#9: The Guard Named Guan

*Guan's P.O.V*

My name is Guan, It isn't my original name. I didn't even have a name till Milord found me. I would have spent the rest of my life as a hunter. Now, I have an ambition, to be like my lord. Aid him to vanquish all our enemies.

I have spent 4 years training to be a shadow guard just so I could take direct orders from him. I went through many tasks and have finally gained the trust of my lord. I can feel it. This was what I was made for! The thought of serving the greatest man in war, is probably the best one ever. But, no one can get closer to him any more than Xiao Li senior. Lord places so much trust in him that he even left his General token with Xiao Li for ten hours.

I should have been training more, doing all things perfectly! Not being a flower guard to a lazy and ugly Lady! But I can't refuse. I have to do it. I have to protect her, but from what? who would even target this lady?

Human traffickers won't choose her, as she neither has beauty to attract me, nor has a strong build for slavery. Other nobles don't dare to touch her due to her backing. Milord's enemies would rather target the Madam Lei then her.

The only danger, Jia Li faces is over-sleeping.

I went over, at the crack of dawn, to report myself. But no one in the lady's quarters were awake, neither the maids nor the lady. I waited and waited, It was past lunch time, when the maids went in and out, saying she was finally awake.

I tried to introduce myself. But was denied entry as she was busy bathing. It was almost evening when the lady was finally done with eating and all other works.

"Come in, mister.", a maid called Xin Xin ushered me inside, where Jia li was drinking tea, quite manly, with only a hand holding the glass, and the other supporting her chin.

How disgraceful! After drinking the whole cup in probably a single gulp, she said something which I only hear around drunken people.

"Haa! That hits the spot! I finally feel alive", weird lines.

"Greetings! I am Guan, a shadow guard appointed by his grace, General. To guard you from any possible harm. ", I said. Wanting to finish up and go a bit far.

She would probably either be a stuck up girl, with all the pampering or a stupid fool who goes on acting weak.

"Oh! All right, just don't watch me during bath times, and maintain distance during nights. You should probably relax, I don't do much of a work but just simply lay around.", She said pouring tea in another cup.

"Yes, I have noted, I shall behave accordingly and accept all your commands.", I said.

"Well, I hope I gain your trust and you gain mine. So, come on. Sit and have a glass of tea with me.", she said.

"No milady, I don't have same status to have tea with you.", I denied. I was in no mood to have a tea or a chat with her.

"Just come, I order you!", she said smiling creepily.

"Y-yes", Argh! whatever! It is just tea. I drank a bit and went to report to the General.

The General was wounded. There was another attack today. I doubt whether the lady knows or not. Hmph! She doesn't deserve such an outstanding person, but she should have come to visit him.

"Milord, I have informed my lady and gained her permission to follow and protect her in case of troubles."

"Good, Now you may go", The General said.

The doctor was closing up the wound with stitches, it looked really painful. But the General could stand it. He even thanked the doctor, which none of the nobles ever do! He truly respects everyone!

I later, went over to her lady's quarters, where I noticed something. She was crying. It was a faint sound. But I could recognize it. It is so clear. I have heard my sisters cry silently in the night. The only giveaway was the conditioned loud breaths. I was sure. The lady was crying.

What is she crying for? she has wealth, a good husband, who respects her and not treat her like a doll, she is loved by her family, has friends, she is healthy too? Don't tell me someone hurt her feeling and she is crying.

Only the luxury class people cry for things like feels. For poor having emotions is a luxury. What am I even complaining in my mind for? Better see what's going on and report to the maids.

I crept in closer, I saw a weird set up, usually, a lady's rooms, should be surrounded by outer halls, and maid quarters, but the maid quarters were far. It made me understand why others couldn't hear it. The halls were unusually empty and the lady's bedroom was arranged farther and deeper.

I went in and stayed out of the window of her bedroom, I couldn't go in, but I am sure, I could hear what she was crying for!

"I miss you.... I really miss you, so please come back!", she wailed softly.

Was it her parents? some beloved relative?

"How could you do this to me? I even got married but you were no where to be seen!"

Uh.... Who is she even talking to? There are no other presence except hers, Is she talking to herself?

"Qing yuan! I love you! Don't do this to me! There hasn't been a day I haven't wished for you! nor a night where I sought you. Please please take me away! ",she cried.

What????? She has an affair?? I need to know more.

"As promised, tomorrow I will come to meet you at the lake of Lost dreams, You have to come and runaway with me!!", she spoke as I noticed she was writing a letter, she came over to a window, and whistled.

A carrier bird came and took her response. I would have followed the bird if I was not in a dilemma whether as to inform the Lord of her affair, or get punished for abandoning my post.

I stayed. It would be better if I gained more information before I make a report. If I make a false report I would surely be punished or demoted! That is way more worse than my current position.

*Next Day*

"Guan, I shall be going to the palace, I need to report a few incidents and may even be back very late. Those officials might try to call me for a drink. Inform Xiao Li, that he has to check the materials for soldiers recruitment by tonight. I shall come and check. If I find him slacking off, he can go and join one of the cattle for grazing.", General said while dressing up his wounds.

Tch! Jia Li didn't even come to see him, isn't it supposed to be the wife who takes care of her husband. General takes care of her so well and she doesn't even bother to be like a caregiver.

"Yes, sir. But shouldn't you be taking rest? Your wound might reopen.", I said. I was clearly concerned. how could the General not see my feelings?

"Staying home, would give my attacker a feeling of superiority, If I want to crush them, I need to show them, I am alright. This trip to the palace, will also give me clues to find out who is the one behind it.", General said.

After the General left, Jia li got up and got dressed up, it wasn't like the usual dressing up. She wore rogue and received massages, by the time she was done, She looked absolutely stunning.

Though I hate her, I am honest. She really looked beautiful. Her usually carefree look in her eyes was replaced by the confident look of a beauty. Her eyes were touched up carefully, Her scar was covered up and her dress totally completed the look.

While coming she wore a veil, covering her face while showing off her eyes. The presence of veil covering her face, emphasized her eyes more. I ended up staring too much at her. She made eye contact with me.

"Guan, come here for a bit!", she called

How dare she talk to me like that? Just because she is a Marquis's daughter, she thinks everyone like to be referred by her as a commoner? How can she suddenly be so informal with me!

"Yes, milady", I said. Suddenly, she didn't look beautiful anymore.

"Guan, I have to accompany my maids and buy a few intimate products for myself. Would you mind not following me for today? Please!", She asked me.

Of course, I have to agree, with the guise of agreeing, I will go tail her secretly and find out, who is the man that she is cheating on the General.

"Yes, I shall. But please return soon, milady as the General shall scold me If I have left you unattended. Are you sure you don't need my help in the shopping?", I asked acting as though, I was genuinely staying back. I am such a great actor!!

"No need of any help! Thank you anyway! I will come back soon.", she said, waving back as she went.

Is she going to another state? What's with her? heh.

I began tailing her from a distance. She met up with a few noble ladies who were giving her advice and wishing her luck. She ate, bought a few clothes, I couldn't go in as it was only for women.

Jia Li, then changed into another set of clothes, they were noble, but totally gaudy. Man! Her taste sucks. It would light up the place everywhere so much that it would hurt people's eyes. I saw carefully, Oh My god! It was a wedding dress, a gaudy wedding dress!

She went back in and changed into another wedding dress, similar style as previous but not as much gaudy but looking regal.

She took the dress and went on, going through streets, the took a local carriage to a small area, it was just behind the main business area of the capital. The Lake of lost dreams, it was here. She is going to meet with her lover!

I was scared to see who it was. If it was a commoner, I will kill him, if a noble, I will inform the General and wait for orders, but if it was a prince(high chance, no), I would have to be careful. A prince even while meeting any lover, will have tens of guards shadowing him.

Jia Li, just stood there waiting. Then a group of girls came and took her in. I followed her in, but I was blocked by a guard. he was huge and stronger than me. One on one combat with him would be dangerous. Not only that, I could tell, he isn't a regular guard found in the streets but a highly trained one with years of experience.

It doesn't seem to be a normal girls meeting place anymore. I glanced in and saw Jia Li holding a hold with a man, his face was with a mask, but that idiot, he certainly looked at her with some mischief in his eyes. I didn't like it.

The other entrances were all blocked and had guards blocking the blocked ones too.I had to get in. I saw, only girls could get in, all of them had veils. I could dress as one ad get in. But, it would hurt my pride to do so, and which dress has my size?

I tried to get in, but was almost caught. I had to enter into a room to hide, I saw the room, judging by the looks it was a separate room in an inn. There was no one here, Thank god! I heard voices from the bath, The person staying here is bathing. By the voice, it was like that of a masculine woman, It was rough and the same time sweet and seductive.

Oh! This place is shady and creepy! I need to find a dress, surely the lady won't mind me borrowing a dress. I went over and saw, a dress, it was a bit obnoxious, but I wore it. Surprisingly, it fit me. I looked myself in the mirror. Ugh! I look like a male trying to get in a dancer's clothes.

But, do ladies normally wear this? the stomach area is totally exposed. They can catch cold easily!, The top ain't that long, exposing the collar and shoulders, How inappropriate! Don't tell me! all girls come here and wear these kind of clothes???

Surely, something shady is definitely going on! I went out, as I heard the one bathing come out, I went over to the entrance. I wore a veil, covering my face, and let down my hair, like a woman. It might have not convinced the guard, because he scowled so hard, I felt I might be thrown out and tortured.

Clearly he didn't like me, He wasn't like this with the other ladies! Why? Maybe cause I am too masculine? Oh God! I never thought a day would come where I hated to have masculinity! This Jia Li, is making my life a living hell!!

"Enter", The Guard said.

I went over, and saw, all girls were sitting and having food. I went to rooms of the place, It looked small, but the whole place was so big, it could probably hold the army of the General, I saw in a room, the obnoxious mask guy and another woman. She was crying, saying something like,

"No!, But I love you! You were the only one who told me to follow my dreams!"

he replied, " I merely advised, I haven't shown any signs of interest in you but your skill as a swordswoman."

There was some more drama going on, I needed to find Jia Li. I went over and into some rooms, I searched in all of them, but couldn't find her. I came back to the same room from before, It was like a theatre of sorts, but inside not outside like a play.

The same man was searching for someone, I crept in trying to see if Jia li was here to see a play with her lover? It was inside because it was a secret?

I bent more, and fell because of my long dress. I fell outward and somehow ended up on the stage. I was sure, Jia Li wouldn't recognize me. But, instead of being shocked, the crowd just watched as if they had anticipated this.

I was shocked, Did they know I was here, Is it an anti-imperial faction, and Jia Li is the spy? Or this Jia Li is not the original Jia Li but a substitute??? My mind was turning. My feet were hurting, the shoes were a bit too curved. I always thought these looked cute on women, but Damn! they are painful!

I couldn't get up! I felt miserable, I , a warrior, hunter, shadow guard and a soldier couldn't get up from a fall because of hurting shoes. I teared up, a bit of the makeup went into my eyes due to the sweat. Tears fell from my eyes onto my legs.

The masked guy, bent over and lifted up my chin, as if I was some weak flower crying. He blowed on my eyes, I have to admit, it felt good, he brushed away on my eyes, I finally felt relief. Before I could do anything. He carried me up! Princess carry! He looked almost my weight, except for being a bit more tall, he was just like me.

But he lifted my whole body with such ease! That too princess carry! That style is the most physically demanding, where If the one you are carrying is not light or the one who is carrying is not strong enough, he might get back pain for almost a whole week!

The grandma carry, is the most easiest. But he carried me! I was scared. He doesn't look much, but he surely is strong!! Who is he? were the guards outside his men? If they were, and he is planning to overthrow General, I don't want to admit, but it might actually be possible!!!

The audience made sounds like, 'Kyaaa, ooohh, Whoah'

What were they doing that much for? It was just a carry, He took me over to a bed of sorts and laid me down. He took off those painful shoes and then I realized maybe this masked guy isn't that bad after all.

It was all fine until he licked my legs!! I had gotten cut, and was bleeding. But he didn't have to lick my wound. It was weird. It was ticklish. After that, he looked at me differently. He bent over and kissed me?????????