A Journey to Heishan

Zhang Wei procured a horse, not by purchase, but through rental, as his funds were insufficient for ownership. His destination was Heishan, a village he remembered from his past, where Uncle Li Zhen must be living now. After the devastating raid on their original village, the survivors, led by Chief Changming, sought refuge in Heishan, General Li Feng's village. Over time, Heishan had grown, welcoming the displaced villagers and providing them with a new home. This growth meant that Uncle Li Zhen and the other villagers had likely settled in well.

With a sense of urgency and hope, Zhang Wei took a glance at a map in the capital hall to confirm the route. Heishan lay along a path familiar to him, the very path he had travelled as a young man when he joined General Li Feng's troops on their way to the capital. Now, years later, he was retracing his steps, though his purpose was vastly different.

Mounting the horse, Zhang Wei set off, his cloak fluttering in the wind. The road stretched out before him, winding through forests and fields, over hills and along rivers. The journey was a mix of nostalgia and determination, each hoofbeat bringing memories of his past and thoughts of the uncertain future. He remembered the camaraderie of the soldiers, the laughter and shared stories around campfires, and the lessons learned under General Li Feng's guidance. Those memories fueled his resolve, reminding him of the strength and support he once had.

As he rode, the scenery changed from the bustling cityscape to the tranquil countryside. The air grew fresher, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of rustling leaves. The familiar landmarks reassured him that he was on the right path. The journey was long, but Zhang Wei pressed on, driven by the need to reconnect with his past and seek the guidance and support of his uncle.

The sun was high in the sky when Zhang Wei finally approached the outskirts of Heishan. The village had indeed grown, with new homes and bustling activity that spoke of a thriving community. His heart quickened as he rode through the village streets, searching for any sign of Uncle Li Zhen. Villagers paused to look at the cloaked rider, curiosity evident in their eyes, but Zhang Wei paid them little mind. His focus was singular, his mission clear.

Zhang Wei spotted a familiar figure tending to a small garden in front of a modest home. It was his uncle, Li Zhen, but Zhang Wei did not approach. To the villagers of Heishan, Zhang Wei was considered dead. Only a select few, like Xiao Mei, Lady Xin Yan, Princess Xiyang Ai, General Li Feng, and a few trusted others, knew the truth. Revealing himself now could jeopardize his plans and endanger those he cared about.

Instead, Zhang Wei watched from a distance, following his uncle's movements throughout the day. He noted the places his uncle visited, the people he spoke with, and the routines he followed. Despite his vigilance, Zhang Wei found no clear indication of where his uncle lived, nor did he see Auntie Lanxin, his uncle's wife.

As the day turned to dusk, Zhang Wei's resolve strengthened. He needed to speak with his uncle, but caution was paramount. When night finally fell, he made his move. Cloaked in shadows, he continued to tail his uncle, waiting for the right moment to approach without being seen.

Uncle Li Zhen moved with a steady, purposeful stride through the dimly lit streets of Heishan. Zhang Wei kept a safe distance, blending into the darkness, his eyes never leaving his uncle's form. Heishan was quieter now, the hustle and bustle of the day giving way to the serene stillness of night. The occasional lantern cast pools of light, but otherwise, the village was shrouded in darkness.

Zhang Wei's mind raced with thoughts of what he would say, how he would explain his disappearance and sudden reappearance. The weight of the revelation he had learned from Lady Xin Yan bore heavily on his shoulders, but he knew that his uncle deserved the truth. As the night deepened, Zhang Wei's opportunity drew near. He had to be careful, but he was determined to reconnect with his family and seek the answers he so desperately needed.

The journey to Heishan had been a step back into his past, but it was also a step toward his future. Zhang Wei knew that the path ahead was fraught with challenges, but with the support of his loved ones and the strength of his resolve, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead. As he continued to follow his uncle through the quiet village, Zhang Wei steeled himself for the conversation that would change everything.

Zhang Wei's thoughts swirled as he followed his uncle through the dimly lit streets of Heishan. His mind was a tempest of emotions and uncertainties. How would Uncle Li Zhen react to seeing him alive? General Li Feng had reacted poorly when he first learned of Zhang Wei's survival, and the memory of that encounter weighed heavily on his mind. Zhang Wei didn't want a repeat of that painful experience. He needed to find the right words, the perfect way to reveal himself without causing shock or anger. But what were those words? How could he explain the impossible without causing his uncle pain?

As these thoughts consumed him, Zhang Wei momentarily lost sight of his uncle. Panic set in, and his heart raced. Frantically, he scanned the streets and alleys, searching for any sign of the familiar figure. His mind raced with worry. What if he couldn't find him again? He couldn't afford to lose his uncle now, not after coming this far.

Desperation pushed him to move closer, to look for any indication of where his uncle might have gone. As he carefully navigated the streets, he spotted an alleyway that seemed a likely path. Zhang Wei hesitated for a moment, then decided to take a chance and stepped into the shadows of the alley.

Just a couple of steps in, a pair of hands emerged from the darkness, grabbing him with surprising force. Zhang Wei instinctively reached for his concealed sword, but the hands were quicker, gripping him tightly and throwing him off balance. He stumbled backwards, stunned by the sheer strength of the assailant. As he regained his footing, Zhang Wei finally drew his sword, the blade catching the moonlight and casting a sharp glint in the alley.

His attacker, still hidden in the shadows, seemed to pause at the sight of the weapon. The voice that spoke next made Zhang Wei freeze in his tracks.

"It is unmanly to bring a weapon to a fight of hands."

Zhang Wei's heart skipped a beat. He knew that voice. It was his uncle. Quickly, he dropped his sword to show no hostility.

"Uncle Zhen, it's me, Zhang Wei!"

The figure stepped into the light, revealing the familiar face of his uncle. For a moment, Li Zhen stood still, his expression a mix of disbelief and confusion.

"Zhang Wei? Is.. that really you?"

"Yes, Uncle. It's really me," Tears welled up in Zhang Wei's eyes as he nodded.

Without another word, Li Zhen rushed forward and enveloped Zhang Wei in a warm, tight hug. The scepticism melted away, replaced by the overwhelming relief of holding his nephew once more. For a few moments, they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the weight of years apart and the uncertainty of their reunion falling away.

"How? How is this possible? We thought you were dead," pulling back slightly, Li Zhen studied Zhang Wei's face, his eyes searching for answers.

"It's a long story, Uncle. I'll talk about it later. But I'm here now, and I need your help. There's much we need to discuss," Zhang Wei took a deep breath, knowing the explanation would be long and painful.

As they walked together out of the alley, Zhang Wei began to recount his tale, the night settling around them as they headed towards Li Zhen's home. The journey back to Heishan had been a step towards his past, but now, with his uncle by his side, it also felt like a step towards a future filled with new possibilities and renewed hope.

When they emerged from the alley, the faint glow of lanterns illuminated their path through the village. Li Zhen led the way, his arm around Zhang Wei's shoulders, a gesture both protective and reassuring. Zhang Wei pulled his cloak tighter around his face, hiding his features from any passersby. The cloak's fabric brushed against his cheeks, a constant reminder of the need for secrecy.

"Why do you keep your face hidden, Zhang Wei?" Li Zhen asked, his voice a blend of curiosity and concern. "You don't need to hide from me."

"Uncle, it's not just about hiding from you. Many people still believe I am dead. If they see me alive, it could cause a lot of trouble. I need to stay hidden until the right time," Zhang Wei sighed, glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot.

"I see. You have your reasons. But it pains me to see you like this, hiding in the shadows," Li Zhen nodded slowly, understanding dawning on his face.

"I know, Uncle. But it's necessary for now," Zhang Wei replied, his voice firm yet gentle. "I've come too far and endured too much to risk everything now. We need to be cautious."

They continued walking, the sounds of the village night surrounding them—distant laughter, the occasional bark of a dog, and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. Zhang Wei's thoughts wandered back to the palace, to the revelations of his true parentage, and the daunting task that lay ahead. He felt a mix of fear and determination, the weight of his new identity pressing down on him.