Imperial Notice
[ 2 months after, 1st month of 825 AD ]
I fixed my robe and jumped from ceiling to ceiling until I reached the downtown of Arghon Empire.
I saw people gathering around in a postal notice.
Teacher Pu, after the incident happened two months ago, told me I was unconscious for three straight days. And as soon as I woke up, we were in the Capital. Fugitives from the abolished tribe of Weiyou. I don't know how we even reached and passed the forsaken land of North but I am glad I'm unconscious during those times or I could not even help myself but, take revenge right then and on.
Teacher Pu said that Master Cui knew the annihilation all along.
I sat down, idling, while people passes by below the ceiling I am sitting on, remembering our mission.
Laohu on the day I saw him at the North gate, already saw the notice of clearing the tribe and eliminating Master Cui. He forcefully let me saw him so that my attention could be drifted away from the notice. As I tried following him from different corners.
When he arrived at that time at the tribe he directly went to Master as he was given the book. Master Cui gave him the book so that he could have reasons when I ask him. During the whole night, they were already preparing to surrender, to save the whole tribe by bargaining Master's admission of guilt to let the tribe live.
But he never expected that they will arrive sooner, he was supposed to send us off to the capital first before the time of his capture. But the Queen of Yun arrived earlier and killed everyone before our departure.
My heart sank at what I heard. She really said that Master Cui tried to escape so she killed all the people. When in fact Master Cui already surrendered and gave a letter before the day of capture.
Teacher Pu promised to save us and let us all live. He was a spy inside the capital. He technically was born here as Master Cui was the previous Academy Leader, he became one of his students until he followed him to the tribe when Master Cui was removed from the post.
Since then, Teacher Pu was said to be ill, so he couldn't get out of his family home when in fact he's in the tribe helping Master Cui. His loyalty can't be faltered until his last breath.
He also promised Master Cui he will be adopting the three of us as his Nieces and Nephew. He could also save the kids and the tribe that will be sold to other merchants if the bargain was successfully made. But shit really happens.
Since remaining kids were brought here and have been sold off. We've been looking for others to be saved and to set them all free. It's been months already.
Neighing horses disturbed the people as Imperial guards arrived at the post and posted another Notice.
I saw Laohu coming from nowhere walking and getting involved in the crowd too. I jumped to the other side and walked down to read it as well.
* Imperial Notice:
The 20th Civil Exam will be conducted mandatorily to men and young men who are 18 years of age and up.
As the law mandates, both noble and ordinary men supported by their families will gather to take their exams.
A one-shot, one-chance policy.
Those who will pass will be admitted to the Hill Academy and those who will fail cannot take the exam ever again as their names will be banned from the list forever.
The chance is yours to take, as you will be guaranteed a position under which department you'll be best at and your future will be secured.
Best wishes to Civil Exam Takers and Long live Imperial Family of Arghon!
*
I sarcastically smirked at the last sentence. Laohu turned around and upon seeing me, he pulls me out of the crowd.
"You're not supposed to be here," he said as I grimace and took my hand off him
"you're not supposed too" I answered back
He just nodded while biting his lip. he's frustrated, I know. But, I am here to get my revenge and not to just pass by. I need to set my path straight to reach the goal. My eyes twinkled as I looked at Laohu, he suddenly pushed me away.
"you're 19 right?" confused as to my question he just nodded. I smiled as I think of something
"Let's take the exam," I said typically.
As if hearing the most absurd things, his eyes grew larger. "We can't do that. You especially. Are you blind? It says, 'men'?"
I just shrugged " Women can do things too. Why is education for men alone? What's the difference? Master Cui teaches girls in our tribe. He was the previous Hill Leader of the Academy. So, if he still has the position he will allow me to take the exam. My competency will still be the same no matter what my gender is."
"But, that's a huge offense. If you were found out, lying, you will end up in prison or worse you could be executed"
"That's why I am taking you with me" I raised my brows at him and reached for his arms which he immediately removed and turned around walking.
He just left me and walk back home. I'm still nagging at him as he walked faster than before. I looked at his backside while he's hurrying his steps "Remember you owe me this" I shouted at him
I needed to make this work. No matter the risks, and whatever the circumstances. I need to save our tribe and clear Master Cui's name.
He halted and turned his head towards me as if asking what I meant.
I sighed and held on to my knees as I am breathing "Why are you so fast?"
"Laohu" he answered in a matter of fact, which I just nodded and grimaced. Laohu means tiger, of course he is fast.
"what do I owe you for?" he asked not changing the topic, walking again this time a little slower
"you lied about the reason why I saw you at the north"
"Master Cui knew the order. He revealed to me that you will be in a panic when you find out by going to the North. That's why he asked me to distract you."
"he knew I was going to the north?" I was so confused, how could he know?
he nodded "we all knew" He said casually as he took a small stem and swayed it on the bushes. "the tribe always knew" he whispered.
"the tribe always knew? and never did anyone mentioned and punished me for those times I escaped?"
"Weiyou never forced you to do the things that will hinder you. The tribe always knew you were a child of free will and will never try to change you the way you were"
Tears started rolling down my cheeks. My knees grew weaker as I sat on the ground. Laohu hurriedly went to my aide and assist me He threw the piece of stem anywhere. I just shook my head remembering the times I was so hard-headed. I always caused trouble to them, and until their last breaths, I never made something that will save us all.
"The whole tribe always accepted me. Even if I am not worthy, and made them worry me a lot. They knew the stories I kept telling, yet they still listen to me outside at the broad daylight or even in the cold of the night."
I took my bow and arrows on my back to sit on the ground as I'm feeling all the weight down my body. All the cries and all the joys, all their smiles and their tears. All of them are the baggage I'll always carry in my memory.
"They patiently wait for me to arrive the tribe even if I am out the wild for days or even weeks without complaining or asking where I came from. The elders still eat the food I make even if it tastes so bad and they'll compliment me still for even trying. The kids still follow me even if I often lead them nowhere, even if it means they'll be taking a bath for weeks of not nearing the water stream. The soldiers never complained about how I always steal a horse and use the battlefield to train. The officials and teachers still teach me good manners and still read me history books even if they're tired of a whole day job inside the camp. And Master. Master always says he's proud of me even if I always do things he does not like me to do. Even if I sleep until noon and do not wake up. They always say that seeing me do things I love makes them feel alive. Do they hate me now?"
he shushes me while I kept on ranting and crying.
"No. they understand you, we do. That's why we need to survive and change the system, we need to know why and how. We are here for the sacrifices they made to let us live"
I nodded as I stood up, he helps me remove the dust on my clothes. Since we arrived, I've been wearing men's clothes because the girls' hanfu here are too bright for my eyes. It annoys me.
We both looked confused as we stood up when we heard horses nearing the cottage. The cottage of Dan, Teacher Pu's family name.
We saw the imperial commandant and several Imperial guards as we hurriedly entered the gate and saw them gathering at the small lawn that we always brush every morning due to excessive dead leaves that are falling.
"How can we help--" Laohu was cut off when a high-ranking official went down from a carriage, I don't think he's even one of them, he's wearing different garments, silk and shiny. His hair is properly tied in a clean bun and silver hairpin.
I doubt he's an officer.
To answer my question, an announcer shouted "The First Prince of Arghon"
Laohu dropped to his knees as he took me down with him. I also kneeled and bowed. Why is the First Prince here? From what I read, The Arghon has 3 Princes to inherit the throne, since the emperor is still strong to lead, he never once tried suggesting the passing of it, I don't even think he will announce it anytime soon.
The First Prince has always been the most patient of the three, as the records say that since his Mother is one of the Noble Consort, who died upon his delivery. He always followed the rules and never let himself be involved in any rumors and issues, and always remove himself from Imperial issues.
Being so laid back and so responsible became his great advantage to gain the Emperor's favors. He's always outside the walled city to enjoy his free time in different places, he paints, goes to brothels, and enjoys life never even wanting any position he also never engaged in political discourse and never took the civil service exam.
Teacher Pu welcomed the guest as the prince smiled at him.
"Dan Pu Ji" the Prince gave his warmest smile to our Teacher.
Mu Lin, not knowing what is happening, emerged from the other side and went out of the kitchen confused about what was happening and why there are city guards around. She's still holding a knife in her hand when several Imperial guards pointed their swords at her.
"Why?!" she was so confused when the Teacher asked them to leave her be.
"Who are they?" Prince asked Teacher Pu referring to us.
"ah, they are my relatives, children of my cousins who died in the war."
Laohu whispered asking me if we can stand up now. I looked at him in disbelief as I kicked him on his feet to shut him up, he whimpered a little, as Teacher Pu pulled us up.
We bowed in front of the Prince again.
"The reason I came here is to give you the Imperial command. My Father Emperor knew you were already fine and invites you to the Opening of the Academy again. He trusts you too much and wants you to teach again. As the two princes will enter the hill academy, he expects of high education for them."
my forehead creased a little, I saw the debated looks on Laohu too. If they're looking for quality education, they shouldn't have killed our master. As if reading my mind, Teacher Pu notices me and shook his head, reminding me that inside the Arghon, Master Cui has been labeled as a traitor.
Teacher Pu surrendered the Teacher post 12 years ago because of Master. He loved the academy but his loyalty to the father figure he knew all his life was much stronger. He thought for it for a while. I can see he does not wish to return so, I voiced out and validated my decision.
This is my chance to move my chess piece. I looked at Teacher Pu and bowed
"Uncle, we decided, both Laohu and I to enter the academy by the means of passing the civil service exam"
The Prince smiled proudly as Teacher Pu's eyes were serious because of what I said, he should've denied it right away but I tried stealing the spot and tried to speak.
"what are you talking Weicheng?" his voice is a little higher and you can hear his domineering voice.
I walked away from them as I hold one of my arrows. This arrow is the last arrow Master held as he was the one who sharpens these for me. He always does this together with his sword.
I looked at the carriage and all the horses outside the gate.
I need to enter the walled city to know the capacity of my enemies. By entering the academy I will be able to influence and gain connections for my cause. If permitted I could also see the weakness and strengths of the empire. I just needed to calculate the steps to win.
Strategies work well with wide calculations and advanced foresight. We need to see the bigger picture so we could see the problem and limit it one by one.
Taking my bow, I shot the first pigeon I saw from the sky as it landed in front of the Prince, I smirked.
I breathed. "Dan Household has 4 remaining descendants. Including you. We can all be removed from the history without doing anything to stay strong or we can strive to enter the registry by doing things and helping the empire"
As if watching a theatre, the prince clapped his hands, his admiration can be seen. This Prince is really unaware of the things, he's too gullible. I don't even think he'll have a voice in imperial court or so. I shook my head internally.
"You're witty and clever, what's your name?"
"Dan Wei Cheng," I said in a formal voice.
the seriousness of Teacher Pu makes me want to escape the scene. He is not pleased with the stunt I am doing. He might be contemplating my gender and identity and the aftermath if I was found out to be a girl.
"I can't let you go to the battle empty-handed, you're not trained like the others who will take the exams. They have been strategizing since they were merely innocent."
"well, I can take the exam together with Dan Laohu and you can be an instructor." I reached for Laohu's arms and present him to them as he was struggling to get away. I continued with my speech.
"if we do not pass, then that's it, we're not pushing it anymore. But, if you're there then at least one of the three of us can still hold the lineage too, we're struggling to survive day by day, by entering the academy one of us or if lucky, the three of us can support the family for generations to come."
He should take it as my starting point and that I am safe inside because he will also be staying there. I am risking here for the benefit of our tribe. My game starts from this day forward. I need to play my chess right.
"You're so clever and quick-witted. I am sure you'll pass the exams." the Prince complimented
"thank you for the compliment, your highness"
As if contemplating, the sun already reached its peak and nearing the twilight
"Alright," Teacher Pu said and we were all settled. He received the command and kneeled
"It is my pleasure to receive your command, Your highness! Long live the Imperial Family! Long Live Arghon Empire!" I can sense his sarcasm hidden and gritted on his teeth as he shouted.
He will be going inside the walled city tomorrow to assist the ministers for scholars and arrange the examination schedule. The Prince is off to go when I remembered something.
"wait, I have a favor to ask your highness." I'm on my thick-skinned lately. I have to slap this month later.
He turned around asking what do I need more.
I saw Mu Lin sits at the far corner, his Highness' eyes also went to Mu lin.
He nodded.
"When I pass the exam let my cousin enter the academy too. She's a good physician and she can assist the kitchen too. Laohu is a sure passer, he has always been a good contender." I said as a matter of fact, to which the Prince just nodded.
"so, I am betting Mu lin's future on my exam, to be fair for you. If I pass, you will guarantee her future no matter, she passed the physician exam or not, but if I failed, we will not be staying here and remove our names under the Dan Household"
he smiled and nodded. He must be one of the easiest nobles I could talk to, the other nobles are worst than arrogant as I can see them going around the Downtown shouting their achievements and wealth, not to mention he's a Prince and people love his natural side.
"I'll let her take the physical exam so she could also stay inside, but if you fail, no matter she passed the exam I will eliminate her right away."
upon hearing it Mu Lin's face lighted as she was so happy. She bowed her head to thank the First Prince of Arghon.
The moment he left, Mu Lin and Lao hu dragged me inside and talked to me.
"What are we going to do? You could be in danger" Mu lin is already in that stage I shake my head.
"The test results will be after your physical exam, Mu lin. We still need to help Teacher Pu prepare his belongings"
we went to his room and knocked as he shouted at me right after we opened his door, I suddenly fell ill.
"kneel and think what you said earlier, contemplate on your life first and make sure to not forget your decisions. You've been talking too much lately, Wei cheng, you're getting out of the hand"
I kneeled and whispered "it's for our own good"
he pulled my arms up in the air "you will stay here until you realized what you did earlier"
Mu Lin and Lao hu looks at me with their worried eyes as I averted them all. I'm used to punishments already, Master Cui always punished me, there are times when he would tie me at the trunk of the tree when I overdo my stunts.
Teacher Pu arranged his things and put his books and some robes inside a silk cloth and tied it up.
he looked at some more books as he threw them all in front of Laohu. My eyes are all on the books.
"that's a reviewer guide for the exams," he said pointing them all. "here's for you, Mu lin. The physician exam an herbal medicine from the royal physician library"
they both grabbed and scanned it while my eyes are looking at Laohu, also scanning the contents of the book given by teacher Pu.
"you." he pointed his finger at me, I just coldly looked at him
"Since you're too proud earlier, you can not hold any of the books to review. Pass the exam of your own will and capabilities. That's the consequence of your actions."
he finished all of his belongings as he motioned for me to stand up. My knees were weak as I saw Master Cui's sword beneath his clothes. That sword symbolizes our tribe. I think he'll bring it with him.
Teacher Pu said he'll give it to me when the time is right and when he feels I am more than qualified to hold it. I should be practicing them so that I could already hold them once again.
"Now go to your room, I'll be off tomorrow. So I'll be seeing you by the weekend."
Upon entering our room Laohu lends me the book as I refused.
"It's alright, I am ok. As teacher Pu said, I have been saying a lot earlier, that I'll pass the exam no matter what. So I need to stick to my words and do it evenly. I promised to pass it without anything other than my knowledge and own skills"
they both nodded as we turned off the lights and sleep