Eight years passed and Qin was restored stronger than ever. Ying-tai grew up to be a successful student of Huian. In fact, he surpassed Huian by far. Because Ying-tai was so intelligent, he was a master strategist in the art of war and his natural born talent made it easy for him to learn martial arts without difficulty. He was swift with his hands and light with his feet. Both men and women admired him. He was tall and well built with a great posture. A lot of women in the Qin empire were big admirers of his. He had well defined facial structures: dark, defined brow line, a defined nose bridge, structured cheek bones, a cupid bow’s lip, and a masculine jaw line. His eyes were the golden part of him, though, for he had the kindest eyes.

Ying-tai was getting ready for Jiao Long’s return. It was all the palace was talking about. It had been nine years since he last saw Jiao Long and he wondered how much he changed. Was he still immature? Hot tempered? Clumsy? It was exciting to think they would be seeing each other’s faces again and spar like old times even though Jiao Long never beat him. Ying-tai walked out of his chamber and smelled jasmine in the air. The palace was decorated with spring flowers. It had rained the previous night so the morning air was crisp. He could see his breath in front of him. The sun’s ray was visible through the morning fog and dew was still on the leaves and grass.

“Lord Ying-tai!” Someone called.

Ying-tai looked ahead and saw Ms. Shu. She was an old kind lady that worked in the palace and looked over and trained all of the maids.

“Good morning, Ms. Shu!” Ying-tai smiled.

“Ah, Ying-tai, you grow more and more handsome each day!” She smiled and patted Ying-tai’s white robe.

“You are more and more beautiful each day, Ms. Shu,” Ying-tai replied.

Shu laughed, “Ah, Ying-tai, you mustn’t tease!”

Ying-tai chuckled and asked, “Did you need something from me?”

“Not I. The Emperor. He wants to see you as soon as you can go see him,” Shu replied.

“Tell him I’m right on my way,” Ying-tai informed.

Shu nodded and shuffled away with the message.

In the palace, the Emperor awaited Ying-tai in his seat. As Ying-tai arrived, he walked down and led Ying-tai toward the Koi garden.

“What was it you needed me for, your majesty?”

“No need for such formality, son,” The Emperor smiled. Then he sighed, “Today I feel as though I should be happy for Jiao Long’s return but I can’t help but feel bothered by a dream I had these last few nights.” He flicked a few pieces of corn into the pond where the koi gathered. “I had a dream about a beautiful gold fish swimming in this beautiful clear water. Then there was a smaller fish that swum next to it. The thing was, the smaller fish was attacking it. In the end it killed the gold fish. I watched the goldfish float away into the shimmering stream till I lost sight of it. I felt very sad. And for some reason, I wept. I couldn’t understand it. Then something caught my eye. In front of me stood two magnificent herons. One was a male, the other a female. They have been standing there the whole time and I had not noticed. They stood so still facing each other. I could see the small fish from earlier swimming up close to them. Then in a swift movement, the female finally broke its posture and snatched that fish out of water. She then handed it to the male and he devoured it. After a long embracement of the two, they spread their wings and flew high into the clouds.”

When the Emperor finished his dream, he turned and looked at Ying-tai. Ying-tai took a good look at his face. Since the Empress passed, he seemed to have aged a lot.

“I hope the herons are a symbol of Qin’s future triumph,” the Emperor hoped.

“I’m sure it’s nothing but good coming with Crown Prince Jiao Long’s return,” Ying-tai assured. “You shouldn’t pay too much mind with dreams. They can take away your attention from what’s really important.”

The Emperor chuckled and nodded, “Perhaps you’re right, Ying-tai.” He emptied the rest of the corn from his hands and patted the crumbs off. “You go now and prepare for Jiao Long’s return home. And go check up on Xiu Juan. Last I heard she was gathering things with the servants. How improper of her. When you find her tell her to prepare herself for the banquet like a proper lady should.”

The Emperor waved his hand and Ying-tai nodded and parted away to find Xiu Juan with his few men following close by.

Xiu Juan had been gathering herbs and flowers all morning in the flower terrace that she created while dressed in her male clothes and a mask across her face with her maid, Luli: a sweet girl with a rather witty mouth. She was shorter and a tad tan. She had a round face that made her appear younger than she really was. They grew to become best friends and shared many things together. Xiu Juan treated her like a sister.

“Princess Xiu Juan! Shouldn’t we head back by now? Your father would be upset!”

“Don’t call me by that here, Luli. You should know that. What if some lunatic was peeping on us and heard you say that?”

Luli got creeped out and looked around them. “Sorry I didn’t mean to!” She whispered loudly, “But all the better reason to head back to the palace now.”

“Oh stop it. Nothing will happen. Besides, I’m still arranging the perfect arrangement of herbs and flowers to place in Ying-tai’s chamber.”

“As long as they are from you, Ying-tai would be happy,” Luli giggled.

“I doubt that. He didn’t say much about the last ones I gave him.”

“Ah, but Xia said he’d put it by his bed and when the flowers were starting to wither he would dry them and press them into paper so he could keep them longer.”

Xiu Juan blushed, “No he doesn’t! He’s an inconsiderate person who doesn’t know how to cherish things other people give him!”

Luli giggled, “But do you ever go follow up and see where your flowers end up?”

“Luli stop it! This isn’t funny anymore!”

All of a sudden they heard a rustle. Xiu Juan motioned Luli to hush.

“Maybe it’s a small animal?” Luli hoped.

“No. Too big,” Xiu Juan whispered, not taking her eyes off the direction the sound was coming from. She motioned Luli to climb her white horse, Shan. Xiu Juan bent down and clenched the stick next to her and pulled it in. She heard the steps come in closer. Then she heard more footsteps. Then a body popped out into the clearing and Xiu Juan struck. The person managed to dodge her strike, surprisingly. The person then made a move to knock her stick down and succeeded. She quickly turned and retaliated but saw it was Ying-tai.

“Princess?” Ying-tai observed. He drew his hand back.

“Lord Ying-tai!” Luli squealed, got off the horse and bowed down. “We’re sorry we didn’t know it was you.”

Xiu Juan huffed and brushed the dirt off her sleeves. “I could’ve knocked you out.”

“Princess!” Luli shrieked.

“I should’ve known it was just you,” Xiu Juan said as she gathered her flowers. “Nobody knows this flower terrace but us.”

“Princess Xiu Juan, you shouldn’t be out in the wild by yourself. It’s unsafe,” Ying-tai lectured.

“I’m quite aware of that. And I don’t need that formality from you.”

“And why are you dressed in men’s clothing?” Ying-tai asked.

“So people won’t know it’s me. Clever, huh?”

Ying-tai shook his head. “Father wants you home.”

Xiu Juan scoffed, “I know.”

“You should get ready for the banquet.”

Xiu Juan didn’t say a word while she was tying her stuff to her horse. She sighed and looked at Ying-tai, “It’s been nine years and he has not even come back to visit once.”

“He’s written letters. And it’s far. It’s understandable.”

“He didn’t come back for mother,” Xiu Juan snapped.

“It was probably the best for him. It would’ve distracted him from his studies.”

“You are always standing up for people, Ying-tai. Just like father.”

Ying-tai didn’t respond to that. “Come home, Princess.” Ying-tai walked toward Xiu Juan and held out his hand to help her get on her horse. Xiu Juan declined and climbed up by herself. Luli followed right by them. When they made it back to the palace, Ying-tai’s men were on guard waiting for their return.

“I told them to wait. I know you don’t like people going to places you don’t allow,” Ying-tai explained.

Xiu Juan smiled with gratification, “Thank you.”

When they got to the palace, soldiers tried to help Xiu Juan off her white horse but she waved them away and jumped onto her feet.

“Princess???”

Xiu Juan immediately knew it was Ms Shu and looked up. She turned around, removed the cloth from her face and smiled nervously, “Ms Shu! Good morning!”

“Good afternoon, more like!” Ms Shu scolded. She was like a mother to Xiu Juan. “You were supposed to be getting ready by now!”

“Ah, yes. It is ‘by now’ isn’t it? I made it just in time. And I was getting ready. I brought these for the servants to prepare for the banquet.” Xiu Juan waved her hand for the servants to begin prepping the flowers she gathered all morning from her flower terrace.

“This is not funny, young lady,” Shu lectured. “Now come. Time to get you ready! Look at you, you are a mess!” Shu grabbed Xiu Juan and pulled her.

“Ah, wait! My flowers!” Xiu Juan turned to look back but saw Luli already had it in her hands. She sighed in relief and glanced at Ying-tai who was smiling at the commotion she caused. She blushed and walked on faster, her heart beating hard against her chest.

In her chamber, a freshly bathed Xiu Juan was getting pampered for the banquet. Her servants started with her long, dark, silk hair. They had put the upper half of her hair up in a rather loose up-do and adorned it with jewels. The bottom half fell freely on her back. Then they did her makeup. Xiu Juan had a beauty that was timeless. It had its elegance---that in which cannot be emphasized enough--that pulled at ones heartstrings the more one glanced at her. She had a long, slender white face with delicate features. She had a dark arched brow line. She had eyes that were big and kind but were also a powerful tool of expressions. With this being said, one must never be fooled by her gaze for they had the capability to pierce right through one’s soul. Her well-shaped cupid’s bow lips were red in contrast to her white skin. Whenever she smiled, her cheekbones rounded like apples and would be visible and it lit up her whole face and everyone around her. She, in simplest words, was a living elegant painting.

Xiu Juan used the scent from her flowers—plum blossoms principally--to fragrance herself. She dabbed some onto her wrist and then some behind her ears. Luli helped Xiu Juan put her first layer of garments on while Shu brought out the deep colored robe with silver embroidery of herons.

“This robe is heavy,” Xiu Juan said, struggling through the sleeves. When she got herself together, Shu took a deep breath and looked at Xiu Juan. She placed both of her hands on Xiu Juan’s chin and cupped her face.

“Oh, princess! Look at you! You look just like your mother!” Her eyes welled up with tears, “My little girl has grown up! You’ve grown into such a beautiful woman.”

“Thank you, Ms Shu. But I’m nothing like my mother,” Xiu Juan claimed, taking Shu’s hands in hers.

“Ah whatever you say, child,” Shu sighed and patted her hands. “I’ll leave you now. There’s much to tend to.”

“You’re excused,” Xiu Juan dismissed Shu.

“Princess, you look so pretty!” Luli squealed.

Xiu Juan smiled, “It’s the jewels and makeup.” Then she remembered about the flowers for Ying-tai. “Luli! The flower herbs for Ying-tai! I need to deliver them!”

“Right now? The banquet is about start!”

“We have time! Quick give me the flowers!”

Xiu Juan shuffled her way out of her chamber and stepped out onto the patio. On her way to Ying-tai’s chamber she met with Huian.

“Huian!” Xiu Juan gasped. She stopped and bowed to him.

Xiu Juan

“Princess,” Huian bowed at Xiu Juan and then nodded at Luli. “What are you doing in this part of the palace? There are only men and servants here. You should not be here. It’s not proper for a young lady like you.”

“No, no, no, Sir Huian it’s not what you think—“ Luli began.

Xiu Juan raised her hand and cut Luli off and smiled, “Huian, I came to find brother Ying-tai. I figured I would find him in his chamber. Whether I find him or not, I plan to leave hastily after I drop something off for him. I’m sorry we interrupted whatever you were doing.”

Huian examined the herbs and flowers in Xiu Juan’s hand and smiled, “No, princess. I’m sorry I came into your way. Ying-tai should be near. I just spoke with him. Good day. I will see you at the banquet.”

Xiu Juan nodded and let Huian pass and then gracefully strode her way to Ying-tai’s part of the palace, her deep blue robe sweeping the hardwood floor and the silver embroidered herons swaying behind her.

When she reached Ying-tai’s doorway her heart thumped hard. She was hoping he wasn’t there, yet she was really hoping he was too. Then she saw Xia, Ying-tai’s attendant and Lieutenant.

“Princess!” Xia jumped. He quickly bowed and apologized, “Sorry, Princess Xiu Juan. I did not see you there.”

Luli chimed, “Hi Xia! Is Ying-tai in? We’d like to see him!”

Xia, being in front of the ladies, smiled nervously, “Um, no he’s not right now. You just missed him. He stepped out a moment ago.”

Xiu Juan tried to hide her disappointment. She actually wanted to see Ying-tai.

“It’s okay, Xia. I just wanted to drop something off.”

“Oh, of course.” Xia moved to the side to let Xiu Juan pass.

“Luli, stay here. I’ll be quick,” Xiu Juan ordered.

“Oh, um…okay sure,” Luli obliged.

Xiu Juan slowly let herself into Ying-tai’s chamber. Since they got older and Ying-tai became busier, she did not visit very often anymore. She walked around for a bit and soaked in the nostalgia. She passed by his desk where he would study till near dawn and she fell asleep soundly by him. She would always find his robe around her when she woke up to the sound of the cock crow, but never Ying-tai. Past his desk and across the wooden floors where the light bounced off of warmly, she remembered sitting there for days and nights waiting for Ying-tai’s return from his conquests with Huian. She stopped mid track when she heard a swan lift off from water. She turned to her right and slid the paper door that led to the garden. It had not changed at all, except the lotus pond seemed smaller than the time when little Xiu Juan fell into it when she tried to reach for a lotus flower and Ying-tai jumped right in after her to save her. She left the paper door cracked open to let the fresh air in and shuffled on. She smiled at the fond memories and recollected her footsteps of when she would run around Ying-tai’s room everyday with something she found fascinating. Finally, Xiu Juan drew near the bed and placed her flowers on the small table next to it. Even though she did not come visit as often anymore, she still sent flowers with scented herbs everyday to his chamber so it would seem as though she was still there every day. She lifted her skirt and began her way out but remembered what Luli said about Xia witnessing Ying-tai pressing the flowers onto paper to make them last forever.

He must be lying, Xiu Juan thought. But she couldn’t help but snoop. She looked around his book shelves but found nothing. She was about to give up hope until she walked past his desk. Under all of the rolls of paper and books, she saw a bundle of papers that stuck out. It was neatly stacked with a ribbon binding it together. She untied the ribbon carefully and revealed what was on the paper. To her astonishment, it was the flowers indeed! He had picked out certain ones from the many arrangements she sent and pressed them onto paper. She picked up the one with the hydrangea and smiled ever so big. He managed to preserve their beauty on a piece of rice paper. Her heart was filled with happiness.

She quickly looked behind her when she heard footsteps. I took too long! She panicked. Before she could put down the rice paper holding the hydrangea, she heard her name.

”Princess Xiu Juan?” Ying-tai called to her in a low voice.

Xiu Juan recognized his voice and blushed, “Ying-tai! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snoop around your desk. It’s just—I—I was just leaving.”

Ying-tai noticed the flower arrangement far across his room. “Thank you for the flowers. I’m surprised you didn’t send Luli or Shu this time around.”

“Everyone is busy doing something today. I can manage to do a little delivery myself,” Xiu Juan stammered a little. She tried so hard to be poised with Ying-tai. He smiled at the flustered Xiu Juan. He walked toward her.

“Why so tense, Princess? Earlier you wanted my head,” Ying-tai teased.

Xiu Juan stared at him, “I told you to not call me Princess. And I’m not tense. I’m rather calm.”

Ying-tai chuckled, “Sure, Princess.”

Xiu Juan sighed.

“Spare some time to have some tea with me?” Ying-tai offered, looking at Xiu Juan with his kind eyes.

Xiu Juan eyes lit up. “But Luli is waiting,” she tried to decline.

“They can wait. There’s no rush to go anywhere today.” Ying-tai spoke softly.

Xiu Juan, swayed by his stare, accepted his invitation. She spread her dress neatly before her and sat down.

“Don’t you have somewhere to go, Ying-tai?” She asked.

Ying-tai poured the tea Xia prepared into a porcelain cup. She watched the steam rise up from the cup and accepted it from Ying-tai’s hand.

“I have nowhere to go today,” Ying-tai assured. “Everyone is preparing for Prince Jiao Long’s return.”

They sipped their tea quietly and looked out unto the garden. Behind the whistle of the breeze brushing between the tree branches, Xiu Juan hummed a quiet tune and Ying-tai turned his gaze onto her. He took a long look at her porcelain white face, her dark brows, and her red lips. In her gracefulness, she was nothing like the small boyish girl who wanted to do the things her brother and he did. She had grown into a beautiful blossom. A blossom he hoped to never wither.

“I’ve missed these quiet moments,” Ying-tai started. “When one has been to a battlefield, all one can think about is home. The yearning begins to hurt,” he sighed and put down his cup, “and when you finally have a piece of that yearning, you can’t get enough of it. You just want time to stop.” Xiu Juan turned to Ying-tai. “Like now,” he smiled at her warmly. He picked up the kettle and poured another cup of tea for himself and Xiu Juan.

Xiu Juan dropped her shoulders a bit, shook her head and empathized, “How long do we have to wait between each setting of time to just have a cup of tea together like this?” She watched Ying-tai sip his tea and then looked down to her cup. She gripped it and sighed, “May this kettle of tea never empty. That way I can keep this moment longer.”

Ying-tai raised his eyes to her.

The bell chimed loudly and interrupted the tea session. Jiao Long had returned. Ying-tai got himself up and walked to Xiu Juan to help her stand. She extended her soft hand upward and took a hold of his. As he took her hand in his, she felt this overwhelming feeling of warmth and safeness. Once on her feet, she neatly brushed herself with her other hand and fixed her hair that strayed onto her face. She began to get annoyed with the ornaments in her hair and tried to secure it in its spot. Ying-tai lifted his hands and took some off, leaving a few small ornaments in place.

“There, how is it now?” Ying-tai asked as he lightly brushed her hair. “You don’t need all of that. You are already lovely the way you are.”

Xiu Juan quickly looked down and tried to cover her blushing cheeks. Meanwhile, Ying-tai adjusted his sashes. “Let’s go greet your brother now,” he grinned and continued off to the door.

Inside the palace, it was decorated with flowers and perfumed with scented oil. Sheets of silk and lanterns were draped up everywhere, and noblemen and women awaited on every side. At the tables, there were feasts of all kinds of beasts, fruits, and sweets. And then, of course, there were endless barrels of wine.

When Jiao Long walked in, the Emperor laughed in the jolliest laugh and opened his arms widely to invite him in. Jiao Long was tall like Ying-tai. He had softer features with rather luscious lips and was a rather very pretty boy with his red lips, pale-ish skin, and dark hair and brows. His eyes were piercing like that of a predator and often spoke with little regard to other people’s feelings.

“Jiao Long!” The Emperor beamed.

“Father!” Jiao Long chimed. They embraced each other then Jiao Long greeted Huian, who was standing by The Emperor, with the upmost respect. Jiao Long presented them with the gifts he brought, and after the reunion of father and son The Emperor raised his hands and roared like a proud lion to start the Banquet.

“It’s so good to have you home, son,” The Emperor smiled.

“I’m happy to be back, father. I feel as though it has been an eternity since I’ve been home. However, it seems like not much has changed despite of what had happened,” Jiao Long observed his palace as they walked through the grand room.

“Ah, yes. It was a difficult time but we managed to pull through,” the Emperor reminisced.

“I can see that,” Jiao Long nodded. “Seemed like you did well without me,” he commented.

The Emperor chuckled, “Ah, no! We would have been able to do MORE with you!”

Jiao Long smirked and shrugged it off. “It’s what I expect of Qin.”

“Yes! Yes!” The Emperor bellowed jollily.

“Where’s Xiu Juan and Ying-tai?” Jiao Long wondered.

“Ah, yes,” The Emperor realized. “Where are they?” He asked the servants.

“Crown Prince Jiao Long!” A voice called from behind. It was Ying-tai. He was beaming with contentment. Jiao Long laughed and went on his way to Ying-tai and they both embraced each other in a brotherly manner.

“Well, you’ve gotten very handsome, young man!” Jiao Long complimented.

“Crown Prince, you are being too kind,” Ying-tai laughed.

Jiao long chuckled and turned around to his father, “Father, look! He could be an heir to Qin! His bearing is like that of a true blood prince!” He turned and took another look at Ying-tai, “It’s perfectly molded in him!”

The Emperor, pleased, smiled, “He is a prince of Qin.”

Jiao Long smirked and glanced back at his father with his arm around Ying-tai, “Whatever you say, father.”

Then above all of the commotion, the announcer shouted, “Grand Princess Xiu Juan arrives!”

Everyone turned around quickly and eagerly to steal a glance at the princess. As soon as Xiu Juan saw her brother, she couldn’t help but feel bliss in her heart. She quickly moved her feet through the layers of her skirt. When she reached him she stopped and smiled, eyes glittering. She bowed low to him and welcomed his return.

“Thank the gods your journey was safe and successful,” Xiu Juan said.

Jiao Long stepped closer to his little sister and held her. “Look at you, Xiu Juan! You are no longer that little boyish girl. I can’t believe my eyes. You’ve grown into a beautiful woman! Ying-tai sure kept his promise! He treated you well?”

Xiu Juan smiled and nodded, “He puts my life before his!”

Jiao Long turned to Ying-tai and praised him, “You are a man of your words. Thank you.”

“I only did what was necessary. It’s not that praiseworthy, Crown Prince” Ying-tai responded.

Studying Ying-tai and Xiu Juan, Jiao Long teased, “Mmmm…I think you did more than what you needed to,” and laughed. Stealing Xiu Juan’s heart was praiseworthy. Ying-tai and Xiu Juan’s eyes widened. They looked at each other and then quickly looked away.

That night, every one feasted, drank, laughed, and drank again. There was endless music and entertainment. Beautiful dancers tried to catch Jiao Long and Ying-tai’s appeal. It was no surprise as Jiao Long was a beautiful man and Ying-tai was praised as exceptional and handsome. Jiao Long was having the time of his life giggling drunkenly with a couple of women in each arm. Ying-tai, however, refused services and just stood by and watched while occasionally sipping his cup of wine. Luli, who was carrying a large handkerchief stuffed with food, caught Ying-tai’s attention.

What is she doing? He wondered. He followed her with his eyes and discovered she was stealing food for Xiu Juan. He laughed as he watched Xiu Juan stuff her mouth with sweets and tear pieces of meat for Luli. Xiu Juan, still chewing on her sweets, caught Ying-tai’s stare and nearly choked on her food. She thought that since everyone was so drunk, they wouldn’t notice her stealing food here and there. She quickly whipped out her handkerchief and wiped her face.

Ying-tai turned toward Jiao Long and spoke into his ear, “It’s rather late, I will be heading off to my chamber now, Prince.”

Jiao Long waved his hand drunkenly and tried to make Ying-tai stay a while longer but failed. “All right then,” Jiao Long hiccupped, “if you’re too tired, go. I’m going to stay a little longer with these beautiful women.” He leaned over to smooch them but they turned their faces and giggled away.

Ying-tai parted and bowed to the Emperor who relieved him. Ying-tai made his way to Xiu Juan who was still embarrassed about someone catching her pigging out.

“This is your home. You don’t have to sneak food into your mouth like that,” Ying-tai commented.

Xiu Juan turned away, “I wanted to eat now. I thought everyone would be too drunk to notice anything.”

Ying-tai extended his hand out, “You’re right. Guide me to my chamber?”

Xiu Juan shot a look at Ying-tai as soon as he mentioned that. Luli’s eyes widened and she smiled big and poked at Xiu Juan.

“Come, everyone is too drunk to notice,” Ying-tai said softly. His eyes seemed so alluring to Xiu Juan.

Xiu Juan lowered her face and took his hand and led him to his chamber with Luli following closely after. When Xiu Juan walked Ying-tai into his room, Ying-tai quickly took a seat and massaged his head.

“Sorry you have to see me like this, Princess. I’m not good with alcohol and I don’t want anyone seeing me in my vulnerable state.”

Xiu Juan understood and ordered Luli a list to bring to help sober up Ying-tai.

“Bring me peppermint leaves, ginger, and some fennel seeds. Get hot water too.” Xiu Juan demanded as she took off her heavy blue robe and rolled up her sleeve.

“Yes, yes!” Luli nodded her head and quickly left.

Xiu Juan put her slender shoulders under Ying-tai’s strong arm and helped him walk to his bed. He could smell the fragrance of plum blossoms she always had on and he loved it more than anything.

Helping Ying-tai reminded Xiu Juan of when he was sick one horrible winter day and she insisted on nursing him back to health with her little hands. It was since then she started studying botany with Shu. She remembered not even being able to carry him at that time.

“Princess, please,” Ying-tai insisted on doing things on his own.

“Ying-tai, don’t say anything. I will knock your head if you resist too much.”

Ying-tai chuckled, “I’m sorry.”

She took off his white embellished robe and hung it up by his bed and propped him up with a pillow. Luli soon came back with the items she ordered and Xiu Juan quickly brewed it into a tea.

“Here, this will cure your nausea and headache,” Xiu Juan lifted the cup to Ying-tai’s lips.

“Thank you, princess,” Ying-tai exhaled.

“It’s nice to have the family back together, huh?” Xiu Juan smiled.

Ying-tai grinned and nodded. They listened to the muffled noise and music coming from the palace.

“They won’t stop till dawn,” Xiu Juan sighed.

“Indeed,” Ying-tai nodded.

“It was nice to hear music like that again inside the palace,” Ying-tai commented.

“Yes! It filled my heart with happiness,” Xiu Juan’s face lit up.

Ying-tai looked at Xiu Juan who was avoiding eye contact. They sat in silence for a while till Ying-tai managed to speak.

“Princess Xiu Juan,” he began.

Xiu Juan looked up at him. “Yes?” She responded.

“I have traveled far and wide and listened to many poets and artists recite their art. I’ve listened to musicians in the mountains who offered to play their music for me. And today, I watched beautiful performers perform marvelously before me but nothing quenched my heart’s thirst.”

Xiu Juan stared at this sensitive Ying-tai fondly. He paused and reminisced of the time when Xiu Juan would sing to him every day and play her guzheng when she came to visit his chamber. Even when he was studying, he loved her guzheng sounding in the background. She loved music so much, she even hummed in her sleep and because she loved music so much it became infectious. So infectious it infected his heart. He opened his eyes and looked at Xiu Juan, “Why did you stop?”

“You left home every day. I barely saw you anymore,” her heart began to remember the familiar pang of hurt. “You had your own responsibilities I wasn’t allowed to keep you from. So I left you to your duties.” She looked down and put her hands together and squeezed them. “Then we grew apart. Everyone did.”

Ying-tai leaned forward, wrapped his arm around her and put his warm hand on top of hers and gripped it. “Sing for me,” he softly requested.

Xiu Juan turned her head and locked her eyes into his gaze that was able to make anyone intoxicated and he loved using it against her.

“Sing like you used to.”

He felt Xiu Juan get nervous and tremble, making him grip her hands a little firmer. This calmed her quickly and made her warm inside. She squeezed his hands in return and opened her lips to sing her blissful heart out to Ying-tai’s heart’s content. She cradled him to sleep and combed her fingers through his long soft locks. She stared at his peaceful rested face and ran her fingers down the bridge of his nose. He was perfect to her. Though she had finished singing, her heart was still singing ever so dotingly out to him. When she got herself up to leave, she felt a tug and turned around to see what it was only to see Ying-tai holding onto her garment tightly with his face buried into her long silk dress that scented of plum blossoms.