THE ROYAL SUMMONS

Time flew, and feasting continued into the night; Ha Rin couldn't help but keep looking back at Xiao Hong, whose gaze was wide in wonder. Obviously, she has heard the hearsay about General's appearance. But she always didn't give credence to them. Till now, catching a glimpse into his handsome facial features and great physique, it was hard to conceal her minor disappointment.

She whispered to her mother, Madam Wei, "Mother, it seems those were all fake rumors. The General had acted as a disabled person."

Madam Wei's face turned stern then, and in a whisper she said, "Ha Rin, stop uttering nonsensical words. They'll overhear.

But before Ha Rin could say more, a sudden murmur at the entrance of the banquet hall turned all eyes to the door, for a Palace Eunuch had come, and respect needed to be given to his presence.

Duke Mingling, Mei Xing's father, stood up to salute the Eunuch. "What brings you here today?" he asked, courtesy dripping from his voice.

Kneeling down and kowtowing with a slight lean forward, the Eunuch replied, "His Majesty sent some gifts to congratulate you on your birthday, Duke Mingling."

The nicely wrapped box that the Eunuch presented to her father made Mei Xing's eyes widen. But before she could even process what was going on, the Eunuch turned to Xiao Hong and said, "General Xiao Hong, His Majesty summons you to the palace."

Xiao Hong rose from his seat, his movements smoothly flowing, then gave the most slight inclination of his head in the Duke's direction. "Father-in-law, if it would please."

The Duke made a serious incline of the head. Of course, General. Please leave to attend his Majesty's summon.

As Xiao Hong left with the Eunuch, Mei Xing sat down, thinking why the General had been suddenly summoned by the Emperor. What could be so important that required Xiao Hong's immediate attention? or Was he going to face a problem because of acting disabled?

She looked around at the hall packed with food but found everybody looking away. The gaze of her father seemed afresh too with his eyes transfixed into the distance somewhere.

**In the Palace of the Emperor**

The palms and head bent to the cold floor, the forehead to the ground in one lowly gesture, Xiao Hong said respectfully: "Your Majesty.".

Fu Lin nodded gravely. "Rise, General. Word was given that your legs have healed and that you walk very well now."

Xiao Hong rose in one easy flowing motion. "Yes, Your Majesty, I found a Shaman a few months ago who could cure my legs."

The Emperor's eyes narrowed somewhat. "But I never heard of it from you, General. Why did you keep it a secret?

Xiao Hong's face turned solemn. "Sorry, Your Majesty, I was afraid if I told people about my recovery, I would attract the attention of our enemies and put me and others in danger, so I needed to keep alert and secretly recover my wounds.".

The Emperor nodded, his face unreadable. "You are right, General. I agree. Sometimes, secrecy is required to be able to protect ourselves and our loved ones."

At the Duke's mansion, Mei Xing sat in deep thought about Xiao Hong, wondering for what reason the Emperor could have summoned him. Her sister, Ha Rin, burst into her mind with her whiny, complaining voice.

"Sister, you must have a lot of property in the General's mansion. Why don't you send us some since we don't have enough?" Ha Rin asked greedily.

Mei Xing's stepmother, Madam Wei, stepped in, her tone equally commanding. "My daughter is right, Mei. Why don't you send us some of your property? We are your family, after all."

Mei Xing's face had turned pale, her eyes gleaming with anger. But before she said a word, Xiao Hong suddenly appeared, clamoring for attention.

"I think it's inappropriate," Xiao Hong said in a firm and commanding voice. "My wife's wealth is none to be decided by others except me."

Ha Rin and Madam Wei had their faces fallen, eyes wide with shock. Xiao Hong went on and on, never yielding.

"My dear, let's go back. We have a long way to go."

With her wrist grasped in Xiao Hong's hands and totally ignoring his stepmother and stepsister, Mei Xing turned to him full of gratitude in her eyes. Her soft smile seemed to tear up her eyes.

He bowed to Duke Mingling ceremoniously and went out. The way he moved his body was so elegant and refined that it was just captivating. Mei Xing bid farewell too, embracing her father tightly.

Outside the mansion of the Duke, Mei Xing looked up at Xiao Hong with soft, grateful eyes. "Thank you for saving me from my stepmother and sister," she whispered low.

Xiao Hong's expression turned serious, but his eyes shone bright with laughter. "But I think I might not save you next time," he said in a low and husky voice.

Mei Xing looked shocked. "Really? What's wrong? Is His Majesty going to punish you?"

Xiao Hong smiled even wider as the sparkle of mischief rose in his eyes. He reached out and tapped lightly with his two fingers on Mei Xing's forehead.

"Don't think too much, let's go back first. I will tell you," he said with a teasing intonation in his voice.

"Ouch, it hurts!" Mei Xing exclaimed in agony, rubbing her forehead, laughter bursting out from her mouth.

Smiling, crinkles formed at the corner of Xiao Hong's eyes. "Alright, let's head back. It's a long way home."

The thought of what might have happened between the Emperor and the reason for Xiao Hong being summoned couldn't help but stir a little excitement and curiosity within Mei Xing as they slipped into the carriage.

She glanced up into Xiao Hong's eyes, those opposite hers that did not once falter from her face, and felt her heart race at the flutter in her chest.

The carriage started to move, and Mei Xing sat back, her gaze stuck on Xiao Hong's face. She knew she had to wait until they got to the General's mansion for anything to be told.

For now, though, it was enough just to sit back and enjoy the ride, setting her eyes upon the handsome mysterious General Xiao Hong.

Meixing fidgeted uneasily in the carriage on their ride back to the General's mansion. She couldn't explain it, but Xiao Hong felt different since that encounter with her family. There was his usually commanding aura, but there was still something different, something far warmer. She didn't like it. At least, so she told herself.

Opposite her, Xiao Hong sat crossing his arms, his eyes watching her with a suppressed humor in them.

"You look troubled," he said as fact.

Mei Xing snorted, folding her arms. "Who would not? My stepmother and sister are shameless, and I now have to get back to your mansion, where I remain an outsider."

Xiao Hong's lips quivered. "Oh, so my mansion is worse than your stepmother's house?"

"At least there, I know my enemies," she shot back.

Xiao Hong leaned forward slightly. "Then consider this a battlefield, my lady. And I am your most dangerous opponent."

Mei Xing rolled her eyes. "What kind of general openly declares himself as an enemy to his own wife?"

"A general who intends to win the war," he answered smoothly, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Mei Xing blinked, suddenly unsure if they spoke of metaphorical battles or another thing altogether. She didn't have a chance to respond as the carriage came to a stop.

The mansion of the General loomed in front of them, imposing and grand as ever. The servants bowed as Xiao Hong stepped out first, extending his hand for Mei Xing. She faltered. He raised an eyebrow. "If you refuse, I might just have to carry you out."

The eyes of Mei Xing bulged in horror. Hastily, she placed her hand in his, stepping down with all the dignity possible. Xiao Hong looked back smugly, saying nothing.

As soon as they entered, a whirlwind of movement attracted their attention.

"Ah! Mistress, you're back!" Chuchui came running, almost tripping over herself. "Did you eat well? Did you miss me? Did the General bully you?"

Beside her, ever-loyal servant Cai Wei let out a dramatic sigh. "Chuchui, must you always sound like a hen clucking over her chick?"

Chuchui threw a glare at the man. "At least I care about my mistress! Not like you with your mind on stealing wine from the kitchen every waking moment!"

Cai Wei clutched his heart, mock offended. "That's slander! I never sneak--I take openly."

Mei Xing couldn't help but laugh at this, but Xiao Hong cut through the din of the chaos with a single command. "Prepare dinner. My wife must be hungry."

Mei Xing turned to him in shock. "Since when do you order food for me?"

Xiao Hong smirked. "Since I decided I want you alive."

Cai Wei grumbled out loud, "How romantic, General."

Chuchui whispered back, "So touching, I may cry."

Mei Xing flashed them a look, but was by now suppressing a smile. Life in the General's mansion might not be quite so suffocating after all.

At least, not yet.