Chapter 12

On the throne sat Zheng Wei Jian, his men were explaining to him the plans for the farms as it should start the raining season soon. He kept looking outside to see how far the sun had come down so that he could leave. Disappointed he looked back at the council and continued to listen. A beautiful smile would appear in his mind from time to time making him dazed.

One of Zhang's rivals noticed and held out his fan to gain his attention. "Your Majesty," he began, "It is time that you consider finding a wife that is from our country. May I suggest my daughter?"

Upon hearing his suggestion Zheng Wei Jian's murderous aura began to spill out. "What do you think is wrong with my future wife," he asked, trying to contain his strange urge to kill.

The man gulped and lowered his head, "It is not only I that thinks this arrangement is strange, but others. We have heard that she is not from our country and is not of a high status that suits yourself. We think that she might be related to that traitor." Multiple others resisted the urge to nod in agreement. He saw that there was no reaction from the Emperor, which gave him more confidence. "We think that it is best if we interrogate her, make her give us the information that we require. Once we get the information relating her to that traitor, we can use her as bait."

Another man continued, "That is true, if we use her as bait we can capture him. After we capture them, we can put them to death. Him for betraying the crown and her for being his ally."

Zheng Wei Jian's face turned blacker than the underside of a poy when he heard their plans for Li Xiu Ying. "So you want me to give her to the council to torture her and make her give information to you," he asked calmly.

The men thought that he was considering their plans for the girl, "Yes, Your Majesty," ten men answered in unison.

"I see," he murmured. Zheng Wei Jian was silent for half an incense time making the people believe he was truly considering it. "Big Two," called out, "Summon Li Xiu Ying."

Big Two quickly left to find Li Xiu Ying and her subordinates. "I hope he is not actually thinking of hurting her," he prayed. He had watched their interactions since they had met. He knew that she met no evil, if she wanted him dead she could have killed him. Big Two ran to Lilly Courtyard where they were packing her things. "Princess Li Xiu Ying, His Majesty requests your presence in the throne room," he said thinking before he added, "My personal request is that you bring your subordinates." He saw the way they were ready to protect her without a moment's hesitation and thought it would be best to bring them.

Li Xiu Ying thought his request sounded odd, and replied, "Let me get ready first." Li Na helped her in the room putting on her signature white gown with bright yellow chrysanthemums along the hem. Li Jie stood outside the inner room holding her sword and belt, while Li Qiang held her dagger and sheath. She walked out of the inner room and put on her weapons preparing herself. Li Jia, Li Na, and Li Qiang made their swords and belts to intimidate those who wanted to hurt her and they walked out of the room greeting Big Two.

Big Two was surprised by how fast they got ready for battle. He looked from each one and noticed that they have one thing in common. They each had bright glowing chrysanthemums in between their eyebrows. He already knew that they were from the lost tribe, but they still surprise him at every corner. He bowed to them and quickly led them to the throne room.