SHI YI'S POV
QINGZHEN ANCIENT ERA
Arriving at the gates of the Shi family residence, I couldn't help but get teary-eyed at the memories of my childhood there. The nostalgia washed over me, bringing back the times when my family was still complete. With shaky hands, I slowly opened the gates and let out a deep sigh at the sight of the house. My uncle had done all sorts of stupid things in his life, but I was grateful he hadn't changed much about the house.
As I stepped inside, though, that's when I lost it. The tacky interior design that replaced my mom's warm and inviting touches made my heart ache. "I have a lot of work to do here," I muttered with a sigh. I spent the next few days renovating the house, determined to restore it to what it was before my uncle ruined it. I wanted to oversee every step of the renovation, pouring my heart into bringing back the life and warmth it once had.
One day, as I was working, Lee Yun walked in and poured me a drink. "Are you almost done with the renovations?" he asked.
"Yeah, I think I'll be set to enter the house in a week's time," I replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"That's good. Oh, by the way, did you hear?" he said, his tone shifting.
"Hear what?" I questioned, my curiosity piqued.
"The king has arranged a sword fight. I heard that he is going to use this to find a suitable man for his daughter to marry," he replied. I felt a bit startled at the news...."Hes using a sword fight to choose a man for his daughter?" I questioned, trying to wrap my head around the idea.
"There is a possibility she will be choosing herself seeing that she is going to attend too," he replied, adding another layer to the situation.
"Do you need like an invitation to participate?" I asked, curious about the logistics.
"I'll ask around and see... why? Are you planning to participate?" he questioned with a playful smile on his face.
"I have to... now that I have got the house... it's time to get the lady," I replied with newfound confidence, feeling a spark of excitement. He cheered me on, clearly supportive of my boldness.
"But first, I think I need to practice a bit more... I haven't used a sword since the witch battle," I said, and we both burst into laughter.
*
*
It was finally the day for the sword fight competition... "Remember this is just a friendly competition, so don't be so hard on yourself," Lee Yun said as I smirked.
"I didn't think those guys think so," I replied, pointing at the other competitors who were glaring at me.
"Still, don't overdo it," he added, trying to keep me grounded.
"Don't worry about me... I've seen the competition, and I'm pretty sure I can take them all with one hand," I said confidently, feeling ready for the challenge.
"Oh really... have you heard that Li Yun will be joining the competition too?" He asked.
"And who is Li Yun?" I inquired, not familiar with the name.
"Li Yun, the prince and general of the neighboring Ayan kingdom," he explained. "He's a general, so he definitely knows how to wield a sword," he added, hinting at the tough competition.
"Well, I know how to wield one too, and don't forget... I used this exact sword to slay the leader of the Wuyi witches... I'm anything but scared right now," I replied confidently, trying to boost my own morale.
"Okay, brave man... I'll be in the stands cheering for you when you win and hiding for when you lose," he said, teasingly.
"Well then, I guess you won't be hiding at all during the entire match," I said with a chuckle, appreciating his support.
"Take care," he said as he turned to leave, leaving me to prepare for the competition ahead.
I took a deep sigh and headed to the field where everyone was gathered. As I walked, I felt someone grab me by the arm and pull me into a small alley along the way. "Who?" I questioned, surprised to see that it was Princess Ailee.
"Your highness!" I exclaimed, quickly realizing my mistake. She raised an eyebrow at me. "Sorry, Princess Ailee..." I added, trying to recover.
She raised her eyebrow again, clearly amused. "Fine... Ailee, what are you doing here?" I questioned, curious about her sudden appearance.
"I spotted you walking in earlier and I followed you," she replied with a playful smile.
"Wait, you've been following me since I walked into the gates of the palace?" I asked, incredulous.
"Yes," she nodded, her smile widening as I chuckled softly at the thought.
"So, are you participating too?" she questioned, her tone shifting slightly.
"Would you like me to?" I asked, feeling a mix of hope and excitement.
"I mean, I already approved of you at the banquet, but I guess you will need to impress my father as well," she replied, and I felt my heart swell from her words, especially with the close proximity we were conversing in....I'll do my best, I said, watching her smile light up the alley. "Hold out your hand for me," she instructed, and I did so, curiosity bubbling inside me. She gently tied what seemed like a bracelet around my wrist, and I couldn't help but ask, "What's this?"
"A lucky charm," she replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. I stared at the bracelet, then back at her, feeling a rush of admiration. "Thank you," I said, genuinely touched by her gesture.
"There's one more thing," she said, her tone shifting slightly. "But for it, I'll need you to move closer." My heart raced as I stepped closer to her, anticipation building. "What's it?" I questioned, barely able to contain my excitement.
In a surprising move, she leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. "Good luck out there," she said, her voice soft yet encouraging. Before I could fully process what had just happened, she ran away, leaving me standing there, dumbfounded. I held onto my cheek, feeling the warmth of her kiss linger as my heart raced, caught in a whirlwind of emotions that I had never felt before.
*
*
As I walked into the arena, my eyes locked onto someone who seemed to be Prince Li Yun of Ayan. My instinct was to look away and pass him, but he approached me with a friendly and warm demeanor. "Might you be Mr. Shi Yi?" he asked, and I nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.
"Yes, I am... Your Highness," I replied, bowing slightly in respect. He smiled warmly, and I felt a bit more at ease. "It's a pleasure to meet the brave warrior who saved the kingdom and city of Qingzhen from the notorious Wuyi witches," he said, extending his hand for a shake.
"The pleasure is mine, and I am no warrior," I replied, trying to downplay my actions. "Well, are you here to participate in this competition too?" he asked, his interest genuine.
"Yes... Your Highness," I confirmed. "Well, I didn't know that you had an interest in such events," he added, and I chuckled softly.
"I do love a good sword fight," I said with a smirk. "Likewise... I can't wait to come face to face with you today. Please go easy on me," he joked.
"No, Your Highness... please go easy on me," I replied, matching his playful tone. "I'll take my leave then. See you at the finals," he said confidently.
"See you," I replied with a bow, watching him walk away. "See you at the finals..." I mimicked under my breath, a smirk forming on my face. "Well, I can't wait to wipe that smile off of your face... Your Highness," I said, feeling a surge of determination as I walked away as well.
The sword fight competition began, and as expected, it was a smooth ride for me. But it was just as smooth for Prince Li Yun as well. As fate would have it, we found ourselves facing each other in the finals, the last two men standing.
"I didn't know that aside from swords, you also have a lot of interest in the princess," he said as we began our battle. I raised an eyebrow at him. "I thought you were aware of that, considering it's the reason most of us are here," I replied, trying to keep my focus sharp.
He smirked, his confidence unwavering. "But you know very well that this sword fight doesn't automatically mean that you will have the princess."
"And why's that, Your Highness?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
"You and the princess are two worlds apart. The king isn't just looking for someone strong, but someone capable... someone of high status and class... and you are..." He paused to examine me, his gaze critical. "Neither of those."
I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling up. "You actually forgot one thing. All those things you mentioned don't matter if she doesn't like you," I shot back, my voice steady.
He scoffed, brushing off my words. "Love can be found even after marriage. Plus, me and the princess are childhood friends, so it won't be a problem."
"Well, it looks like someone is mistaking brotherly and sisterly love for romantic attraction," I retorted, the intensity of our verbal sparring matching the clash of our swords. The fight escalated, both of us refusing to back down.
In the heat of the moment, I lost my footing just slightly, and before I knew it, he managed to slice my arm. Pain shot through me, but I gritted my teeth, determined not to show any weakness. This battle was far from over..... I reminded myself to stay calm and wait for my moment.Then it happened. He lunged forward again, and instinct kicked in. Instead of retreating, I sidestepped, feeling the rush of air as his sword sliced past me. In that split second, I pivoted and struck at his side. The connection was electrifying; I could hardly believe it when I saw him stumble back, surprise written all over his face. The crowd erupted, and I felt a surge of adrenaline. This was my chance.
With newfound confidence, I pressed forward, launching a series of strikes... Each successful maneuver fueled my determination. I could see Li Yun struggling to regain his composure, and I knew I had to keep the pressure on. Finally, with one decisive swing, I disarmed him, his sword clattering to the ground. The cheers of the crowd washed over me like a wave, and I stood there, heart racing, feeling a mix of disbelief and exhilaration.
As I looked down at Li Yun, who was now looking up at me with surprise written all over his face, I extended my hand to help him up. But of course, his ego was so bruised that he brushed it to the side and stood up on his own. I couldn't help but feel a mix of pity and amusement at his pride.
Turning to the audience, I soaked in the applause that echoed around the arena. Their cheers were a sweet melody to my ears, a validation of my hard work and determination. I raised my arms slightly, acknowledging their support, feeling the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. This victory was not just mine; it belonged to everyone who believed in me. The thrill of the moment was intoxicating, and I knew I had proven myself not just as a fighter, but as someone who could rise up to any challenges that come my way....I turned my eyes to Princess Ailee, who stood up with a bright smile written all over her face. Her joy was infectious, and I felt a warmth spread through me as I watched her. But just as I was soaking in the moment, I was startled by Lee Yun, who rushed into me.
"You did it," he said, a genuine smile spreading across his face, pride shining in his eyes....
"This might actually sound weird, but I am not feeling any pain in my arm," I said, trying to process the strange sensation.
"That's your excitement talking. Wait till I apply this, and you will be dreading the day you stepped onto that arena," Lee Yun replied, and I felt a shiver of fear at his words.
"Be gentle," I said, a little nervous.
"Pull up your sleeves," he instructed, and I complied. "I'll first clean it," he added as I turned my arm to the other side.
"Shi Yi!" he called out, and I looked at him, confused. "Are you sure this is the arm that got sliced?" he questioned, a frown on his face.
"Of course! Can't you see all that blood?" I replied, feeling a mix of confusion and concern.
"Well, I can see the blood but not the wound," he said, and my heart raced.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, staring at my arm. He was right; there was no wound.
"This... this is impossible! I literally felt the slice through my flesh earlier," I said, struggling to make sense of it all. "This doesn't make sense?"
"Shi Yi!" Lee Yun called out again, his tone serious. "Could this have anything to do with Moon Kyung's curse?"
"Moon Kyung!" I exclaimed, the memory flooding back. "You shall live without dying, but witness all the people you love die and leave you on your own..." I tried to recall the exact words.
"She didn't mention anything about not getting hurt," I replied, still trying to wrap my head around it.
"But it doesn't make sense that way. You can get hurt, hence can't die. You're going to be immortal," Lee Yun explained, and suddenly, all the pieces began to fall into place. The curse I thought was nothing but a joke or a trick was starting to take form, and I felt a chilling realization wash over me.
*
*
"Should we go to the hospital?" I heard Lee Yun ask as I paced back and forth, my mind racing with confusion and fear. "They could have an explanation for what's happening..." he added, but I stopped, letting out a heavy sigh. "Trust me, I'll jump at any other possibilities that have nothing to do with the wuyi witch..." I replied, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "Let's go to the hospital," I finally said, and we stood up and left.
At the hospital, the doctor stared at us with a judgmental glare, trying to make sense of our frantic words. "So you're saying that you were cut on the arm, but when you cleaned the wound, you realized that there was no wound?" he asked incredulously. "Are you drunk?" he added, and my heart sank. "What!" I exclaimed, shocked by his response. "Sorry to ask, but I can't help it since what you're saying can only be said by one who has taken some beer," he continued dismissively. "Are you trying to say that it's medically impossible?" I pressed, desperation creeping into my voice. "Yes, so please, if you're done playing around, allow me to work on the real patients," he said, turning away. As we walked out, I felt my heart drop even further. "It's medically impossible... so it definitely has something to do with the curse..." I murmured, panic rising within me.
"Look, don't work yourself up. If it's medically impossible, then we shall try out other ways and find answers...don't worry," Lee Yun said, trying to reassure me as I let out a deep sigh. "I'll head home for now... let's keep this in between us for now..." I replied, turning to leave. Once at home, I found myself glaring at my arm, unable to digest what was happening.. confusion swirled in my mind....and that's when I thought of an idea... I went to the kitchen and grabbed a knife...I wanted to cut my self and see if the same thing would happen again...and just as I held out the knife to cut..I heard a knock on the door...and placed the knife away..I then went ahead and grabbed a robe and then opened the door....I watched as Princess Ailee stepped into my home, her presence lighting up the room. "Hello," she waved with that warm smile of hers, and for a moment, all the chaos in my mind faded away. "Ailee? What are you doing here?" I asked, genuinely surprised. "I came to check on you...aren't you going to let me in?" she replied, her tone playful yet caring. I quickly stepped aside, allowing her to enter. "Oh...sorry, please come in..."
As she looked around, I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious about my place. "This is a nice place you have here," she commented, and I felt a small sense of pride. "Sadly, I'll be leaving it soon... I am moving into my family residence at the end of the week," I said, trying to keep the conversation light. "Feel free to come to the housewarming party," I added as I handed her a glass of water. "Thank you," she said, settling into a chair.
Her next question brought me back to reality. "By the way, how is your arm?" she asked, concern etched on her face. "It's fine," I replied, but I could see the doubt in her eyes. "Are you sure... you seemed pretty hurt earlier," she pressed, standing up to get a closer look. "No... I am okay," I insisted, trying to brush it off. "I guess my lucky charm didn't work this time," she said with a hint of disappointment. "Are you kidding me... I won because of this," I countered, my heart racing as I locked eyes with her. She chuckled softly, but I could see she was still worried. "You don't have to say that to make me feel better," she replied, but I meant it. This charm, this connection with her, felt like the luckiest thing in my life right now. As she moved closer to me, I felt a mix of warmth and anxiety, wondering what would happen next....
As I stood there, the question hung in the air, "So did I impress your dad?" I asked, trying to gauge her thoughts. Ailee's response was reassuring. "Well, he was pretty much already impressed with you, so let's say you win more points." I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "What about you? Did I impress you?" I pressed, hoping to hear something equally encouraging. Her smile was everything I needed. "I was also pretty much impressed with you already... so let's say I am even more impressed by you now, Shi Yi."
Then, Ailee surprised me by saying she had a gift for me. My curiosity piqued instantly. "A gift?" I repeated, my excitement bubbling to the surface. "Yes... a gift," she confirmed, and then instructed me to close my eyes. I complied, my heart racing with anticipation. I could feel her lean in closer, and with each heartbeat, the tension in the air grew thicker. Suddenly, I felt her soft lips against mine, and it startled me enough to open my eyes wide in shock.
"Do you like the gift?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for an answer. I nodded, unable to find my words in that moment. Everything felt surreal. "Shall we continue?" she asked, and I nodded again, my heart pounding as we kissed once more. In that instant, it felt like the world around us faded away, leaving just the two of us and this beautiful connection we were building.
*
*
As we pulled away from the kiss, I could see the sparkle in Ailee's eyes, and my heart was still racing. The moment felt magical, and I wanted to savor it. "Wow," I finally managed to say, a smile spreading across my face. "That was... unexpected."
Ailee giggled, a light blush creeping across her cheeks. "I thought it would be a nice surprise," she said, her voice soft and playful. I could feel the warmth radiating between us, and I couldn't help but lean in closer again, wanting to feel that connection just a little longer.
"What's next?" I asked, curious about where this moment would lead us. Ailee bit her lip, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well first I have to head back to the palace... it's almost time for my curfew... I'll see you again tomorrow..." My heart sank a little at the thought of her leaving. I wished I could hold her longer, to keep this moment alive just a bit more.
"Have a lovely night..." she said, her voice soft as she turned to leave. I watched her walk away, feeling a mix of longing and excitement. Tomorrow felt like an eternity away, but I knew that this was just the beginning of something special between us.
The warmth of the morning sun wrapped around me as I stepped out onto the streets of Qingzhen, but something felt off. I could sense it in the air, a peculiar tension that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It was as if everyone was watching me, their gazes heavy and scrutinizing. Normally, I relished the attention; I had a presence that commanded it. But today, it felt strange and unsettling.
Just then, I heard a familiar voice call out, "Shi Yi!" Before I could process it, a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me away. I turned to see Lee Yun, his expression serious. "Good morning, Lee Yun," I said, forcing a smile, but he didn't return it.
"What's wrong?" I asked, sensing the urgency in his demeanor.
"Were you with Princess Ailee last night?" he shot back, his eyes searching mine for answers.
I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "How did you know?" A smile crept onto my face, but it quickly faded when I saw the concern etched on his.
"Not just me, but the entire Qingzhen knows... apparently, they saw her coming out of your house yesterday," he explained, and the weight of his words hit me like a ton of bricks.
My heart raced as I realized the gravity of the situation. "How do they know?" I questioned, panic rising within me.
"Someone must have spread a rumor... news flies across Qingzhen fast," he replied, and my worry deepened.
"I've got to go," I said abruptly, turning on my heel.
"Where are you going?" he called after me, but I didn't stop.
"To check on her," I shouted over my shoulder as I sprinted toward the palace, my mind racing with thoughts of Ailee. I could only hope she was safe and that this rumor hadn't reached her yet. The last thing I wanted was for her to be caught in the whirlwind of gossip that could threaten everything we had just begun to build.
As I approached the palace, my heart pounded in my chest. I knew I had no other choice but to go over the fence. This was it. I had to see Ailee. It was time to confess something I had kept to myself: the banquet wasn't the first time I had laid eyes on her. It was the first time I saw her up close, but I had watched her from a distance through her window on several occasions. Back then, she felt so far out of reach, like a dream I could only admire from afar. But now, our worlds had intertwined in ways I never expected.
I managed to dodge the guards, my adrenaline fueling my movements as I climbed up to the window I had often gazed through. I banged on the glass, anticipation bubbling within me, but my heart still raced from the sprint over. Finally, the window creaked open, and I was met with a sight that took my breath away.
"Ailee..." I breathed, my jaw dropping in shock. But as reality set in, I realized it wasn't just her I was looking at. "Your Majesty!!" I exclaimed, the words tumbling out in a rush. I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. "I... I..." My mind raced, searching for the right words to explain my presence, but they eluded me. All I could do was stand there, caught between awe and confusion.
"Mr. Shi Yi, I didn't expect you to be the type to climb up to a girl's room so stealthily," the king remarked as I bowed down, seeking his forgiveness. "So, the rumors are true then... you were with my daughter last night?" he inquired, prompting me to take a deep breath before responding.
"Yes, I was with Ailee... I mean, Her Highness, last night... and I am truly sorry that my moment of selfishness led to her being caught up in rumors. I am prepared to accept any punishment," I confessed, bowing my head in remorse.
"Any punishment, you say?" the king questioned, to which I affirmed, "Yes, any punishment."
"Well, you did break the law by staying late and in secret with an unmarried woman of noble birth... and you compounded your error by climbing over the fence and into the same noble lady's room once again. Your punishment is to receive 100 strokes," the king declared, but before he could continue, someone interjected.
"Father..." Princess Ailee intervened, rushing over to shield me. "If he is to receive 100 strokes for being with me last night, then I should receive the same for accepting and being with him because he didn't force me, and I went to him willingly," she explained, bravely stepping in to defend me.
"Ailee..." I called out, touched by her gesture as she gazed back at me with a reassuring smile. However, our moment was interrupted by the king's surprising revelation.
"Did you have to come out right now? You've ruined my chance to see how much he cares for you and what he's willing to do for you," the king remarked, leaving us both stunned. "Do you think I have no idea where my one and only daughter spends her time...?" The tension in the room was palpable as we awaited his next words....."I know you went to him last night..." he had said, and I felt a rush of heat rise to my cheeks. It was surreal to hear him acknowledge our connection so openly. Ailee stood beside me, her presence a calming force amidst the tension.
When the king asked if we were serious about our feelings, I glanced at Ailee, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. We both replied with a resounding "Yes!" and in that moment, I felt a surge of hope. The king's smile was a mixture of approval and amusement, and I could see the pride in his eyes as he considered our future.
Then came the unexpected proposal of our engagement. My heart swelled at the thought, and I quickly affirmed my agreement. The king's laughter filled the room as he teased us about our eagerness. But as he instructed Gilho to make the announcement, I turned to Ailee, a mix of joy and concern swirling within me....she hugged me and then kissed my cheek.... "Are you sure we should be doing this in front of your father?" I whispered, I stood there, heart racing, as the king laid bare his observations. "I know you went to him last night..." His words hit me like a bolt of lightning. I could feel Ailee's presence beside me, her warmth a comforting anchor as the king continued, recounting the moments from the sword fight competition. I had been so lost in Ailee's gaze that I hadn't even noticed the world around us.
When the king asked if we were serious about our feelings, I looked into Ailee's eyes, searching for reassurance. We both replied with an enthusiastic "Yes!" It felt like a promise, a declaration that we were ready to face whatever came next. The king's smile was both proud and teasing, and I could sense the weight of the rumors swirling around us. His suggestion to announce our engagement sent a thrill through me, and I found myself nodding eagerly. "Yes!" I replied, my heart swelling with the possibility of a future with Ailee.
As the king directed Gilho to spread the news, I turned to Ailee, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside me. "Are you sure we should be doing this in front of your father?" I asked, half-jokingly. Her whisper, "He already knows we must have done something more," sent a shiver down my spine. I bit my lip, pulling her into a tight embrace, feeling as if we had just stepped into a new chapter of our lives. Whatever challenges awaited us, I knew we would face them together....
I couldn't help but chuckle at Lee Yun's teasing. "You left to check on Princess Ailee with fear that she would be affected by the rumors, and now you're getting engaged to her!" His words rang with disbelief, and I felt a warmth spread through me. "I know... all of this feels surreal," I replied, a smile breaking across my face.
Lee Yun reminisced about the time we sat right here, questioning whether the king would ever hand over his daughter to someone like me. And now, here I was, on the verge of an engagement. "Congratulations... brother," he said, pulling me into a tight embrace. I couldn't help but laugh, "Why are you getting so emotional right now? What will happen on my actual wedding day then?"
"Oh, don't even talk about it..." he said, pushing me away, but I just grinned and pulled him back for another hug. We both burst into laughter, the joy of the moment wrapping around us like a warm blanket.
But beneath the surface, I felt a flicker of uncertainty about the curse that had loomed over me since my battle with the Wuyi witches. If this was truly a curse, then why was I experiencing such incredible luck? The king's honor, retrieving what my uncle had taken from me, and now the love of the princess of Qingzhen—it felt too good to be true. Maybe the curse wasn't as straightforward as I thought.
*
*
*
Note
Lee Yun is his bestfriend and sworn brother while Li Yun is the prince of Ayan and his rival at the sword fight competition.