by Fynn Chen
A light rain had descended as abruptly as it had abated. The night hung with a cool mist when Wanwan returned to the tent and to the sight of Yexuan studying by her desk. Yexuan had finally moved back to the tent they lived in together. Peeling her attention away from the scroll she was reading, Yexuan looked expectantly towards Wanwan, and they shared another kiss. Wanwan detected the faint taste of bitter medicine from her lips. Smiling, Wanwan patted Yexuan’s head.
“You are an obedient courtly princess today.”
Tilting her head in mild confusion, Yexuan asked, “why do you say that.”
Wanwan’s lips curved into a slanted smile as she stroked Yexuan’s lip with her thumb. “You drank your medicine before I returned.”
Yexuan’s eyes went round as she grabbed Wanwan’s roving thumb. “You could taste it?”
Nodding, Wanwan pressed her lips against Yexuan’s again before she peeled herself away. “Yes, I can still taste it.”
A bright pink blush streaked across Yexuan’s face and Wanwan chuckled.
“Sickening,” Yexuan complained as she combed her fingers through Wanwan’s tousled hair which was made slightly damp from the night mist.
“You didn’t work in the rain, did you? I heard that you joined the logistics meeting,” Yexuan said with worry in her voice.
Shaking her head, Wanwan wrapped her arms around Yexuan’s hips as she said, “no, I was not caught in the rain. And yes, I was invited to the logistics meeting by Prince Zhongxian. It was really long and detailed.”
Wanwan shared everything she had learnt that day with the courtly princess. Yexuan had laughed periodically when Wanwan imitated how Prince Zhongtai had looked during the meeting and recounted some of the ridiculous inputs from the others during the meeting.
“Well… sounds like you really enjoyed that meeting,” Yexuan said with a smile before she broke out into a cough.
With a frown, Wanwan took off her own cloak, and fastened it about Yexuan, stroking her back to soothe her.
“You need to rest more, Yexuan. Else, I am going to force more medicine down your throat,” Wanwan spoke with sternness.
Sighing tiredly, Yexuan said as well, “I will get to rest a lot soon. My father Emperor has received reports about the infiltration attempt at our camp and ordered us to return swiftly. We will have to pack up at dawn and set off by midday tomorrow.”
Wanwan shared a sigh as well but there was also relief in it. “I knew that was coming. Given the scale of the attack it did take quite a while for your father Emperor to react to it.”
Pursing her lips in slight regret, Yexuan nodded, “Prince Zhongxian had tried his best to delay the reports for us to do more work here but now that things have stabilised, it is wise that we return as father Emperor wishes us to. The military force, and civilian labourers will continue with the restorative efforts for the next few months. We have suffered a great number of casualties and would be required to replace the imperial guards and palace maids who have lost their lives during this vicious attempt.”
Reflecting on the event nearly a week ago, an odd sort of sensation broiled within the pits of Wanwan’s stomach. The conversation she had with the rebel founder, whose name was forever imprinted in her heart, kept repeating in her mind. Initially, the proclamation that the rebel organisation was a visionary group, fighting on grounds of bettering this country had sounded downright preposterous to Wanwan. However, over several days of pondering, she realised that perhaps these people were truly blinded by their false ideals. It was a pity as they should have done more concrete things to pursue their goal of making this country a truly better place for all.
Wanwan squared her jaws as she divulged her thoughts to Yexuan. “I still cannot believe those rebels tried to attack a relief camp. If they have the manpower and resources, they should do something more meaningful rather than waste their lives on these suicide missions.”
Yexuan sighed loudly as she tugged at Wanwan’s still-bandaged arm and caressed it. “Some people are driven mad with their ideals. We cannot blame them.”
“You mean ignorance is not to be blamed?” Wanwan scoffed. “If they knew the good that you have been doing, they would have kowtowed to you and pray for your wellness instead.”
Wanwan’s thoughts swivelled towards the misdeeds committed by these misguided organisations; her sister who had been severely wounded, and Yexuan who had nearly fallen victim to their assaults. Wanwan rolled her eyes and suddenly a wave of passion overtook her as she continued.
“Foolish people! So easily swayed by false causes! I wish I could kill their leaders and lead them properly, to do more meaningful things! Imagine, with so many followers, they could have been organised to become an independent faction and help this country in their own ways instead of doing something as futile as going against the crown.”
A perplexed look passed over Yexuan’s face and Wanwan immediately held her tongue.
“I was just saying… I wish… and just imagine if all these were possible.”
“And if your wishes came true?” Yexuan asked sceptically with her eyes narrowing.
Wanwan swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. An internal debate began between divulging her heartfelt words to Yexuan and concealing those thoughts. All the ideas that she had brooded over the past few days and nights. One of Wanwan’s goals was to make the Pei civilians’ lives a better one and the answer that laid before her was clear. To have a vast number of monetary and human resources under her direct control.
Surely, Wanwan could have tried to effect changes in the Pei court by becoming an official court member, but she had observed Yexuan’s efforts over the years. It was helpful but its success was limited, especially with so much political resistance.
“I want you to answer me honestly. What if your wishes came true? What if you had all these men under your command? What would you really do?”
Peering into those tempestuous eyes of Yexuan’s and conjuring the image of how she would be sharing the same bed with Yexuan for a long time to come, Wanwan found it not possible to keep such a proposition from the courtly princess. Truth won.
“I would put them to good use. Build an organisation with a strong defence foundation and leadership structure. Serve the civilians in need discreetly using various methods,” a playful grin crept into Wanwan’s face as she said in a conspicuous voice, “methods like stealing riches from corrupt officials like Minister Song and Guo. Whoever agitates you in court will become my enemy. But of course, I would minimise antagonising the royal family at the same time. I will never slather ill names nor inspire hatred towards the royal family, I would never.”
Yexuan sucked in a deep breath and blew it out slowly, as if calming herself before she said.
“You would play vigilante.”
It was a statement, not a question. Wanwan could only nod, her grin turning sheepish.
Yexuan had broken away from their hug and shut her eyes as she took a seat on their bed. The smile on Wanwan’s face vanished as she pressed the back of her palm against Yexuan’s forehead to check for a fever. No fever. Yet, Yexuan’s face colour was becoming sickly. A curtain of silence fell over them and Wanwan found herself at a loss. Rarely had Wanwan been so exhausted of her wits and smarts, but in the face of Yexuan’s discomforts, this was one of the moments where Wanwan’s mind was crippled.
“Yexuan, are you mad?” Placing a hand softly on Yexuan’s shoulder, Wanwan asked carefully.
Yexuan opened her eyes slowly as if it required great effort and met Wanwan’s own with a hard gaze. “I am not. I just need some time to consider what you have said.”
Tilting her head in worry, Wanwan reached for Yexuan’s hair and stroked it. “Rest, Yexuan, we will be travelling a great distance back to the palace tomorrow. You cannot afford to pass out halfway.”
Yexuan gave a thin-lipped smile and said, “I am not that weak, my wildling princess.”
“Yes, my courtly princess, you aren’t. You we
re just overworked. I have heard that explanation many times. So now, my overworked princess, shut your mind from the conversation we had earlier and rest early.”
“What are you going to do while I rest then?” Yexuan asked in coquettish voice.
“Why, what a question! Watch you rest, of course! What else should I be doing?” Wanwan returned with an amorous smile.
Yexuan rolled her eyes but it seemed as if she was also bent on keeping Wanwan by her side. Yexuan had Wanwan’s right arm clutched tightly in her hands as she fell asleep. Rain began falling in heavy sheets outside of their tent as the night deepened, stirring Wanwan’s thoughts. A smile spread slowly across her face as she brushed her fingers lightly against Yexuan’s face. Yexuan had understood her thoughts perfectly and Wanwan was once again grateful that she had become a companion to such an extraordinary individual.
How did you manage to understand me so well, Yexuan?
19 Accompaniment of the Bright Moon
Wanwan had not realised that they have been away for nearly a month. When she had returned to the palace, her royal siblings, including Yanyan and Miying, were already waiting for them by the Eastern Dragon Gate, where they had first departed from. There were wide, welcoming grins on Miying, and her brothers’ faces. However, the aura radiating from Yanyan as well as the stiff expression on her sister’s face was unmistakable. Yanyan was mad, perhaps even madder than Yexuan had been back then.
Yexuan must have noticed the severe look on Yanyan’s face and brought her horse to a slow trot, falling several paces behind Wanwan’s steed. Clamping her lips tightly, Wanwan threw a solemn look to Yexuan who only smiled weakly at her, urging her to go ahead.
Once Wanwan had disembarked from Scarlet, the naggings began. As always, Yanyan was relentless, fussing over her bandaged arm, and criticising her actions. Fortunately, the princes were there as well and Yanyan had tried to contain her chagrin before the larger party.
“Princess Yexuan, Princess Wanwan, you must be exhausted. Princess Wanwan, your elder sister has been awaiting your return for several days and nights, perhaps you might like to pay a visit to her quarters at your earliest convenience?” Miying’s subtle advice was not lost on Wanwan.
Nodding urgently, Wanwan turned to address Yexuan.
“I shall see you back at your place in the evening. Will return with my sister to her quarters first.”
Yexuan merely gave a good-natured smile and did not make any further comments.
True to her expectations, Yanyan flew into a fury and screamed at her the moment the siblings had all stepped into the elder princess’s room and closed the doors behind them.
“Another injury! You fought this time round too!”
Miying had stood to a side of the room as the eldest Bo’er princess raged on.
Zhenxun interfered in a weak attempt to save Wanwan. “Well… Wanwan killed a handful of rebels at least.”
“Exactly! Why are you killing people?! You are a princess and… and…” Yanyan spoke so agitatedly that her words were stuck.
“I ought to be protected by the guards?” Wanwan added, and it was akin to adding fuel to blazing flames.
Her brothers immediately threw her warning glances, and Miying gave an imperceptible shake of her head.
“W-What are you saying?! The audacity of you to take that tone with me, Bo’er’ji’ji’te Zhenwan! You would treat your life so lightly?!”
Wanwan felt herself wronged far more than necessary. Why did everyone think that she was at fault when she was merely being responsible? Frustration welled up within her and Wanwan had forgotten the arts of placation. Instead, she spewed out bitter words instead, further aggravating her elder sister.
“Sister, you are angry, that is why you took offence to my tone. No matter how neutral I sounded, you would still scold me.”
There was a hiss from Zhenyin as he tugged at Wanwan’s robe sleeve.
“Just admit that you are in the wrong and stop infuriating Yanyan,” Zhenyin whispered urgently into her ears.
Shaking her brother’s hand off her sleeve, Wanwan wore a look of adamance as she faced her sister with renewed stubbornness. Then, her throat bobbed as she was acutely aware of the swell around her sisters’ eyes that was carefully concealed by layers of powder. Wanwan’s thoughts were thrusted back to earlier when Miying had commented that Yanyan had been waiting for her return for days and nights. Yanyan must have been worried sick.
Stung by realisation, Wanwan found her wilfulness fade away, but still found it hard to make any apologies to her sister.
As if able to read her thoughts, Miying had stepped in and truly saved Wanwan’s skin. “Princess Yanyan, might I have a say in this matter? As far as everyone knows, Princess Wanwan had been training in martial arts and weapons since a tender age and is exceptionally good at it. If Princess Wanwan had not lent her fighting skills during the rebel infiltration, it might have reflected really badly on her instead.”
The princes nodded their heads and Wanwan too, agreed after giving it some thought.
“Princess Wanwan got injured this time round while trying to save Princess Yexuan’s life. The Emperor of Pei has already heard about this and planned to handsomely reward Princess Wanwan. Besides, Princess Yanyan, you still have not fully recovered from your injury and should not be so agitated.”
Yanyan’s chest expanded as she sucked in a deep breath and her sister finally calmed a little at those placating words from Miying. Wanwan felt as though she was finally afforded some allowance to breathe. This was her opportunity to fully extinguish her sister’s flame. Inching towards her sister, Wanwan threw a look with her eyes full of regret in them at Yanyan.
“I am sorry, sister. I wanted to stay out of harm’s way too but there were so many of them. They even broke into Princess Yexuan and my tent. This injury was gotten from the fight in our tent.”
Yanyan looked at Wanwan with mournful eyes. A look that resembled a mother’s helpless exasperation before she enveloped Wanwan in a hug.
“When I heard about the infiltration, I immediately knew that you must have gotten injured. You could never sit out of a fight and that seemed like a perfect opportunity for you to prove yourself…”
Wanwan defended herself in a child-like manner, her voice muffled against her sister’s shoulders.
“Sister, I am not that big of a show-off, but it was true I did have my first real taste of a life and death fight.”
Yanyan pulled away from their embrace, and held Wanwan at arm’s length, shaking her head bitterly as she said, “look! What do I do with you? You are only fourteen and you are already…”
“Thinking and behaving like an adult. Sister, you have said it multiple times.”
Their small party could not help but break out into laughter at Wanwan’s cheekiness. After the siblings spent some time together, Wanwan had finally driven her brothers away, using the excuse of needing to spend some private time with Yanyan alone. Zhenyin and Zhenxun teased her for being deprived of maternal love. Nevertheless, they had left the sisters alone to themselves.
Wanwan had diverted the topic from herself to her sister after their royal brothers had departed from Yanyan’s quarters. If Yanyan and Miying had acted according to their pre-agreed plans, then Yanyan would have been feinting and complaining about persistent abdominal pains. In turn, her attending physician would have suspected the injury to leave a lasting impact on Yanyan’s body and report his deductions to the Empress directly. Then, they would slowly plant the idea of Yanyan’s infertility and feed it to the royal family.
“The physician seems convinced, but he told me that such aches are common, and that I should be observed for a couple more months,” Yanyan said disappointedly.
“Patience, Yanyan,” Miying reminded. “We cannot be too hasty, nor can we appear to be too obvious else our ploy might be seen through. Yanyan, remember, we must not leave any trails behind on this, and this idea must be contained within our minds only. Do not get a
dditional help from anyone and only discuss this matter with your sister. Once I am back in Bo’er, I will see what I can do from there.”
Wanwan nodded. “Yes, sister. We must very proceed carefully. Miying, ensure that not too many people in Bo’er learns of this plan. Inform only our father Khan. During this time, I will also do my best to distract the Pei royal family.”
“No!”
Yanyan and Miying said in tandem and Wanwan flinched at their combined outburst.
“Princess Wanwan, you have to tread very carefully too. You are no longer regarded as a child and you are not a sacrifice for your sister. The Great Khan… has forward plans and he has made it clear that his two daughters must return safely to his side. Neither you nor Yanyan will be the sacrificial lamb for each other.”
Miying explanations were careful with the efficient use of words. It made Wanwan acutely aware that Miying was their country’s adviser. Regarding Miying’s eyes which held layers of the considerations behind them, Wanwan raised a brow in challenge. Years of conjuring military and political stratagems on both the battlefield and Bo’er court had left its mark in Miying’s stoic face, and Wanwan knew that she could not rival the adviser’s knowledge and perceptiveness. Whatever Wanwan had thought of, Miying was probably a step or two ahead of her. Sighing, Wanwan nodded in concession.
“Yes, I will be careful too. Whatever my father Khan has in plan, I will trust his better judgement to consult in you.”
A small smile appeared on Miying’s face.
“Princess Wanwan, I see that living with Princess Yexuan had inspired some changes in you. I do not judge whether those are good or bad, but I could tell from your eyes that at least you do enjoy some elements of your stay in this palace of Pei.”
Pursing her lips, Wanwan pondered over those words but before she got to respond, Yanyan added some opinions of her own.
“Wanwan, your relationship with Princess Yexuan may be deep, but you have to remain politically objective.”
