The next day, we arrived safely at the Liu Manor. Governor Liu welcomed us with a grand feast. They were a lot of beautiful dancers at the banquet.
The emperor was welcomed in such a grand style. But the problem was this banquet showed the wealth of the Liu family. For a governor it was impossible for him to have so much wealth. He was trying to win the king over and make it hard for the king to condemn him.
"Greetings to you, your majesty." Minister Liu said.
"Minister Liu, thank you for the warm welcome. We have traveled from the capital and am afraid I have offended you." The emperor said.
"Of course not, your majesty. You are always welcome to my humble manor. I have asked my daughter, Liu Danji to dance for your majesty" He said.
"Good!! I have long heard that minister Liu's daughter is humble and elegant. Nice and skilled. It is truly an honor to watch her dance." One of the general's said.
Few minutes later, the famous Liu Danji revealed herself. I have to say, she really was beautiful and elegant. Her dance was truly amazing. She was dancing so beautifully that all the soldiers were transfixed. By the time she was through, all the soldiers were clapping.
"Your Majesty, I wish you long life and a peaceful reign. Greetings to you, your majesty" she said.
"Good! Liu Danji , your reputation is truly well deserved. I have to say you are beautiful and well posed. Minister Liu raised a diamond...
By that time, minister Liu was grinning from ear to ear. He must have thought his majesty will surely favor his daughter.
"Unfortunately, she is no match for the defender of the realm's daughter, Wu Lijuan. Am tired. I think I will retire now" the king said surprising everyone.
All the soldiers got up from their chair.
"We bid you farewell, Your Majesty" they said.
I too had stood up to bid him farewell but I saw his majesty give me signal to follow him. At first, I pretended not to understand fearing it might cause trouble but...
"Wu Lijuan, follow me!" He said.
Since he had put me on the spotlight, I couldn't refuse. It was clear the soldiers were shocked. I was getting married to the duke. Everyone knew the king had feelings for me.
"Your Majesty, Young general Wu is getting married soon. I fear its inappropriate for her to serve your majesty. Why don't you allow my daughter to serve you?" Minister Liu said.
I turned and looked at His Majesty. This would certainly cause misunderstanding. Instead, the king grabbed my hand and left leaving everyone in shock.
When we stopped, I was about to shout at him when I noticed he had brought me outside. The moonlight was clear and bright. The stars were so few yet shiny and small. I opened my mouth in shock.
"Juan'er, dance for me." He said sitting down.
For the first time, I noticed there was a xither there. Ruomei had prepared me for this. Although my dancing wouldn't be as elegant as Li Juan's but I could try. I started dancing under the moonlight while he played the xither.
For me, all I could focus on were his eyes. He was taking his time to play for me, I could not disappoint him.
"Stop! I had forgotten you don't remember anything." He said patting the seat beside him.
" Sit!" He said.
When I sat down, he covered my hands with his own and gently moved my fingers across the xither.
" When playing the xither, you must be gentle. Move your fingers across and feel the strings. Then you play" He said.
We played for some minutes, it felt so delicate and beautiful. The king was truly talented. When we were through, he sighed and looked at me. I was just about to ask what was wrong with him.
"I can't take it anymore" he said.
"What can't you take anymore?" I asked.
"This!" He said and kissed me....
I could not believe it!! The king of Han was kissing me. This, this felt like a dream.