Since the day of the last court meeting, Suyin had been training me. I may not be good at studying but I was always in great shape back in the modern world so it wasn't so hard to learn martial arts.
I have never been on the battlefield before. I had no idea of what the future holds or what xuzhou would look like. What exactly would it look like? I mean xuzhou of course.
"Young mistress, the duke is here!"Ruomei said
"He must have come because of the emperor's decree. He must care for you mistress"Suyin said.
"Care? Hmmmh!! I don't like him! He had always given the emperor trouble in the past. Am sure he is just using our young mistress." Ruomei said.
"Don't say that! He came to see our young mistress because he greatly cares for her. Ruomei, best not to slander an innocent man" Suyin said.
"You guys should stop fighting.. I refused to be used in the fight for the throne. I just want to live a peaceful life. Take me to see him" I said
When we reached the main hall, I saw him sitting alone gazing out through the window. He looked so sad. For the first time since the day I first saw him, I suddenly realized he was unhappy about something.
I walked quietly until I reached him and put my hands to close his eyes. I saw him smile.
"Princess!!" he said.
I removed my hands and stomped on the ground pretending to be angry. He laughed and laughed holding his stomach. I also noticed for the first time, he laughed so sincerely.
"Your highness, stop laughing at me!" I said still stomping the ground.
"Princess, please stop stomping the ground. It was so obvious that it was you." He said laughing and holding me to stop.
Suddenly, it felt like there was no one else in this world except the two of us. Today, it really felt like I was noticing everything. From the golden beads on his hair, to his perfect long eyelashes. Everything felt perfect. Until he let me go.
"My apologies, your highness. I didn't mean to be so shrewd." I said.
"Shrewd? We are going to get married soon. I came here because I heard you will be going to xuzhou with his highness. I came to check on how you are doing" he said.
I walked away heading to the window. I spread my arms out.
"Look! The capital is so lively. It looks so peaceful but... Out there, many are risking their lives to protect this peaceful capital. Xuzhou does not have the luxury of enjoying this type of peace we have. Bandits are raiding their houses everyday, taking their little food and destroying their shops. How can I just turn a blind eye?" I said.
When I turned back, I saw the duke starring at me in silence.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked.
"I have longed heard of your bravery. Your marital arts is unrivaled. You are truly the daughter of General Wu. I'm very straight forward person, Li juan. I have always longed for the throne. Call me a traitor if you like. But I won't sacrifice innocent people to do it."he said
Of course it was obvious. The king and the duke have been fighting for years. Even a blind person would know the Duke wanted the throne.
"You will become the duchess of Han. I hope we will share weals and woes together. That we will always be together and never part." He said moving towards me and holding my hands.
"In the past, I know you loved the emperor. But this marriage is a new way for us to start over. I hope you will be able to move on. I will be honest to you and treat you well. You don't need to answer me now, just think about it." he said looking into my eyes.
Was he telling the truth? In this big world, I had no one to confide in. To tell this big secret to. The secret that I wasn't from this world. It would be nice if I had someone who could help me..