The days pass by slowly. Every morning i am out in the main hall's courtyard to exercise with him and his merry men. I asked to spare the servants who needed to work. He agree and allow those who wish to exercise with us.
Every morning before the sun is up, The group will move in uniform. It's always peaceful when we all keep in silence. Until dingbat pokes me with his nonsense.
These days instead of doing painting, i pick up the archery bow instead. From that day my father saved me from the assassin with the bow and arrow, i decided that i should learn the skill. With the morning exercise i have, i am able to pull the string more efficiently. Day by day my arrow gets more accurate on the practise board.
Of course my mind will be still thinking of how to escape this messy up situation. Finally i get to face to face with general Tang. Maybe using her to get closer with that dingbat will be a good ideal. She has a pretty face, full lips with small eyes and a slander nose. Her hair is black, glossy and long. Only problem is that she doesn't have a demure of a girl. She is just like other men from behind and she talks with a low voice. There is nothing charming about her. How can dingbat fall for her? I watch her walk among her men and discuss work. Her hands are place behind looking serious. As she walk pass me, she look up from the floor and we have a moment of eye contact. She nod and i smile.
"General Tang want some biscuits?What about you guys?"
"We are fine. Not hungry. We need to go off to camp. We will be back some other day. "
"When will you guys be back? I want to organise a party or a gathering. Since the Lunar new year, Prince Xian hasn't properly treated his men. So i would like to say thank you and have a little gathering. Let everyone relax for the night. What do you think?" I look at general Tang. She awkwardly look at her men. "Of course i will ask the permission from Prince Xian. Don't worry. When the date is near, i will let you know again." She and her men nod their head awkwardly. They all bow and walk off in a hurry to the main door. This time i have to find a way to go buy something good for this party. Something that might help me to get rid of me from the dingbat's life.
Today dinner, its just me alone eating. Dingbat have gone off to the palace the whole day. Presume that the empress mother must be nagging at him. If not the crown prince had drag him to talk about endless states affair. Or perhaps the emperor or the dowager is holding him back. Whatever it is, the mansion is quiet boring without him bossing around. The food taste bland and i eat really slow. Playing with my chopsticks and the vegetables that are in front of me.
"Miss me already? Food is not for playing my wife."
I look up to see him strolling in with his men. The maid hurry prepare a set of cutlery for him to use. He seems to be in a good mood. I think i almost can see the twinkle in his eye.
"Did something good happen?"
"Not for you to know. Come on let's eat. The maids need to wash up the dishes then they can rest for the night."
"Can I organise a gathering for your men one of these day? Just a small gathering of food and drinks. To thank them for fighting for you and being alive. Also for the Lunar new year, even though it's late."
He look at me and place the vegetables in his mouth. He nod and continue chewing.
"While the rest of your men that needs to stay in camp, we can send..."
"Why such a hassle. Just do everything in the camp. We will have the food and drinks move there."
"I can go there too?"
"Why not? You are my wife. You are allow to go to my camp anytime. As long as there isn't any deployment, i don't see any problem with it."
"Is there a place to rest?"
"Of course. Where do you think my men are sleep at? In the open space? We are not some barbarians. We have tents. Everything is organised. I will have someone to show you around."
"I haven't sleep in a camp before. Can i have my own tent?"
"What are you talking about? We are a couple. We will be sleeping together in a same tent. "
I keep quiet and think about it. No matter how i need to execute my plans. I just need to go along with him.