The day of Princess Wang Ya's birthday arrived, everyone had something but Xue Liang's present was going to be a surprise. "I thank everyone who came to my daughter's birthday. General Liu and General Peng I am most surprised that you both would come here today." Woman looked at Liu Gang knowing he had no Consort or wife which the woman loved and his looks.

"It's a great honor to accept this event. We've been guarding the borders for as long as we can remember. It is good to be back at some point." Liu Gang said but all of the women couldn't stop looking at him. Liu Gang mainly looked around for Xue Liang but no sign of her. Princess Wang Ya was looking at Liu Gang since she now wanted to marry him.

"Father, can I get my presents? I want to get my presents before eating." She then asked her father.

"Very well. We shall start the presents then. Who may start first?"

The emperor looked at everyone just when Duke Xue Cheng stood up first. "I'll start first as I brought Princess Ya a gift." Men servants entered as they then revealed a Pearl Necklace. "This necklace is created by the rarest pearls in the sea. It would shine even in the darkest part of the world." Everyone saw Princess Wang Ya wearing it.

"It's beautiful. Thank you Duke Xue." Soon more presents were shown with jewelry and clothes.

"Duke Xue, May I ask where your other two other daughters are?" Emperor Wang Jin then asked Duke Xue Cheng.

"One of my daughters is sick at home but my other one is still preparing."

"Preparing for what?" Soon the sky rose with fireworks as everyone didn't expect it. Everyone's view stuck on the fireworks as Guqin started being played.

Listening to the strings were being played with a soothing tone. Playing it was Xue Liang who only kept playing as she sang a common song for a happy event. Playing it, she ended the last set of fireworks finishing as everyone clapped.

"May Princess Wang have a happy birthday." Xue Liang got up bowing to the emperor and princess.

Liu Gang felt his heart jump seeing a grown up Xue Liang. She smiled as every man was staring at her with different thoughts. Liu Gang wanted to kill them for staring at her but Peng Lim elbowed him lightly to inform Liu Gang that he can hear him growling.

"What a great present. Miss Liang, we thank you for giving us this gift." The emperor said with the princess smiling. Prince Yu was staring at Xue Liang, making Consort Wan Bao know that he caught interest in her. Liu Gang saw the look in her eyes as he knew she was planning it.

"Seeing the princess happy makes me happy." Xue Liang then sat down at the side with her family as she then saw Liu Gang. He had grown handsomely with his purple eyes remaining the same. She smiled at him then turned to look at the emperor.

"Since that is everyone's gift then everyone can now start eating. Send the dancers here." The emperor called. Having all the dancers start dancing but Liu Gang kept looking at Xue Liang.

Xue Liang then was about to drink the tea but caught the scent of sleeping powder in her tea. Then deciding to pretend to drink it as it soaked into her sleeve.

"General Liu, might I ask when do you plan to find yourself a young lady? You don't stay young forever." The emperor then said, making Xue Liang pause. Soon setting her cup down. All the women were feeling anxious and happy, even the princess. Xue Liang felt herself growl a little but forced it back down from being heard.

"Your highness, I have just come back from the Ming Military Border and I have yet to see more." Liu Gang didn't want to start talking about it looking at Xue Liang meeting each other eye to eye. Xue Liang blushed and looked away feeling a bit nervous.

"Is that so? Then Miss Liang I've heard that you've just come back from the Taoist Temple. May you show us your fighting skills that you've learned." The emperor looked to her at the same time Xue Liang looked to him.

"I would be glad to be your highness. Rong brings me my long sword." Su Rong rose up bowing. Peng Lim saw Su Rong feeling a little annoyed by the fact that she still left him without waking him up. He smiled looking at her.

Su Rong returned with Xue Liang's sword at the same time Xue Liang whispered to her. "Go and get it ready." Su Rong left as Xue Liang went to the center of the stage with everyone looking at her.

Liu Gang then stood up and smiled, grabbing his sword. "May I have this sword fight with Miss Liang? I've heard that you are a great challenge."

Xue Liang saw Liu Gang with a smile to one another. "Alright. If the emperor allows it." She looked to the emperor giving only a nod to allow them. Both then stood facing each other from afar looking at one another.

"Should I go easy on you?" Liu Gang then said to have Xue Liang smile.

"No need. Come at me anytime." Both struck at one another with their swords clashing into another.

Xue Liang's sword struck him as his sword came in front. Xue Liang struck to the side, their swords continued to slash. Jumping up, Liu Gang slashed his sword from left to right. Xue Liang jumped above him, which she then struck down. Liu Gang then clashed her sword, it flew hitting the ground just as Xue Liang was going to fall on her head.

Xue Liang then braced for impact hur she was then caught as her body was pressed against Liu Gang. He set her down as he set his sword in his sheath. Both stared into each other's eyes as they were calmly looking at each other.