Premier Hu found himself reeling from recent encounter with the assassin.
Despite not injured, the shock of the attack left him shaken to the core. He sat on his bed, attempting to collect his thoughts and recover from the unexpected turn of events.
Fortunately, his wife, Madam Tang, and Black Ravens Commander, Lei Hong Zao, arrived just in time to intervene. Clad in their distinctive black and purple armor and mounted on bikes too, they thwarted the assassin's deadly assault, sparing Hu, his guards, and his nephew from certain doom.
Though the crimson Wu She Mi Hun San smoke had rendered all of them unconscious, her expertise proved invaluable. With her knowledge of poisons and antidotes, she swiftly administered vial potions to revive and heal them. Her quick thinking and skilful preparation undoubtedly saved their lives, reaffirming her indispensable role in their protection and survival.
"Just moments ago, I was impressed by his skill and even complimented him." Premier Hu related to his wife by their bedside. "But I never expected him to launch an attack on me and my men as well."
"Forgive me for being blunt," Lei Hong Zao, ever pragmatic, offered an apology before providing his candid assessment of the situation. "Though you are not injured physically, you need to take care of yourself mentally and plenty of rest, given your age."
Coughing, Premier Hu acknowledged the gravity of the situation, recognizing the role Lei Hong Zao and Madam Tang had played in his survival. "If not for you and Madam, I could have been killed by him."
"Whoever he is, he is clearly out to murder you, our nephew, and your men." Madam Tang echoed her husband's sentiments, emphasizing the danger posed by the assassin.
Premier Hu, faced with the harsh reality of the threat before them, resolved to take decisive action. "If we cannot rope him in and utilize his talents, then obviously we must get rid of him," he concluded, his tone firm.
Lei Hong Zao offered his agreement with Premier Hu's assessment, saying: "I agree with you, Old Master."
Turning back to his wife, Premier Hu inquired: ""Have you found out his background?"
"Upon inhaling my crimson Wu She Mi Hun San smoke, he also fell into unconsciousness." Madam Tang revealed.
As they discussed their next steps, his nephew, Hu Qi, entered the bedchamber, adding another layer of complexity to their deliberations.
Madam Tang rose from the bed and approached Hu Qi, concern evident in her expression before asking: "Hu Qi, how are you feeling right now?"
"I am alright, aunt." Hu Qi replied. "Thanks to your antidote. Even though my face and neck still hurt from punishment by the Highness."
"Since you have taken my antidote, you should be fine after a few days," Madam Tang assured him with a comforting smile.
Hu Qi nodded appreciatively and then turned to his uncle.
"Has that assassin awoken?" Premier Hu inquired.
"I just returned from the jail cell," Hu Qi recounted. "He is now awake and has been meditating."
"That's surprising! Despite not being provided with my antidote, he still lives." Madam Tang remarked. "It looks like this assassin is highly skilled in both martial arts and healing abilities."
Premier Hu redirected his attention to his nephew and asked sternly: "What's wrong with you, my nephew? First, your aunt told me of your punishment by the Highness, and now you pick up a fight with someone else right outside my home."
Hu Qi struggled to explain his actions until a realization dawned on him. "Oh no! While we were all focused on that assassin, the other fellow managed to escape!"
"Who?" Madam Tang inquired with surprise.
"There is a young fellow whom I exchanged blows with at Dai En brothel," Hu Qi explained. "At that time, I injured him and his friends. I did not expect him to come here for revenge."
Premier Hu nodded in understanding and concluded:. "In other words, they are both in collaboration. One to distract you and your men while the other intends to assassinate me and my men."
Hu Qi confirmed his uncle's assessment before adding, "I will send my men to get to the bottom of this."
Madam Tang interjected with a stern rebuke. "If not for your inappropriate behaviour at Dai En Brothel and your misguided intentions toward the Highness, none of this would have happened. Now that he is awake, have you thoroughly questioned him?"
"That won't be necessary. He's mute." Hu Qi replied.
"Mute?" Lei Hong Zao echoed, taken aback. "If he can't speak, it will be difficult to find out his background."
"No, I beg to differ," Hu Qi countered confidently. "So long as we question someone else, we will eventually find out."
Premier Hu's curiosity was piqued. "Who?" he asked.
"Er Fen." Hu Qi replied promptly, having found out her name and status from his men. "Besides serving as one of the Highness's handmaidens, she also works at Dai En brothel as one of the girls. The Highness employed her out of sympathy for her plight, even though she still has a year left on her contract in Dai En."
"Really? But how do you know she is in contact with the mute assassin, and what is their relationship?" Madam Tang inquired with interest.
"While having drinks and enjoying myself with other girls, I saw Er Fen constantly in contact with that mute guy. My conclusion is that they already knew each other." Hu Qi revealed.
"In other words, this whole plot could have been devised by the Highness herself. But why would she want to do that?" Premier Hu mused, piecing together the information.
"In that case, I ask her personally." Hu Qi decided, ready to act.
Just as he was about to leave, Madam Tang called and cautioned him. "Hu Qi, hold on! Before we get to the bottom of this, it will be better not to alert any of them. Based on your last encounter, she will not tell you anything. Instead, leave her to me."
Er Fen became increasingly worried as she had not seen Chi Feng since their last encounter.
Juggling her responsibilities as both the Highness's handmaiden and one of Dai En girls, she navigated her daily route from palace to brothel and back. Despite her busy schedule, she always made time to check on Chi Feng in his chamber and prepare meals for him, especially knowing his recent loss of his master.
However, she could not dismiss her intuition that Chi Feng's behaviour had changed over the past few weeks, leaving her perplexed by his cryptic expressions and actions. She could only decipher his emotions based on what she saw and heard.
She also noticed Lady Li Shi's frequent absence as well despite her position as the head of Dai En. Taking a break from her duties in the kitchen, Er Fen decided to visit his chamber again, only to run into Madam Huang and her entourage on her way.
"What's wrong? Is the kitchen work too taxing for you? Thinking of running away again?" Madam Huang's tone dripped with sarcasm as she addressed Er Fen.
Er Fen maintained her composure and replied, "No, I am looking for Chi Feng. Have you seen him?"
"He hasn't been back for several days. Last time I saw him, he was with Lady Li Shi." Madam Huang responded casually. "Why? Do you have feelings for him and hope to ensnare him?"
"What about Lady Li Shi? Can I see her then?" She inquired, hoping for some clarity from the brothel's head. For her heart sank at the mention of her and possible involvement with him.
"Who do you think you are? Despite your role as the Highness's handmaiden, you are just another girl here. You've no right to see her!" Madam Huang scolded sharply.
Resigned to the situation, Er Fen nodded silently and retraced her steps back to the kitchen, her mind swirling with unanswered questions and concerns.
When suddenly, a voice shattered the monotony of her routine. "Er Fen!"
Startled, she turned to find a red-haired man clad in white garments with black tunic striding purposefully towards her. His unexpected appearance sent a jolt of apprehension through her, and she could not help but feel a flutter of curiosity at the interruption.
"Is your name Er Fen?" He inquired firmly with urgency.
Er Fen nodded silently, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.
"Our Madam likes to see you. Will you accompany me to the second-floor dining area?" he continued, his tone earnest yet inscrutable.
Caught off guard by his approach and summons, Er Fen hesitated momentarily before nodding in acquiescence. As she followed and descended with the red-haired man through the roof-top garden's bubble-glass elevator, her mind buzzing with more questions and uncertainties. As she and the red-haired man reached one of the cubicles on the bustling second-floor dining area, she was taken aback to find herself face to face with a familiar figure.
Clad in a vibrant orange robes and dark blue tunic, the woman exuded an air of warmth and familiarity that instantly put her at ease. It was the same woman who came to her aid when she tried to resist the unwanted advances of the brown-haired young man.
Her smile was genuine as she greeted Er Fen, her voice laced with kindness. "Are you Er Fen, one of the Highness's handmaidens and girls here? Please have a seat."
Despite the lingering unease that gnawed at her, she complied, settling into the seat offered to her. There was something disconcerting about the sudden friendliness of the woman, and she could not dismiss the feeling of apprehension prickling at the edges of her consciousness.
Pouring two cups of tea from the jug, the woman extended one towards her with continuous gentle smile. "I am Madam Tang and also wife of Grand Chancellor Premier Hu. With regards to what happened on that day, I'm sorry and like to apologize for my nephew's drunk behaviour. Here's my toast to you."
Er Fen accepted the cup, mirroring Madam Tang's gesture before they both sipped the tea.
"From what I heard from Madam Huang and her servants, you are serving as one of Highness's handmaidens while working as one of the girls here with a year's contract to run. It must be really hard on you, considering your sad background and story."
Er Fen nodded in agreement. "Yes, Madam. But since this is fate, I've to resign myself to it."
"You can't put it that way, dear. I believe if you havethe will and want to, you can change your fate, don't you agree?" Madam Tang consoled with her encouraging tone.
"Are you here just to apologize on your nephew's behalf or for something else?" Er Fen asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. For she could not help feeling suspicious of Madam Tang's sudden interest and kindness despite their first meeting.
"Both. If you want, I can free you completely from this place so that you no longer need to work here anymore or wait to finish your one-year contract. What do you think?" Madam Tang proposed, waiting for Er Fen's response.
"Free me completely from this place? How?" She inquired, her curiosity piqued and taken aback by the offer.
"By employing you to work for me directly while still serving the Highness." Madam Tang explained. "And don't worry about my nephew. With me around, I make sure he will not take advantage of you ever again. What do you say?"
She hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I… am not sure. While I appreciate your offer, I am not at full liberty to decide."
Madam Tang placed a reassuring hand over Er Fen's, her expression gentle. "My girl, didn't I just say if you have the will and want to, you can change your fate when presented with an opportunity if I may add further? And don't worry about Lady Li Shi and Madam Huang as well. With me by your side and making all the necessary arrangements, you can leave anytime and work for me instead of this place. What do you think?"
"I… don't…really know what else to say," She admitted, her voice wavering as she felt overwhelmed by the offer and the pressure to decide now.
"All I need from you are two things. First, your decision, and second, answer a few questions I am about to ask you." Madam Tang said, her smile unwavering.
"What do you like to ask me?" She inquired; her voice tinged with apprehension.
"Er Fen, I heard that other than being here and in palace, you have been on your own and in contact with a mute man, is that true?" Madam Tang questioned her, her tone gentle yet probing.
Nodding her head, Er Fen confirmed: "Whenever I need a break, I need someone to talk to."
Madam Tang maintained her warm smile as she continued the conversation. "I understand. But now you can talk to me too. May I ask who is that guy you have been seeing and why you like him despite him being mute?"
"Madam, why are you suddenly asking me these?" She counter asked, her tone defensive as she felt a sense of unease creeping over her as Madam Tang delved into what she considered her private affairs.
"As a woman myself, I am concerned for your well-being." Madam Tang responded. "Don't even talk about my nephew. Other men will behave the same way and considering your situation, I don't think it is appropriate for you to stay here anymore."
"Madam, he is not like your nephew or other guys. He is kind-hearted and always helps me when I am in need while working here." Er Fen tried to defend Chi Feng, feeling a sense of protectiveness towards him.
"To me, he is like most guys coming in and out of here. He is nice and helpful to you obviously for an agenda. My advice for you is not to be naïve and taken in easily." Madam Tang cautioned; her expression serious.
Er Fen shook her head, disagreeing with Madam Tang's assessment. "No, Madam. He's not like others. He came here with his master and has been staying in one of Dai En's rooftop chambers. They don't socialize with other girls."
"May I know his name? I like to meet him too." Madam Tang pressed for more information.
"His name is Chi Feng." Er Fen revealed.
"Chi Feng?" Madam Tang repeated his name thoughtfully. "What about his master?"
"His master's name is Zhang Hui, but he is more commonly known as Master Zhang due to his past achievements as former Dai Academy instructor, your own and in contact with a mute man, is that true?" Madam Tang questioned her, her tone gentle yet probing.
Nodding her head, Er Fen confirmed: "Whenever I need a break, I need someone to talk to."
Madam Tang maintained her warm smile as she continued the conversation. "I understand. But now you can talk to me too. May I ask who is that guy you have been seeing and why you like him despite him being mute?"
"Madam, why are you suddenly asking me these?" She counter asked, her tone defensive as she felt a sense of unease creeping over her as Madam Tang delved into what she considered her private affairs.
"As a woman myself, I am concerned for your well-being." Madam Tang responded. "Don't even talk about my nephew. Other men will behave the same way and considering your situation, I don't think it is appropriate for you to stay here anymore."
"Madam, he is not like your nephew or other guys. He is kind-hearted and always helps me when I am in need while working here." Er Fen tried to defend Chi Feng, feeling a sense of protectiveness towards him.
"To me, he is like most guys coming in and out of here. He is nice and helpful to you obviously for an agenda. My advice for you is not to be naïve and taken in easily." Madam Tang cautioned; her expression serious.
Er Fen shook her head, disagreeing with Madam Tang's assessment. "No, Madam. He's not like others. He came here with his master and has been staying in one of Dai En's rooftop chambers. They don't socialize with other girls."
"May I know his name? I like to meet him too." Madam Tang pressed for more information.
"His name is Chi Feng." Er Fen revealed.
"Chi Feng?" Madam Tang repeated his name thoughtfully. "What about his master?"
"His master's name is Zhang Hui, but he is more commonly known as Master Zhang due to his past achievements as former Dai Academy instructor, having groomed many students into soldiers and warriors." Er Fen answered, having learnt these from the Highness since she was not present when Master Zhang healed the Highness before with her fellow maid Yin Er.
Upon hearing Er Fen's last reply, Madam Tang finally obtained the information she was seeking.
Still smiling at Er Fen, she expressed her gratitude and suggestion. "Thank you for your honesty. You may pack your things now and come with me."
Turning to Black Ravens Commander Lei Hong Zao, she instructed: "You accompany Er Fen to her room where she packed her things and then come back here. If Madam Huang or any of her servants come asking, tell them she is now working for me, and I bail her out of her contract."
"Understood, Madam." Hong Zao acknowledged before guiding Er Fen back to the elevator. "Er Fen, this way please."
Once they departed from the dining floor, she activated her communications link watch on her wrist, saying: "Hu Qi, you may come with your men to apprehend the other assassin. But only after I and Hong Zao left with Er Fen."
Following his serious shoulder plate injuries, Kai Seven staggered back to his home in the Qing Tao Hills, his steps heavy with exhaustion and pain.
His father and god sister Yin Er rushed to his side as soon as he arrived, their faces etched with concern. With care, they applied medicinal oil to his wounds and carefully bandaged them, trying to ease his suffering.
The journey from Dai Capital City had taken its toll on him and having to carry the daggers that impaled him had drained him of strength. He felt as though he were on the verge of death, his body weakened by the loss of blood.
But with the aid of special healing herbs procured by his father, his condition gradually improved over the course of a week. Despite the severity of his injuries, he managed to avoid the need for professional medical treatment, relying instead on the care of his family and the potency of nature's remedies.
During his recovery, he received a visit from his master who had been informed by Yin Er. His master offered words of encouragement and support, instilling in him a sense of determination to overcome his challenges.
Upon regaining his strength, Kai returned to his master's place, ready to resume his training. Despite knowing that the trouble he had stirred would inevitably bring repercussions to his family, he was resolved to face whatever consequences awaited him.
During their usual morning practice session in the tranquil woods, Kai focused on honing his skills under the watchful eye of his master.
As he leaped, kicked, and punched with practiced precision, the air around them thrummed with the energy of their training. Unexpectedly, the calm of the forest was shattered by sudden appearance of three Hu Fa brothers, their weapons drawn and menacing glint in their eyes.
Before Kai and his master could react, the three brothers launched into a frenzied assault, their daggers, spears, and short swords flashing in the dappled sunlight. Due to his recent recovery from shoulder injuries, Kai found himself unable to unleash his full potential, relying instead on the protective shield of his master's expertise.
With swift and decisive movements, his master countered the onslaught, deflecting blows and delivering precise strikes that quickly subdued the trio. As the dust settled and they lay defeated on the forest floor, he called them with a mixture of frustration and admonition.
"I thought we had an agreement You promised to give us six months to train my disciple. Why the sudden attack?"
Tian Hu Fa, the eldest, rose to his feet, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Yes, six months may not have elapsed, but we were curious to see how your disciple fares. And from what we observed, he remains the same."
"I stand by my promise to mold him into a formidable warrior." His master's expression hardened at the implication of the brothers' words.
"Time is running short." Di interjected, a note of urgency in his voice. "In two months, we will conduct the ultimate test to determine his capability and worthiness to lead."
Hai nodded in agreement. "Should he fail, the consequences will be dire. According to our late leader's will, failure means execution for him and for us."
Tian's gaze bore into San Shou with unwavering intensity. "The outcome rests in your hands. Ensure that your disciple comes prepared. Also, do not consider backing out on the designated day. If we don't see you both, we will come here again."
With those ominous words, the trio took their leave, disappearing into the depths of the forest.
Left to contemplate the gravity of their ultimatum, Kai and his master exchanged a solemn glance, knowing that their future hung in the balance.
"Master, besides needing you to train me, I need another favor from you." Kai stated.
"What favor?" His master reacted in disbelief. "Didn't you heard what they just said? I have two months left to train you. What could be more important than that?"
"I need you to save my friend." Kai replied.
"What kind of friend is that?" his master inquired.
"A close friend."
"No." His master promptly turned him down.
"What?" Kai reacted with disbelief.
"I said no!"
"Why?"
"Because your skills have not progressed, and you are still nursing shoulder injuries. If you cannot even defend yourself, what makes you think you can save your friend?"
"But I just can't leave him to die like that."
"And I also cannot leave you to die like that trying to save your friend. Say no more! That's my final decision. No!"
Despite stating his final decision, Lao San Shao found himself reconsidering.
For he knew full well that given his disciple's current capabilities and recent recovery from shoulder injuries, his disciple stood little chance of passing the ultimate test set by the Hu Fa brothers, which would likely result in a death sentence in even two months from now.
Yet, he could not bear the thought of his disciple being sacrificed for the brothers' ambitions, especially based on some dubious will of their late leader which he was not even certain to be true.
Moreover, considering the numerical disadvantage of just himself and his disciple against the trio, they clearly needed another capable warrior. While he might have defeated them easily twice on his own, he could not be certain of his luck the third time, given his advanced age.
Hearing from his disciple about his highly skilled friend only reinforced his belief that rescuing him could significantly bolster their strength and improve their chances against that brotherly trio. Therefore he finally agreed to accompany his disciple on the condition that his disciple was not allowed to act alone, as he had done so previously. With this decision made, they set out on their journey towards Capital City.
Along the way, they stumbled upon another wooden hut. Curiosity piqued, they approached to determine whether it was occupied or abandoned, hoping to take a break after a long journey on foot. As they approached the doorway with the door wide open, he called out, "Hey, is anybody in?"
Receiving no response, they exchanged curious glances before slowly entering the hut. However, their cautious exploration was abruptly interrupted by the sudden appearance of a blue raven-haired young man, his illuminated saber blade aiming at them.
Though San Shou had not met the young man before, his disciple's recognition was evident from his reaction.
"Oh, it's you!" Kai Seven exclaimed, identifying the man as former West District Commander and major Li Neng Yuan.
Equally startled, Neng Yuan inquired, "How come both of you are here?"
At that moment, another man in blue overalls emerged, wearing a frightened expression and asking: "Who are these people?"
"It's alright, Xianan," Neng Yuan reassured him while turning off his beam saber. "I know one of them. They mean no harm."
Turning to Kai and his master San Shou, Neng Yuan gestured, "You may both take a seat while we stand."
"Alright. Then I won't stand on ceremony," Kai promptly sat down, encouraging his master to do the same despite the latter's displeasure over his casual demeanour.
"What happened? How did you end up here?" Neng Yuan inquired again.
"It's a long story," Kai began. "Since you already know me, allow me to introduce my master, Lao San Shou."
Turning to his master, Kai made the introductions, "Master, this is Li Neng Yuan, the former West District and law enforcement commander of Dai Capital City. He's also the son of the late Chief Advisor and Imperial Magistrate Li Teng Yuan."
"It is an honour meeting you, Master Lao San Shou." Neng Yuan greeted him in respect. San Shou acknowledged with respect.
"It's an honour meeting you too, Li Neng Yuan." San Shou replied graciously.
Continuing his narrative, Kai explained: "Ever since your departure, many things have happened. The Emperor has married the Shibeibu Princess and crowned her as the new Empress Dowager as part of the peace treaty between our Dynasty and the Shibeibu Empire.
Also, the nephew of Grand Chancellor Premier Hu has returned and taken over your position as the new head of law enforcement by the Emperor. However, many people are not happy with these developments, and there have been assassination attempts on both the Grand Chancellor and his nephew right outside their residence."
"An assassination attempt on both the Grand Chancellor and his nephew?" Neng Yuan echoed Kai's last statement in disbelief and question. "By whom?"
Kai paused, weighing his words carefully. For he could not reveal his involvement in the attempt, especially right in front of his master who was unaware of his actions. Instead, he replied cautiously, "I don't know. But that is what I heard from my friends. Anyway, we are on our way to Dai Capital City to rescue him, as he is also my friend and both I and my master need his help."
"Just both of you?" Neng Yuan queried further, his expression tinged with doubt.
Both Kai and his master nodded in confirmation.
"In that case, I don't advise you to." He cautioned, his tone carrying a note of concern. "The Grand Chancellor's residence is now heavily guarded by his men, and if what you told me is true, Kai, the security will be even tighter. Even with my assistance, the odds will still be against us. We could end up captured as well instead of rescuing your friend."
"What are we going to do?" Kai began to get confused.
"I am going to see the Highness and then the Majesty to expose the Grand Chancellor's scheme." Neng Yuan stated. "My purpose here is to deliver the journals of the Majesty's older brother - who could still be alive - to the Majesty himself. These journals were initially passed to this farmer Xianan, and he, in turn, came to see me and handed them over.
"Now that you are both here, I need you to look after Xianan while I go to see both the Highness and Majesty. Once I delivered these journals, I come back here."
"But..." Kai stammered, his voice dwindling into hesitation.
"Right now, delivering these journals to both the Highness and Majesty is my immediate priority." Neng Yuan clarified his stand. "Every minute and second counts, even if the chances of the Majesty's older brother's survival are low. I need to go now. Please help me look after this farmer and keep him safe. If I don't return by tomorrow and you see the guards coming here, I want all of you to leave immediately."
With that said, the former law enforcement commander carried his beam saber and backpack before leaving, leaving both Kai and even his master San Shou equally puzzled over their unexpected responsibility of babysitting farmer Xianan.
Since his capture following his failed attempt to assassinate Premier Hu, Chi Feng had endured unimaginable torment.
His eyes were sore, and his face swollen from the constant barrage of slaps, while his bare back bore the scorched marks of a plasma energy whip. Bound tightly by chains affixed to the wall, he lay helpless in the basement dungeon beneath Grand Chancellor 's residence.
"How dare you attack my husband and nephew right outside our home!" The woman's voice cut through the air, dripping with authority. "And yet you refuse to confess! Who put you up to this? Who was your accomplice?"
Chi Feng, still unable to utter a word, endured the agony inflicted upon him by the torturer clad in dark robes and mask. Each lash of the whip pushed him further toward the edge of consciousness, his strength waning and his vision fading.
A paper and pencil were placed at his feet by her guards, urging him to inscribe the name of his alleged accomplice. However, instead of complying, he defiantly spat blood onto the paper, inviting only further agony from his tormentor.
"That's enough for now!" The woman in orange robes and a blue tunic commanded, signalling an end. "We won't kill him just yet. Since he's so stubborn, extend his confinement.We shall see how strong he will be even without food and water over the next few days! Get him out of my sight!"
With the order given, the masked torturer ceased his relentless whipping and Chi Feng was released from the chains binding him to the wall by the guards.
Weakened and battered, he was escorted back to his cell and being left alone to endure his agonizing imprisonment.
Lying on the cold concrete floor, he pondered whether it might have been wiser to accept the Grand Chancellor's job offer, gaining his trust first before striking at an opportune moment to avenge his master and senior disciple. In that moment, echoes of wisdom from his new mentor, Lady Li Shi, also resounded in his mind:
While your anger towards Premier Hu and his allies is justified, now is not the time for impulsive action
Given his impulsive actions and current predicament, regret came too late. His only options now were to either confess the name of his alleged accomplice, whom he had no knowledge of or await his inevitable death.
Er Fen stood amidst the bustling activity of the kitchen; her attention fixed on perfecting her spinach tomato egg omelette.
Despite her expertise in cooking various dishes, she had yet to try her hand at eggs, and she was determined to impress her new employers with her culinary skills. Grateful for the freedom her new bosses, especially Madam Tang, had granted her after years of bondage at the Dai En brothel, she volunteered to help out in the kitchen. With the head chef on leave, she seized the opportunity to showcase her culinary creativity alongside the other assistants.
As she worked diligently over the stove, the tantalizing aroma of her dishes filled the kitchen, eliciting smiles of approval from her fellow assistants. Just as she was about to put the finishing touches on her creations, she was interrupted by Madam Tang's voice calling her name.
"Er Fen!"
Turning to face her boss, Er Fen was met with a warm smile of approval from her
"That's the most delicious looking dishes I seen! From the moment I came in, I can smell them!" Madam Tang expressed her admiration for her culinary talents.
"Thank you, Madam. It's my honour to cook for you and serve you." Er Fen expressed her gratitude for the help Madam Tang provided and was determined to repay her and her family the best she could.
"Please don't mention it. Do you mind if I have a word with you for a while?" Madam Tang asked. "I see you almost finished cooking. Leave the heating and serving to my assistants."
"Yes, Madam." Er Fen obliged. Following her new boss, she was soon led right outside to the tranquil garden by the pond.
"My reason for asking you here is I need your help with something else." Madam Tang stated her purpose as she sat on the other stool as well.
"Madam, if you need help with anything, just let me know. I do my to serve you." Er Fen assured her new boss.
Nodding with her usual gentle smile, Madam Tang decided to get to the point by explaining: "A few days ago, an assassin suddenly appeared right in front of our home and attacked my nephew and my husband.
Fortunately with me and my men's help, we managed to apprehend and imprison him in the dungeon right below our residence. Despite me and my men asking him several times on why he attacked my nephew and my uncle, he stubbornly remained silent. So much so that we run out of ideas on what to do with him. Under usual circumstances, we could pass a death sentence on him which we had the authority to do so. But seeing him still young, I felt that will be a pity."
At this point, Madam Tang shook her head.
"In that case, Madam, what do you want me to do?" Er Fen asked, looking curious.
"From what my observation so far, you are very competent in what you do and know how to care for others. So I like you to serve your dishes and rice to him. At the same time, I hope you can enlighten and convince him to turn over a new leaf."
"But Madam, while I can cook and show concern for others, I can't say the same about convincing others." Er Fen revealed her capabilities and shortcomings.
"If that is the case, that can't be helped. My husband - who is the Grand Chancellor - wants to execute him for attempted murder. But seeing him so young, it will be a pity to end his life that way." She again shook her head.
Feeling guilt-stricken over her doubt and lack of self-belief, Er Fen decided to change her mind and carry out her new boss's instructions.
Since her boss freed her from her past bondage, she felt she could not let her boss down. Especially in her first official assignment.
"If that's the case, Madam, please let me try. I see what I can do." She said.
Upon listening to her words, Madam Tang smiled and nodded her head again.
"But how do you want me to convince him?" She again asked.
"Very simple. Just tell him is that my husband admires his swordsmanship, martial arts and bike riding skills and likes to groom him as one of his bodyguards.
Since he is still young, he is easily manipulated by others. So long as he discloses his accomplice who is also involved in the assassination attempt, my husband will not only change his mind but free and even hire him as well. Can you do that for me?" Madam Tang provided her tips before asking for Er Fen's assurance.
"I do my best." Er Fen nodded her head.
"Thank you, my dear. I knew I can always count on you." Madam Tang again smiled and put her hand over Er Fen's while saying.
Following the two guards through the majestic main hall chamber on ground floor, Er Fen felt both curiosity and apprehension gnawing at her.
The opulence of her surroundings seemed to fade away as they approached a discreet doorway tucked into a dimly lit alcove. She was led to the entrance of a secret elevator, hidden behind an intricately woven tapestry.
With a solemn nod, one of the guards activated the concealed mechanism, and the doors slid open soundlessly, revealing the entrance to the dungeon below. Stepping into the dimly lit and confined space of the elevator, she felt a chill run down her spine as the doors closed behind them. The descent was swift and silent, the only sound the faint hum of machinery guiding their descent into the depths below.
As the elevator came to a halt, the doors opened to reveal an equally semi-dark corridor flanked by walls with mounted torches and heavy iron doors. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone, and she could not shake the feeling of unease that settled over her as they made their way down the passageway.
Finally, they reached a large iron door, its surface adorned with intricate patterns of wrought iron. With a creak of protest, the guards pushed open the door, revealing the gloomy interior of the dungeon beyond.
"Hey, mute!" One of the guards shouted at the prisoner. "Someone is delivering food for you!"
Her heart skipped a beat as her gaze swept over the cramped cell, her eyes falling upon the figure huddled in the corner. The prisoner, his face obscured by shadow, looked up as they entered, his expression unreadable.
Summoning her courage, Er Fen stepped forward, the four food containers clutched tightly in her hands. The guards remained at the entrance; their watchful eyes trained on the prisoner as she approached slowly. As she set down the containers before him, her heart sank as the prisoner's features came into view.
It was Chi Feng.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still as shock and disbelief washed over Er Fen. His swollen face, puffy eyes, and the traces of blood from his mouth. She felt a surge of empathy and horror at the sight of his suffering, mingled with a wave of disbelief. The once skilful warrior now seemed broken and defeated, a stark contrast to the memories of their previous encounters.
Drawing and looking closer, she also noticed what appeared to be deep whip lashes crisscrossing his bare chest. The sight of those brutal marks filled her with a profound sense of sorrow and memories she had long tried to suppress from being subject to same punishment by Madam Huang and her servants during her time at Dai En brothel upon refusing to serve men at their pleasure.
Seeing him in such a state stirred a complex blend of emotions within her - compassion, sadness, and a growing determination to help him in any way she could.
"Chi Feng!" She cried out and asked. "What happened to you and why are you here?"
Unable to speak, Chi Feng could only smile sadly despite feeling immense pain from torture.
He felt touched by her usual kindness as she put her hand on his face and seeing her equally sad look when she asked him those questions.
"How can they treat you like this? You must have done something to agitate them, didn't you?" She continued her questioning.
Despite her kindness and concern for him, he could see that she was innocent and did not know the ways of the world.
"I see that you have not eaten for days. Come, let's try my cooking." Er Fen opened her containers and presented her dishes right before him.
Problem was that his hands were still shaking even long after the torment. The dungeon's chilled atmosphere also did not help as well. So much so that Er Fen ended up feeding him.
After closing her food containers and arranging them back she first placed them, she smiled at him and said: "You must be wondering why I'm here, right? Madam Tang came to Dai En brothel and bailed me out before hiring me to work as one of her maids. She has been very kind to me and even considered taking me in her god daughter.
Her husband - Grand Chancellor Premier Hu - is not as bad as everyone else thinks. It is just that his men had overreacted in their duty to protect him given his status. I think you completely misunderstood him. He is very impressed with your fighting and riding skills. So much so that he agrees to free and even hire you as one of his bodyguards."
Upon hearing these, Chi Feng realized that she had been manipulated by their lies.
Yet he could not express his thoughts besides just feeling worried and shaking his head. Given her unique circumstances as one of Dai En girls and serving as the Highness's handmaiden as well, he could tell the situation was beyond her control or even his. Especially given the fact that the Grand Chancellor's wife - whom he presumed to be the woman interrogator in torture chamber - had come to Dai En and free her from her bondage - only to bind her in another through their schemes.
"As long as you reveal who your accomplice is, they will not mistreat you anymore." Er Fen continued.
So that was the real reason why she was here or to be precise, why they hired and convinced her to visit him. Upon being given a second chance, he could offer his services to the Grand Chancellor, gain his complete trust and strike when he and his men least expected.
Problem was he had been acting on his own to assassinate the Grand Chancellor. So he had no idea what she was talking about nor his torturers when interrogated. Feeling enraged, he again clenched his fist before looking at her and pointing to the exit.
"Are you now driving me away?" Er Fen asked, tears welling in her eyes as she gathered her containers and was about to stand up. "I come here to serve you food out of goodwill. Did I say anything wrong? If I do, please forgive me. I will not say or ask you anything again other than serving you food.
Chi Feng could only react by shaking his head vigorously and keep pointing to the exit while still looking at her.
"Maybe you have your own reasons for your actions." Er Fen began to weep slightly while saying. "In that case, I won't ask you anymore if you don't want to tell me. I leave now."