Unusual Request

Ying Yue was still in a deep sleep when Jiang Min had left early in the morning. Even after requesting to be awoken when the eldest Jiang got up. She elected to ignore the constant calls and pushed her servants away. It was only after the third wake up call that she finally managed to drag herself out of bed. The blanket wrapped around her like a warm cocoon. Eyes half-closed.

"Tsk tsk," her handmaiden shook her head. Trying to wrestle the blanket off her body. "Young miss. We need to get you dressed."

Ying Yue made a sound between a grunt and a mumble of words indistinguishable.

"Come on, young miss. It's nearly noon."

Ying Yue lost the battle. Her blanket was returned to her bed. Her clothes changed, hair done, and handed a drink to wake her up.

By the time she left her room. She was full of energy. Bounding towards the main courtyard. Ready to say goodbye to her brother. But when she got there. She was informed by one of the guards that her eldest brother had already left.

With a pout on her lips. She turned back around. Retracing her footsteps back to her own courtyard. Where her late breakfast was waiting under the blossoming cherry tree.

Sombre and quiet. Ying Yue picked at her food. Dragging it out until half became cold and left forgotten. Nursing her tea cup. Contemplating what she was going to do that day. The courtyard doors swung open. Her brother entered. Followed by her eldest brother who looked ready to kill.

"Min gege?"

She went to stand. Both brothers signalled her to stay put. Jiang Wei asked the maid servants to clear the dishes. Only when all the servants were gone. Jiang Min mumbled;

"Change of plans. The prince wants you."

Her eyebrows rose. What?

Jiang Wei nearly rolled his eyes. "The prince has asked your brother to get in contact with Paralyser."

Oh. She settled down. Looking at her eldest brother with contempt. He could have lead with that. Save a heart attack. If their father was here and over heard what he said. They will be adorning mourning clothes by night.

"He has always wanted Paralyser on his side ever since the name and reputation became widely known. Paralyser doesn't do politics." She reminded.

"I do not agree with this," ldest brother sneered. Glaring at something in the distance.

"I do. Desperarion will only further harm innocents." Jiang Wei refuted.

"You never agree anyways." Ying Yue remarked.

"I let you do that farm one."

She gave him a deadpan look. "That's because the so-called culprits were stray poison frogs. Which you knew beforehand."

He gave her a look that said so?

Jiang Wei shifted in his seat. Getting the two on track before they fell into their famous and very loud disputes.

"The prince knows that Paralyser's identity has to remain a secret. Which is why he wants her to become one of the ladies that will join his court to train and compete for the crown princess spot. You will also join as a messenger between your brother and Paralyser."

Huh. She hummed. Leaning back into her seat. Arms crossed over her chest. Intrigued. What better way for her to enter without being suspected as Paralyser or Paralyser being openly known as aiding the crown prince. Not to mention a double disguise will keep her safe. It was tempting to ask to be a guard. But as a martial artist that cannot break past into a warrior. She would stick out like a sore thumb and unable to work close by the prince. As a candidate, she can go about the walls, listen in on the gossip, and seek out those who want to kill the crown prince without anyone thinking it is her.

Added bonus. Her brother would be staying close by. Giving her plenty of alibis for when she needed to sneak about. Coverage, protection, and family bonding.

"He knows paralyser won't come cheap for him?"

Jiang Min grunted.

"I will take on this job under one condition. That at the end of all of this. I won't be picked."

"You're really going to accept?"

"Like Wei gege said, more innocent people will be used and harmed. I'm doing it."

Both sister and elder brother locked glares. Nether one backing down. Before the latter sighed.

"I have his word that you will walk away safe and sound. He respects our family and if he wishes for the continuation of our protection and alliance. He will keep to his word."

"Good."

"But," he continued. "You will not be doing anything to risk your life. Do you understand me? These people are clever and sinister. The plots they have employed and the number of people they have killed...."

He shook his head.

"Many trained assassin's and mercenaries have been hired. All we know its a member of the courts."

"Don't worry. With you there and the royal guards trained by you and father. How can I possibly do anything dangerous?"

Both gave her a sceptic look.

"I mean it, meimei."

She pouted.

"You don't see me henpecking you. Telling you to stay on the sidelines when you go to war. And you," she pointed to Jiang Wei. "I don't stop you from going herb hunting with all those forests creatures there. If I'm going to do this job, I'm going to do it properly. No interruptions from either of you."

Both paused. Wanting to refute. Suddenly they nodded. Consenting to her request.

"Don't you think that you got a fast one on me. I'll also be telling father to keep to his side."

She got up. Pleased with their sour faces. Turned and started to walk away.

"Remember your promises."

Only when she stepped into her room. Ying Yue called out.

"Ru Shi," the phantom assassin stepped out. "Pack and get ready to enter the royal palace."