The Chu Empire (1)

"Welcome to Feng City," said Chu Yang. She can smell the nostalgia in the air. 'I'm finally back..'

Everyone climbed on the nearest trees to get a better view and notice how well built the city actually is. It was completely different from everyone's imagination. The Chu Empire may be a small empire but they are the most well-built empire ever known. Even the Wang Empire isn't as well as the Chu Empire.

Everyone can see the smiles all the citizens have on their faces and children running and playing with no worries. The market is amazing and the businesses are small but luxurious.

"Wow… it's beautiful…" said Meiying. She couldn't take her eyes off of the beauty of the Chu Empire. 'I wished my village was like this…'

"Yeah… exactly how it used to be…" said Chu Yang.

"Wait… It was like this years ago?" asked Wang Ping.

Lin Yu Yan was impressed. 'Huh... Guess there are some decent people in this world so far.'

"Yes. We may be small but we aren't stupid. I remember when your grandfather came over to discuss something to us. His face was priceless," Chu Yang said proudly.

Wang Ping was in shock but smiled in surprised that maybe he can bring back some knowledge here to help his own country. "I see why my grandfather was so keen on changing the system in the Wang Empire…"

"Hmm… But do you know if we are even welcomed?" asked Lin Yu Yan.

Chu Yang looked at her country and remember what her brother did.

"...Maybe," she said.

"Alright, enough chit chat. Let's go already," said Lin Yu Yan as she places that mask on again.

Everyone nodded in agreement and jumped down to get to the entrance. Lin Yu Yan notice a protective barrier around the whole city. When they reached the entrance, they were all stopped and the guards asked them questions that seemed a little odd.

"Stand in the back just in case, Chu Yang," whispered Lin Yu Yan. Chu Yang nodded and casually stepped back where her face could be hidden.

"Please answer the following questions: What is your name? Gender? Job? The reasons you're here? If you do not answer them correctly, you will be highly fined," said the guard.

"Wait, why do we have to do this?" asked Gu Xiang.

"For security reasons. Most people who come here, usually don't leave," he said and glared at Gu Xiang and it sends chills to his back.

"What do they mean most people don't leave?" whispered Peng Ai a little scared to know the reason.

"I'm sure they mean the living condition here is so good, most people want to become citizens here in the Chu Empire," said Lin Yu Yan.

"Ah, that makes sense. If this place is really good, the old me would have stayed here," said Peng Ai.

The guards were waiting for our reply when Wang Ping stepped up and said, "Don't worry, we won't be staying."

The guards looked over at him in confusion. 'Who is this man? He does seem familiar…'

"Let me introduce myself. I'm the third prince of the Wang Empire, Wang Ping. Because of some issues I've had back at my home, I wanted to inform the Chu Emperor about those incidents and hopefully become allies," said Wang Ping.

"..." the guards said nothing. They looked suspiciously at the group and wonder what they should do about this situation. He spoke to a man who quickly disappeared and then reappeared out of nowhere.

'What was that technique?' thought Lin Yu Yan. 'Hmmm, I want to know who made that move.'

Everyone else notices it too and looked over at Lin Yu Yan to see her eyes sparkle and can tell she was smiling despite the mask over her face. 'Oh no… she might be doing something later…' they all thought.

"The emperor is on his way," said the Guard.

"Okay, Thank you," said Wang Ping.

"Wait, Already?" whispered Chu Yang.

"Are you ready Chu Yang?" asked Gu Xiang.

"I… don't know…" said Chu Yang. Her nerves are tingling in many emotions. She's not really sure if she is ready to meet him.

The guards overheard the conversation and one of them left quickly.

Lin Yu Yan looked at their faces. 'They heard her name...but she doesn't seem welcome just like Quan Su Wen said.'

Lin Yu Yan looked over at Chu Yang and whispered, 'I think something is not right here. One of the guards is eyeing you."

"Wait.. why?" said Chu Yang.

Lin Yu Yan explains the rumors she has heard from Quan Su Wen. Chu Yang nods her head in understanding.

"I'll create a distraction and you get inside and we'll meet up," Lin Yu Yan said while handing her a mask.

Chu Yang nods.

A few minutes later, the Chu Emperor showed up, breathing hard. He was walking towards the entrance to meet Wang Ping but one of the guards heard a familiar name and told the emperor about it. The Chu Emperor rushed before his guards and ministers and ran straight to the entrance.

The Chu emperor was catching his breath to look up and hoping to see the person he's been trying to find for years. "Chu… Yang?" he said.

The other guards who weren't eavesdropping looked over in surprised to hear that name the Cu Emperor has called out.

"First General?"