An Alliance

TWO DAYS LATER

Bai Ju was strolling round the garden when she heard the sound of a guqin from a room. She walked to the room and entered as she saw Bai Rong sitting and playing guqin. She closed the door and sat in front of Bai Rong. Bai Rong smiled and continued playing the guqin. When he was done, he looked at Bai Ju

Bai Ju:(smiles) I like it. What's the name of the song?

Bai Rong:Wu Ji. It was father's song. Father was a lover of music and I learned guqin from him (stands and picks a flute from the shelf and gives it to Bai Ju)

Bai Ju:(collects the flute) Huh...

Bai Rong: I want us to play it together.

Bai Ju: Can I play a flute?

Bai Rong:(smiles and gives her a music scroll) I told you there are many more things you'll discover about yourself.

Bai Ju:(opens the music scroll and tries to play the flute when a guard entered)

Guard: Your majesty.

Bai Rong: What is it?

Guard: General Luo has arrived. He is waiting for you at the throne hall.

Bai Rong: Ask him to come meet me in the library.

Guard: Yes(bows and exits)

Bai Ju: Who is General Luo?

Bai Rong: He is one of my warriors. He is a faithful one. He travelled to Northern Wei two months ago on a leave.

Bai Ju: ooh!

Bai Rong: You should go to your room.

Bai Ju: Okay, I will like to practice the song

Bai Rong:(smiles as Bai Ju stands carrying the music scroll and the flute along with her and walks out)

When Bai Ju walked out, she saw General Luo coming towards the library. When General Luo was close to the library, their eyes met. General Luo stared at her, bowed a little and walked inside the library.

Bai Ju:(thinks) Why does he looks familiar?(shrugs and walks away)

...

Chih-ming:(gives Bai Rong a fist greeting) Greetings, your majesty

Bai Rong:(smiles) General Luo, you're welcome. How was your tour?

Chih-ming:(sighs) It was nice.

Bai Rong: Did Emperor Cheng send a message?

Chih-ming: He send you greetings. He said he wish to have an alliance with our state. He recognizes your good works and would want both states to become good friends forever

Bai Rong:(smiles)

Chih-ming: He said whenever your majesty is ready for the alliance,he'll give his sixth prince hand in marriage to the lady you prepared.

Bai Rong: Emperor Cheng is a great emperor. I won't like to turn down his offer.

Chih-ming: But, your majesty, you have no siblings, not to talk of having a female around you.

Bai Rong:(sighs) Bai Ju.

Chih-ming: What are you talking about, your majesty.

Bai Rong: I have only Bai Ju.

Bai Ju: I saw a lady while I was coming. Is that Princess Bai Ju?

Bai Rong:(nods her head)

Chih-ming: The late king had banned Princess Bai Ju and her mother. Why did you have to return her?

Bai Rong:(looks at Chih-ming) It's my wish

Chih-ming:(sighs)

Bai Rong: You should send a message to the emperor that I'm ready for the alliance.

Chih-ming:Yes, your majesty (bows and exits)