The downfall of the legendary army with their leader being chained up like a prisoner, dragged on his feet back to the cage, exposing his face and his pathetic state to the Xuan citizens. Cries of the young soldiers, along with the old generals, shouting their anger and wished that this group of unreasonable people would let him go.

In a dishevel hair filled with dirt and sweat, wearing a white prison clothing stained with blood due to the devilish torture, he could not bring himself to fight against anyone. Sitting in the wooden cage made for him, with chained legs and hands, he leaned back to gain some support.

The men lead him through the streets of Capital of Xuan, with commoners along the sides, some threw rotten eggs and vegetables at him while others criticized his falseful accusation crimes.

Being sullied by the eggs and other rotten foods, the carriage finally enter the palace and soon dragged to the dark dungeon. Thrown roughly onto the ground into one of the empty prison cell, he hugged himself to gather some warmth and stared at the grey walls, reflecting his life. But before he could go deeper into the memories, the chains at the door had been released, followed by a footstep.

"You finally arrived."

"You have come."

One kneeling on the floor, while the other stood upright like any other dignified ruler. It seemed to be a repeat of scene, just a different person kneeling on the floor.

"I shall cut my crap, I just want to ask you something."

"Your loyal subject will answer them."

"Ha .... How dare you still consider yourself as a loyal subject to the Xuan Kingdom?!!"

Xuan Di roared in anger when he heard the word 'loyal' flowing out from a traitor like him. Honestly, he was equally shocked by this betrayal that had been carried out by General Huo. It had only been days since he received such information.

"I am loyal to Xuan Kingdom. I am no betrayer. I have always sworn my loyalty to you, my Imperial Majesty."

Yes, that's right, Xuan Di hated this old man who is kneeling like a weakling in front of him right now. Many times he had envision the scene of bringing him down because of his shameless threats that forced him to accept the marriage proposal from Jae-in.

"Hmph, loyal you said. Exchanging letters with Qing Kingdom, evidences as a traitor that gives information about Xuan Kingdom, attempting to allow them to infiltrate into Xuan Kingdom, hoping to complete their great-grandparents' mission?"

"Your loyal subject is innocent! I am no betrayer, no traitor, only a loyal humble subject!"

"That's enough. I had enough. I have ruined my whole life just because I succumbed to your threatens in the first place. I ... should have never accepted the marriage."

General Huo looked at Xuan Di who was torned by the feelings that he had, a sad smile appeared as he felt sorry for this man who was already in his 30s, yet unable to see his true feelings. Shaking his head in pity, he wondered how his daughter had been suffering under him.

"Being a father of Empress Jae, I shall be kind towards you. Choose your death. Poison wine or chopping of heads."

Looking down to his empty palms, he spent his whole life guarding the borders of Xuan, maintaining a peaceful relationship with Kai, devoting his energy and time to raise his kids well and aimed for the best.

"Your Imperial Majesty, can I ask one last question before I make a decision?"

"Speak."

"How ... How is she?"

Xuan Di looked down at this old man who seemed to have tears in his eyes with the mention of his precious daughter, hoping to get a positive answer. Unable to withstand his longing gaze, he tear away from his eyes.

"Not dead yet."

"Then .. that's is good enough."

'Ha... Not dead for now.' Xuan Di thought.

"I shall pick the poison wine. Thank you for your kindness and I wish your Imperial Majesty all the best in the ruling of Xuan Kingdom. Pardon your loyal subject for not being able to accompany you till the end."

Without hesitation, he reached out to the cup of wine and drank it in one shot. He closed his eyes waiting for the excruciating pain to be felt, however, all he felt was sleepiness and he sank into a deep sleep.

"Ha... You want a simple death? I am not going to give it to you."

"NOOOOO FATHER!" Jae-in screamed at the sight of her father being drugged and that calculative smile on Xuan Di's face.

Once again, it is another dream of the past, a vision that she had never seen before. Throughout the dream, she witnessed the whole process of her father's humiliation, the torture of confession for the unknown accusation of a traitor lastly, the true feelings of Xuan Di.

The unknown facts of her father as she was blinded for love.

The brown eyes that holds a broken soul, allow her tears to run non-stop like a waterfall. She is not feeling sad or angry, she just felt nothing. She thought she will not cry anymore ever since her rebirth, but once again she is crying non-stop over her father.

'Why? How did father got branded as a traitor? He is not one to betray Xuan Kingdom!'

Using her shaky hand to wipe off the tears, she slowly push herself out of bed and pour herself a cup of water to calm her mind. A sudden realisation hit her, allowing Jae-in to regain her usual composure.

'It seems like there are more unknown truth to be revealed at Xuan border.'

*

*

*

A secret verbal royal decree has been delivered by Eunuch Zhang to Qi Yuan manor, causing buzz among the servants. With Qi Yuan accepting the decree, he head to Jae-in's quarter to inform her about this matter.

"Hm? I am requested to be present? Why?" Jae-in look at Qi Yuan with a confused face.

"I am not sure as well. Probably Father wants to say his thanks to you for standing up for me?" Qi Yuan answered.

"I see ... Then will we be rewarded?"

"I think so! Kekeke ... I know what you are thinking, don't worry I will abide by my promise!" Qi Yuan affirmed his promise.

As it is a sudden invitation, Jae-in and Qi Yuan arrived at Emperor Kai's arrival hall without a formal attire. Kneeling down in the presence of Emperor Kai with her veil while Qi Yuan remain upright to greet his Father.

"You may rise, and please do not be too polite Huo Gu Niang." Emperor Kai smiled.

"Thank you your Imperial Majesty."

Given a chair to sit, both settled into a comfortable silence.

"Huo Gu Niang, thank you for saving my favourite son from the pot mess the other day."

"Your Imperial Majesty, you are too kind and it is a small matter that does not need your thanks."

"Father! Since Huo Gu Niang had saved my life, shouldn't you give her a reward?"

"You this unfilial son! If it is not because of your bad reputation, you think Huo Gu Niang will be part of this matter! Of course, without you saying, I will definitely grant a reward.

So Huo Gu Niang, what do you want?"

Jae-in politely stood up and bow formally to Emperor Kai.

"Your Imperial Majesty, I have a small request. I would like to go to the Kai border, of course I know that this is a rude request therefore, I propose to have his fourth prince to accompany me through this journey."

Emperor Kai's mood changed drastically with the mention of Kai border from this unknown lady.

"Oh ... What matters do you have at Kai border?"

"To be frank, I am a citizen from Xuan Kingdom. The reason why I want to head to Kai border is because I want to head home."

"Home? Xuan border?"

"Yes. Xuan border is my home."

"Then why don't you head back home from Xuan Kingdom? You must know that Kai-Xuan border is not a place that a mere commoner can head to."

"As I have been travelling to the neighbouring kingdom to satisfy my urge of exploring the world, coincidentally, my last destination is at Kai Kingdom. However, recently I receive a letter from my family saying that my father is very ill, judging by the distance the time required to travel, it is more logical to travel to Kai border than heading back to Xuan Kingdom."

Emperor Kai looks at Jae-in warily and doubt her honesty, after all she is still a stranger. Being aware of his father's suspicion, Qi Yuan steps into the conversation.

"Father, remember I once mentioned that there is one benefactor that saved my life in Xuan Kingdom due to the assassination I received? This person is Huo Gu Niang."

Recalling the conversations that they had, Emperor Kai did remember his son mentioning a particular person saving his life. Despite him relaxing his tensed expression, Emperor Kai still remain wary of Jae-in.

"Before I agree, I would like to see the true face of yours."

Without further ado, Jae-in release the strings of the veil that covers her face and revealed them to Emperor Kai. As her beautiful goddess-like face has been revealed, Emperor Kai couldn't help but to be attracted to her looks.

No wonder his son is so smitten by her and stood by her side, such a face is best to be covered by a veil to avoid any unnecessary attention.

"Huo Gu Niang, you do possess a godly like beauty that none can be compared to you in Kai Kingdom. If I were to bestow you the position of the pr.."

Before he can finish his question, Jae-in knows what is coming up.

"Your Imperial Majesty, I am just a lowly commoner who wants to get home in time for my father's illness.If it is not because of the urgency of my father's health, I would never be so bold with my request as this is the 2nd last choice of my solution. With the companion of his fourth prince, I am grateful and glad to have my trusted friend beside me for this journey. There is nothing else that I could ever wish for."

Skilfully cutting off any chance of the offer for the position of the prince consort, Jae-in states her stand in a direct and clear manner with no ambiguous guessing of their friendship.

"ah ... ah ... I see, then I shall permit your request. Qi Yuan."

"Yes father."

"This is the royal token that you will be given to allow you to access through the Kai borders to Xuan borders. Remember, this token must not leave your body and you will have to disguise your identity throughout the journey. I do not wish for any mishap to happen to you.

This token is very important, not only it allows you to pass through the borders, but also giving you the authority to manage the 30,000 troops stationed at the Kai border. Remember to guard this with your life, I expect no playing matter on this."

Emperor Kai states his requirements and the importance of this token, afraid that Qi Yuan is not mature enough to handle the responsibility.

"Of course my father, don't worry! I know what to do." Qi Yuan casually agree as if he is not aware of the severity of it.

"To ensure your journey is safe, I shall give you the position of a Vice-assistant of Censorate with the motive of traveling to the 4 cities and gather updates of how the people of Kai is doing."

"Yes father! Your Imperial son shall say his thanks."

Sighing with a worried face, Emperor Kai looks at Qi Yuan who is always in a playful state with a slight similarity of someone he knew, he quickly dismiss them so that he can continue his official matters.

On his way back to his study chamber, the familiar looking pond at the garden caught his attention. Waving his hands to inform the servants not to follow him, he head towards the pond by himself.

Staring into space like he is reminiscing some memories of the past, a sad smile crept across his face.

"Xiao Mu, our Yuan' Er has grown up now ..."