Swoosh…Swoosh…Swoosh, the sea gently sang as Ying-tai walked closely by the shore early the next morning on his way to the pier. He let the salt air brush through his skin and hair while he stood quietly and watched the waves try to drape over his feet. He bent down to touch the sand that was as pale as snow and while he knelt before the endless vastness of the sea and stars, Ying-tai lowered his shoulders. He looked at the grains of sand that glittered as he released it from his hand.

“I am none but a grain of sand to the heavens,” he sighed.

“Ying-tai of Qin!” A voice called from the pier ahead. Prince Enlai waved at him, “Good morning!”

Ying-tai greeted him in return and continued forward. Not too long after, Huian and Xia arrived.

“Ahhhh I can get used to this sight!” Xia beamed as he stretched. “I don’t mind the big blue. It’s serene!”

“Don’t let it fool you. The big blue isn’t as peaceful as you depict it to be. For such vastness, it’s bound to have inhabitants.”

“Eh?” Xia looked at Prince Enlai with a raised brow. “Inhabitants?”

“Pirates,” Prince Enlai clarified. “There are pirates that plague the waters. We have to always be on guard just in case they decide to raid us.”

“Raid you?” Huian was concerned.

“Yes. So far they’ve been leaving us alone. But they’ve been running our resources from the sea dry. We can’t go any further out to the sea to search for anything more because beyond a certain point it’s their so-called territory.”

“But I’ve heard the Qi are great sailors and are adept in navigating through rumbling waters! You are the experts in naval warfare,” Xia was perplexed.

“That’s true, but if leaving them content is what will keep my kingdom at peace then I will not complain about never being able to ride out into the infinite blue again.”

“Well, that’s no way to live,” Ying-tai asserted.

Prince Enlai turned to Ying-tai.

“One must never settle, your highness,” Ying-tai continued. “To once have had something so grand within your hold, I can’t imagine how you could go on your days without it.” Ying-tai looked out to the sea in the direction where the sun was beginning to rise, “If there is a fight you feel is worth fighting for, draw your sword. You might wake up one day regretting you’ve let the years slip by and you haven’t achieved anything worth looking back to.” Ying-tai’s shoulders were poised, “When the day comes that I return to ashes and dust, I want to be able to look back to the world that I resided in and smile. Whether I’ll end up in hell or heaven I want to greet death as an old friend, content in knowing that all the suffering I endured did not go in vain.”

Prince Enlai also watched the rising sun and smiled with a sigh. “Ahhh, well little steps first,” he began. Ying-tai looked at him as he continued, “First things first, let’s rebuild this pier. You might want to get off now because the demolition will begin..right…about…” Prince Enlai turned to his guard. “Exactly when again?”

The guard bowed to Prince Enlai as he spoke, “That would be now, your highness.”

Prince Enlai turned to Ying-tai, Huian, and Xia whose eyes immediately widened. “Oh! I guess you’re right! I don’t think anybody knows we are standing here as nobody is allowed on construction sites,” he chuckled as a loud sound of a blow came from underneath them.

“What?!” Ying-tai felt the pier begin to slant sideways.

“We should jump off now,” Prince Enlai started to lead them calmly.

“Wah! Are you insane?” Xia panicked.

As the pier collapsed from explosives, Prince Enlai leapt downward with Ying-tai and the rest of the men following after. Landing on the boat below them and rowing away from the demolition, Xia’s mouth flew open.

“Explosives! I almost died, Ying-tai!” Xia was shaken.

The guard by Prince Enlai bowed to him as he spoke again in a low voice, “Your majesty should be more careful and considerate towards his guests.”

Prince Enlai laughed and waved his hand, “This is Ying-tai and his fellowship. Something as little as this would not hurt them!”

Huian brushed the little residue off of his sleeves, “How wild!”

Ying-tai looked to the fallen pier with Prince Enlai who stood balanced and entirely content. “I’ve been meaning to repair this pier. It feels exciting to finally close this long overdue project.” He looked at Xia who was lying on the boat and Huian who was still collecting himself. Then he turned to Ying-tai whose eyes were still widened from the sudden incident. He laughed out loud, finding it amusing he caught the great Ying-tai off guard. Ying-tai looked at Prince Enlai, rather confounded, as he continued to laugh on while the demolition carried on. Ying-tai smirked. Then he chuckled. Then, being unable to contain himself, he laughed with Prince Enlai.

“We almost died!” Prince Enlai laughed. “Imagine this going down in history! Prince of Qi dies with an infamous foreign Unit Commander at a CONSTRUCTION SITE! How honorable!”

Xia raised his brow at Huian who began to chuckle himself. “Seeing Ying-tai get startled will never get old,” he grinned.

“Aye, I don’t know how you can laugh when our lives just flashed before our eyes!” Xia said while the men before him carried on laughing.

For the next couple of days they built the pier without rest. Using stronger beams and revised constructing, the pier turned out stronger than before. It was finally in tone with the great battleships of Qi that rested by it.

“Ah, it feels good to accomplish something!” Prince Enlai stretched. He handed some water to Ying-tai and his men, “Here! Come rest.”

“How admirable of you to come out and do deeds with your people,” Ying-tai praised as he wiped off his sweat. “It’s rare to see someone of sovereign power to step out and act with their citizens.”

Prince Enlai crossed his arms and shrugged as he spoke, “Father says it builds character and will help me when it is my turn to take the throne. I don’t complain. It’s good practice and I get to know my kingdom.”

Ying-tai smiled and raised the pitcher of water to his lips, “I’m glad to see that’s how you think of it.”

Prince Enlai looked at Ying-tai then back to the completed polished pier. “I say this calls for a little celebration. Let’s go to the Blooming Lotus Pavilion!”

“Huh?” Ying-tai shot his head up from the water pitcher.

“Oh ho! Yes, this is what I’m talking about!” Xia smiled brightly.

Before Ying-tai could say anything to resist, Prince Enlai went on his way with Xia trailing behind and Huian shrugging at the suggestion that was never meant to be turned down.

That night at the Blooming Lotus Pavilion, many women came to greet Prince Enlai and massaged him. They giggled and flirted irrepressibly as he sipped his rice wine, his cheeks already having a red line of blush from the alcohol. Xia was too busy gorging the feast before him to notice the women trying to charm him and Huian quietly drank his tea that the women by him poured.

A little while after, the mercenary who Ying-tai and his men met when they saved Princess Yanmei entered through the doors. When he spotted Prince Enlai, he walked over and bowed to him. When Ying-tai noticed him, he placed his cup of tea down and bowed his head to him when he arrived at their table. After greeting Ying-tai and his men, he turned to Prince Enlai.

“I figured I’d find you here,” a man’s voice sounded and he grinned as he politely greeted Prince Enlai.

“Ah, Delun! What a company! Come, come! Join us for a meal!”

“Actually, I was sent by your father to find you. He wanted to make sure that you knew you still had more duties other than repairing the pier before the day of the ceremony. By the way, I praise you on the good job you did.”

“Of course I know of my other duties that await. My old man is too fretful.”

“Also, he wanted me to take you back home if I found you here,” Delun informed.

Prince Enlai waved his hand, “Aya, Delun. You and my father are too much alike. You both need to just relax sometimes. Here! Sit down with me and have a cup of wine.”

Delun sat down and helped himself, “I am nothing like your father. He is far too political. Plus, he hates wine whilst I live for it.”

Prince Enlai poured another cup of wine for Ying-tai and put his arm around him, “Ying-tai of Qin! Enjoy yourself! You deserve it! WE deserve it for sweating two days straight without rest!”

“Ying-tai of Qin?” The women around them started. “You mean The Beast of Battlefields?”

“The Demon of War?” Other women gasped.

“Ah, fear not my pretty ladies. He is no beast and no demon,” Prince Enlai smirked, “He is my guest. And my guest needs to be loosened up! Here! Pour him another drink!”

“Ah, thank you, Prince Enlai. But I think I’ve about had enough,” Ying-tai politely declined. “I have yet to fill my stomach with food.”

“Ehhhhh, nonsense! Be merry with me!” Prince Enlai jollily urged.

“Being in your company is merry enough.” Ying-tai’s kind smile was enough to make Prince Enlai comply with his pleas.

“Okay. But please make sure you fill that stomach of yours well then!” Prince Enlai hiccuped as he raised his cup of wine to his lips. “Say, where is Nuying these days? I have not seen her in a while.”

“She’s been requested by a frequent customer,” the lady on his left informed.

“Why? Are we not enough?” The courtesans whined.

Prince Enlai smirked at the ladies, “It was just a question. Don’t take it personally. I enjoy each and every one of your company.”

“Ehhhh, you bring in handsome men and raise a question like that? What do you expect us to feel?” They pouted. “Besides, we ought to have this fresh chance of being near The Beast of Battlefields,” they all giggled as they eyed him lecherously.

Delun looked at Ying-tai who only lightly smirked at the comment as he sipped his tea.

“So pray tell,” a courtesan pressed her bare shoulders against Ying-tai’s arm. Her perfume was strong. “Being such a feared man you are, do you have anyone your heart fancies?”

Ying-tai stopped sipping.

“Yes,” Delun continued as he kept a close eye on Ying-tai. He poured himself another serving of wine, “I would like to know what it is that calms the heart of a beast.”

Maintaining his composure, Ying-tai placed his teacup down and smiled courteously. “If you will kindly excuse me, I have to go use the bathroom.”

As he got up, Delun grinned at him for swerving his question and Prince Enlai immediately turned to Ying-tai, “Oh! Where are you going?”

He bowed his head to Prince Enlai, “I’ll be back shortly. I’m just going to use the bathroom.”

“Oh, okay. Don’t run into any drunkards!”

Ying-tai turned around and waved his hand to Prince Enlai, acknowledging his comment.

Walking through the hallways with red lit lanterns hanging high, Ying-tai quickly walked past the doors with licentious sounds leaking through them. Many men who stumbled past him eyed him up and down either from wariness or displeasure.

He approached a group of drunk men shouting.

“I’m telling ya I am a feared general! And I-I killed ten thousand men!” One of the men hiccuped.

“Lies!” Another man burped. “You can’t be a general! You don’t look it!”

“You all shall fear me! I’ve met with the Red Death God and I survived his wrath. He was of no match to me!” The hiccuping man waved his hand, trying to prove his point.

The men around him laughed. “There is a reason why he is called the Red Death God! Anyone who meets him does not come back alive! You’re full of shit!”

They waved their hands at the hiccuping man’s falsehood. “You are making dangerous claims, mister. What if the Red Death God were here to hear you say that? His men are camped among us! Do you want your heart ripped out of you, idiot?”

The hiccuping man picked up one of the guys by the collar, “I’m telling ya the truth! You should be bowing your head down to me!”

“You,” a very drunk man walked up to Ying-tai and poked him in the chest with his finger. His breath smelled of heavy alcohol, “You look like a man of the regime. Ah, yes, yes. No doubt.” He turned to the man making his claims and pointed his finger up at Ying-tai, “Now THIS looks like a man of the regime. A man who has seen many battles. Tall and well built. THIS is a man who I will believe can take on the Demon of War! Not You!” He laughed.

The hiccuping man staggered his way to Ying-tai and glared at him. He scoffed and turned to the group of men, “Heh. I’ll show ya. Watch me knock his head off—”

Before he could finish his sentence, a door flung open and knocked him off his ground. Ying-tai backed away just in time to avoid the blast and just watched the loud man get blown away from him. He lowered his eyes to the woman on her hands and knees on the floor.

“Nuying!” A few women cried and picked up their skirts to run to her.

Nuying? Ying-tai thought. That’s the woman Prince Enlai was asking of. Examining her, he could tell she was awfully hurt.

“You bitch!” The large man inside the room bellowed out. “This is what happens when you don’t give me what I want! I do not care if you are a high courtesan! I paid for your services and I’ll get what I want!” He proceeded forward. “I’ll teach you how to speak to a man, you whore!”

Before he could strike another imperiling blow to the woman, Ying-tai intervened and whipped the large man’s fist away with his hand followed by a hindering kick to his leg.

“Raising your hand to a lady? Dishonorable!” Ying-tai cursed at him.

As the large man fell to the ground and shook the floor they were standing on, his guards were immediately on alert and encircled Ying-tai with their swords unsheathed.

“You there! Halt!”

Ying-tai was bending down to Nuying. “Can you stand?” He gently asked her.

“Yes,” she softly replied in a high voice. “But my eye hurts. I cannot see.” One of her eyes was already swollen from the blow. The side of her mouth was bruised and her lip was busted open and bleeding. “You should leave. He is of nobility and he could have your head if he wanted.”

Ying-tai furrowed his brows and glared at the guards that surrounded them. He lowered his eyes back to Nuying whose head was still bowed and her hand covering her one eye.

“Why would I do that? I won’t leave you,” Ying-tai grabbed a hold of her other hand.

At the unexpected gentle touch, Nuying flinched. She felt Ying-tai raise her to her feet and then his arms wrapping around her.

The guards stepped in closer and Ying-tai raised his hand, “Please, I don’t want to fight you.”

“You attacked his lordship. This will not go unpunished!” They spat.

Seeing that they weren’t backing down, Ying-tai eyed the room for a weapon. Not seeing anything useful nearby, Ying-tai undid one of his sashes and readied himself for a fight. He felt Nuying grow nervous. “Keep your eyes closed,” Ying-tai advised.

Feeling the calmness of his heartbeat, Nuying turned her head toward the sound of his low voice. “Who are you?”

“Get him!” The chief guard abruptly ordered.

The moment the guards swept in, Ying-tai pulled Nuying back and shielded her from the oncoming attacks. Using his sash like a sword, Ying-tai swiftly whipped each guard that came forth. One lunged forward and Ying-tai grabbed a hold of his wrist and twisted his arm back before kicking him back into his place. One flailed their sword forward and Ying-tai swung his leg to disable the guard’s arm gripping the sword. Another flew forward and Ying-tai used his sash to trap his weapon. While trying to unhinge his weapon from Ying-tai’s hold, Ying-tai raised his leg and kicked him downward, knocking him unconscious. A shorter guard jumped forward and attempted to swing his sword at Ying-tai but Ying-tai stopped him by placing his hand on the short guard’s head and prevented him from proceeding. Another guard ran in and Ying-tai twisted the short guard around and forced him on his knees. The guard that ran in immediately stopped the flow of his sword so as not to strike his comrade. Ying-tai took this chance and snapped his sash into his face and he faltered to the ground.

“You-you-you asshole!” The large man cried while he pointed his trembling finger at Ying-tai. “You’ll pay for this!”

Ying-tai looked down coldly at the short guard kneeling before him, “Take your lordship and leave this place.”

While the guards limped their way to the large man, he cried out, “Oh I’ll be back! Trust me I’ll be back and I’ll have your head! Who do you think you are?”

“Oh, I hope you do not come back for he’ll be here for a while,” a voice came from behind. It was Prince Enlai with Delun, Huian, and Xia. At the sight of Delun, a lot of men and women rushed out of the area they were standing in—including the drunk group of men that were speaking loudly before.

“What the hell happened here?” Xia blurted.

The large noble man recognized Prince Enlai and fell on his knees to salute him, “Your highness! I-I did not know you were in the premises!”

Prince Enlai observed the room and looked at the limping men. “You must’ve really pissed him off to keep him from going to the bathroom!” Prince Enlai chuckled.

“Actually, I was having a moment with High Courtesan Nuying and he interfered with our evening!” He explained.

Prince Enlai furrowed his brows. He turned to Nuying and saw the damage he had done to her. “I see you are the one who frequents High Courtesan Nuying. Of course, of anyone in the kingdom you are the only one who could afford to see her every night.”

“Ah, yes, yes,” the large noble man nervously chuckled.

“However,” Prince Enlai continued, “You are infamously known around here, Lord Han. You torment each woman you come to favor. Some of them are even out of a job now because they can no longer provide the appropriate deeds needed in this service. Now that you’ve worked your way up to afford High Courtesan Nuying, you tried to commit the same sick acts you’ve done to her sisters.”

“No, you misunderstand—”

“I would shut up if I were you,” Delun toned as he sipped the cup of wine he had in his hand.

“I say, you are a rather sick pig who deserves to have his balls ripped off. You are a disgrace to men,” Prince Enlai scowled.

The Lord Han was shaking profusely at this point, “Oh please! Please! Please, have mercy, your highness!”

“Coward,” Huian glared.

Prince Enlai walked toward him and bent down to his level, “What a fool you are to think you can stand up against this man.”

Lord Han raised his head to Prince Enlai.

“The Beast’s army slumbers outside and you want to try to wreak havoc and claim his head? Do you wish death upon us all?!” Prince Enlai growled.

Lord Han’s eyes flicked to Ying-tai. “The Beast of Battlefields…” he uttered. He slowly turned his eyes away and looked at the floor beneath him. He furrowed his hands into a fist. So this is the Ying-tai: Beast of Battlefields. Since when did a lowly soldier have more control in a room than me?! He turned his widened eyes back to Ying-tai and stared at him impertinently. I don’t care who you are and I do not fear you even if you were God himself. I will have the head of whoever tries to humiliate me! I, Lord Han, am impenetrable!

“Do us a favor and don’t come here ever again,” Prince Enlai declared. “If I see as much as one hair strand of yours floating around here, I will make certain that you will be removed from my father’s court and stripped of your name.”

Lord Han was now trembling with anger.

After a long silence, Prince Enlai roared, “Is that understood?!”

With a disdainful expression, Lord Han lowered his head to Prince Enlai’s declaration, “Of course, your majesty. Loud and clear.”

After he rose back onto his feet, Lord Han called for his guards and prepared for his departure. Before strutting out the door, he turned to Ying-tai and condescendingly spoke, “Enjoy this pleasure while you can, soldier. You never know when it will be your last.”

Ying-tai knew this Lord Han feared no man or god. In the presence of something so utterly disgusting, Ying-tai kept his lips sealed and words conserved.

“Ugh. I cannot stand that guy. With all the amount of blood ever spilt onto my hands, I had never felt the need for cleansing until that man. I feel the need to wash my hands from all the arrogance I just felt from him,” Xia belched.

“He is in your father’s court?” Ying-tai questioned Prince Enlai.

“Surprisingly, yes,” Prince Enlai nodded whilst keeping his eyes on Lord Han departing. “He has a tongue of a snake and eyes of a starving mantis.”

“A politician. What’s new?” Delun blankly commented.

“He is a fish hook in the thigh,” Prince Enlai crossed his arms. “Someone that should be and needs to be taken out but cannot be.”

“Why is that?” Huian asked.

“Not enough of a probable cause to bring him down,” Prince Enlai furrowed his brows.

“Be wary, your highness,” Ying-tai spoke to Prince Enlai who turned to him. “The disintegration of a kingdom oftentimes start from within. If you allow your guard to be down just enough you may find yourself in an entanglement.”

“Entanglement?” Prince Enlai repeated.

“A fisherman doesn’t always rely on a fishhook to catch a fish,” Ying-tai continued. “When desperation calls, your enemy will find a way to trap you.” Ying-tai then smiled benevolently. “But you are a smart man with a bright future. I’m sure you won’t lose sight to what’s truly important,” he patted Prince Enlai on the shoulder.

“Ah! Nuying! Are you alright?” Prince Enlai spun to Nuying who was surrounded by her sister courtesans.

“Prince Enlai,” she softly spoke with her frail hand still over her eye, “is that you?” Prince Enlai and Ying-tai approached her as she continued to speak, “What a shame that I am not presentable before you. I know you have long awaited my attendance, your highness.”

Prince Enlai sighed at her as he patted her dirty sleeves, “How about we get you cleaned up, hmm?” He turned to the courtesans, “Take her and tend her injuries.”

“Yes, your highness!” They bowed to him.

“Ah! Kind sir—” Nuying lifted her chin up. She was speaking to Ying-tai.

“Let’s go sister Nuying. We have to get that swelling down,” her sisters pulled her away before she could finish what she had to say.

“Well, you caused quite a scene,” Prince Enlai commented to Ying-tai when the courtesans left. “Buuuuut…it was necessary,” he shrugged. The expression in his eyes became harsh, “He had it coming anyway.”

“Perhaps we should return to the palace?” Huian suggested.

“Yes,” Prince Enlai exhaled. “I think I’ve had about enough of today.”

Ying-tai woke up the next morning to the touch of the sun’s ray. As he slipped on his layers of garments, he listened to the distant voices of fishermen. Striding through the palace he noticed the fragrance of rice that was just about to be finished steaming. He heard the clopping of pans and gentle chiming of bells from maids that were scurrying on the other side of the palace. He stepped outside into the humid air and heard a whipping noise from his side to find an old lady hanging long layers of silk.

“Good morning Unit Commander Ying-tai!” The maids who came by him greeted.

As he bowed his head and smiled at them, they giggled and fluttered away while covering their faces with their lengthy silk sleeves.

Ying-tai continued on his way to the other side of the palace and noticed movement coming from one of the rooms. He slid the paper screen door open and found Princess Yanmei twirling in her sheer red silk robe. She flicked her water sleeves upward and spun it with the movement of her swaying body. Gracefully dancing in rhythmic beats and fluid-like forms, Ying-tai admired her well practiced art. Before he could shut the paper screen door back quietly, Princess Yanmei turned to his direction and found him standing before her.

“Ying-tai!” She smiled dazzlingly. He could tell she was long awake before many others seeing that she was sweating and out of breath from dancing. “Well, good morning! I didn’t see you there!”

Ying-tai smiled warmly in return and bowed his head to her, “Forgive me Princess Yanmei. I did not mean to intrude. I just heard movement in here and considering what hour it is I thought I should investigate.”

“I usually come in here to practice at this hour,” Princess Yanmei wiped the sweat dripping to her bare neck. “And with the ceremony coming up, I have to train harder as I will be performing in tribute to your heroic deed,” she shared shyly.

“I’m honored, Princess Yanmei, at how highly you view me,” Ying-tai was grateful. “But you do not need to push yourself so hard. I’m sure whatever you present as tribute will be more than satisfactory. Especially for a man like me, anything you offer will be a blessing.”

Cheeks flushed, Princess Yanmei turned her head away. “Would you like to see a little part of my dance?” She managed to say.

“Ah…” Ying-tai paused. It was just the two of them in the quiet room with large opened windows that welcomed in the radiance of the sun. Unsure of how to respond and afraid to decline a royalty’s’ offer, he complied. “If it’s not a hassle for you, do as you wish.”

Princess Yanmei’s face lit up as Ying-tai replied. She stepped back and stood in her form while the sunbeams softly bounced off her soft skin. Standing in front of the sun with a sheer robe, Ying-tai could see the silhouette of her body. He focused on her twirls and turns as she weaved her water sleeves graciously around her flowing body. Her hair was sticking to her skin from perspiration and she breathed heavily with each leap and butterfly twist. She ended the performance by sitting herself down on the floor gently like a feather with her weightless red silk coiled around her in perfect arches and her sleeves hanging off her shoulders. While her head was still bowed to Ying-tai, she heard him get up and walk toward her. She opened her eyes when she felt her shoulders get heavier and found that Ying-tai had put his heavy robe over her exposed skin. Heart beating hard and fast, she lifted her widened eyes to Ying-tai who casted a gentle gaze down to her.

He knelt down to her level and smiled, “That was beautiful.” While Princess Yanmei continued to gape at him, Ying-tai stood back up and continued toward the door, “But you may want to cover your shoulders. Wild men lurk outside.”

After he slid the door shut behind him, Princess Yanmei’s chest heaved as she clutched onto Ying-tai’s robe tightly. “How noble,” she sighed dotingly

That afternoon, Ying-tai and Prince Enlai resumed the duties that were to be done before the ceremony. They fixed the water pipelines that trailed to the farmlands, refurbished the towers by the beaches, and recorded the annual reports that would later be processed by the imperial court.

“We’ll finish the other half of the reports tomorrow,” Prince Enlai placed his brush down and stretched. “Let’s take the rest of the day off.”

“I’m with you,” Xia slumped on the hardwood floor. “I can’t believe you do these annual reports all by yourself.”

“I agree. This is rather tedious work,” Ying-tai placed his brush down too and neatly fixed his pile of paper.

“Yup,” Prince Enlai chuckled while he lied on the floor, “Sometimes my father would put me in isolation and lock me inside until I completed my work.” Then he rose onto his feet. “Come on. We’re going fishing.”

“Aww yes!” Xia leapt up.

“You guys go ahead. I think I’m going to rest up. I’m too old to try and catch up with you youngsters,” Huian rubbed his eyes.

“Of course, Sir Huian. We’ll see you at nightfall,” Prince Enlai said as he left with Ying-tai and Xia.

At the pier, Prince Enlai found them a boat and waved for them to jump in.

“Do we know whose this is?” Ying-tai asked.

“Nope! But we’ll return it!” Prince Enlai smiled as he rowed away.

As they fished into the night, Prince Enlai enjoyed some wine he took from the palace while Ying-tai and Xia focused on their poles. As soon as their poles twitched, they shot upward and heaved their fish into the boat.

“How many have you gotten so far?” Ying-tai asked Xia.

“Fifteen, haha! And you?”

“Thirty plus five crabs,” Ying-tai smirked.

“Crabs don’t count!” Xia crossed his arms.

“In a life or death situation, they really do so count!” Ying-tai argued.

“Then I would’ve kept all of the ones I caught!” Xia exasperated as he waved his arms.

Prince Enlai laughed at them, “Here, Xia. You can have mine.” He pulled up his rope of fishes from under the boat. He caught about as many as Ying-tai.

Xia pouted, “I’ll be fine, thank you.”

Ying-tai patted his back, sat down next to him and continued on fishing. In the meantime, Ying-tai viewed the faraway beach.

“Prince Enlai,” Ying-tai began, “How do your boats find their way back home at nightfall?”

“Hmmm?” Prince Enlai lifted his head and looked to where Ying-tai was staring at. “We’ve always used the stars to lead us back home,” Prince Enlai replied as he stretched his head to look at the sky.

“But what happens if there are clouds?” Ying-tai wondered.

“We still find our way,” Prince Enlai said as he whipped a fish up from the waters.

“Impressive,” Ying-tai grinned. “But I was thinking, perhaps during times of harsh storms men out in the sea will need something to tell them they are nearing land. It’s just not for navigation, but to guide ships from crashing.”

“Like a source of light?” Prince Enlai turned to Ying-tai, his interest piquing.

“Exactly,” Ying-tai nodded as he smirked. “Like a lighthouse.”

“A lighthouse?” Prince Enlai envisioned it. “To guide people from darkness…” he muttered to himself. “I do like that idea. I could probably add that to my projects.” He got up on his feet, “As a matter of fact, we’ll make this a priority. Tomorrow morning we will build this lighthouse.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” Xia thought.

The darker it got as they swayed above the rocking waters, some lights from afar became noticeable. Not before long, many more numbers of them began to emit and became more noticeable.

“What are those lights?” Ying-tai asked Prince Enlai.

“Pirates,” he solemnly replied.

“How many pirates roam among these waters?” Ying-tai asked.

“There are about fifty large ships. Each ship holds at least a fifty to a hundred men.”

“Huh,” Xia rubbed his chin. “They seem to be coming closer.”

Ying-tai kept his austere eyes on them.

“Seems as though we have drifted too far out,” Prince Enlai said as he snapped his line up.

“Woohoo!” Laughter came from the ships when they neared. “Well, look who it is! It’s Prince Enlai! And he brought company!”

A man of large built and broad shoulders showed his face and looked down sternly at Prince Enlai. His voice was loud and deep, “What an occasion it is that you have stepped out into these waters, Crown Prince Enlai of Qi. You seem to get more daring as you grow.”

“Nice to see your face again, Duyi!” Prince Enlai greeted in a witty manner. “What an honor it is to have YOU come here to address me.”

Duyi furrowed his brows at Prince Enlai, “You do know you are trespassing.”

“Oh?” Prince Enlai looked around him and then shrugged, “In all this vastness, I can’t tell.”

“Hmm,” Duyi scoffed. “Well then, let this be a reminder for you.”

The red glow that came from inside the ship revealed itself. Men had their fire lit arrows drawn and aimed at the small boat Ying-tai and the men were sitting in.

“Tch!” Prince Enlai furrowed his brows and clenched his fists.

Xia shot up from his seat and readied himself for a brawl.

“Wait! Don’t do this. Perhaps we can talk it out!” Ying-tai tried to reason.

“Duyi! This is just between you and me. There is no need to point your arrows at my guests!” Prince Enlai shouted.

Duyi glared. “Prince Enlai, you were always a nuisance to me ever since you were just a child. I should’ve killed you long ago. Think of it this way: you will not die alone tonight.”

“DUYI!” Prince Enlai roared.

Duyi only laughed and swiped his hand downward, sending the arrows to fly toward them immediately.

Ying-tai swung his arm and grasped Prince Enlai’s collar and yanked him into the water. Diving into the endless depths, Ying-tai could see the arrows whiz past him with the embers slowly fading out as it was submerged in water. Xia was floating by them and looking up toward the surface of the water while deflecting each arrow that flew his way. His eyes were cursing the pirates above them.

After sitting in the depths for some time, the flying arrows seemed to have stopped and the lights of the ship seemed to have gone away. Ying-tai turned to Xia and motioned him that they were going to approach the surface. As soon as they broke through the surface, the three men gasped for air and found their small boat in ruin. Ying-tai turned around and examined the distance between them and land. The lanterns from the village looked small and dim.

“Looks like we are going to have to do quite some swimming,” Ying-tai told the men.

“Ack!” Xia groaned. “I’m going to kill that guy when I see him again!”

“No time to waste. We have to use all the strength we have to keep treading. Let’s go,” Prince Enlai stroked forward.

Time seemed to have gone by especially slow as they pushed through the waves of the sea. When their feet were able to touch sand at last, they crawled the rest of the way while they heavily gasped.

“Oh good lord! Land! Land! Land!” Xia kissed the earth.

Prince Enlai and Ying-tai lied on the beach while they caught their breath.

“I tried to fight him once,” Prince Enlai breathed heavily.

Ying-tai turned to him.

“When I was twelve, I had a fleet of battleships and went after him. I could’ve won but my father forced us back. Now look at what’s happened because of my act of cowardice!” Prince Enlai had his fists furrowed.

Ying-tai turned his head back and stared at the stars, “You are no coward, your highness. We’ll get him.”

Prince Enlai turned to look at him. He didn’t look worn and defeated, but rather aspirant.

Meanwhile at the Blooming Lotus Pavilion, Nuying sat in front of her mirror in her glittering bedecked room. Her wounds were healing quickly and she caressed her cheek as she thought of the man who saved her from Lord Han’s savagery.

“You seemed bothered, sister Nuying,” one of the courtesans commented as she walked into her room with scented herbs for her bath.

Nuying pulled herself away from her thoughts. “I was just thinking,” she sighed.

“Mmm? About what?” The courtesan asked.

“The man from that day,” Nuying reflected.

“Oh,” the courtesan smiled, “You mean the great Ying-tai of Qin.”

“Ying-tai?” Nuying turned to the courtesan. “You mean the Beast of Battlefields?”

“He is the Unit Commander from Qin that is residing within the walls of Qi. Apparently, he and Prince Enlai have some sort of pact. Something to do with both of Qi and Qin’s future.”

“I see,” Nuying smiled. She turned to the courtesan and held her hands, “Lifen, if you could do me a great favor.”

The courtesan Lifen looked up at Nuying with big eyes, “Yes, of course!”

“May you ask this Ying-tai to meet with me? I’ve been wanting to thank him for what he did for me.”

“The great High Courtesan Nuying requests a man’s attendance? He must be something!” Lifen smiled widely. “Yes, I’ll send this message to him.”

Nuying smiled contently and brushed her hair in slow strokes, “And I will wait upon his answer.”

The evening of the next day after the structure of the lighthouse was completed, Ying-tai and Prince Enlai sat by the rocks of the beach for a break.

“All that’s left is the light,” Prince Enlai looked back at the lighthouse while fanning himself.

“Yes,” Ying-tai smiled as he, too, looked back.

“We will put it up after everyone’s break for dinner,” Prince Enlai stretched.

“Sounds like a good plan,” Ying-tai nodded.

“Ying-tai! Prince Enlai! We’re leaving to go eat!” Xia waved at them to hurry. He was standing with Huian and some of the Qi guards.

“On our way!” Prince Enlai waved back.

Walking along the shoreline, the men were interrupted by a gentle voice, “Unit Commander Ying-tai of Qin.”

They turned around and found the courtesan, Lifen. She smiled brightly at them and bowed lowly.

“Unit Commander Ying-tai of Qin,” she greeted again, “can you spare a moment?”

After a short pause, Ying-tai nodded, “Of course.” He turned to Prince Enlai, “You guys go first. I will catch up with you later.”

“Suit yourself,” Prince Enlai smiled widely and waved.

After all of the men departed, Ying-tai turned to Lifen. “What can I help you with?” Ying-tai asked.

Lifen bashfully smiled and lowered her head, “Ah, it is not I, Ying-tai of Qin, who summons upon your service. It is High Courtesan Nuying.”

“High Courtesan Nuying?” Ying-tai tried to recall. “Why would she summon upon my name?”

“Well, to thank you, of course,” Lifen clarified with a gentle smile. “She’s been longing to show her gratification for that day you saved her from Lord Han.”

Ying-tai finally remembered and his expression became less tense, “Oh.”

At the Blooming Lotus Pavilion, Lifen led Ying-tai to where Nuying awaited. At the top floor, Ying-tai was directed to a hall with hanging red drapes. Behind all of the sheer silk was the door to the private room where Nuying entertained her supreme guests.

“This is where I stop. I thank you for accepting High Courtesan Nuying’s invitation,” Lifen turned to Ying-tai and bowed deeply as she stepped away. As she did so, the maidens that were standing in the hall holding up the red drapes followed Lifen after they closed the curtains.

The moment Ying-tai entered through the door, a strong whiff of fragrance met him. Throughout the room, many scented incenses were lit. The jeweled room glittered and tinkling noises sounded when a breeze swept in. The lanterns on the posts and ceiling were gold plated, and gems and beads dangled in each direction along with fine silks.

“So you are the great Ying-tai of Qin,” a feminine voice came from behind the sheer curtains. Nuying walked through and smiled warmly at Ying-tai and bowed her head, “It’s an honor to meet you.”

Ying-tai bowed his head too, “I’m happy to see you are healing rather quickly. It’s a privilege to be your invited guest, High Courtesan Nuying, as I am none but a servant to the regime.

Nuying grinned and walked over to the table of appetizing victuals. “Your fame speaks otherwise,” she said as she sat down. She raised her slender pale arms and motioned for Ying-tai to do the same, “Please, sit.” Nuying poured Ying-tai a cup of wine as he sat down and handed it to him in which he raised his hand and politely declined.

“I’m sorry, but I do not drink. Please don’t take this as an offense.”

Nuying pulled her extended arms back. “So the great Ying-tai of Qin doesn’t drink,” she was amused. “Well, will tea do?” She started to brew some before Ying-tai in a stone kettle on top of a small coal furnace.

“Tea will be perfect,” Ying-tai replied as he watched Nuying pour the hot water into the silver kettle with the dry leaves. “Ah, this is wonderful,” Ying-tai’s eyes grew bigger after he took a sip. “I haven’t had tea like this in a while.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Nuying giggled.

Ying-tai set his cup down, “I’m sure the reason you sent for me wasn’t just to share a drink.”

Nuying raised her eyes to him, “Ah, yes.” She fiddled with her beaded silk sleeves, never have felt this way in front of a man before. “I wanted to thank you for your heroic act that day. You saved me from that man’s wretched hands.”

Ying-tai placed his eyes on her. Her petite heart-shaped face was casted downward and her cheeks were a light shade of pink. Her eyes were bright and friendly, almost heart-luring. Her lips were red and small but luscious and when she smiled her round cheeks formed dimples.

“It was no heroic act, my lady,” Ying-tai smiled benevolently, “It was the right thing to do.”

“No one has interfered with these kinds of situations before. That has been the norm for all of us here.”

“That isn’t normal,” Ying-tai commented as he picked up his cup of tea. He lowered his shoulders as he looked at Nuying, “And it shouldn’t be.”

Nuying’s eyes grew bigger. She tilted her head and smiled at Ying-tai sipping his tea. “What would you consider ‘the norm’?” She was curious.

Ying-tai placed his cup down in which Nuying immediately refilled. “Well, to me it’s seeing dead men.” Nuying softly gasped at such ghastly response but Ying-tai continued to smile on kindly as he continued, “Men who learned to persevere during moments of longing. Men who are familiar with suffering but embrace it so the children of the next generations could live in a world they have only dreamed to live in. Great men who learn to smile at death because they’ve done their part. Dead men who pass on quietly as the world continues to turn and forget each of their name.”

Nuying remained quiet and kept her eyes on the steam rising from her silver teacup.

“You do not know a man until you stand before him during his moment of death.” Ying-tai lifted his eyes, “To realize that every so often a good man is not that much different from a bad man and contrariwise—that is the norm I am familiar with.”

Nuying smiled, “It’s impossible to think you are bad.”

Ying-tai looked at her.

“I believe you are the goodness in this world, besides Prince Enlai, that everyone seeks.”

“Prince Enlai?” Ying-tai questioned.

“When I first met Prince Enlai, he was drinking because the empress of Qi just passed away. He only requested me to play a song for him in which he listened to me play all night till dawn. Though it was such a simple act, he was entirely and eternally grateful. He was the first man to ever be kind toward me. He treated me like a human being.”

Ying-tai smiled warmly at this.

“Then you came along and helped someone like me. Someone that not only you didn’t know but not worth saving.” She then got up, “to show my gratitude, I’d like to perform for you.”

She slipped off her heavy robe and stood in her sheer, light gown. Her bare shoulders were shown and her dress hung low, showing her bare chest. She danced as fluidly as Princess Yanmei but her technique was more alluring. With how the light was in the room, the warm glow fondly caressed her skin as she moved. Her skirt allowed her to move her legs flexibly and with each stir of motion it was easily seen why she was able to reign over the position of High Courtesan. Nuying seemed to control the wind by her as the silk on her seemed to just float around her and never touched the floor. As she neared Ying-tai, Ying-tai felt himself grow uneasy by the close presence of a woman. She was now fluttering around him and lowered herself to his level. He could see her nude legs underneath her skirt as she slid closer to him. Adding to the eminent charm she already had to her, she gave Ying-tai a coquettish grin as her sleeve fell off her shoulders more and raised her hand to touch his face.

“My lady,” Ying-tai stopped her. “You didn’t have go through such measures just to thank me. Just knowing that you are well brings me enough contentment.”

Nuying’s eyes grew big. She drew her hand back while Ying-tai lifted her sleeves up to cover her shoulders. “I humbly thank you for how esteemed you see me to be. For that, I feel the same toward you.”

Nuying became awestruck by this. She felt her eyes grow dewy.

“Don’t misunderstand me, High Courtesan Nuying. I wish for an amicable relationship between us.”

“Amicable relationship?” Nuying wondered.

“A relationship in which friends have.”

“Friend,” Nuying was befuddled. “You value me as such?”

Ying-tai was bemused by this. He sat back and smiled brightly, “Well, of course.” He placed his kind-natured eyes on Nuying. “You were once someone’s daughter and you are a sister to many. You will be a wife to someone someday and perhaps become someone’s mother. Your life is valued.”

Having not shed a tear since she was taken into the Blooming Lotus Pavilion, Nuying quickly turned her face away as a gem-like tear spilt down her cheek. She placed her hand over her chest and smiled at such tenderness that she had long forgot. She lightly brushed away the streak the tear made on her powdered cheek and stood on her feet. She walked to the other side of the table and sat herself down while she laid out her layers around her.

“Everyone calls you a beast, but you are no beast to me,” Nuying commented. “But I suppose only cowards utter that for a great man will not fear you in that way.”

“And what would you consider a great man?” Ying-tai asked her.

Nuying kept silent for a moment and then smiled, “I’ll say the men who have laid their lives for you.”

Ying-tai smiled kindly to this. “Indeed. Silent heroes they are.”

Nuying picked up her cup of tea, “Say, for a man such as yourself, is there someone who holds your heart’s interest?” She softly asked, grinning.

Ying-tai was staggered by the sudden question. He smiled but his eyes were contrite, “Ah, if there is someone such as so, what a weight they must carry on their shoulders and how I wish that didn’t have to be so.”

With that answer, Nuying was left to wonder.

When Ying-tai departed and the maidens held the curtains up for him to walk through the hall, Nuying sighed after him.

“How did it go, sister Nuying?” Lifen asked. “Should I send in the sisters to clean your sheets and get a bath ready?”

“There will be no need for that,” Nuying vacantly stated.

“Really, sister Nuying?” Lifen placed her hand over her chest in disbelief.

“How? He didn’t even touch me,” Nuying began, “yet he has left me utterly enthralled.”

Lifen turned to look back at Ying-tai’s poised form descending from them.

“One thing I know for sure though,” Nuying sighed, “is that I will covet the one who sways his heart.”

Ying-tai returned to the beach where the lighthouse was being built and walked on top of the boulders where the waves rumbled under. He noticed his men and Prince Enlai have not returned from their dinner break yet and sat down on the boulder furthest out in the sea. While the waves crashed under his feet, he watched the sparking glows from the mussels that opened up under the dark water. With all of the twinkling, the sea itself seemed to hold its own galaxy.

“I see you’ve returned before everyone else,” Delun sat next to Ying-tai with a bottle of rice wine.

“It seems that way,” Ying-tai replied after he greeted and bowed his head to Delun.

“I heard you went to the Blooming Lotus Pavilion,” Delun said as he filled his wine cup. “To see…what’s her name…”

“It wasn’t anything. She just wanted to see me to thank me for that day,” Ying-tai clarified.

“To thank you, huh?” Delun smirked as he sipped his cup. “How gracious of High Courtesan Nuying.”

“It was nothing of that sort,” Ying-tai made it clear to Delun.

“Of course, I know,” Delun turned to Ying-tai. “You do not appear to me as that sort of man.”

Ying-tai was surprised at his comment.

“Say, while we wait do you want to have a little spar?” Delun suggested after a small moment of quietness.

Ying-tai grinned, “I guess we can kill some of this time.”

Back at the beach, Ying-tai and Delun stood facing each other while the sea roared by their side.

“You never let your sword leave your side do you?” Delun smirked. “You always seem to carry it with you wherever you go. Oddly enough, though, you seldom unsheathe it.”

“I have no reason to unsheathe outside the battlefield,” Ying-tai told Delun.

“Mmmm,” Delun lifted his chin up at Ying-tai as he studied him. He stood in his stance and placed his hand on the grip of his sword, “En garde.”

As soon as Ying-tai stood in his stance, Delun took action and flew forward. Ying-tai’s pupils dilated and he instantaneously blocked Delun’s silver blade with his sword that was still sheathed.

How fast! Ying-tai thought.

Delun shifted and spiraled, drilling his sword against Ying-tai. Ying-tai soared backward, avoiding his looming attacks.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Ying-tai spun his sword and flicked away each strike that was growing more and more rapid.

Pwit-tang! Pwit-tang! Pwit-tang!

“Unsheathe your sword, Ying-tai of Qin!” Delun urged as he twisted in the air.

Ying-tai’s sheathed sword and Delun’s blade whirled and coiled against each other while their garments whipped in the air as they twirled alongside one another. Delun continued to spring his sword toward Ying-tai but he managed to swerve each plunging hit in apt time. The flow of wind they created around them was smoothing out the sand underneath them and their feet hardly touched the ground as their swords collided.

When they lightly landed back onto the ground, Ying-tai’s expression grew serious as he examined Delun. He was much more than what he seemed to be. “Delun,” Ying-tai began, “I may have overlooked you as a man. The skills you display illustrate one of the rare techniques of the pugilist world and you are adept in it.”

Delun looked into Ying-tai’s eyes and felt a thrilling rush that reached his spine, “And you the same.”

Ying-tai lowered his chin, keeping his eyes on Delun. He grinned, “You are familiar with the Art of Wind.”

Delun’s smile answered Ying-tai.

“A colorful life Mercenaries live,” Ying-tai commented. “You serve the regime yet you are acquainted with the pugilist world.”

“I can say the same to you,” Delun lifted his chin to Ying-tai. “I noticed it on our first encounter that day. You have a mixture of styles in your performance and many of them I recognize from the books of the pugilists.” He was grinning from fascination, “Unit Commander Ying-tai of Qin, I now know why you are considered indomitable .”

Ying-tai raised his brow.

Delun continued, “You are a soldier. A man of the regime. But you fight like a pugilist man. An ordinary soldier would not know how to approach you. Was that Qin’s intention…or are you just a soldier going rogue?”

“I believe you are over thinking things,” Ying-tai stated, his brows furrowing at his remark.

“Am I?” Delun asked in a satiric manner. “Perhaps you are just like me and you just don’t want to admit it.”

“We are not alike,” Ying-tai deflected almost immediately.

“Oh?” Delun raised his brow at Ying-tai. “You seem confident.”

Ying-tai raised his head, “You make a living out of the lives of others. Are you not ashamed?”

Furious, Delun lifted his sword and leapt toward Ying-tai in a wind-cutting speed. In such a time defying manner, the profile of the sword hazed as it plunged forward. All through the short bursting moment, Ying-tai leapt upward and unsheathed his sword while Delun came forth. Ying-tai heaved his sword back and pointed it directly at Delun.

What?! Delun’s eyes widened as he watched Ying-tai’s body shift from his attack. Then he noticed a flicker of silver before his eyes. The point of Ying-tai’s unsheathed blade that was drawn back was now moving toward him. Delun stopped himself from moving forward and in response Ying-tai impeded his sword’s movement. The pressure between them detonated and a gust of wind whipped around them, whisking the seams of their robes in the air. Ying-tai was kneeling on top of Delun’s projected sword when they came to a complete halt.

“Buoyant Shuffling,” Delun observed the art performed. “A technique that if mastered, one could walk on snow without leaving a single trace of footprints.” He stared into Ying-tai’s eyes that illuminated with embers of ardor. For the first time in a long while, Delun met someone who held a spirit he could not wane. Delun lowered his sword and Ying-tai jumped back down onto the sand. “So the world does still have men like you in it,” Delun commented. “Though, to say I’m rather baffled by that just sounds rather odd. Somewhat distasteful.” He took in a deep breath as he looked up at the sky and then exhaled. “I’m a traveled man and I’ve seen many things. Things that would leave regular humans speechless and tormented for life. I’ve seen men who have lost their minds because of war. Women who are stripped to the bone like they’re an irrelevant. We live in a world where children are expendable.”

Ying-tai looked at him. His solemn expression elucidated the fine lines on his face, illustrating the many battles he’s come across.

“Those things have become my norm,” Delun continued, “Everything I encounter would just be another passing occurrence whether I want it to be or not. Allow absolutely no attachments—that’s my motto.” Delun let out a weak chuckle, “Who am I to be staggered by anything anymore? To be intrigued? Ah, what a concept!”

“What a miserable way to think it,” Ying-tai stated.

Delun turned to Ying-tai.

“How can you come to that mindset when all you’ve ever been amidst of is belligerency?” Ying-tai carried on. “It is clear that you believe the existence of evil is so apparent, but know that if by doing so you have to accept that its parallel part is also just that much existent.”

“It’s parallel part?” Delun raised his brow.

“There is so much more than just this,” Ying-tai turned his head and looked at the measureless world. “It’s okay to be intrigued as it is human nature. We were made to see more. Made to feel more.” Ying-tai smiled, “I’ll continuously invite anything that will leave me dumbfounded.” He turned to Delun, “Because that’s how we learn and strengthen.”

Delun’s eyes widened. He lowered his gaze and his lips curved into a smile, “Heh. You are something, Ying-tai of Qin. You believe men are meant to wonder.”

“To have this sense lets me know I have not yet gone inhuman,” Ying-tai said. “Thus, enough with dead man’s talk.”

Delun was struck by this and sheathed his sword. “I see,” he nodded. He lifted his eyes to Ying-tai again, “How does one be so resolute? For one who incessantly crosses from one battlefield to another, how do you not lose touch with yourself?”

Ying-tai paused. “One must strive with purpose.”

“Surely there is more than just your loyalty to Qin that drives you.”

The wind whipped through the blade of Ying-tai’s sword and made a whistling sound as he sheathed it. His face remained lowered, his eyes woebegone. “There is a Song,” he started almost hesitantly. “A Song that belongs to Qin. It’s known to sway the heart of the Qin army.”

Delun’s eyes grew bigger. “The Song of Qin?” He had heard of this proclamation from somewhere before.

Ying-tai smiled dolefully, “If it were to calm a beast, it would.”

“Hmm,” Delun grinned as he understood. “Ying-tai of Qin, this Song of yours,” he faced Ying-tai, “could it be mimicked by chance?”

Ying-tai gave Delun a questionable look.

“I see it now,” Delun rubbed his chin as he smiled in an enlightening manner.

“Hey! You got back early!” Prince Enlai laughed as he walked up to them with the rest of the men. He wrapped his arm around Ying-tai. “So…how was it, eh?” He teased Ying-tai while raising his eyebrows up and down.

Delun smirked and stepped back, “Ah, enough teasing, Crown Prince Enlai. This boy doesn’t have the heart to do those sorts of things.” Ying-tai’s eyes met with Delun’s as he continued, “For what has taken its place in it is far too grand.”

“Eh?” Prince Enlai raised his eyebrow. He chuckled, “Whatever you say, Delun.”

After the final construction of the lighthouse, the wick was lit and the lighthouse blazed its radiance. Ying-tai smiled at the luminosity and Prince Enlai cheered at the sight with the rest of the men that had put labor into the project.

Prince Enlai turned to Ying-tai, his face glowing, “Thank you.”

Ying-tai looked at him benevolently, “It is I who should thank you for listening, your highness.”

They stood side by side laughing away into the night. Ying-tai felt a sudden rush of nostalgia and his grin diminished. He turned his head and looked at Prince Enlai’s back as he was jesting with Xia and Huian. For a moment, he looked exactly like Jiao Long.

Ying-tai lowered his eyes and wistfully smiled.