In the end, Cui Xi didn’t get the chance to speak to Murong Yan and she was too embarrassed to see the Seventh Prince who excused himself from court for a few days to nurse the injury.

 

For Tiansheng’s God of War to allow himself to be injured to the point where he could not attend court caused an uproar. The officials were beside themselves and sent multiple inquiries regarding his health until he finally ordered that the front gate of his manor be shut to visitors so that he could convalesce in peace.

 

In truth, the matter that Murong Yan had returned to report on had to do with the Gao family and he used his health as an excuse to quietly look into everything connected to them.

 

The weeks went by, and although the Prince recovered enough to go about his duties, he did not see Cui Xi.

 

Xiao Hei and Xiao Yu saw that Cui Xi’s mood worsened as time went on and worried about her.

 

Murong Yan had assured his brother that the Prince’s injury was healing well and was quite minor in the scheme of things, but even this did nothing to improve Cui Xi’s state and there were times when Xiao Hei and Xiao Yu found her staring at a wall in the mixing room or blindly shooting arrows into the targets with a stone face. Xiao Hei forbade her to shoot after she almost skewered him.

 

At this rate, Su Qing feared that the Mistress would become unwell and went to make a secret report.

 

The following day, a letter arrived into Cui Xi’s hand. Zhao Yu of Changping wrote to say that his sister, Ru Yi, had arrived from the northern border to be together with him for the autumn festival. Since he could not leave the capital, they were planning to have a moon viewing and to have some guests over.

 

“I’m not going,” she said, crumpling the letter in her fist before she had even read the first two lines. She got up to walk away into the garden.

 

Xiao Hei and Su Qing followed, giving each other a glance. The Mistress’s petulance was getting beyond what they could handle, and Xiao Hei knew this would be a good opportunity to bring the Mistress out of her funk otherwise she could continue to turn the shooting targets into porcupines…

 

“Mistress, you’ve been in bad humour these last few weeks. Surely, it’s a good distraction? And can you really afford to offend Lord Zhao Yu? He’s the shop’s benefactor,” pointed out Su Qing.

 

Cui Xi sighed.

 

“Have you celebrated the mid-autumn festival in the capital? It is quite lively, and Lord Zhao Yu is a good host…” Su Qing cajoled. She took the letter from her Mistress, flapped it straight again and then exclaimed in surprise.

 

“What is it?” Cui Xi asked morosely, hunching her shoulders.

 

“Your Master has been invited…as well as his Highness, the Seventh Prince.”

 

Cui Xi twitched, pressing her nails into her palms. Should she be shocked? After all Zhao Yu was a Royal Grandson…and he and Zhao Ling Xian were cousins. It should not have been usual and yet she felt like there was a roaring in her ears.

 

Su Qing hid a smile and Xiao Hei waited.

 

“Come Mistress. You can’t be so cowardly and hide here forever…”

 

“Cowardly?!” she snapped, turning to Su Qing with fire crackling in her eyes. “Y-you!”

 

Xiao Hei smirked. Finally!

 

“You have been acting like a coward. Besides, your Master has been away again, has he not? You cannot neglect your duties as his disciple. Make sure you bring him something for the festival,” he said.

 

“You two!! Haaah. Very well. Have Su Rou write a response for me. Su Qing let Xiao Yu know that I want her to come. Xiao Hei, you will come too, after all Zhao Yu is your cousin,” Cui Xi said, turning on heel.

 

Xiao Hei stiffened. Ah…that’s right, I had forgotten.

 

“Mistress where are you going?” he asked.

 

“Practice,” she grumbled, waving her snake ring at him.

 

Su Qing clapped Xiao Hei on the shoulder, but she was smiling now. She ran in one direction to find Su Rou and Xiao Yu, while Xiao Hei ran in the other after the Mistress.

 

On the evening of the gathering, Cui Xi steeled herself to see the Seventh Prince, but when she stepped into the Changping Manor, he had not yet arrived.

 

Su Qing informed her that the Seventh Prince was delayed due to the family banquet in the palace, but would attend later that evening. Cui Xi wondered why Zhao Yu was not at the palace banquet.

 

While she stood with him in the coolness, her fur collared cloak about her shoulders, he didn’t seem at all surprised by her impertinent question.

 

“Hah!” he grinned without bitterness. “Although I have the status of a Royal Grandson, I am not favoured by the Emperor. Also, I am the younger son: the Emperor doesn’t have to give face to me as he would to my brother who is heir. Although my cousin, Zhao Ling Xian holds the tiger tally that can command all three armies, his influence with the Northern and Southern Imperial armies isn’t all that strong. In truth, the Emperor has fears as real power lies with my Father, the Marquis, and the Murongs in the North, while the Fifth Prince Zhao Ling Fei leads the army in the South. I am nothing but a glorified hostage to keep Father in check. So, I will continue to play my days away in the capital as a good for nothing…”

 

And entertain myself by teasing Royal Uncle…

 

“My Lord…are you really a prisoner in the capital? You’re still his grandchild…He doesn’t love you?” she asked.

 

Zhao Yu’s expression became distant though the smile did not leave his face.

 

“If there’s a benefit then the Emperor may leverage a family relationship, but love…hah! Miss Wu, you’re so innocent. I’m risking my neck saying this, but of all families, the Imperial family is the most vicious and pitiless. You would be wise to remember that when you make your visits to the harem,” he laughed, although he wasn’t amused.

 

However, it turned into a moment of incredulity as he took in the sad expression on her face.

 

“Oh, but I didn’t mean for you to pity me, Miss Wu!” he laughed, a little startled by her reaction.

 

“It’s not pity, my Lord. I can see that you are in a difficult position. As your friend, I’m worried for you,” Cui Xi explained, smiling gently.

 

Zhao Yu felt a flicker of warmth. He had thought her naïve, but her comment just now showed him that he was wrong. So, she did understand, and somehow that made him feel something he had not felt for a long time.

 

I can see why half the powerful men in the kingdom have become fools over her…and she has no idea of her own charm…

 

“You are very kind. I am glad of your friendship, Miss Wu… but come, your Master should have arrived. Let’s greet the other guests,” he said, steering her away from any further remarks on his situation.

 

Zhao Yu had to admit that he liked Wu Cui Xi quite a bit. She was daring and smart despite her rashness and her fierce emotions, but life was complicated for him and his newly married brother. He would do well to avoid tangling her any further in his affairs…though he noted with some contempt that his older male relatives had, very imprudently, acted in the completely opposite way. It was easy to understand why they could not restrain themselves, after all she was a dazzling girl in so many different ways, but the atmosphere of the capital was already on edge.

 

Xiyu is on the move…the Emperor can only hold back those ambitions for so long…

 

“Master!” Cui Xi greeted with pleasure, when she spotted her Master walking towards them with a young woman who looked about fourteen. This was obviously Zhao Yu’s little sister, Zhao Ru Yi.

 

Fidgeting while the courtesies were properly exchanged, Cui Xi just barely kept herself from running to her Master. However, his face seemed politely distant, and she didn’t want to embarrass him in front of Zhao Yu and Ru Yi.

 

Where the Seventh Prince drove her to insanity, her Master’s gentleness provided a safe and steady harbour. She had missed him greatly this time, finally feeling settled now that he had returned to the capital. Even though he wasn’t standing next to her, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders as he turned to her and smiled.

 

Ru Yi slid her eyes at her brother, tilting her head meaningfully at Cui Xi’s Master, but Zhao Yu only smirked, shaking his head.

 

Seeing impatience flicker over his uncle’s face, Zhao Yu came to Ru Yi’s side, took her hand and led her away.

 

“Let the Master and his disciple greet each other,” he said firmly, a hint of warning in his eyes.

 

I still don’t understand how she doesn’t know Royal Uncle’s identity…sometimes Wu Cui Xi is a blockhead, Zhao Yu silently groaned to himself.

 

Cui Xi watched Ru Yi’s face as she pouted her reluctance, but then she and Zhao Yu graciously excused themselves.

 

Once they were a little further away, Zhao Yu whispered something into Ru Yi’s ear causing a muffled exclamation as they hurried away.

 

What’s that about? Cui Xi wondered curiously.

 

Almost as soon they were alone, her Master enveloped her warmly in his arms and squeezed, smiling gently down at her. She laughed, cuddling into his solid, but cold, body.

 

“Master! Did you miss me?”

 

“I always miss you, my dear disciple. Are you well?”

 

She nodded.

 

“Truly? I heard that you were ill while I was away. I worried about you,” he reproached, peering down at her.

 

“Ill? Is that what Su Qing said?”

 

He laughed.

 

“Don’t worry Master, I don’t mind that Su Qing reports to you on my activities. I would think it strange if she did not. I know you are watching over me.”

 

For a moment, the Eldest Prince felt a rush of affection and pleasure. Even this small acknowledgement meant a great deal to him. Perhaps slowly, she would come to feel something more…? Though he was greedy for her heart, he could not rush her.

 

“Is there nothing you need for your household? I have a chest of new clothes for you, and pink corals from the south sea…”

 

“Master! You spoil me so much that I’m embarrassed!” she giggled, a faint pink coming onto her cheekbones. Of course, she adored his doting, but it bordered on excessive. It was a good thing that she had brought the jar of nongxiang as his gift.

 

“If I don’t lavish attention on you, who would I lavish attention on?” he teased. “You don’t like it?”

 

“Master, why don’t you get yourself a wife?” she poked him.

 

He straightened.

 

For a moment, she thought she saw a shadow go across his face, but perhaps she’d been mistaken because he was joking again in the next breath.

 

“What kind of wife would have me?” he grinned. “I have strange habits and think only of my business and my little disciple. Have your skills improved? I will be testing you…”

 

How sly! He changed the subject so quickly. Master is always nice to me…and I could do worse…so why do I feel uncomfortable?

 

The image of mocking slanted eyes flashed through her head.

 

She shifted uneasily, but in the next moment, her Master’s hand flashed out. She reacted almost automatically, stepping to the side and blocking while at the same time twisting her wrist to pull his arm forward, but he also twisted. He slipped out easily, and she stumbled forward as he hooked his foot out. Before she could fall, he was already behind her, a forearm across her throat, his other hand twisting her wrist behind her back.

 

“Owww…”

 

“Hmmmn” he said in measured tones, frowning. “You let your guard down…”

 

“Master…that wasn’t fair,” she protested, sucking in a breath and trying to keep her tone light, but her heart fluttered crazily like a pinned butterfly.

 

“Tu’er, be more careful. Even those you think you trust can surprise you,” he said, releasing her.

 

Completely unsettled, Cui Xi turned to him and felt like a stone wall had once again dropped between them. She tried not to feel hurt or embarrassed, but could not hide the colour splashed across her cheeks.

 

“Come,” he said, leading the way, his face expressionless.

 

Internally, he sighed. That was unnecessarily cruel…I shouldn’t punish her for my own shortcomings…

 

In a dark corner, crouching high on the wall, Xiao Hei grunted in disgust. That person…Between his two older cousins, he wasn’t sure which one he found more annoying – the coward who wouldn’t confess his feelings, or the shameless idiot who pursued her relentlessly.

 

He was prevented from any further thoughts on his Mistress’s love life, as Xiao Yu walked by. Filled with sudden mischief, Xiao Hei jumped down in front of her, startling her into a shriek. Grinning widely, he clapped a hand over her mouth to shush her as he smiled down into her resentful little face. Shrugging away, she stuck her tongue out at him.

 

They stood together talking for some time, and then finally realized they would be missed if they did not follow the rest of the party into the main courtyard.

 

“Come on…I think they’ve already started. Let’s go,” Xiao Hei finally said to her, still holding her hand and only releasing it just before they reached the gate.

 

They stepped into the pavilion a few minutes later, passing the braziers, only to see that the others were playing a drinking game.

 

Cui Xi refilled a wine cup and passed it to her Master who received it with a pleasant smile. The two acted as if nothing had happened, but Xiao Hei could still perceive a bit of tension between them.

 

Xiao Hei frowned slightly. Although he was sure that he hadn’t been gone longer than a quarter of a shichen, Zhao Yu was already halfway to being completely drunk. He wondered if his cousin was truly carefree or if this was simply an act. Someone like Zhao Yu could become dangerous if he had any ambitions towards the kingdom, but for now Xiao Hei felt that he was just biding his time while he waited for the right opportunity.

 

“Master Zheng, who do you like?” Zhao Yu asked, very deliberately poking a drunken finger at the man sitting across from him, eyes narrowed to slits.

 

Zhao Ru Yi’s made a “pffft” sound, clapping her hand over her mouth at her brother’s question.

 

“Why don’t you guess?” her Master responded mysteriously. You lousy brat! Watch that I don’t skin you later!

 

“That’s not an answer!” cried Cui Xi, jumping up. “Will you not say?”

 

“No, my feelings are too precious to discuss…I won’t say it,” he smiled, sipping his wine.

 

Something like contempt flickered in Zhao Yu’s eyes. Uncle is such a coward.

 

Xiao Hei who sat with a leg up on the railing, looking gloomy, snorted in disgust. Is Mistress pretending not to know or is she really a block of wood?

 

“Very well! Drink,” Cui Xi commanded, and very gently stuck a piece of paper onto her Master’s cheek. Written on the paper were the words for “liar”.

 

She sighed internally. Getting things out into the open had the potential to destroy their relationship, but not saying anything and living with her Master’s endless yearning…they could not be tangled up like this forever.

 

How do I feel about Master? Can I even be honest about that? In the end, Cui Xi felt that she was too selfish: she didn’t want to let him go, but she didn’t know if her feelings were equal to his.

 

I’m a terrible person.

 

Completely unaware of her thoughts, her Master tried not to roll his eyes and drank his entire cup.

 

Zhao Yu made a “pffft” noise and slapped his thigh. He himself had two sheets; one stuck to his forehead and one to his cheek. One sheet said ‘pig’ and the other said ‘impotent’.

 

Even Xiao Yu covered her mouth to laugh.

 

“Come on then,” her Master chuckled, turning to Cui Xi, eyes twinkling. “It’s your turn…”

 

“Truth or dare?” asked Zhao Ru Yi, raising her cup and drinking.

 

“Lay off the wine!” Zhao Yu scolded, taking her cup and drinking it.

 

“Brothhher! You too!” Ru Yi pouted prettily.

 

“Dare,” Cui Xi decided, smirking. The game itself was going better than planned. She’d combined three different drinking games to amuse them for the evening and was pleased that everyone was enjoying themselves.

 

“Dance for us,” said Zhao Yu suggested.

 

In the silence, a hooded look came over Cui Xi’s eyes. She had not danced for Zhao Yu privately since the first time…and she wasn’t sure that she wanted to do so now.

 

She lifted her chin.

 

Again, she noted the veiled look Zhao Yu shot her Master. It seemed like everything Zhao Yu did tonight was aimed at aggravating him, but at this moment her Master seemed as calm and untroubled as a deep pool.

 

“Very well...Master? Will you play for me?” she pointed at the white jade flute he had tucked into his sash.

 

But at that moment, a guard materialized into the pavilion, leaned down, and said something into her Master’s ear. He nodded and stood.

 

“No, no, my Lord Zhao, you play. Excuse me…there’s an urgent matter I have to attend to…You come with me,” her Master directed to the guard, descended out of the pavilion, and strolled away in the opposite direction.

 

Cui Xi frowned wondering what could have become so urgent to cause her Master to leave so suddenly.

 

“Miss Yang…the guqin* please?” Zhao Yu smiled enigmatically, watching his Uncle make his escape.

 

Xiao Yu made to stand, but Xiao Hei waved a hand to stop her, walking over and picking it up himself. He carefully passed the instrument over to its tipsy master.

 

Zhao Yu plucked idly at the guqin ensuring it was properly tuned before nodding in readiness.

 

Cui Xi stepped down out of the pavilion, smiling at the group as she started to dance.

 

Following the sound of the laughter when he entered the courtyard, the Seventh Prince paused on the bridge and stood watching her poised grace as she lifted a foot, pointed her toes, and then daintily swept the tip of her shoe along the ground allowing her skirts to swirl up the autumn leaves as she paused for effect and then turned, one hand in front of her and one curved up behind her back. Slender arms swept out and the hands came together, finger fanning to form into a lotus, and then the little hands separated.  Against the strains of the guqin, the scene took on a dream like quality, the moment becoming so beautiful that it should have stayed like that, suspended in time under the bright autumn moon.

 

She is very graceful when she dances, thought the Seventh Prince.  Afraid to break the moment, he stayed where he was.

 

Ru Yi sighed.

 

“The Seventh Prince must be held up in the palace…but in truth, I did not believe he would come. These artistic pursuits…he does not like them.”

 

“Actually YiYi, you’re wrong about that. If anything, the Seventh Prince can play the guqin better than anyone I know…it’s just that he rarely plays,” Zhao Yu shook his head.

 

Cui Xi was surprised enough to stop. So, the hand that plied the sword, Tiansheng’s God of War, could also wield a musical instrument…she wondered what that would sound like. She picked up her skirts, walking up the steps of the pavilion and stood next to the brazier. She should have felt warm from the dancing, but she shivered.

 

She smiled gratefully when Xiao Hei stood and dropped her cloak about her shoulders.

 

“Why does he never play?” she asked, curious.

 

“It’s because I never have the chance to be in such esteemed company,” said the Seventh Prince, appearing in front of the steps to the pavilion and startling them.

 

Everyone stood immediately to give their greeting.

 

Coughing in embarrassment, Zhao Yu and Ru Yi removed the little pieces of paper stuck to their faces.

 

Cui Xi was also self-conscious, but for different reasons. She still remembered his burning kiss and the way his hands felt on her body as he leaned over her on her bed.

 

“Miss Wu, please walk with me,” he said, holding out a hand to help her down the stairs. It was not a question…it was a command. She hesitated only for a moment and then took it, wanting to glare at him, but supressed it.

 

As the Prince led her away, Cui Xi turned to glance back at Zhao Yu, but his expression was only mildly curious.

 

When they were out of sight Zhao Yu grimaced.

 

“Aiyo,” sighed Zhao Yu, rubbing a finger over his eyebrow. “Such a troublesome matter. Why must they get me involved like this?” he complained to the air.

 

Xiao Yu frowned.

 

Taking Cui Xi onto the path leading into the larger garden area, the Seventh Prince continued to hold her hand.

 

Finally, unable to bear his silence, she inquired after his health.

 

“Your injury is better, your Highness?” she asked a little awkwardly.

 

“Yes, thanks to Miss Yang. It has healed well.”

 

“That’s good, Your Highness.”

 

“You are well, Miss Wu?” he asked.

 

“Yes, your Highness.”

 

“Ennn,” he grunted, continuing to lead her down the path.

 

“Your Highness…Is there business that you want to discuss with me?” she asked, as he continued to drag her forward.

 

“A’Xian,” he said.

 

“W-What?”

 

“I want you to call me by my name…Why are you stopping?”

 

“A’Xian, why are you dragging me?” she asked, her lips tipping up.

 

He stopped and looked at her, surprised that she said his name so easily. He thought she’d be more resistant.

 

“I have something to say to you,” he said a little gruffly.

 

“Oh?” she laughed.

 

“Yes.”

 

There was a pause. He released her hand, turned away from her for a moment, and then turned back.

 

Then he awkwardly cleared his throat.

 

Cui Xi folded her arms, afraid that she already knew where this was going. She thought she’d want to scream in embarrassment, but she was actually trying to hold back her laughter as she’d never seen him look this stiff before. She had to admit that it was a tiny bit endearing…but only a little bit. As to the rest of it, he’d been such an ass that it was only infuriating that he now thought a love confession was going to change her mind about the way he had behaved to her up to this point.

 

“Miss Wu, I’m releasing you from the contract,” he said very formally. “Are you pleased?”

 

There was a silence as Cui Xi absorbed what he’d said.

 

“Ah…Thank you for granting my freedom, Your Highness,” she said, curtsying. Not a love confession! Wait. He can’t be expecting me to say it?? Calm down, he’s looking at you!

 

His expression faltered a little as he took in her expression.

 

“Ah…if there’s nothing else, Your Highness…I take my leave…”

 

 Smiling serenely, she turned and walked away.

 

“Wait…XiXi!”

 

“I must return! Thank you again!” she tossed over her shoulder.

 

Wait! What? She ran away again...

 

That jerk! Stupid! Stupid. He’s just playing with me!

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________

* a seven stringed plucking instrument. If you’ve ever watched ‘The Untamed’, it’s the instrument that Lan Wangji plays.