Encounter

The deserted residence stood as a solemn sentinel amidst the towering trees that loomed above it, their branches reaching out like protective arms. The once vibrant foliage now cast deep shadows over the weathered home, enveloping it in a shroud of solitude. Nature seemed to have claimed this place, reclaiming it from the hands of civilization. Outside the dilapidated structure, a small yard lay in a state of neglect, overgrown with wild grass and weeds.

Remnants of a simpler time lingered in the form of a weathered coop, hinting at the former owner's endeavors to tend to small creatures, perhaps chickens that once pecked and clucked around the yard.

The black horse stood tethered to a tall, weather-beaten log, its weary frame a testament to the hardships it endured. Yet, despite its fatigue, the horse nibbled on hay strewn nearby by Suyin, the only sign of tender care amidst the desolation. Inside the modest abode, Areum and Suyin knelt beside the man who lay upon the crude bed, his breaths shallow and labored.

The room was sparse, the only furnishings being the bed and a few simple belongings scattered about.

Suyin's hands moved with practiced precision as she carefully extracted the arrow embedded in the man's flesh, her fingers stained crimson with the evidence of his suffering.

A bucket of water stood nearby, its contents reflecting the dim light filtering through the cracked window, a stark contrast to the scene of anguish playing out within.

With no cloth to staunch the flow of blood, Suyin pressed her bare hands against the wound, her brow furrowed in concentration as she fought to stem the tide of crimson that threatened to spill forth. Suyin and Areum looked at the man with a troubled expression on their face.

"What do we do with him?" Areum pondered, her voice tinged with uncertainty, her lack of medical experience evident in the furrow of her brow. "There were some herbs that I saw near here. They are in batches together and have yellow petals," Suyin explained, her tone resolute despite the urgency of the situation.

"It is used for any injuries. I'm surprised that such herbs existed in this forest. Grab me a bundle of them and find me a rock about the size of my palm."

Areum nodded in agreement, her determination fueling her swift departure as she dashed off into the wilderness, determined to fulfill Suyin's instructions. Meanwhile, the injured man lay in a deep slumber, his features softened by the embrace of sleep.

Suyin stole glances at him between her ministrations, her gaze tracing the delicate curve of his long eyelashes.

Despite the turmoil of his wounds, there was a serene grace to his countenance, as if he were a weary traveler finding solace in the tranquility of his dreams.

His brows were meticulously shaped, adding to the air of refinement that seemed to envelop him even in his vulnerable state. It was evident that he had not known rest for some time, the lines of fatigue etched upon his face serving as a silent testament to the trials he had endured.

His skin, untouched by blemish or scar, possessed a hue akin to light cream, its smooth surface marred only by the crimson stain of his injuries.

The delicate fabric of his clothing, once pristine, now bore the weight of his suffering, soaked through with the evidence of his wounds.

Suyin, mindful of the precious time ticking away, couldn't afford the luxury of maintaining pressure with both hands, the urgency of her impending treatment looming over her like a dark cloud.

Yet, even amidst the metallic tang of blood that hung heavy in the air, the man's fragrance, sweet and lingering, remained a constant reminder of his humanity. With no other recourse available to her, Suyin dipped her hands into the bucket of clean water, the cool liquid washing away the evidence of her efforts as she sought to cleanse the wounds that marred his once unblemished skin.

The sleeves of her silk hanfu, a delicate peach-colored garment, offered the only semblance of fabric available for her impromptu bandaging, their sacrifice necessary to stem the tide of crimson that threatened to consume him. Careful not to disturb his slumber, Suyin tore the fabric with practiced precision, fashioning makeshift bandages that would serve to staunch the flow of blood until Areum returned with the healing herbs. "

It'll just be awhile. She's going to go get the herbs so I can help stop this bleeding," Suyin murmured softly, her words a prayer whispered into the stillness of the room, a plea for mercy from the fates that held sway over their fate. As Areum returned with a bundle of yellow-petaled herbs, relief flooded through Suyin's veins, her gratitude unspoken yet palpable in the air between them.

"My lady. I got the herbs," Areum announced, her voice a beacon of hope in the darkness that threatened to engulf them.

Suyin nodded once in acknowledgment, her focus unwavering as she concentrated her strength on the injured man's shoulders, her determination unwavering in the face of adversity. "Your sleeve..." Areum's voice trailed off, a note of concern lacing her words as she gestured towards the torn fabric of Suyin's hanfu.

With a gentle shush, Suyin silenced Areum, her gaze never leaving the man who lay before them, his form a testament to the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. "I'm going to go find something to eat and drink then outside... and find a way so we can get to Yuewei," Areum declared, her resolve unyielding.

"Be sure to let me know if you hear anything. I don't want Father or anyone to find us here, otherwise, we will be in big trouble," Suyin cautioned, her words carrying the weight of their precarious situation.

The threat of discovery loomed large, casting a shadow over their every move, a reminder of the consequences that awaited them should their presence be revealed. Areum nodded solemnly, her heart heavy with the burden of their shared secret as she made her way out of the abandoned dwelling.

Though she harbored reservations about Suyin's actions, she knew better than to voice them, the fear of reprisal silencing any dissent that threatened to surface. Left alone with the injured man, Suyin set about her task with determined efficiency, her fingers deftly unwinding the bundle of herbs before her.

Bringing the fragrant leaves to her nose, she inhaled deeply, the earthy aroma soothing her frayed nerves as she prepared to administer aid to the wounded stranger.

With practiced precision, she ceased applying pressure to his shoulders, shifting her focus to the task at hand. Grasping the stone she had procured earlier, Suyin set to work grinding the herbs into a fine powder, the rhythmic motion of her hands a testament to her skill and resolve.

Minutes passed in silent concentration, the only sound the steady grind of the stone against the dried leaves as she worked tirelessly to prepare the healing salve. With the herbs finally ground to her satisfaction, Suyin turned her attention to the man's injuries, her gaze lingering momentarily on the expanse of his broad shoulders revealed beneath the tattered remnants of his robe.

Surprised by the strength and masculinity of his form, she steeled herself against the sudden flutter of awareness that threatened to distract her from her task.

With meticulous care, Suyin bound the makeshift bandage around the man's injured shoulder, her movements deliberate and gentle, mindful of not disturbing his slumber. As she secured the fabric in place, she reached for the second piece of torn cloth, intending to complete the task at hand.

Yet, before she could finish, she felt a sudden, vice-like grip around her wrist, sending a jolt of pain shooting through her arm. Startled, Suyin turned her gaze towards the man, his eyes now open and alert, fixated on her with an intensity that made her uneasy.

His voice, laced with threat and accusation, sliced through the silence like a blade. "What the hell are you doing?" he demanded, his tone leaving no room for ambiguity. Suyin met his gaze with a defiant scowl, her resolve unshaken despite the unexpected confrontation. Pulling her arm back, she winced as the man's grip tightened, his strength no match for his weakened state.

"I just saved your life, that is what I'm doing," she retorted, her words dripping with the same venom that colored his own. Attempting to rise, the man groaned in pain, his efforts thwarted by the lingering effects of his injuries. Suyin wasted no time in asserting her authority, her voice firm as she issued her command.

"Look. Just sit, okay?" she ordered, her arms crossed in a stance of defiance that brooked no argument. Reluctantly, the man complied, his gaze drifting down to his shoulders where the makeshift bandage now lay.

Recognition dawned in his eyes as he realized the sacrifice Suyin had made to save him. The torn sleeves of her silk dress, once a symbol of elegance and refinement, now served as a reminder of the lengths she had gone to in order to aid him in his time of need. Suyin, unaware of his scrutiny, avoided his gaze, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the realization of his scrutiny.

"I didn't do much since I didn't have many resources. This is a return of a thank you for saving me last time," Suyin stated bluntly, her words cutting through the tense atmosphere like a knife.

Though the man's character left much to be desired, Suyin refused to abandon her principles, her sense of duty compelling her to aid him despite his flaws.

The man remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ceiling above as if lost in thought. As Suyin slowly lowered her arms, her expression betraying none of the turmoil raging within her, a fragile peace settled over the room.

"The wrap was awful," the man remarked, his criticism sharp and biting.

Suyin's sneer of defiance was met with a mocking grin from her companion. "That's all I can do!" she shot back, her retort laced with frustration at his lack of gratitude. Noticing the discarded arrow nearby, the man reached out with his left arm, his movements slow and deliberate despite his weakened state.

Retrieving the weapon, he examined it with a practiced eye before tucking it away into his sleeve.

As an uneasy silence settled between Suyin and the man she had tended to, the sudden intrusion of Areum shattered the fragile peace, her urgent words igniting a spark of apprehension within Suyin's chest.

"My lady! I hear a horse coming through this way!" Areum's voice echoed through the room, sending a shiver down Suyin's spine as she leaped to her feet, her heart pounding in her chest. Racing to Areum's side, Suyin slammed the door shut, her eyes darting anxiously towards the paper windows that served as their only barrier against the unknown threat that loomed outside.

Through the tiny gaps in the paper, she caught a glimpse of a figure cloaked in black and gold, their presence ominous and foreboding against the backdrop of the forest. Suyin's attention shifted to the black horse tethered just outside the home, a sense of dread creeping over her as she realized the implications of its presence.

"Crap. I should have let that horse go sooner! What if they find me?" she muttered under her breath, her mind racing with possibilities as she contemplated their next move. The man on the white horse dismounted with practiced ease, his attire resplendent in its elegance and opulence, a stark contrast to the desolate surroundings of the abandoned dwelling.

Clad in a cloak of black and gold, he exuded an aura of authority and power, his every movement calculated and deliberate as he approached the door with purpose.

The scene unfolded with a surreal air, as the white horse stood patiently outside while the man, cloaked in regal black and gold, approached the door with an air of authority that left Suyin and Areum in awe.

Before they could fully comprehend the situation, the man they had tended to had opened the door, his bloodied robe a stark contrast to the grandeur of the prince's presence.

"Your Highness, Prince Fuhua," Tienzheng murmured with reverence, dropping to one knee before the royal visitor.

Suyin and Areum watched in stunned silence, their mouths agape in astonishment at the unexpected turn of events. The realization dawned upon Suyin that this was no ordinary encounter—the man before them was royalty, a figure of power and authority whose very presence commanded respect.

"Yi Tienzheng, you have suffered enough," the prince declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he extended a hand to assist Tienzheng to his feet.

With a whispered exchange between them, Tienzheng signaled his acceptance of the prince's aid before turning his gaze towards Suyin and Areum, silently urging them to reveal themselves.

As they emerged from their hiding spot behind the door, Suyin and Areum bowed deeply, their heads lowered in deference to the royal figure before them.

"Your Highness," they spoke in unison, their voices trembling with a mixture of reverence and trepidation, their eyes fixed firmly upon the ground in a show of humility.

"You may rise," he declared, his tone carrying the weight of authority and generosity alike. His eyes, a deep and penetrating brown, flickered momentarily to Tienzheng, whose weakened state was evident even from a distance.

Suyin's tender care for him did not escape the Prince's notice as he redirected his gaze to her and Areum. "To accommodate for helping my right-hand man," the Prince continued, his voice a low murmur that held the attention of all present, "I give you this to welcome you to our home."

With a graceful gesture, he extended his hand, revealing a dragon stone carved meticulously from jade and a rolled silk paper, symbols of status and honor in the kingdom of Yuewei.

Suyin, her senses momentarily overwhelmed by the unexpected turn of events, accepted the offerings with a mixture of astonishment and gratitude, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched into the jade stone. As Tienzheng weakly clasped his hands together in a gesture of gratitude, his voice barely above a whisper, the Prince's regal bearing softened further, a flicker of empathy crossing his features.

"Thank you, Royal Highness! Long live the Prince!" Tienzheng's words, though feeble, resonated with sincerity, his unwavering loyalty a testament to the bonds of honor and duty that bound him to his liege. With a gesture as fluid as a dancer's, the Prince offered his cloak to Tienzheng, a shield against the chill that seemed to permeate the air.

Suyin and Areum, their minds reeling from the whirlwind of events, stood rooted to the spot, their senses overwhelmed by the gravity of the moment.

They watched in silent awe as the Prince draped the cloak around Tienzheng's shoulders, a gesture of protection and solidarity that spoke volumes without the need for words. Suddenly, a hulking figure loomed before Suyin, jolting her out of her reverie. Startled, she looked up to find Tienzheng standing before her, his gaze intense.

With a swift motion, he shed the cloak from his shoulders and tossed it to Suyin.

The man's voice sliced through the air like a bitter winter wind, cutting into Suyin's resolve with its icy edge. "Wandering around like that. You're begging for trouble to befall," he admonished, his words devoid of sympathy, dripping instead with disdain.

It was as if he considered her act of defiance against the Prince's wishes nothing short of foolishness, a sentiment he didn't hesitate to convey with every syllable. Suyin felt the sting of his words like a slap across the face, her pride wounded by his cold rebuke.

In that moment, she longed to retort, to defend her actions with fire and defiance. Yet, the imposing figure of the Prince loomed behind the man, a silent reminder of the precariousness of her situation. She bit back her words, swallowing her pride as she accepted the cloak with a haughty tilt of her chin, unwilling to show any sign of weakness in the Prince's presence. With a graceful bow, Suyin and Areum bid their farewells to the Prince, their movements a mixture of deference and urgency.

As they mounted their horses and rode off into the distance, leaving the opulent grandeur of the Prince's estate behind, Suyin's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions, her thoughts consumed by the mysteries of the scroll she held tightly in her grasp. "My lady, what's the scroll?" Areum's voice broke through Suyin's reverie, drawing her attention back to the present moment.

With a start, Suyin realized she had almost forgotten about the precious gift bestowed upon her by the Prince. With trembling fingers, she unrolled the scroll, her eyes widening in astonishment as she beheld its contents. "It's a sketch of the area!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.

Her heart raced as she traced the intricate lines and markings on the parchment, her mind ablaze with the possibilities that lay before them. "We aren't too far from Yuewei!" she exclaimed, her face breaking into a radiant smile. Finally, after so many trials and tribulations, fate seemed to be smiling upon them. With renewed determination, Suyin and Areum hurried back to their modest dwelling, their steps quickening with each passing moment. They gathered their belongings with practiced efficiency, their minds already racing ahead to the adventures that awaited them in Yuewei.

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[Tienzheng's POV]

Tienzheng and the Prince rode leisurely down the winding dirt pathway, the rhythmic clip-clop of their horses' hooves echoing through the tranquil surroundings.

Tienzheng sat astride the sturdy black steed, his posture relaxed yet alert, while the Prince, resplendent in his regal attire, rode gracefully upon the back of a magnificent white stallion. "Did you find anything?" the Prince inquired, his gaze shifting momentarily to Tienzheng as they rode side by side. Tienzheng shook his head ruefully, his expression tinged with frustration.

"It seems like the Long clan has bolstered their security measures after their failed attempt to sway the mountain people to their cause," he replied, his voice tinged with disappointment at the lack of progress in their reconnaissance efforts. The Prince nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowing in contemplation as he pondered their next course of action.

"Your Highness, should we seek the aid of the royal physician to tend to your shoulder?"

Tienzheng interjected, his concern evident in his tone as he gestured towards the makeshift bandage that adorned the Prince's injured shoulder. Fuhua glanced down at the silk cloth that encased his injured shoulder, his expression a mask of stoic resolve. "Surprisingly, that woman possesses some skill in the healing arts, but it would be wise for us to seek proper medical attention," he conceded, acknowledging the limitations of Suyin's makeshift remedies. "Prince Fuhua, perhaps it would be prudent to refrain from using your true identity as Tienzheng," Weizhe, the Prince's loyal companion, interjected, his voice laced with concern. "What if spies from the Long clan were to discover your true identity?" With a practiced motion, Fuhua removed the magical mask that concealed his true features, revealing the handsome visage that lay beneath.

"Do you truly believe that I would allow such a thing to occur, Weizhe?" he retorted, his tone sharp with authority. Weizhe lowered his gaze deferentially, chastened by the Prince's rebuke. "No, Your Highness," he murmured softly, his loyalty unwavering despite his momentary lapse in judgment.

"Forgive my impudence." As they continued their journey back to the palace, Fuhua and Weizhe discussed their encounter with Suyin and Areum, their minds already strategizing the next steps in their intricate game of political intrigue.

No one could have fathomed that amidst the elaborate charade of disguises and deceit, Suyin alone possessed the remarkable ability to pierce through the veils of illusion, her keen eyes discerning the truth hidden beneath the facade.

Whether the Prince donned his magical mask or revealed his true countenance, Suyin's perceptive gaze remained unerring, her intuition a beacon amidst the murky depths of deception. While others were ensnared by the illusion of anonymity that the mask provided with Qin Fuhua's other identity as Yi Tienzheng, Suyin saw beyond the superficial layers, her innate sensitivity attuned to the subtle nuances of expression and demeanor that betrayed the Prince's true identity. It was as if a silent understanding existed between them, transcending the barriers of rank and status, binding them together in a clandestine dance of revelation and recognition.