Wahhhhh
Rushan cried seeing his friend packing to go. When he heard from Imperial Brother that his friend was to go to war, he had not believed it but when he ran back seeing him pack he felt his heart squeeze.
Lui Xian just sighed seeing his dramatic friend. He had wondered since the first time they met as to why this prince was still alive from all the throne rival wars that always happen in royal lineages, but now he understood. Rushan was too an idiot to be considered a rival for the throne. All he did is run to the Emperor with brotherly love showing in his eyes.
"Your Highness stop crying. It's only going to be a month away fighting some rascals. You know I will come back." He tried to pacify him feeling really complicated.
'Aren't I the one who is supposed to cry right now? I am being sent to the death's door without even confessing even once. I wonder why I am so unlucky.'
"I guess I have to stop by in the market to buy a lucky charm."
"What?"
Lui Xian didn't realise that he had spoken up what was on his mind until Rushan intervened. He could only brush it off as he moved to his drawers to take some herbs he had once taken from Feng Shao's collection. Speaking of him, it had been a month since they had separated and he thought he would feel nothing but it seemed he felt worried just a little bit. After all, they had spent a month together.
Even though the man is stuck up, he still cared a 'little bit' for him. A little bit being the keyword.
"Xian. Come back safely. I wouldn't want to be left alone here in this cold prison. You know I have you and Imperial brother but now you are going and he is occupied."
Lui Xian couldn't help but feel some pity for him. Although the Prince wasn't totally useless he still managed to be recognised by the ministers. He works very hard but the palace isn't after all a paradise it has its abyss. Leaving him here isn't safe but still, it's his home.
"Don't worry Your Highness you will be fine." He comforted the other who then smiled feeling happy to have Lui Xian as a friend. Even though he is of royal blood, he was able to meet many people during some of his travels when he got twenty but the closest he has had is Lui Xian.
Even though their encounter is nothing out of the ordinary, it is still sweet and funny.
It was one of the days he had returned from travelling and he had wanted to meet with his brother. Strolling towards the palace at a relaxed pace whilst he hummed a sweet tune he spotted a man peering from a corner at his brother who seemed to indulge himself in chatting with his concubines under a tree. He saw how his eager face was to see the man he admired then it immediately slumped down into one that was depressed and very sad.
At that time he had felt an urge to cheer him up unknowingly starting a very strong bond of friendship.
Rushan could not help but smile whilst staring at his friend who was almost done packing. He moved closer and helped him finish up and he passed him his sword.
"Xian. Once you are back I will tell you something." He spoke lowering his head. He clenched his right hand into a fist. It seemed as if he was still deciding if he should or shouldn't talk about it.
"....."
Lui Xian was a little bit surprised but he said nothing. He wasn't sure if he would be able to come back after all this is a war we are talking about. He might come back but as a stone-cold heavy corpse or a ghost. Thinking about it he felt a chill run down along his spine.
"I seem to have an idea as to who is playing this game. But I need to confirm." Rushan continued releasing a breath.
The duo friends continued chatting until the time to depart was almost there. Lui Xian bid his friend farewell. He joined the other group as they departed towards south.
Lui Xian was on a stallion horse as he travelled among the high ups who were also sitting comfortably on their horses swaying as they conversed on how they could deal with the enemy.
Lui Xian had no say in their discussion and so he kept silent here and there observing the surroundings around them. The troop of soldiers marched behind them maintaining the arch they were travelling in some holding their shields and spears and their swords resting on their waists.
Five carriages were filled with warfare necessities and other things they could use for themselves trailing in between them.
It took a month to reach to the south of course whilst taking rest on some days and feeding the animals so that they could have the energy to go on.
It was one of those taunting winters at the border and the ground was blanketed with thick snow. Even the trees were covered with the whiteness that was making everything seem cold and beautiful. Beautiful if you couldn't spot bodies scattered about and the stench of blood filling the whole area.
Even the blood stains resembled a fiery flower that had just bloomed on that day. No survivor was seen at the camp only lifeless bodies greeted them instilling fear that they tried to bury afraid of losing the will to fight.
They were all on guard afraid that the enemy would come back. The mere soldiers with no rank unloaded all the things as some collected all the men that had fallen wrapping them in reed mats as they were arranged appropriately.
They all settled and allocated agile and qualified spies with work and sent lookouts, and at last, they took some rest.