, becoming more worried by the second. [I won't blame her if she fails. Should anything happen to Qian Ping, I will be the one to bear all the guilt].

"Ding Ding should be returning with Prince Ping soon," Meng Su informed, relieving Jing Ke of his angst. He wasn't a bad looking man. With quite the muscular build and darkish skin, he appeared manly. However, when he furrowed his brows with such a foreboding expression, he looked overly menacing. Meng Su didn't appreciate looking upon such an unattractive face.

"Is what you say the truth?" Jing Ke questioned, still anxious.

"There's no reason for me to lie to you," Meng Su sternly stated. "I only returned sooner because of an extremely irritating man," she muttered on, "he was so persistent. But his flirting techniques needs improvement." Meng Su now grabbed on Wan Xin, "I need to talk to you. Let's head out for a bit." She pulled Wan Xin out the room.

Jing Ke didn't follow them. He sat back down in his seat. The moment he heard Prince Ping was coming here, he felt as though a massive rock had been lifted from his heavy chest. [Thank god], he mentally thanked the heavens. [That girl kept her promise. It sounds like Qian Ping is safe]. He stared at the door where Meng Su and Wan Xin stepped out. [That woman mentioned an irritating man...] he frowned, [must be Heng. Just what has he done now?]

Outside the abandoned hut, Wan Xin was already firing her questions away like a machine gun, "where's Xiaojie? Is she alright? Are you alright?" She stared intently at Meng Su, "did you manage to help teacher Jing's friend? Is his friend really Prince Ping? Is he the same Prince Ping that Xiaojie is married to? Does Prince Ping recognize Xiaojie? How is Xiaojie?"

Meng Su whacked Wan Xin on the head to cease her endless interrogations. "Just which of those questions am I supposed to answer?" she queried back. She then pinched Wan Xin's cheek, "what have you been doing with this man whilst we were gone? You're affectionately calling him teacher Jing now."

Wan Xin didn't bother fighting Meng Su. She was too tired from her training with Jing Ke. "He started teaching me martial arts. I've been practicing all this time. You've seen how much I improved."

Meng Su examined Wan Xin, "nothing else happened?"

"Of course not," Wan Xin loudly replied. "Tell me how Xiaojie is? When is she back?"

Meng Su let go of Wan Xin's cheeks. "Listen Wan Xin," she got serious now, "Ding Ding wants to return to Ping Tian Palace. But she needs to return as Consort Liu."

Wan Xin's eyes widened for a second. The mere thought of returning to Ping Tian Palace and seeing Madam Xiong again gave her the shivers.

"If you don't want to go to Ping Tian Palace, how about you live with me again?" Meng Su teased, batting her eyelashes at Wan Xin, trying to tempt her.

Wan Xin shook her head, "I'll follow Xiaojie wherever she goes."

Meng Su lowered her voice, "The plan is for Ding Ding to go away and return as Consort Liu. We figured it would be fine since no one recognizes her as Consort Liu anyway." She gave Wan Xin a meaningful look, "you need to pretend to meet up with Consort Liu back in the Capital city. Be careful who you call Xiaojie. Do you understand?"

"I think I know what to do," Wan Xin replied seriously.

Meng Su gave Wan Xin a quick pat on the head, "good girl. I'll be leaving now."

"Where are you going?" Wan Xin called out.

"Ding Ding will know to find me," Meng Su said, getting on the carriage. With her umbrella, she tapped the carriage methodically and it started moving. She waved at Wan Xin, "take care for now my dear."

[That irresponsible woman], Wan Xin placed both her hands on her hips, staring after Meng Su, [she never bothers explaining anything in detail]. She turned her head towards the hut, [although, I'm shocked that teacher Jing's friend turned out to be Prince Ping. And Xiaojie wants to return to Ping Tian Palace? Could it be for Xiao Yiu's sake?] Wan Xin didn't have more time to think things through. From a short distance away, she could already see her Xiaojie approaching. Following behind her was two men. One of them Wan Xin recognized to be Prince Ping. A smile showed on Wan Xin's face as Ding Yiu got closer. "Teacher Jing," Wan Xin shouted, "they're back."

Hearing Wan Xin call out, Jing Ke rushed out the hut to see for himself. He was absolutely delighted to see Prince Ping arrive, unharmed with Heng by his side. He also looked towards the girl. [Thank you], he mentally said, knowing he made the correct decision to trust her.

Ding Yiu went to stand besides Wan Xin who silently mouthed 'Xiaojie' to her. Prince Ping and Heng on the other hand moved towards Jing Ke, both exchanging a look of relief to see their friend alive.

Wasting no time, Jing Ke rushed forwards himself to greet the prince. "Please accept my apologies Prince Ping," Jing Ke knelt down on the ground, "if it wasn't for my carelessness, you wouldn't have been placed in danger today. I've failed as your royal guard." He then informed Prince Ping of his situation. Whilst on his way back to the capital city, he was ambushed by the enemy. Although Jing Ke had managed to escape, his letter was still intercepted and used to trick the Prince to come and find him. When he reached this town, it was Wan Xin and Ding Yiu who had saved his life.

"Stand Jing Ke." Prince Ping rested his hand on Jing Ke's shoulder, "you've done nothing wrong. It was my choice to come find you."

"Even if you say that, this incident was-"

"Jing Ke," Prince Ping raised his voice, "remember, you are my friend first before you are my royal guard. I won't abandon a friend in trouble." Prince Ping's grip on Jing Ke's shoulder tightened, "unless you don't see me as a friend."

"Of course not," Jing Ke quickly stood up. He smiled at the prince, "thank you Qian Ping."

"This assassination attempt seems well planned," Heng started, "do you have any idea who could be behind this?"

"Unfortunately not," Jing Ke admitted, "they were all dressed in black. There wasn't any distinct features I could see to figure their identities."

"With no clues, it'll be hard to figure out who the culprit is," Heng muttered.

There was a brief moments silence as the three men were deep in thought. Ding Yiu had also finished whispering to Wan Xin. She had taken the opportunity to talk to Wan Xin when the three men were distracted by their little reunion. [If I had more time to question Huo Zui, perhaps I'd get a clue to the mastermind behind this assassination], Ding Yiu thought, [well that's none of my business is it? I just need to do what I have to, for my own goals].

"Wan Xin, don't you have something to say" Ding Yiu deliberately said loudly to break the silence. "I'm sure Prince Ping is the one to help you. Not me."

"Ding Ding, I…." Wan Xin pretended to say worryingly. "You know I'm in a tough situation."

"What's going on?" a genuinely concerned Jing Ke interrupted. "Can I be of any help?"

Wan Xin pretended to look distressed. She constantly flickered her gaze towards Prince Ping. "I'm in a bit of trouble…"

"Tell me what's going on," Jing Ke urged, "for saving my life, if I am able to I will help you."

"Are you really going to help me teacher Jing?" Wan Xin timidly asked.

"Yes," Jing Ke replied with certainty.

Hearing Jing Ke say yes, Wan Xin knelt on the floor in front of Prince Ping. This startled Jing Ke and Prince Ping. Heng only silently watched.

"Prince Ping, please forgive my Xiaojie," Wan Xin pleaded, "she only ran away from Ping Tian Palace to protect me from Madam Xiong. Please forgive my Xiaojie and allow her to return to Ping Tian Palace. I will take all responsibility for this."

Prince Ping stared at Wan Xin for a few seconds. Now that he looked more closely, this girl was indeed wearing the maid outfit of his own palace. He had a good guess who this maid and her Xiaojie was but still asked, "Who is your Xiaojie?"

"My Xiaojie is Consort Liu," Wan Xin answered.

Prince Ping's face darkened at the mention of Consort Liu. His face was so dark it even sent shivers down one's back. It was obvious how much Prince Ping hated Consort Liu. He looked away from the begging maid, not saying a word.

Wanting to help Wan Xin despite not knowing the full details of her situation, Jing Ke also got on his knees. "Prince Ping, is there any way you can agree with this?" Jing Ke spoke respectfully towards Prince Ping, "I don't know what's happened. I'm also aware I shouldn't interfere with your family affairs. However, no matter what, Wan Xin did help save my life."

"Jing Ke, these are two separate incidents. There are other ways to repay this maid," Prince Ping spoke coldly, "that person doesn't deserve to be forgiven."

"Qian Ping, aren't you being too harsh about this matter?" Heng couldn't help but speak his thoughts. He glanced towards Ding Yiu. [Eh, why is she smiling in such a smug way? Is she not upset at all?] Heng observed, baffled by her reaction.

Smiling, Ding Yiu spoke mockingly, "I knew that would be your response. It just proves you never change." She shook her head, "You're just as narrow-"

Ding Yiu stopped talking. Her body lunged forwards as Prince Ping pulled her in by the waist. He gave her a stern look as he firmly clasped his free hand over her mouth, holding her still against him.

"I know what you're about to say. I don't want to hear it," Prince Ping warned, keeping his arm around her waist and his hand over her mouth. He knew she was going to say he was narrow-minded with a small heart again. There was no way he could let Jing Ke, especially Heng hear this.

[Prove to me otherwise then], Ding Yiu stared into his eyes, [you can't keep me quiet forever].

"What gives you the right to meddle in my family affairs?" Prince Ping questioned, knowing Ding Yiu wouldn't easily back down. "Shouldn't you concentrate on us instead?"

Ding Yiu closed her eyes as a sign of protest. Seeing her attempt to irritate him, Prince Ping strangely felt amused. [I can hold you here all day if I have to], he thought staring at Ding Yiu. [It's better than letting Heng hear you criticize me. He'll just tease me to no end]. Unknowingly, Prince Ping had slowly tightened his hold on Ding Yiu, drawing her closer to him. [Stubborn girl, must I prove myself to you?]

As their noses almost touch, Ding Yiu opened her eyes to look straight into Prince Ping's. She was slightly uncomfortable with how close they had gotten to each other. Ding Yiu raised her hands, ready to push him away. However, Prince Ping was faster. He released her from his hold.

Turning to Jing Ke, Prince Ping said, "fine. I'll allow Consort Liu to return to Ping Tian Palace."

Jing Ke nodded, "thank you Prince Ping." He turned to Wan Xin, "hurry and thank the Prince."

"Thank you Prince Ping," Wan Xin said, getting up from the floor.

[Consort Liu, you're truly a mysterious one], Heng mentally commented. His focus never once left Ding Yiu or Prince Ping. [I've never seen Qian Ping act like this around a girl before. It's actually quite entertaining].

"Does anyone feel hungry?" Wan Xin suddenly asked, placing a hand over her stomach. "Should I go and gather some food?"

"Wan Xin, you're not going to meet up with Consort Liu first?" Jing Ke questioned.

"My Xiaojie is still in the capital city. I came here to see if there was a cheaper place we could stay in," Wan Xin lied. "The money we had on us is almost used up."

"And how did you end up with Ding Ding?" Prince Ping quickly questioned. He wasn't interested in knowing about Consort Liu. His concern was Ding Ding. How did she and this maid end up saving Jing Ke? What is Ding Ding's real reason for saving him? What did Ding Ding want his help with? Why hasn't she asked yet? These were all pressing questions Prince Ping wanted an answer to right now.

"Coincidence perhaps. The details aren't worth mentioning," Ding Yiu dodged the question. "Since you and your royal guard are injured, I will go and look for food with Wan Xin."

Hearing Prince Ping was injured, Jing Ke immediately started to make a fuss. He went straight to Prince Ping, questioning him about his injury. Ding Yiu and Wan Xin took the opportunity to leave.

"I'm not injured, I'll go with them," Heng quickly shouted, running after the two girls. "You two stay here and rest. Be careful." [This is my golden opportunity to talk to Consort Liu].

"Heng, wait," Prince Ping yelled, wanting to go with them.

However, Jing Ke was holding Prince Ping back. Being overly concerned, he insisted Prince Ping stay to allow Heng to gather them food. Unable to shake off Jing Ke, Prince Ping could only helplessly stare as the three disappeared. Prince Ping entered the small hut and took a seat. [She will come back won't she?] he couldn't help but ask, thinking of Ding Yiu.

A little distance away from the hut, Heng had caught up with Ding Yiu and Wan Xin.

"Little maid, Ding Ding please wait for me," Heng called out.

Ding Yiu and Wan Xin stopped to look at one another. Both were wondering why he followed them. This could mean trouble for their plans.

"Mister..." Wan Xin began.

"Call me Heng," Heng said.

"Mister Heng, there really is no need for you to come with us," Wan Xin said. "You should take care of teacher Jing and Prince Ping. You shouldn't leave injured people alone."

"Your right," Heng agreed, "so as the maid, you go back and take care of them."

Wan Xin blinked at Heng.

"You're a maid of Ping Tian Palace aren't you?" Heng deliberately asked, "your master is Prince Ping. He hasn't ordered you to get food. Therefore you should stay by him and serve him." He then added, "I'll go gather food with Ding Ding instead."

Wan Xin wanted to protest but didn't know what to say. Heng was correct. She looked at Ding Yiu.

"You may be right, but I'm uncomfortable going with you. It's inappropriate for a man and woman to be together at this time." Ding Yiu challenged. "It's almost night and I don't know you well."

"Then we can get to know each other better," Heng smiled.

"I'm not interested," Ding Yiu rejected.

"But I am," Heng said, "we should become good friends. I'll help you get along with your husband. Don't forget I'm Qian Ping's best mate."

"What are you talking about?" Ding Yiu spoke more carefully now.

Heng smiled again, "you're Consort Liu."

Ding Yiu clutched her dress, staring at Sima Heng. He had a very conclusive expression on his face. He knows. She smiled back at Heng. [How should I deal with you?]