In Wu capital, the town was filled up with commoners who were lined up on the sides of the road as some were peeking to see what was happening.
"What's going on?" One woman asked. She stood on her toes trying to look at something at a distance amidst this unbearable commotion.
"Haven't you heard Our Emperor is marrying the most beautiful woman ever seen on this continent?" One lustful scoundrel could not help but answer back. His eyes seemed to be shooting out hearts to show that he was interested in the other.
"Another one? How many concubines has he taken in since his coronation? I wonder how he is able to keep up with the work."
"Mind your tongue lad. You know he has temper. You will be off with your head in no time."
The people continued gossiping whilst they waited for the carriage carrying the bride to pass by.
In no time they could hear some creaking followed by the sound made by hooves getting closer to where they were standing on. Drums were beat as trumpets sounded and some figures wearing red led the carriage behind them.
Everything was draped in red making the commoners wallow in envy as they tried to see in between the curtain as to how beautiful the new bride was.
Inside the carriage, a woman was cladded in a red wedding dress and a maple red veil falling from her head. By her side was her servant who was grinning with pride seeing that her master was to be bonded in marriage with the Emperor.
"My Lady, are you getting nervous now that we are almost at the palace gates." She tactfully asked looking at her lady's hands that were clutched tight on top of her lap.
Mei Su remained silent while she tried hard to ignore the uproar that was outside. She hated noise. And added to that the voice beside her increased her frustrations more.
"My Lady can you hear me." Her thickheaded maid once again kept on shrieking in her very sensitive ear.
It did not take too much time for the carriage to come to a halt in front of the palace gates. Mei Su sat upright and raised her head waiting to be by his side. The doors opened with a creak paving a way to let them pass. When they had moved past it the coachman stopped the carriage. Mei Su got excited and eagerly searched for him. She caught a glimpse of his red gown sweeping the floor and his hand stretched out for her to take.
She could not help but smile as she took it and got out. The two stopped to look at each other whilst the one man who was writhing in pain to this scene looked at a distance. He clutched his fist his friend patting at his shoulder.
All the people moved to the front of the palace hall where a red carpet was spread on the steps waiting for the two lovers to stroll on.
Lui Xian took a seat at the far end of the crowd. He looked at the other concubines who were scowling and some busy in thought on how to deal with the newbie. He felt somewhat better as he waited for everything to be over so that he can prepare to report to his newly appointed work with a clear mind.
It came to a time when everyone had to get on their knees as they praised, "Long live the Emperor!"
"Xian let's leave from here. You have to prepare for tomorrow remember." His attention was soon drawn to Rushan who was getting worried for him.
"... Sure. Your Highness aren't you supposed to be by His Majesty's side."
"It doesn't matter come on."
The two stood up and started to leave but Lui Xian could feel a burning gaze from the high up stairway where the two lovers were. He stopped for a second to look back only to find no one looking his way.
He turned and hurriedly started to make his way to his quarters. After he had gotten on his bed he could not let go of the weird sensation he felt the time he was being watched. 'Does it perhaps has anything to do with his attacks?'
He felt his head aching making him shake his head sideways as he let the matter go.
Late in the evening, Lui Xian moved to his window trying to get a look at the view outside. The wind was provoking but he still stayed there at times looking at the sky that was darkening.
He knew from tomorrow onwards he had to focus on his work and leave unnecessary emotions behind.
"I wonder just how happy he is today."
He found himself not feeling the pain anymore. He forced a smile on and went to bed.
It is his first time to be in the military branch and he is late. 'Oh, heavens help me get along with these people.' He prayed silently in his heart whilst he waited to be scorned.
"Hey come help me in setting this up. There has been an urgent meeting right now." Lui Xian hurried to grab up scrolls before he joined in the meeting. He was relieved that no one spared him lectures on why he was late.
"We have been informed that at the southern border there have been attacks going on and they require reinforcements as soon as possible. All the generals are already out on camps and we had left the south weakly guarded against and His Majesty has decided to send one thousand men to aid them. Any volunteers?"
The room was filled with silence. Everyone was in deep thought. One of the high post officials raised his hand. "I volunteer with three hundred soldiers we will strengthen that side."
A second one raised his hand, "I do too. with five hundred surely we will bring down the enemy"
"We need two hundred more. Anyone of you lords."
"I volunteer with one hundred and ninety-nine men."
Lui Xian was the only one left so there was no need to raise his hand or any need to refuse. The situation was sending him in the field on his very first day at work.
'How unfortunate.'