《Free Spirited Villainess》 1 A Fujioshis Death 2 am in the morning... "....more~~!" The obedient man moaned under his breath. His face reddened like a rose from the pressure repeatedly pulling in and out of his sensitive lower region. His mouth gaped for air and his eyes shot open in a second as drool and tears followed. He let out a small cry of ecstasy before wrapping his arms around his partner''s broad shoulders. "Ah. . . senpai, I love you!" His nails dug into his partner''s skin but instead of pain, his partner growled. The gentle guy gasped. "You got bigger~!" On the other side was a lady in her early twenties, grinning and clapping her hands. Her ship has officially sailed! "Ah, who knew his life got better after all that chaos! I knew he wasn''t straight from the very beginning! Those seme vibes he gives are all false! He is a hundred percent uke!" For straight three years, it was just a constant push and pull from both sides of the ship but this anime finally pulled a smart move! She smiled in glee but when she unconsciously turned her head, she caught a horrible glimpse of herself on the mirror, even of the reflection of a clock stuck on the wall opposite the mirror. Her jaw dropped in surprise. Black bags have formed beneath her blood shot eyes. The cheese powder from the chips have smeared on her cheeks and pajama. Worse, it was already 2:15 in the morning! Her stomach growled as well. "Oh my gosh!" Reality dawned into her head. In the real world, she works as a busy pharmacist in a hospital! It was a really stressful work but it had already been three years since she started. Confidence brimmed in her soul. One might as well consider her a veteran unniversity student and an experienced clinical pharmacist! "I''m used to it, fifteen more minutes and I can watch the end of this anime! I''m crying!" Little did she know, the next few hours were busier than her usual busy days. A tragic multiple car crash in the beginning of spring has happened and at the same time, the hospital has to quickly prepare all the back up drugs and scheduled prescriptions in advance to ensure no lack of crash carts in the whole area! How was she going to prepare drugs for daily prescriptions as well as cope up with the inventory? "Code Blue!" "Code Orange!" Several announcements can be heard echoing from the stereos. But each echo have felt like a drumstick hitting against her. Her head ached terribly as she massaged her temples. There was still a huge order of prescriptions to mix in aseptic conditions and that required a high amount of concentration and hard work. She and her colleagues also have to do it fast! It can''t be helped. She did not have breakfast in the morning as she came in late. Worse, lunch time has already passed and she still was not done. "Just a few more minutes," she murmured to coax her self. Her eyes glanced sideward and saw that they were already finished with at least three quarters of the given prescriptions for the current order due at 1400 hours sharp, giving her a constant sigh of relief exiting her chapped lips. Her hands started to lose heat however and felt colder and colder as every millisecond passed. Her face paled. She tried to shrug the pain off. ¨± Well, she shouldn''t have just ignored it. In the beginning, immediate relaxation dwelled into her as soon as the woman later took her lunch break. Everything felt fine. But little did she know that her way of living have caused a built-up of stress on her body rapturing some veins on her head. The night she laid to rest was her last day in earth. At least that was how the voice told her while she watched herself on a pop-up screen. Everything sounded so real but at the same time was a little too fishy for the woman to accept. How could she die immediately? She was too young and was unable to experience anything in life. "I have been a member of the No Boyfriend Since Birth club but I didn''t think it would be until death!" She screamed. "Additionally, I have just graduated from college not too long ago!" The image of her parents and siblings appeared in her mind. Then all the people she made friends with in her entire life. Tears of regret automatically streamed down her face. "My family! My parents are still paying their house m-mortgage. I was supposed to help put my siblings to college! I-I can''t just leave like this! My life insurance is not even worth much to cover my parent''s retirement nor each of my siblings'' college tuition fees! Oh gosh why did my last day contain yaoi and work? Ugh! I- I- I-" she was losing her words as her mind crumbled in regret. But there was no response. In her eyes, her world started to darken in despair. The feeling of helplessness begun to crawl into her mind. Physically, her knees shook as she collapsed flatly on the floor. She spread her arms and legs away from her body as if attempting a yoga pose can help ease her chaos. No one can help you at your weakest point, my lifetime warning really is true. But still, can''t I at least do something about this situation? She thought to herself. Her chest tightened. Deep inside her soul, she had an urge to try talking once again until hope shows at least a fast glint in her eyes. Though she knew she had no right to bargain with heaven, the woman felt more desperate than when she was scrapping every cent of money to quickly pay off her debt and be able to put some on her savings at the same time. "Please? My student loans are all taken care off. Good thing I was excited to write my will. Please miraculously hand my bank account and investment accounts and password to my parents. They know how to fix it. I will not ask for anything more." Finally, a small giggle occured, chiming into her ears like music. It was a mischievous voice that seemed to belong to a child but hope was hope. "Sure but how about this, you will enjoy a life in one of your fantasies before you come back here? You see your imaginations from when you were alive were so funny!" She quickly wiped her tears off her face, roughly brushing her cotton hoodies against her smooth face without care. She was dead anyways. "What?" The whole time she was serious and overwhelmed but that person, whoever or whatever it was seemed to only find her entertaining as if she was simply just a legendary, A-List actress portraying her role with her entire being. "Oh and I''ll give you the option of getting a dimensional space imbedded at the back of your left wrist. Nice right? Alright! Enjoy your trip!" "Wait, who the heck are you?" "No time for that if we don''t want to get caught!" 2 A Fujioshis Transmigration She recalled being in a really bright place not so long ago, surrounded by blinding white light. And yet as soon as she blinked, her surrounding dimmed down until the darkness was enough to be called an endless abyss of nothingness. Somehow, it breathed chilly winds that quickly sent chills up her spine as if icy water has been splashed on her bare skin. That made the woman jolt up to a sitting position and yet in a little bit awkward pose as she felt soreness from head to toe. "Just what happened? Did I get hit by a truck or stepped on by an elephant?" Her back stung making her wince in surprise. Why did her back hurt? Curiously, she tried to move a pair of aching arms to her back and felt her raw flesh, torn and soft. She realized that those were a mix of fresh wounds and few days old wounds that have slowly began to heal on its own. But that was only the beginning because she wore nothing but her birthday suit! She gasped anxiously feeling invisible gazes all over her little being. At least her hair was long and thick enough to stick on her grimy skin to keep her warm. Waking up lying naked and wounded was the last thing she expected. Moreover, her surrounding stunk. The repulsive smell of rotting flesh and blood flooded her nostrils thus have sent her gagging and start yearning for fresh air. "My wounds are going to be infected!" Her stomach churned in both anxiety and repulsiveness from the very thought of her open wounds touched by corpses. Worse, the worms! "What if some have already crawled into my skin?" She asked her self if she had the courage to blindly look for a small, slimy thing that''s busy wiggling itself and burrowing a hole into her flesh. There wouldn''t even be just one worm but worms! Plural! "I''d rather stab myself and join the dead¡ª-no!" This was such a nightmarish place! It oozed in the aroma of rotting flesh, worse than dead, rotting toad nor a skunk''s fart; plus if she loathed the smell of fish alone back in her world, how much more can she handle this? She had to get out of the hole right this instant! "But how?" For a while, she wandered in the dark without moving too much. But who knew what inevitable dangers were lurking around? She tried to be cautious. One surprise however came after another but nothing went to the better end of the stick, only going worse. Once her eyes have adjusted in the dark, she found herself on top of a huge pile of dead bodies. To make things worse, they were not all in one piece as she just recently threw away a torn arm out of reflex. Not that she had not already anticipated such thing, where else can she lay naked and half-dead in a new dark place that stunk like hell? Judging from the different types of rotting states and freshness of each body, she came to a conclusion that it was an unmarked grave. She was not the biggest fan of screaming nor having too much reactions with horrific events. In fact, back in her world, horror films were sort of her soap operas aside from crime and medical shows. But her jaws still locked tightly, teeth grinded against each other as she tried to gather courage to find herself clothes from the freshest, cleanest or at least, lesser bloody bodies. Each were cold and slimy. Her hands trembled every time she reached out to untie and pull the robes away. Not a thought of reaching deeper into clothes for undergarments and such fearing worse outcomes. Every time she came across a face, she instantly sucked her breath in and closed her eyes tightly because eyes were the windows of the soul, many always remarked. They all used to be full of life but now, those eyes were wide open, staring back at her with dark emotions; be it regret, fear, anger, mockery or something worse. Rarely did she see any closed eyes or happy gazes. She found it nerve-wrecking to be a grave robber at this very moment in this type of grave. Every single body had evidences of horrible deaths from bashed skulls, decapitated bodies, lost limbs, broken and crushed bones, pieces of the body to even a baby frozen or starved to death! Her heart trembled in pity. Despite that, she gathered the best clothes as fast as possible before looking up at the dark night sky to see the moon slowly getting uncovered and the skeletons of tree branches peeking over the hole. She briefly reminisced about her time as a military cadet. Those long, rainy nights did her well after enduring those summers. She had to climb over a steep wall in under a minute! Worse were the marine training program that she had to participate in every summer for straight five years just to meet the conditions of her country''s scholarship program in university. At least that did not require her to write essays. She punched her chest. "All your training is finally going to be used!" So, a few minutes later, the woman growled and shouted in joy as she desperately inhaled and exhaled for fresh air once she was able to pull herself out of the damned hole that if she could estimate between the present height of the mass of dead bodies to the top, it''d be at least twenty feet high! It was a difficult feat because it was not the simple rock and roots climbing! It was disgusting as intestines, blood, eyeballs, tongues, heads and whatever else have been stuck on those! Under her nails were pieces of flesh and soil. It was unbefitting for a former hospital employee who worked in one of her world''s cleanest, sterile environments. For five days straight every other week, she was spotless and almost cleaner than a disinfectant. Right now, she found herself a ruined mess. Not that she could do anything about it. . . Yet. Given her former career, it was inevitable for her to start vomiting after realizing that her nightmare was finally over. She wanted to shower and scrub all her dead skin cells for a hundred times! She wanted to grow out new hair, new nails and rip her skin out for a new one. Nonetheless, the woman clenched her fists and punched the air in joy. It was done and she''s quickly recovering. Bathing was going to be her first goal at the very moment she feels all settled. Firstly, she had to figure out her current situation. Nobody had to tell her that she transmigrated into an alternative fantasy world set in a historical, magical era. She was very aware of the fact as soon as some voice sent her away to the mass grave situation plus her injured body and long hair. She always had short hair and would really love to cut it but not yet. What if the girls in this era were only allowed to have long hair? She had to blend in to avoid trouble. Upon such thoughts, she closed her eyes to try and recall the memories of the previous owner only to be awarded with a temporary headache and a flabberghasting terror that ate on her consciousness! Unconsciously, she dropped on her butt then she pulled her knees to her chest right after. Not only does she have a body that felt broken and a bit paralyzed from exhaustion, a terrible migraine sprouted in her head as well. She let her new body collapse on the ground, lying on her stomach as not to press on her wounds. Her name was Hez Park in the real world. She was a mixed race person who enjoyed her liberty. The owner''s previous name was Yue''er Lan. A pure bred, white lotus raised in a strict family of warriors and nobles. Hez was previously a pharmacist who enjoyed compounding drugs and had a hobby for cooking. The previous owner was an unpredictable white lotus trained to be a full-pledged war commander on the side. She had constant hunger for souls and wars were her kitchen and dining table. It was inevitable for her to commit war crimes. She became one of the main bounty and target of every enemy country and associations. Her own kingdom was no exception. But she was a very strong warrior, martial artist, pill master and a talented cultivator who was also hard-working. The new owner felt admiration and fear for the original owner. Now as her predecessor, she feared that death was just around the corner if she maneuvered her path wrongly and be discovered. Hez wanted to beg whoever sent her here to take her back. Were her fujioshi days enough to send her to this torturous place? But she remembered the voice from awhile ago, where was that being after all this? Unexpectedly, a searing pain began to burn like fire inside her! It crawled all throughout, leaving no inch spared! After all she went through, was this another punishment? She grinded her teeth together to muffle her scream. Just then, a voice mumbled, "Hold on!" Yet it was too low to enter her hearing. With everything happening all at once, her senses dulled rendering her vulnerable. "Why did this have to happen? Someone, somebody help me. Please," she spoke weakly. Hearing her, a pair of small hands pressed on her shoulder blades. Those small palms were so cool and relaxing that Hez was able to let out a sigh of relief. The smallest of help was appreciated. Unknown to her, her surroundings had been frozen beginning from the floor to the trees and even the tree leaves that were blown away. If she could open her eyes and take a look, she would probably describe it as a winter wonderland that reminded her of home. Later, the burning sensation weakened allowing the lady to return to consciousness. She felt febrile illness given her burning body and the contrasting negative temperature surrounding her. Her mouth gasped in awe and disbelief, "where did all those ice come from?" Unfortunately, the ice was slowly melting and no longer as gorgeous as it was few hours ago. Then she sneezed though she felt very hot. Hez was so sure she was going to contract a flu after this, a supernatural flu! But if somebody knew better, the body''s previous powers were simply trying to revive itself by forcibly clashing against the seals that explains the unimaginable heat. It should be extremely painful as the power tries to force itself to be absorbed back into every single muscle fibre, vein, bone and cell then into her DNA. The coldness surrounding her body was reducing the pain. It also just so happens that the original owner and the predecessor both had higher tolerance to physical pain than an average human so a pain like this should feel like a gun shot wound if Hezekiah could describe it. A grave, multiple gun shot wound, maybe from a shot gun that left her miraculously just gravely wounded and almost dead. From a hidden dimension, the owner of the voice watched over her for days and days until she finally regained her consciousness. Her body felt so light and healthy that her hands swiftly touched her back and felt nothing. Hez did not expect to feel so fresh in the very least. A smile plastered on her face. Next, she stood up and tested herself with a few jumping jacks. No pain! But like an old man with a temporary relief from his arthritis, her knees shook making her fall back on the ground. Her lower back ached as well. Not to forget the cramps on her arms and legs. "Okay not as much as before. But.. . Alright, I''m good as new! What the heck was that pain? I don''t want to feel it again! Phew," her stomach grumbled. "Now that I think about it, I am so hungry but I cannot move my body." She cried invisible tears. Out of nowhere, a voice giggled mischievously forcing the lady to stop her drama. She knew who the adorable voice belonged to and did not bother to look around. "Hi Hez, do you like your new body?" The lady did not bother to respond and tried to pull herself up on her own two feet instead. "What happened?" If anyone had an inkling or two about her experiences, it would just be this person. So the voice coninued, "You have too much power, no, Yue''er Lan had too much that if I unlock it all now? You are going to burst from the overwhelming power, let alone the aura. In your present state, you are barely even a Martial Warrior. You are a million years away from accessing Yue''er''s real power." Hez sighed. "But if I get caught under such identity, I am dead meat!" The voice snorted. "That''s where I come in! I give you advice on cultivation. You are lucky this body is of a genius''!" She snorted back, unconvinced. "I don''t even know anything---" before she could finish, the voice cut her off by opening Hez''s dimension. The predecessor herself initially jolted her arm away in surprise. Invisible hands touched the back of her left wrist and pulled some old, antique books out of it before throwing it at her. "I thought I was done studying in pharmacy school? Oh who knew?" "Hey, at least yu did not have to totally memorize this! Just understand and then it will come into your head. Will stay there forever then bam! Photographic memory, amnesia-proof!" She could remember all the times she prayed to have those power ever since middle school. This much already satisfied her. Hez smiled. "That''s what I wanted to hear! So what stage am I? Just an average human in this world?" "First stage." "of what?" "Qi Collection." "Huh?" "In this world, cultivation is a part of life. And it begins from the Qi Collection phase with eight stages to achieve under it. Beyond that is a Martial warrior then Martial Knight then Martial General then Martial King then Martial Emperor then Martial Honour then Martial Supreme then Martial Saint then Martial God. Under each rank is another process to achieve which goes from low ranked , mid-ranked and high ranked. Martial Saint and Martial God is another level but heh, with a lazy woman like you, I doubt we even need to discuss about this!" If the owner of the voice could show their self, he would be rolling and guffawing on the ground. "Nope! At least every being here is at third stage qi gathering by the age of nine on average!" "So you are saying I''m the weakest yet also one of the strongest beings here?" "Don''t even dream of being strong at this state, first, you have to take an herbal bath!" The sterile compounding pharmacist shook in rage. Her hands clenched into fists all of a sudden. Though quiet, her sudden display of killing intent alerted the voice''s owner. "What''s wrong?" "What herbal bath? I need soap, warm water, conditioner, shampoo, scrubbies, bath salts, body lotion, shaver, uhh and face cleansers and foams. A toothpaste and brush too!" after being thrown into this world without a clue, she felt like she deserved a bit of her wants. Especially that she was here for the entertainment of one being. If it was a man, she was going to deliver him a killing blow once she obtain Yue''er Lan''s power. If it was a child, oh she''s going to discipline him and lecture him about respect. If it was an elderly, she''s yet to decide what she should do. "Such worldly needs!" The voice retorted. "At least make sure the herbal bath has to make me a hundred percent clean!" "Obviously, this is a world of magic!" "But my electric brush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss-- I need them. Nothing can be of 100 percent guarantee!" "Whatever, here." 3 A Calm Fujioshi Hez has never thought that all the webnovels she used to read would be of a huge help to her survival! Like a survival guide! Presently, the very identity of the body was a danger to her peaceful life and existence. To become one of the worst regarded humans in history would be a great spot to give away! Especially for a normal civilian like her, used to the pampered life of a modern woman in normal Earth. All the people living in this world are highly prideful, deceitful, easily enraged and mostly evil. Kindness here was to be treated with suspicion. Hez felt suffocated by the moralities and principles of this world. Everyone held grudges and revenge were the only answer to there despair. She sighed. If she wanted to survive, maybe training to raise her cultivation and changing her appearance would help a lot. Changing her appearance - people here are sometimes too dense to recognize a person unless that someone wore there signature characteristics. For Yu''er was her long hair that reached her ankles, pure yet prideful expression and red robes with golden flower patterns wrapped in a breastplate with an extension down to her midthigh and a sword gifted by the king. Now, Hez was going to change that as she never had the intention to assume the identity of a dead person. She was herself and an entirely different person! Hez is another ordinary youth in her country- calm, lazy yet scary faced accompanied with monochrome clothes and casual shoes. So she might as well change everything and this was going to be square one for survival. The voice who guides her all the time seem to also be able to peek into her thoughts as he chuckled. "I can help you with that, we have the disguise book." "I''m thinking about my looks, and how to incorporate a style suitable to my personality."It Hez looked at her reflection on the water as she stood on a rock. Her face from the previous life was still the same in her new body, as if she was just in the body of her reincarnation or simply an ancestor. She was still wearing the same clothes from the mass grave, only it was washed and cleaned to the point as if it was brand new with the help of the voice or system as she would like to refer to the existence of such being. The randomly mismatched robes that went from red, black, green and gold embroidered clothes wrapped around her with warmth made Hez ignore the fashion sense of matching color in this world. Aside from her clothes, she had lightly tanned but flawless, soft skin from tip to toe. Her long black hair was thick and reached down to her ankles. Red irises glowed in contrast making her smirk. Inside her head, she hoped that dimples were included but when she smirked, her cheeks were devoid of any. Her expression turned from calm to a look of askance. "Why? Take away the red irises! I want dimples!" "No can do Hez." "But my hair is super black plus red irises. This are new additions, why can''t i have dimples?" Hez sighed, starting to feel that all these argument for dimples were simply a dream to never come unless plastic surgery was available in this world and time. She once had the opportunity in her real world but her mother did not like her going under the knife just to have dimples that she did not possess but her father, brother, sister, uncles, aunties, grandma, grandpa and also those cousins seemed to all have! "Whatever, just help me with my closed door cultivation. I need to at least achieve martial general before leaving this grave yard." The thought of staying in a graveyard was highly uncomfortable for a lady from the modern world whose graveyards looked so proper and clean with mass graves as uncommon norm only done by people with poor principles. However, the mass grave seemed to contain a high amount of condensed qi given the bodies of multiple cultivators of different levels thrown into the pit. And there was not only one pit or two but many more. This Forest for the Unforgiven was a good place for cultivation but it repelled many away due to the people of this world''s own superstitions and belief. And right now, a strange formation seemed to have formed all around the huge forest as well that can trap any low level practictioners in here without a glimpse of hope. Except for Hez who was blessed with cheats. The voice giggled. "Now were starting. This will take time, come on and soak into the herbal bath." Hez halted on her steps. "That was a very strange and painful bath, i might die from the suffocating steam!" Previously, she had to clear out a small wooden cabin that looked like a makeshift temple in order to convert it into her temporary house. Given that it was supposed to be for the dead, she prayed for them before performing her own form of exorcism and house blessing to push all those vengeful, scary ghosts away. Thinking that it was the only task was wrong as she was immediately sent to a bathtub with green water bubbling and boiling within the blink of an eye. "Besides, where did that bath tub come from? It''s wooden too! Don''t you think those majestic, European tubs would be better?" "It does not matter." "It does matter, you told me to enjoy so at least let me enjoy my fantasies! I''m doing your bidding by providing you entertainment." With my life and safety in the line, she wanted to add. Nevertheless, this was her new reality and Hez was left with no choice but to slowly accept her situation. "Fine. It''s a piece of cake! Remember, the powers Yu''er had are strongly evil, you need cleansing if you want to be able to control such risky, unstable ability. Hell, you might turn into a cannibal, worse, a ghoul!" Goosebumps crawled down her skin at such thought. The mass grave was disgusting and pitiful, and she''ll be eating those corpses if she loses her grip? "Ah hell nah, let''s go!" Hez have read so many transmigration novels, enough to be able to predict what might happen next if she was ever to confront random personas. As well as with dealing with time and strange places. For such graveyard, it was always taken advantaged of by the protagonists and antagonists. If lucky, it can be a great loot and a safe haven, believe it or not. She chose the easy way and trained for her cultivation rigorously. Whenever her memories strike however, it was time for a brisk walk around the forest to loot some stuff and store into her dimension that opens at the flick of her wrist. Every day happened like this that she forgot about her time until she felt frustrated from a bottleneck one day. "System! System! Help!" "It''s been a long time! How can I be of service?" " I can''t make a breakthrough!" She grumbled as she bit on a roasted bird''s leg. So bland but juicy, she thought on the side. The forest was a grave yard and that meant fertile soil to nature and a lush of greens that masked the truth about the forest. Not the type of a swamp, rotten area conquered by thick fog and wandering ghosts which she initially expected. Beasts and other animals are sure to be present which were good for practicing her martial arts and pill experiments as well. After this long length of time, Hez barely even thought of leaving the place. Everything was fine, hell, she also became some sort of priestess extinguishing the souls of the dead and giving a proper burial to send away the dead. Of course, only after she absorbed there condensed qi then she put each pit to burn and never to be treated like a garbage can ever again. The voice went silent for a bit as if to scan her state before speaking, "So you''ve long past achieved the late stage of the ninth layer qi gathering stage! You''re also a high-level martial knight right now. How many pits did you burn already?" Hez crossed her arms across her chest and pretended to think, "Eastern quadrant'' s all purified. I''m just starting the southern quadrant later." Normally, well, in her mind, those many pits should have been enough to promote her as fast as lightning! Unfortunately, she possessed the power of a glutton where just residues gathered and strengthened by the pile of cultivator corpses were barely enough to pull her through and let her leap a really big distance. It was frustrating. How could the female leads do it but she can''t! Furthermore, those painful baths were still turning black every time! The worse was when it came out through her skin. Furthermore, the owner of the voice was nonchalant enough to forget her ramblings that would cause her face to turn sour. "I see so you''re doing good, just break through on your own like usual. Maybe add more strong ingredients in your herbal bath or try learning how to refine pills? Maybe, fight more beasts or devour more evil miasma and absorb more condensed qi! You''ll do fine! Great job!" "Ugh, it''s been months since I''ve been in this state! I am no freaking genius, who knew that Yue''er was the genius and as soon as she died, her genius abilities left behind an empty container that only craves for food?" The system sighed. Looks like he needed to tutor her with reading the books, "Did you finish your studies yet?" At the mention of such dreaded activity, her ears turned red. "Of course!" "You lie!" "But-" "No buts!" Hez stopped walking back to the cabin as a sudden realization hit her. "Somehow you sound like a little kid but behave like you are older than me. Hey kid, I was being chill and letting you have your way all along. If you have a body, prepare to get spanked for being so disrespectful to your elder!" "No I am older than you young lady, if I were to show myself, you''ll bow down in shame." "What if you''re a short wimp?" She tried to provoke him. Only that person himself know their own apearance. She just wanted to muse herself with the realization and see what happens. "You dare!" The voice raised their voice, annoyance stuck in their tone. At this point, Hez''s interests suddenly disappeared like it never happened. The voice was of a stinky brat wiith a short temperament she figured. A sigh escaped her slightly parted lips. "So how long did it take me to cultivate to this level?" The voice seemed surprised at the sudden change of the once lazy, non-chalant lady turning into a moody one devoid of expressions. "Almost nine months." "If I tell you I''m starting to feel bored of this daily routines, what will you do?" The voice sighed. "What do you want?" "Sweets, new clothes and a huge pillow that''s just right for my comfort." A small smile weakly pulled the corner of her lips upwards. Cultivating and same daily routines were now boring her to death! How was this even entertaining to the brat? she thought. Nevertheless, the voice let out a "Humff!" She could see him crossing his arms over his chest. Then he added, "Oh gosh, you are so demanding as ever!" Little did he know, her seriousness was all true and was not a joke at all. Hez displaying her real feelings were something so subtle that she felt so sensitive right at that moment. She truly felt bored and unmotivated. If he had not let her have what she wanted, she would have tried to make a crazy goal like absorbing all condensed ki''s of one entire quadrant within three days to a week without break. That action was considered risky and will definitely cause an explosion within her but it was also a key to a quicker break through. For some reason, a more stabilized foundation. Back in her real world, she had always been a complicated person and the display of her real feelings shows her actual struggle. Her boredom often resulted to unpredictable outcomes. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª A scene when she remembered her past: Hez liked her food to be special. Her dad was a great cook, he mom too, her little brother was only able to cook a limited amount, her little sister could only cook between fried food and rice and the youngest can cook rice, eggs and boil water. She used to teach her younger siblings cooking and often broke into fights in the middle. She missed those times especially as she stared at the roasted, bland bird leg. She roughly bit into it and chewed onto the meat roughly. Continuously, she did so while telling herself to just accept her new life. But of course, even the toughest person in the world can have there breakdowns! She stopped chewing midway and let choked cries pass through her meat-filled mouth. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she yearned for her family. Not just her family nowadays but her friends too. Even the co-workers who were new to the workplace were not spared as well. She let the sad tears flow. "Pfft!" On the other hand, in the voice owner''s eyes, she looked so funny as she choked and cried with a mouth full of half-chewed food slowly falling. She tried to catch them out of reflex and put them back into her mouth while she cried. 4 Little scheme Whoever said that countless blinddates in life was a waste of breath should seriously chew every single letter and forcefully swallow those words back. Wei Xia Ri easily sorted through the list of men the best match-makers recommended by his majesty had brought over. Among 34 profiles of eligible bachelors, Wei Xia RI removed everyone older than her by more than half a decade or more. She was down to 13 men. Even the five match-makers gasped in surprise. All the men in their top five personal list of bachelors were out of the game! Mei-Mei, an middle-aged woman in colorful pink robes, a big mole underneath her eye and a well ornamented hair crossed her arms in disagreement. The young lady was too much, why is she so proud of being single! Two of the other matchmakers initially felt aggravated then annoyed the more she pushed the profiles away then felt speechless. Both face-palmed from Wei Xia Ri''s bold way of elimination as if the emperor had casually asked her instead of ordered her to upon the use of an edict. Lastly, a pair twin sisters screeched at every profile pushed back. Their faces glowed in amusement but frowned with impatience. Nevertheless, this arrogant and impudent tyrant still was a girl in heart judging by her standards of choosing. Because Wei Xua Ri was an infamous tyrant, the matchmakers did not dare object anyways. The royal princess slouched on her back and sighed. "I don''t want men who already has consorts or concubines or bed maids or outside female lovers or anyone who has intimate relationship with any other woman." Meimei and the twin sisters nodded in understanding then removed all remaining thirteen profiles. " Then no more!" Suppose it was a sad news but Wei Xia Ri''s smile beamed with hope and happiness. It was so dazzling, many of the matchmakers felt so blinded by her delusion. Just like how many prospective marriage candidates were leaving the table, so were the matchmakers and their hopes. The tyrant behaved wilfully and rejected everyone. His majesty should hear the report and declare their lives will cease that very moment and then when he asks how they could not deter her unreasonable behavior, they will say that the tyrant has been learned of the ways of not just the battlefield but also of social understanding and the affairs between men and women! They wanted to cough blood because the choosy tyrant did not cooperate. Meimei sighed. "Royal Princess Ruge, then please agree to a small request of mine!" Wei Xia Ri who read so many novels of more than a thousand chapters each about schemes, drama, grudges and revenge raised a brow and pretended to think for a second before nodding. "It will depend on what Meimei-jiejie has to say." "I run a shop related to match-making, do you mind attending it tomorrow?" A shop for blind dates? Wei Xia Ri smiled. "How about we become business partners?" ... "I said I am backing out, this royal princess is too unexperienced!" Wei Xia Ri stated, sounding aggrieved towards a haughty looking Meimei and a pair of giggling twins. Upon entry into the said shop, people filled the tables. There were so many of them men looking for women and vice versa. But Wei Xia Ri''s gaze gets drawn to the ceiling, unwilling to sit with at least one man. After all the dates she went to in the past, extending the undefeatable track record of her failed dates was too much! Thankfully, everyone was required to wear masks and talk before each other while a hazy curtain is in between them. Because of the gender teachings, a policy like this in the store was fitting. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Nevertheless, the proud tyrant retraced her steps back to meimei''s delivery service business upstairs. The matchmakers follow her with sunken shoulders. The priority was for the tyrant to be married off and lessen her influence through the man she marries. If possible, a powerless noble was the best pick. Initially, Wei Xia RI was oblivious to the king''s intention but after a good analysis after some notions with both the royal couple''s actions and the matchmakers'' choices of grooms; figuring out such little scheme was too much. Wei Xia Ri appreciated the given authority, wealth and influence she received upon coming here. No way is she willing to let these go in exchange for a silly title! "This is enough, I cannot tolerate this any longer. I am not marrying such foolish men!" "But your highness, the word of the emperor is absolute." ''So long as his backing supports him! That is me you wretches!'' she wanted to answer. The tyrant in her rampaged and roared in her mind, it has already been going on for a long while now. The royal princess lifts her nose to the air and gave her companions a superior glance. Intentionally or not, the tyrant with such a scary face made goosebumps running down their arms. "Let''s go. I have one more day left, too many hours left." "Royal princess, how about we talk this over dinner?" pleaded one of the twins. Her voice was hesitant but such valiance made the transmigrator feel impressed. Though knowing the original''s sinful reputation, the woman really cared more for her life than a life worse than death. Wei Xia RI did not know if the twin was smart or foolish. "You... Want to dine with this general?" she tested. Meimei came next about protecting her neck. She drops to the ground and kowtows. "This servant does not dare. It is only out of pure concern with your highness'' happiness!" But Wei Xia Ri was not the tyrant. She immediately felt uncomfortable with the matchmakers'' concerning fears. "I was only asking if you wanted to dine so that I can inform my cooks to make more. This general is tired." Without looking back, the woman of interest turned on her heels and headed towards the Wei Mansion. Unknown to her, a hooded figure has been stalking her since she left the shop. Even the imperial guards did not notice the man but even if they did, they would probably pay no heed to such man. The tyrant was a trained martial artist with kin senses, so sooner or later, Wei Xia Ri felt such weak presence. Yet she shrugged and continued. 5 Inviting The Cheater "Your highness!" "Master!" "Royal Princess Ruge!" "Your highness, lord Wei!" As soon as the sun had set and the owner of the mansion returned, a swarm of men and women gathered around Wei Xia Ri like a moth to a flame. The woman furrows her brows but kept silent, waiting for their intentions to leak out. All of them lowered their heads and kneeled down. "Young lord, these humble servants welcome you home," they say in unison. Such harmonious greeting sounded so elegant, Wei Xia Ri could not help but guess how many times they practiced. Nevertheless, she nodded in acknowledgement. With a pair of anxious eyes, she scans their faces that were lowered at a 45 degree angle. In ancient worlds, it would be possible that some of these people were spies sent over by enemies and even the emperor himself provided that the tyrant has not been the brightest and least threatening authority living in the capital. "Forego the formalities, lead my guests to the dining hall while one can take me to my chambers." Her command was clear and frank yet with a tone of arrogance dripping like an aftertaste. If she could remember, the original had her nose lifted to the sky all the time paired with eyes that narrowed as she looked down on others. Not that Wei Xia RI was willing to do the same. Instead, she sighs loudly and started walking with her back towards them and her feet going towards a familiar road. Such act deserved some recognition. Inside, Wei Xia Ri felt her heart hammering against her chest with a pair of ears ringing. She felt too scared to be caught. And in reality, every single word came straight out from a novel''s protagonist from the Huaxia romance books she read. And it seemed so convincing, the servants did not bat an eye. Dinner with the matchmakers did not do much to help the bride feel any happier. So when the moon had shown itself in the night sky surrounded by luminous stars, one lucky transmigrator used the body''s muscle memory to sneak out past her guards towards some empty entrance to the woods from across the capital''s square. It was outside the walls of the capital towards an uncrowded area. It was a good spot for Wei Xia RI to concentrate and understand this new identity more without any interruptions. However, who knew about a couple flirting in the woods at this time? She immediately stops from a few tens of meters away and decided to watch a show. "Hehe, your highness, fifth prince, don''t you want to find out what Xuan-er has for you? Zhong Lei... Ahh! What are you doing? " a lady''s high-pitched but squeezed voice was heard from around the corner. "Xuan-er, you are mine. No matter what tricks you have up your sleeves, I, Zhong Lei will continuously conquer you over and over and over. Just stay in my arms." It was sweet and sounded so much like those novels'' protagonists she enjoyed. Yet at the name Zhong Lei and the title of Fifth prince, her chest tightened. Wei Xia RI instantly knew that the original had feelings for this person that even if she was gone, the body had reacted to that man in strangest way as if hurt. Of course, the transmigrator frowned in disgust. Why of all people did she like the cold-blooded, black-bellied prince? ''Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!'' She clicked her tongue. In novels, characters like the tyrant lover of the cold-blooded prince are followed by misery and demise. Wei Xia Ri who was granted a new chance obviously disapproved of the man, his behavior and also the woman in his arms. She decides to ''accidentally'' walk into them acting surprised. "Your highness, fifth prince?" her long, dark lashes flattered as she blinked like an innocent, clueless woman. She focused her gaze on him attempting to see if it might successfully make this man uncomfortable. The cold man''s rare warmth immediately froze on his face when his eyes left the woman pressed against his chest to the woman who was his ex-fiancee. Her facade of confusion irked the prince making his face grow stiff and raged. Just her appearance alone made him want to slap her skin off her body. Why was she looking at them like that? Why is she acting like that? This woman seriously did know her place anymore. An urge to swing his sword and slice her clean roared in his head. Her gaze was too provoking. Wei Xia RI on the other hand sighed. "Your highness, this general did not expect you to be here. I shall take my leave immediately." Zhong Lei furrowed his brows. It felt too weird that she would just leave them be. No, not if it comes to this person. "Halt on your steps Wei Xia RI!" The transmigrator did and faced them. This time, her gaze stayed on the woman who stared at her with disdainful eyes as if to say that such a mere person like her was nothing more than pebbles on the side of the road. "Your highness, how can I be of service to you?" "Why are you following us? Do you intend to lose face once again?" Get humiliated? Wei Xia Ri mentally shook her head. Was she the type of person to be stepped on? A pair of clenched fists lands on a hilt of a sword. "What merit will I get for following you people? That is too much. I am actually busy looking for someone so go ahead and keep going!" "You-" the couple spouted in shock at the same time while sounding as if offended. "Heh, Wei Xia RI, you really have never changed even after losing your army. What a shame," he stated to remind her. Luckily, the woman by his side kept silent believing that her man was more than enough to deal with the said tyrant. On the other hand, Wei Xia RI felt fortunate that their ego were too high, they could not be bothered and it spared her the headache. Such condescending couple are meant to be! "My army have fought for the empire and did not die in vain. My brothers... Did not die after being downgraded to bodyguards to a dainty couple." She said it! Wei Xia Ri gave her mouth the freedom! Zhong Lei tilted his head in confusion with a frown disgracing his smooth temples. Those men were his servants. As the general, he had the authority to order them as he wished. For the sake of Yu Xuan Xuan, would it not be an honor for his soldiers to guard his woman? Because his precious wife-to-be is a great doctor, everyone will be desperate to have her! Another reason for his men to be honored. Because of that, he laughed heartily to mock the ignorant lady who just barged into their nightly affair. "Because my Xuaner is magnanimous and this prince finds it agreeable, Wei Xia RI, this is the last time that I will let you go! Disappear before my eyes now!" ''How irritable!'' Thankfully, the shade of the night covered half of Wei Xia Ri''s frown. She scoffed and shrugged her shoulders after hearing the shameless cheater bark his nonsense. " I was going to extend my wedding invitation to the two of you for being part of my memories, good or bad, yet now, you made me change my mind! HMMF!" Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. According to the original''s memories, there was a time when the bastard prince actually was a loving man towards her. They went to many places and enjoyed festivals together. But when Wei Xia Ri became a general of her own 10000 men, their affections gradually dissipated. Though it was in the past and that her groom has yet to be found in a few hours, Wei Xia Ri tested his feelings if there was some left. Inviting the cheater, would it be fun or just something of regret? ''Ah stupid!'' She squinted her eyes as if to enhance her night vision. A pair of sharp and cold black pools looked at her with a hesitant gaze just before he snapped with a blink. He shifted his gaze to Yu Xuan Xuan before pulling her waist to his side. Without words, he successfully conveyed his choice. If the original was in possession right now, probably a pathetic fight with her head sliding off her neck would happen. Fortunately the new Wei Xia RI could care less. This is good for her! "Hmm, alright." "..." Hearing no response, she spun on her heels and blended back into the curtains of darkness. 6 SHAMELESS Wei Xia Ri was your average modern woman. She decided that it was her own right to find herself a husband of her liking no matter how cornered she was. Time was ticking and the emperor has sent a servant to send her his ''imperial greetings'' early in the morning. It was around past noon when Wei Xia RI decided to check the auction hall for some high quality men, if possible. What if a captured foreign man was there? It would be better than getting a traditional, ancient dude! "Ladies and gentlemen, for the much awaited final product of the day! Aladdin!" Wei Xia Ri grinned. Her heart flattered at the sound of a foreign name. As her eyes were glued onto the cage inside the velvet curtain, she starts counting her copper coins and few silvers left in her pocket. Slowly, the host teased the audience with a pair of cuffed almost white yet lightly-tanned feet. Then a leg covered in baggy yet thin white pants. Wei Xia Ri gasped at the following eight pack of abs. Of course so did the other women and some perverts! Then when an adam''s apple was revealed, the tyrant gulped in anticipation. Such face... His face had been shaved clean, as if those hair on the face would destroy the viewers eyes. Not a stubble left. His bushy brows must have been fixed too! And his raven black hair was long and loose over his chest. With a pair of deep, tantalizing turquoise eyes hidden by long lashes, a straight nose and full lips, he looked like an ideal Arabian prince that novelists liked! Just as Wei Xia Ri was going to make a claim, the host announced, "The bidding will start at 1 gold ingot!" thus dampening her mood. The Arabian prince was not in the budget so she might as well leave. During the past few days if not for a date, Wei Xia Ri has discovered a shocking financial truth. Some of her businesses in the red district were not doing well! They were behind rent and some hooligans had been taking advantage! Her servants... They don''t get paid but got cheated of their total monthly wages. The residence itself was in need of renovation. Moreso, her remaining 7000 men has been dispirited because of her tyranny and corrupt leadership! Because the new Wei Xia Ri intended for a life of good fortune, such problems cannot be left behind! When she left, her head hung low and her shoulders sunk. It was a walk of shame. However, in other''s eyes, it was a woman with a chaotic expression and thinking of how to make trouble. As time passed rather slowly, Wei Xia Ri found herself ambushed at a weirdly isolated street in the red light district. She was just a few steps away from her whore house and casino! Men in black, faces covered but blades were swinging midair. Wei Xia Ri sighed and in an uninterested tone, as if talking to her annoying siblings, she asked, "What do you want?" "Your head!" "How incredible, shouldn''t they hesitate?" The soldier sighed. Though a transmigrator, the original has blessed her with her memories and the body''s extreme training. Mere assassins who ambush her in the middle of an afternoon would not be so lucky. ''morons! This boss is blessed!'' When a blade came swinging to her side, the original''s gaze has caught it and Wei Xia Ri dodged away then stepped forward to knock him out with her bare hand. They swiftly came one after another, becoming trickier and trickier. As Wei Xia RI continued to dodge and neutralize their blades with her double swords, they realized how the tyrant did not make any single move to kill them. So the remaining made a circle around Wei Xia Ri, waiting for their target to make a slip. Though she did not kill, it was an assassination attempt for her head after all. "I am having trouble sorting out my troubles but you guys disrupt? How much were you paid, I''ll make sure you swallow twice as much and have better quality of life?" "..." The tyrant was never so civilized. Hearing her speak and make sense felt too strange. Behind their masks, a frown mostly knotted their brows together and they narrowed their eyes into slits. "An impostor," a woman''s familiar voice uttered lowly, almost just to herself except for the keen senses of the martial artists surrounding her. Including the general. ''I know right!'' Wei Xia RI could not help but agree. Though she wore the original''s regular dirty white clothes and the light armor on her chest, shoulders and boots, the transmigrator was different. She walked with a better posture and gait. Wei Xia Ri also did not cause trouble back at the auction hall. However, this matter can be interpreted differently. Especially if it comes to the fifth prince''s woman, Yu Xuan Xuan. Even if she knew the truth. "This general is an impostor? Who is brave enough to do that?" "The person who killed the general," she answered in a matter-of-fact tone. Strangely, she was too sure, even Wei Xia RI who liked peace raised her vigilance. The time the original died was an ambush, what happened back there? Everybody was dead but could it be--- A small chuckle left the general''s lips. Not a stray of suspicion flashed to betray her current expression. "Oh I see. Go back to your darling fiance and make love. Stop spouting lies and bear some noisy kids instead." Thankfully, Wei Xia Ri''s way of speaking differed little from the previous. In exchange, some jaws were unhinged ''How vulgar!'' "... You... I''ll make you pay for the smallest grievances you make. You are too audacious." Wei Xia Ri lived the adult life in another world already where people everywhere can potentially be dangerous, showing emotions especially at work would usually cause a downfall. Hiding her emotions without letting out a crack has become her Forte, only an experienced working person can have. Keep smiling and do your job! Therefore she confidently tilted her head sidewards and looked at the woman with a ridiculed gaze. A taunting smirk pulled one side of her lips and she scoffed. "You... What are you going to do about it? I initially wanted to make peace with you but here you are throwing your brains out of your mouth! You talk and spit your intelligence out. What a shame." "..." The prince''s woman remained silent. Suddenly, Wei Xia Ri had a funny premonition-- ''Could this girl be some vengeful transmigrator, an assassin and a doctor at the same time? LOL WHAT THE HELL. She does give the vibes!'' Nevertheless, Wei Xia Ri still had a face to keep up. "I''ll do the talking alright. You, you, you, you, all of you," but her eyes did not leave the fifth prince'' s woman, "I am heading to my brothel. Why don''t you turn to the bright side and come with me instead?" "..." "Okay then, make way because this owner needs to save her people!" Though Wei Xia Ri had no intention to stain her hands, her face was as evil as ever. She had such an indifferent expression but contrasted by her menacing eyes. As she walked towards the entrance of the brothel, the assassins stood aside warily. They let her go but followed behind her, besides, their employer was with them and seemed to not hold any further hostilities after the quick spar. ''what did she mean by save her people?'' Yu Xuan Xuan wondered. Wei Xia Ri finally found the Flowers Pavillion that stood next to her General''s Den casino. From the previous memories, it was such a business that she bragged about. Yet here stood a dilapidated building. Not a word left her mouth and she marched in. There, a pretty woman in her forties welcomed them with a charming smile. She stood straight and clasped her small hands together. Her pink clothes were unwrinkled and flowed like a veil on the wooden floor. With that, she followed with, "Welcome back, General!" Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Wei Xia RI nodded wordlessly as she scanned the interior. It was a four story building with the most common structure as any other ancient buildings. It was simple and uninteresting in her eyes. The best thing to see was the thin, colorful yards of cloth that were used for decor to feminize the building. She sighed. "Kick out all the customers today and bring all of our people to the foyer now." The Flower Pavillion''s host quickly nodded and called out the servants to announce the job. Yet as soon as they saw the tyrant, a look of fright and delight could be seen in their faces. Nevertheless, it did not take a long for a small group of mostly male customers were showed out. Wei Xia Ri waited for their aggressive protests but it seemed like the customers knew how to behave well. However, Yu Xuan Xuan was cautious and memorized their faces as they passed by. Then finally, men who either looked like part of the small security team and some were servants gathered onto one side. On the other hand, women of different ages stood beside each other with their servant girls. It was easy to distinguish their status judging by their appearance. Wei Xia Ri herself was no fool and saw such unfair reality in the room. "Has everyone gathered?" Wei Xia Ri asked. "General, we are still bringing down the sick Lady Meng," said the hostess. "Alright, let''s wait a little." Meanwhile, Yu Xuan Xuan kept her silence but watched with utmost curiosity about how this tyrant was going to ''save'' her people for as far as she knew, Wei Xia Ri herself was the one who lead their downfall after failing to return on time from the battle. As they waited in silence, a sudden knock on the door from the outside echoed in the silent foyer. The hostess looked at the bright sun''s rays and then at Wei Xia Ri with a knowing gaze. "General," she began. "Who is it?" "It''s that unruly boy again," the hostess sighed. Wei Xia RI turned to look at the entrance and given that she stood on an elevated podium near the window, she was able to see a young man dressed like a peacock and stood confidently before the entrance. A small smile played on his pretty lips that made Wei Xia Ri''s eyes glow. She suddenly wondered what his skills were and if he was a tolerable person. Yet judging from the hostess'' expression, the youth though attractive was a pain in the butt. "Let him in, it''s good for more people to come for marketing reasons," the general simply answered. Yet the glow in her eyes was undeniable. The hostess, Luo Ning, has been tolerating the boy coming in and out of their brothel for so long. It was either to make trouble by flirting with the girls or being too wilfull by trying to meet their most sought out courtesans. Yet when she saw the tyrant''s interested gaze, her stomach was suddenly filled with butterflies. ''Finally, his time has come.'' "As you say, general." While Lady Meng was carried downstairs on a makeshift bed, the young man was brought in. 7 TOO MANY CLAUSES "Are you all happy?" the tyrant asked with a large grin. Judging from the grim faces, they obviously weren''t. To save her existing company, Wei Xia Ri needed to let go of some of her people. And this way was the least vexing of all. Her eyes scanned their faces and also the outsiders including the youth. Even he did not retort. "Right now, I am not in the mood to keep this business. So I will make an offer," Wei Xia Ri started with a half-truth. She really did not want such morally problematic business but her message can be conveyed in so many ways. She had a new plan in her head but of course, with this people who she does not even know, the introverted loner did not want to mingle with them as selfish as that sounds. "Who wants to leave? I promise to let you go today and never hunt you down. Think of this as my last payment to your wages." Wei Xia Ri was short in her finances and she needed to fix it. If these people wanted freedom, it was the biggest wage! Who cares about their debts to her? It would lessen her problem if the general did not have to watch over them on the side. That way, she can focus on what she wants. The men and women below looked at each other. Then people began to stand up, kowtow to the tyrant and remained like that much to Wei Xia Ri''s confusion. In the beginning, the older generation started then followed by the younger ones. "General, this subject has wronged you!" they begged. ''Wh-why?'' Unfortunately, a young servant boy caught her unintentional frown that brought him to hit his forehead to the ground. "this servant did you wrong!" "Huh?" Wei Xia Ri yelled. "All of you stand up!" ''You are all so weird!'' "General, this servants have disappointed you. We beg your highness for your mercy!" Luo Ning, the pretty hostess cried out. Wei Xia Ri''s ears stung from her cries. "Stop and and stand up properly, all of you! Where''s your dignity?" As Wei Xia Ri was having a problem about calming down the crowd, Yu Xuan Xuan felt even more confused herself. These servants of the general suffered under her but are begging to be taken back. Could it be that the tyrant''s words have no credibility? "As expected," she murmured. However, Wei Xia Ri wiped her face with her hand. "Stop and listen to me. I am selling this building once and for all! Those who want to leave, just leave before I change my mind. As for those who don''t, follow this general back to the mansion!" Then the general turned to Yu Xuan Xuan, "You, just buy this one already. I know you got something in your sleeves! Just a thousand ingots of gold. Location is the best." The location was in a red light district, filled with many unknown. On the surface, it was just that but when one looks more into the geographical location of the building, it was not a place where the emperor''s eyes can see. Not that the emperor was aware of it. On one side was the wall of the imperial gates. At the back was a road going to the residencies. In front was facing the red light district. And only the general knew what lies in the basement. Yu Xuan Xuan widened her eyes, flabbergasted. She did not know which mostly surprised her as Wei Xia Ri was too damn shameless. Or smart? She had to agree that the location was good and this is a private selling. If the emperor learns about it, even he will cause a ruckus to own this plot of land. Little did Wei Xia Ri know about the emperor''s awareness. "I will think about it," she answered. "Good! Alright, that means it is settled! Xiao Yuan Yuan, where''s my gold?" Wei Xia Ri obviously knew how rich the female protagonists are in this world. Yu Xuan Xuan for one can afford more than a thousand but that would blow Wei Xia Ri''s cover up. With her fists clenched, she sighed realizing how shameless this ex-fianc¨¦ of Zhong Lei was. "I am Yu Xuan Xuan, how dare you insult your buyer?" But selective hearing worked best for the tyrant. Her eyes glow and a smile pulls the edges of her lips up. "Alright, let''s sign the did of sale now! Hostess, do we have the papers?" Luo Ning''s brows knotted together. "General, we have yet to have one except for your ownership." "I see, then pass me the papers and ink. I''ll make one right now." Wei Xia Ri began to write like a modern lawyer as soon as her hands touched the brush and the blank paper landed on the table. The nonchalance in her face disappeared and everyone else were no different to air. It did not matter that everyone was waiting on her as they kowtowed except for the standing outsiders. She was a tyrant after all, how else is Wei Xia Ri going to prove Xiao Yuan Yuan wrong? As soon as she was done, she read it over with a grin. "Xiao Yuan Yuan, sign it!" The female protagonist clicked her tongue but took the paper nevertheless. Initially her face was still masked by the cloths yet as soon as her eyes read the first paragraph, Yu Xuan Xuan''s breath turned heavy. She pulled off her mask and glared at Wei Xia Ri as if it would kill her if she does not exactly show her irritation at the tyrant. "General Wei Xia Ri... There''s too many clauses!" "HMM? No way!" Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Both the General''s Den and Flower''s Pavillion are to be sold to Party B, Yu Xuan Xuan by Party A, General Wei under the condition that they keep the original names. Take heed that Party A, General Wei and Party B, Yu Xuan Xuan are to become co-owners if the establishment becomes prosperous." "That''s not a clause, that''s a condition!" "And.... There''s many more! I am not buying." "Alright! Then do you mind calling your prince here so we could make some negotiations?" "General Wei--" "Pfft! I was just teasing you. If you don''t want to, there is always other people. I''m already selling this as a good bargain! Hey you, pretty boy," Wei Xia Ri called out the peacock-like man. His handsome face turned her way in response making the lustful tyrant smirk. "General Wei, how can this subject be of your service?" Hearing his respectful and formal tone, Wei Xia Ri was forced to become a decent human just to impress him a bit. Her smirk disappears into her small smile as she headed down to a private office in the first floor. He follows from behind and silence ensued until both people were sat before each other. Yu Xuan Xuan who was left speechless quickly turned on her heels and left with her people, completely forgetting her reason for meeting Zhong Lei''s ex-fiance. Luo Ning on the other hand took one look at the remaining servants, those who were left after others slowly made their first steps to freedom. They remained kowtowing on the ground. Seeing their prostration, she smiled in satisfaction and turned to the kitchen to make tea and serve it to her General. "So, do you like the condition?" It was just a matter of few minutes but once the doors were shut close, the handsome peacock was blushing under Wei Xia Ri. They both were on the couch but one had been pressed down. "It seems like my words weren''t clear enough, boy, this brothel and the gambling den will be yours so long as you give me your hand in marriage." Though he was redder than a tomato, hearing her condition sounded like a deal made in heaven. He himself had his own circumstances and this was his key to breakthrough those. He nodded but with that agreement, he puts his hands to her waist and switched their position. The General, though long past the age of ideal marriage age was still youthful. Her skin was lightly tanned and smooth. Her lashes were thick and long, emphasizing her fiery eyes that tempted him to tease her defenses. But the victorious grin she held took his gasp. Wei Xia Ri who never had a boyfriend before finally experienced the infatuation stage. Initially, she believed that she would behave like an innocent flower but it seemed like her Yaoi men just made her a better woman. "Will you marry me, boy?" "Yes." "Then what''s your name?" "Cai Jin." "Cai Jin?" Wei Xia Ri asked calmly as if to confirm if she heard him right. But deep inside, the matchmakers'' voices echoed. "Listen very well Princess Ruge, this man is the most sought out bachelor, Cai Jin. He is younger than you and has no women in his house. However, he is the type of man who frequents whorehouses and gets into trouble when flirting with the young wives of the empire''s officials." ''Did I just dig my own grave?'' 8 Ring the Wedding Bells "Your majesty, this subject just found her destined man!" The emperor, Wei Zhu, sat on his dragon throne as he rested his left cheek on one palm that rested on the armrest. His eyes glowed as he watched the sunset and the changing sky. It was a view that the previous emperors had requested to the imperial engineers from dynasties ago. A special request upon the opening of the thirty feet tall doors, a breathtaking view of the skies that can take away the pain of overwhelming reports and subjects who just can''t get settled. When his cousin''s voice came barging in from below, he nodded but refused to look at the nuisance. For as long as he knew, she was the cousin he was supposed to avoid since the child was born, and yet here she is. The battle seemed to have not been able to rid him of his misery. So was his matchmaking plan. Wei Xia Ri was a powerful chess piece who was aware of her power and overused it for as long as she lived. She was a little troublemaker when young, a spoilt princess in her early teens, and a big-time tyrant the years after. She even lost three thousand men to an ambush! Lately, his son, the fifth prince had been whispering many curious thoughts and ideas about Wei Xia Ri saying she had been behaving like usual yet at the same time, different than before. Moreover, she no longer chased after Zhong Lei. The emperor dropped his sight to his wonderful cousin who makes wonders in the empire. And much to his surprise, a beautiful yet familiar boy was standing beside the lady. A smile finally graces his lips and lifted his spirits. Her arms were wrapped around his waist as she cuddled with him like a monkey. Her bold way of showing her affection earned her contemptuous stares from the ministers on either side of the throne. But such behavior was easily pardoned by such good news. "Zhen has thought it right. Princess Ruge needed such happiness!" "Your majesty is always right," Wei Xia Ri agreed. Though Cai Jin was bad news, he was smoking hot. "What is your name, boy?" His beautiful and clear black eyes lowered to the sight of the emperor''s golden, dragon robes. With a small bow, the handsome peacock reacted gracefully and followed with a respectful tone. "Your majesty, this subject is called Cai Jin." Wei Xia Ri quickly furrowed her brows. ''Why would these ancient people belittle themselves this much! This is beyond self-respect. The emperor is only human with a higher authority!'' For a moment, there was a bit of silence as the emperor pretended to scan the man chosen by Wei Xia Ri. But upon hearing his name, he knew who he was exactly. He was among the sons of small-time imperial officer''s many concubines. He was only as good as a commoner in terms of status. What good can he do but drag his official wife down from the ranks of authority? Especially since he was only just a worthless philanderer which will consume the almighty general''s mind in the long run. "Zhen has heard of Cai Jin, and wonders how General Wei found you?" Though Cai Jin''s favorite hobby was finding pleasure in women and his mind can calculate the quickest way to get a woman''s interest, his brain processed a bit slower than usual when it was the emperor making a small conversation with him. His eyes turned to the woman who offered him a good dowry and the son of heavens seating on the dragon throne. Before he was able to answer, Wei Xia Ri laughed. "It is love at first sight!" "Guhhuuk!" The emperor''s elbow accidentally slipped off the armchair. Yet he straightened his spine and coughed for a bit as if nothing happened. "There are many mysteries in this world and General Wei Xia Ri has brought one out." ''Was that a poem?'' Thought the general. It sounded like one. . . anyway, who cares? "Your majesty?" "Zhen is simply thinking of your happiness. Cousin, Zhen shall bestow you the dragon''s blessing. Why not have your wedding held within the week?" Wei Xia Ri tilted her head. Now that she thought about it, to spend her life with the smoking hot peacock on her right was a fortuitous encounter. He seemed to be in trouble given his impulsiveness from a while ago as if something was troubling him. However, what can trouble him? Is it bigger than this emperor himself? "His majesty is too gracious!" She accepted nevertheless. Cai Jin gasped underneath his breath and gave her a side glance before mimicking the general and thanking the emperor. When the new couple retreated, a smile fought to escape the man''s ecstatic face. Who wouldn''t be? In this society, women will bend to their husbands and their sons! Even the general will have to! However, Wei Xia Ri thought otherwise. When they were freed from the imperial palace''s watchful eyes and boarded the carriage heading to the General''s mansion, she wasted no time being bashful. Thankfully, Wei Xia Ri has started showering every day, bathed in floral fragrances, and had her hair and makeup, as well as her robes, styled exquisitely by her hard-working, creative and persevering maids. ''Get the general a husband!'' They had it written on their foreheads every morning since the emperor''s order was announced. The royal edict was a signal that rendered that usually ragged woman to an attractive and mature woman fresh from the battlefield of the harem. She brimmed with confidence and quickly slid next to Cai Jin''s side. Compared to her, he was pale and breathed vulnerability. The very uke she liked. ''Do you need extra warmth? Or how about a temple massage? Are you comfortable? Is your back aching from last night''s 18 plus scene with a prostitute? You should start practicing monogamy, it''s too dangerous for a lamb to be too wild! Take some rest, here''s my shoulder to lean on!'' Her thoughts had run amok deep inside that her breathing started getting heavy. As soon as Wei Xia Ri finally took notice, she shuddered at her self. ''Creep! Did you scare the young uke?'' A flash of worry had the general swinging her eyes from her lap towards the man. Fortunately or unfortunately, he had his body facing the window, away from her and as if he was avoiding her? Wei Xia Ri sighed. She has been prettied up from head to toe. Even her breath smells like mint. Cai Jin, the boy is now hers! ''My precious fiance!'' "Cai Jin," she called out. Not that there was anything to say, even her head was empty. To show she had something for him, Wei Xia Ri surprised the man by catching a few strands of his long hair in her right palm and kissing it. They were so soft and silky. ''No split ends, wow!'' But to have a woman taking the initiative with intimacy, the ancient boy couldn''t help but blush red, even worse than a shy tomato. "Eek!" he cried in a small voice. But his eyes couldn''t leave her. When the general lifted her head, her eyes caught his obsidian eyes. They were so pretty, especially with his bashful cheeks. Her eyes continued to linger at him that moment noticing the very small details. He has a small beauty mark on his neck, just under his red ears. A thin braid was also tucked behind his ear and if she squinted, that ear seemed to be pierced as if he wore earrings. Wait, what? She tilted her head and smiled at the newly acquired fiance. He was in shock and not a word left his mouth as she moved closer. Though Cai Jin had unconsciously moved back, the narrow carriage walls have trapped him in place. Slowly, Wei Xia Ri got closer. Right now, she looked pretty and enough to seduce a man, even she fell for herself this morning. "My dear," she blew a bit of air to his ear and felt him shudder when she put a rather cold hand on his neck. Her fingers, thin and long, made it into his hair and touched his warm scalp. "Wha-what are you doing? It is improper for a young lady such as yourself to--" "Well, is your little brother behaving politely then?" The general retorted. After spending so many nightly Rendevous in the red-light district, he dares say that? "Eek! General, the rumors are you telling me that the rumors are indeed true?" Wei Xia Ri removed her eyes from the tent beside his thigh and met his. "You mean my tyranny? Hmmm, what do you think?" "Yes, I do. Please refrain from proceeding even further." "Oh my, a week from now, that will not matter at all. But. . ." Wei Xia Ri thought about it. To have a playboy uke who has weak scholar quality is much too hard to find! The difficulty rate can be as high as 99% and it is hard to find another in a small amount of time. "If you prefer old romance, I will respect that. But watch out, you will regret it!" Once again, Wei Xia Ri picked up a part of him. This time, his jade-like hand. It was heavy but pretty. She held it to her mouth and then placed a light kiss on it. Her sharp gaze softened at the sight of his blush. His Adam''s apple bobbed up and down. ''You will regret it.'' 9 Valuable HairPin "Where have you last seen the general?" That became the most popular question in the general''s mansion since yesterday afternoon. Who knew that today, the general, cousin of the emperor and a survivor of the last winter battle would be found in the living room of the Cai clan patriarch. A look of disgust could not be erased from his wrinkled eyes. A person like her, moreover, a woman is asking for his grandson''s hand for marriage? Shouldn''t it be the other way around? He sighed. Is this what happens if their parents died too early? A sense of relief made him look at Cai Jin who kneeled beside his fiancee. Truth to be told, the emperor has sent them the imperial edict regarding Cai Jin''s betrothal and the details behind it. Even the wedding has been discussed. But, of all noble ladies, it was the tyrant? Has their clan have fallen so far from the power that they had to suffer by accepting this walking calamity? "You are two peas in a pod, match made in heaven and the red strings of fate have indeed brought you two together," he started. ''A philanderer and a tyrannical slut, rumors are scary.'' Nevertheless, his years of service as an official has not come to waste that he could maintain a deep-looking gaze at the younger generations. ''If these two were wed, will they be happy?'' he wondered. Thankfully, the previous Wei Xia Ri was dead. The new one immediately smiled and showered him with praises. "Patriarch, you are a living buddha! Without you, I would have never been able to meet Cai Jin. With your blessings, we will be worry-free. My years of solitude truly served as a hidden chance, a chance to meet such a delicate playbo- unique specie-," she cleared her throat, "Excuse me, a wonderful man. With all my heart, I will be by his side no matter what. I will keep him and ask for no refund, I will make him happy." The stream of words continuously flowed out of her mouth. Even Wei Xia Ri asked herself if her words truly came from the heart or were it because of her infatuation over the wild lamb beside her? Surprisingly, Wei Xia Ri felt a tug on her long sleeve and saw a bashful Cai Jin. "I am sorry. Was it too much?" The woman surely was different as if she never lived a life like the women in the empire. Her words shocked him. It was embarrassing especially in front of the patriarch. "Too much!" He whisper-shouted. "Patriarch Cai, we ask for your blessing." It was shocking for Cai Jin? The elderly felt frozen! After a stiff nod, he hurriedly had them leave the room. But meeting the parents were the same. His father, a man who served the general quickly gave away his son earning a snicker from Cai Jin as soon as they exited his study. But lastly, today''s final destination was his mother. As they were making their way to a small courtyard, far away from the main residence, Wei Xia Ri noticed the man walk slower and slower until as if he was dragging a pair of logs. She halts on her steps and sighed. "Tell me, there is something you want to say right?" "Something wrong?" he pretended despite his wan expression. If Wei Xia Ri takes in her observations, his mother was an old concubine long forgotten but trapped by her husband. She was not favored and was not taken care of. When they made it to the front porch, a shriek escaped his lips. A plate came flying as soon as they opened the door! Thankfully, Wei Xia Ri took the body of a general trained in martial arts. Just a plate flying was no threat that she dodged it and easily caught it before the flying object hit Cai Jin right on the face. His beautiful eyes squeezed shut and he instinctively raised his arms in defense. Just as Wei Xia Ri began to wonder, another plate came flying but she caught it once more and put it on top of the other. Unfortunately, another one came and then another. It seemed like the more she caught, the more flew. But to make her handsome fiance suffer? Not with her around! "Gaah!!! How dare you catch the plates Xiao Jin!" A woman''s voice erupted. "Mother it was not me, but my fiance is not at fault either!" He quickly kneels before the unopened door. Wei Xia Ri knitted her brows together but when a woman as beautiful as an actress came striding out of the small house appeared, the general copied the man. She put the plates aside and bowed. Most of Cai Jin''s features were definitely copied from her. "Mother, my name is Wei Xia Ri. I am pleased to meet you." ''Crap, it seems like this goddess is the actual boss!'' "Mother, my fiancee." He introduced. "I am aware. The imperial edict has informed me yesterday." When looking at Cai Jin, she spoke so sternly that even the isekai''d girl who has had so many encounters in the modern world felt shocked when she switched to a polite tone once she faced her daughter-in-law to-be. "General Wei, I would like to show you my gratitude for liking my son. Please come in." "Yes, mother." One thing that never changes throughout the centuries was a mother-in-law. Even Wei Xia Ri lost her dominance when facing such a boss. She rigidly gets up while pulling on Cai Jin. "Let''s go in together," she pleaded while looking at him with doe-like eyes. She knew that men liked women who acted cutely. If this works, her future will be wonderful. Cai Jin, however, was paralyzed in fear as if he had done something wrong and broke all the rules his mother had set for him. Just as she guessed. . . "My son, a womanizer has finally been tied down. General Wei, who knew it would take such lengths! You are a blessing in my life. I have always warned this man that if he continues his ways, one day, a man will come and make him a cut sleeve!" ''Is this why she fell out of favor?'' "Concubine Gu, you are way beyond your time! In a few hundred years, that will probably be okay." "Sigh! Did my son offend anyone? How did you two end up together? Spare me the details of the engagement." The new couple looked at each other. Cai Jin shook his head. "Mother it was--" "Love at first sight. The moment I saw him, I thought that such a unique man is way too difficult to find that I felt attracted to him so much that I wanted to marry him!" It should be okay to be honest with a woman as bold as her? Wei Xia Ri thought. "Oh my! My son, useless as he is, is still worth so much more like any other people. Please take care of him." "I will bring him happiness." Wei Xia Ri as she found his eyes staring deeply at her. The woman could get along with his mother. Even his father found it difficult to match with this unique mother of his. The general despite the rumors seemed different. So different. Just as he thought of her name, it quickly brought back her intimate actions towards him from her electrifying to touch up to her paralyzing gaze. Even if she was only trying her luck with him and teasing him, he could not help but find it quite attractive. ... After having dinner with Cai Manor residents where the long-forgotten Concubine Gu was even invited, Cai Jin escorted the lady out. The experience was amazing that he could not help but smile. Having the infamous general over left many unperturbed except for the new future mother-in-law. The questions which were often used to bombard his mental shield every day disappeared. Even malicious gestures were held back. Was meeting this woman really the greatest occurrence in his whole life? "Thanks to you, I had a joyful dinner," he could not help but say. After all, despite the rumors, it seems like his everyday life seemed to change the more time he spent with her as cliche as that sounds. The general shrugged her shoulders. "Same, I share the same thoughts!" Given the luck of having her future mother-in-law taking her side, it did not take long for Wei Xia Ri to feel comfortable. The mother and son sat on either side of hers like protective walls and kept her included in the family. Meanwhile, words about the infamous pair walking towards the front gate spread like wildfire within the residence. Cai Jin, the last male in the residence to be considered as a gentleman was walking his fiancee to the carriage. The couple looked so adorable that the servants had to rub their eyes to make sure they weren''t dreaming. The young master was really taken down and beat to such a state! "Young master," came a brave servant. He was holding a basket given by Cai Jin''s mother. "Concubine Gu has sent me to bring you these as her gift." Wei Xia Ri tilted her head towards her shoulder as if she could peek under the light cloth hovering over the gift. "Many thanks," she grinned. However, her eyes were quick to find Cai Jin''s as if to ask if the servant was trustworthy. When he nodded, she quickly pulled out a premium jade hairpin wrapped in thin gold. If she knew it was crafted by the best artisans in the empire, Wei Xia Ri would have asked for a set instead. "Please pass this to mother and inform her that I am sorry to be able to only return her gratitude with a used hairpin. Tell her I''ll get her something better next time!" Cai Jin looked at the hairpin with widened eyes. ''Something so valuable,'' but the general acted so nonchalant and gave it without a second thought. ''To be so generous with mother, is she really a tyrant?'' 10 Invent New Law The past days since her return, the general has noticed one problem popping into the notice board one after another that it was too many, she had to write it down on a self-made notebook as big as her palms. First, the emperor did not like her and neither did the other imperial relatives. It was sort of a reasonable one but if Wei Xia Ri chose to behave like a docile and intelligent lady like Xu Yuan Yuan, their hostility would increase. Life as a foolish general would be easier. Secondly, that cheating prince, Zhong Lei. No need for closure but if he suddenly becomes like those arrogant male leads who suddenly develop interests to the villainess after the woman quits on them, it would be disastrous. Worse comes to worst, the probability of him kidnapping her dear fiance is big! Thirdly, Xu Yuan Yuan was it? Maybe coming clean to her would solve things? She seemed like a transmigrator anyway. Fourth, the debts were financially discouraging. Her business is done for and getting into the shady side of the empire is just a bunch of headache pills waiting to come and terrorize her peace. Fifth, her dispirited soldiers. Would surrendering her title be good? She would still be princess Ruge anyway. No, definitely not. Nevermind. Sixth, courting her fiance. First of all, despite being submissive, the uke is a womanizer. In addition, the lamb is probably being hunted down. Not wolves for sure, because she herself is that predator. Just six problems but all too big! ''Ugh, so many people are so shady! Can''t I just leave all this behind?'' The jaded lady slouched back against her bed''s headboard. But while she busied herself in her thoughts, she was unconsciously listening to her maids. While thinking, a young maid announced herself and came in with today''s breakfast. A bowl of rice, egg, and a big slice of barbecued pork was on the portable table. In addition, a cup of hot tea has been poured onto her teacup. "Your breakfast, Lord Wei." "Uhhhuh--- is this brunch?" Wei Xia Ri usually skipped breakfast or drank milk and ate a slice of french toast. To be served with a heavy meal when the sun just rose quickly brought her out of her thoughts. "Lord Wei, this is your breakfast." "O-oh, really?" ''But I hate eating in the morning!'' she wanted to say. In the previous'' memories, the tyrant liked to eat a heavy meal in the morning before training. ''Training? Holy moly!'' Wei Xia Ri was a full-bred couch potato and had never run a kilometer in her life! She looked at the young maid by her side and to the table of food which looked so appetizing, it seemed like the chef put so much effort on this. ''Why not look at the bright side and probably adopt this one? Besides the general was a general who battled beside her people no matter what.'' Wei Xia Ri closed her eyes and whispered a morning prayer. And when she finished, her eyes fluttered on along with a smile. "Thank you, but have you eaten yours yet?" The young girl was used to waiting on her master and dealing with the tyrant''s pickiness. However, these past days were just too different. The general no longer complained about the menu nor did she throw a tantrum over her, the maid''s appearance. "Yes milady," she gently answers while her eyes were glued to the floor. "Wouldn''t your neck hurt if you keep staring down?" "Yes mila-- huh? This servant did not mean to displease your grace, milady!" She panicked and quickly fell to kowtow on the ground. Wei Xia Ri''s jaw dropped in shock, her eyes turned indifferent with displeasure. How bad was the previous that even servants suffer mild PTSD from her? ''Not good!'' Alerted, Wei Xia Ri quickly got off the bed and gently pulled the girl up. "Listen, I may have to explain some things okay? Can I get your name?" "This servant has no name milady, I was born a slave therefore this servant--" "That is terrible. But listen, I have no intention of harming you at all. Thank you for your service." "Milady, this servant doesn''t dare misinterpret your intentions. Please don''t sell this servant away!" ''Crap!'' "No, I am just appreciating your diligence and hard work. Now, if you can give me a minute of your time, listen to my every word." The girl in her midteens nodded. Her eyes had puffed up from crying but she wiped it away that they stung. Strangely, her lady seemed so different. If her master was not planning to dismiss her, what does the general want to do? "Milady, please order this servant." "Call all the servants to the yard. Have them arrive at the empty lot near the garden. If they are doing anything, have them quickly finish it if possible or make them postpone it for later. I have an announcement to make." "Yes, milady." ''So here comes organizing my household. Crap!'' Wei Xia Ri actually worked as a vice supervisor in a grocery store before coming here so staff management and organizing have always been part of her life. She normally would never bother but if it concerned her household, there was no time to be shy and escape to her own little world. As the sun''s rays slowly reached every corner of the entire mansion, Wei Xia Ri''s people have gathered in the huge empty lot that was the size of a small park. Their faces were unrecognizable but familiar. It seemed like the tyrant really paid little to no attention to her employees. She sighed. "Is anyone missing?" she asked in a loud voice. Many stared at her with an eerie silence. Eyes devoid of life quietly waited. "Can you tell me if anyone is missing? What I am about to say is something that will affect your life from this point forward." Just as she finished, a breathless voice came rushing. "Milady, I was informed of your announcement so I gathered what I thought you may need." Though out of breath, he managed to pass his words in a very comprehensive manner. Such a great employee, who is he? Wei Xia Ri wondered. Out of curiosity, she turned and faced the direction the voice came from and saw an elderly man in his late fifties. His eyes were uneven and sharp accompanied by such a moody expression. He looked like the type that was easy to misunderstand. According to the the original Wei Xia Ri''s memories, this was Elder Jin who raised the tyrant in place of her parents. ''He definitely held a place in her blackened heart.'' He held a stack of documents that were neatly labeled and separated. The first stack was the family registration, then the staff book, and then the bank book of the mansion. He first handed her the family registration and saw that only her name under her parents'' name. Looking at the family tree, it seemed like her clan practiced monogamy and the one-child policy. Thanks to that, it brought her much relief more than she imagined. A note was put beside her name that elder Jin was her guardian. But once she looked over the staff book which was as thick as the length of her palm, Wei Xia Ri had the urge to seat. ''But it wouldn''t be so fair to them.'' She quickly ignored her hope for a comfortable chair under such circumstances then began talking. "Greetings. I am the master of this mansion, Wei Xia Ri. Before starting today''s purpose for gathering, I would like to thank you all for your due diligence and hard work. Without you, there would be no mansion for me to return to after spending the bitter winter on the battlefield. Now, you may be wondering why I had called you down here at this time when you are all supposed to start your tasks." She paused to let her words sink in. Most expressions of surprise were expected and even the indifferent ones. Of course, there would be some denial since it was not like a person can change overnight. Then when they seemed to have recovered, she continued, "On my hand is a list of your names so if I call your name, please form or join the lane." In this era, if slaves existed, it also was a huge indicator that education was at its primary stages. As soon as the roll call was over, Wei Xia Ri looked at them and began writing on a blank sheet. In the beginning, the brush was too difficult and took practice. Now, it felt like nothing! As she wrote in silence, Elder Jin peeked over her shoulders but what he read had sent him flabbergasted. The hard-headed child seemed to know a bit about the law and even invented some more! Wei Xia Ri read through the new contract prior to starting. It was not easy to demolish the slave system especially that simply going against may be considered treason against the emperor as ridiculous as it sounded. "From this day forth, everyone in the residence will have to build credit to get a chance to improve their status as slaves. From slaves to commoners servants in my mansion where it is only applicable. Would you like to cooperate with me?" 11 Date or Excuse Cai Jin frowned. The first time they met, she was assertive. The moment they were engaged, she behaved so aggressively. After meeting his family, she left him alone? Did anything happen? He asked himself. When he went to visit yesterday, the mansion seemed to be so busy. The first time he saw them, they used to be like haggard-faced people. Not many of the residents smiled nor talked. It seemed like the General was the only bubbly one in that place. But what he recently saw made a quick impression that everyone had been replaced with high spirited souls. The soldiers by the gate even greeted him with a more subtle expression compared to their usual aloof faces. He wondered but did not want to pry believing it might irritate a certain infamous figure of the empire. As he was about to give up like yesterday, a familiar man has spotted the young man. Elder Jin sighed, contemplating on how he can make up for his mistake for ignoring his future lord yesterday due to the sudden summon. When the general suddenly made up a new rule in her household, the entire residence took a big change beginning from the rearrangement of the servants'' quarters to the structure of their mansion''s servants. Even their living conditions and wage have improved. Basic education and training were also started. Was the lady starting a small kingdom within her residence? If her enemies have heard about it, it would be like signing a death agreement with them. Luckily, she had another clause regarding confidentiality and penalty contracts! She was still a devil in nature. Now, to make the child relax and take a break from continuously reforming her household, having the future lord distract should be a great gift by fate. "My lord, please don''t go yet. Our general is in the study." But of course, Cai Jin has never been called by any title aside from a young master in his entire life. He keeps walking with a lonely back as he slowly headed back into the carriage. Thankfully, Elder Jin''s has realized that issue so much to his displeasure, the old man had to toss his cane and ran after his lord in full speed. Many who had seen him today has known the limping elder from the general''s mansion from over the years. Who knew that one day, he would recover? Nevertheless, the important person was stopped and dragged into Wei Xia Ri''s office in the blink of an eye. "My, what a great afternoon. Cai Jin, you visited me!" Today, the man wore a white robe with light-blue bamboo prints. Half of his long, silky, black hair had been tied back showing off his jawline and the sneaky collar bones peeking from underneath his robe. His handsome face also made her sigh. ''In combination with his complex personality, he is so cute!'' "General Wei, it is my pleasure." "Hmmm," the woman could not resist grinning. Just as the room was getting awkward for the young man, a certain elder cleared their throat. "Oh! Haha, I almost missed!" When Wei Xia Ri saw that he was missing his cane, she could not help but remind him of his missing accessory. It was his ''fashion statement.'' "I mean, won''t you look better without those?" "It is better to look smarter, milady. You will soon understand this." "I''m fine. Anyway, please make sure they take their breaks. Tell them that I would rather have increased productivity compared to overworked people. In addition, here are my proposals for the business. Can you review this and make suggestions? Thank you." She smiled and watched the Elder leave for his much-deserved break. Aside from her shadow guards, the study only has her and Cai Jin. He stood not too far from her table and looked at her quietly as if expecting her to say something. It seemed like his womanizing skills were running into an error code at the moment, he couldn''t say a single pick-up line. "Oh, do you play any instruments?" she started. If she could remember, Wei Xia Ri used to read that many noble males were taught to play at least one musical instrument. For a moment, he silently remained on his feet before surrendering and walking to the window and sat on the window sill. He takes out a simple, wooden flute and began playing a somewhat calm but tragic tone. It reminded Wei Xia Ri of the ancient OST instrumentals in Korean and Chinese dramas. Instincts and years of reading had taught her that if the male lead played such tragic music, it was either reminiscing a sad history or their past lover. At that thought, Wei Xia Ri could not help but turn frigid. She bit her lower lip as she waited for him to finish. The wait reminded her of the planking exercises she used to do wherein just a minute felt like a lifetime. "Cai Jin," she called out breathlessly. In response, the youth stopped playing as his heart started beating erratically. Was he scared? No. Was he attracted to her voice? Not really. But to Wei Xia Ri? Probably. He thought that the women at the brothel were already assertive and quite mature. Yet this wild general who basically held great power in the empire can also capture his interests. It also surprised him to see that the woman who was seating and watching him from her desk has disappeared and reappeared near him in a blink. Without touching him fully, she leaned her cold forehead against his left collarbone. Usually, if a woman does this to him, he would push them away or he would initiate the start of a long night all together. However, he was afraid that this seasoned soldier was maybe even stronger than him. He has never practiced the ways of a sword as well. His skin that held so much warmth let the rigid lady relax for a bit. "Who taught you that song?" "My mother." "Mother? She is such a genius." ''But why did they keep her as a caged bird?'' "Is there anything wrong?" When her institution calmed down, Wei Xia Ri remembered Concubine Gu''s situation. It was probably tormenting her son. She closed her eyes and slowly lifted her face. But the opportunistic lady she was, a kiss on his seductive neck was the point of initiating contact! She grins victoriously and patted his red right cheek before moving back to her desk. "I don''t know how to sing but I can hum a song I used to like when I was younger. Would it be possible for you to pick up the notes and play it?" "I- I think I can," he stuttered. The general is so cunning! When he agreed, Wei Xia Ri began humming Pachelbel''s Canon. A strange and unique melody he had never heard of, it was so different from the regular music he heard and learnt. It was still mesmerizing. "Did you learn this from the outside?" ''Well, I came from another world. It is outside this world.'' Wei Xia Ri looked straight into his eyes, a smile playing on her lips as if inviting before she nodded with gentle, "Yup." Cai Jin looked at the woman with a bit of envy. She was the general who traveled far and wide for the empire. Rumors said that she liked to bring back souvenirs from wherever. His eyes wandered around the study and saw some foreign instruments and weapons. Even the decor inside was completely different compared to his home. Her clothing and hairstyle was even a mix of their culture and a foreign touch. ''One day, if possible, can I walk beside her and see what the outside looks like?'' Meanwhile, the single dog shadow guards shuddered from their master''s smooth tactic. "Oh my, outside seems so sunny. Cai Jin, would you like to have a stroll around the garden?" "But we''re currently learning?" "Oh, I can still hum and you try to play with the notes as we walk. Multitasking! Don''t worry, we''ll slowly reach a nice view. It will be fine!" "Hmm, it would be a waste to stay indoors. General Wei, please guide the way." ''Aww, what a cute gentleman!'' Wei Xia Ri nodded and walked next to him. "Here, let me start humming." "Alright." "Just so you know, if you feel exhausted or sweaty, I have a bath here and extra clothes." "I will be fine, thank you for your concern." The youth quickly answered with a small smile. As they made their way out, Wei Xia Ri could not help but continuously steal glances. Dressed in bamboo-printed white robes, his long hair tied halfway and pulled to one side to show his handsome face, Cai Jin looked like a live model walking down the catwalk. "You know, you really look like a scholar at every angle. Are you really into women? Wait, my apologies! I mean are you really what the rumors say you are?" ''Someone so gentle, how could he have any charm to seduce MATURE and EXPERIENCED women.'' His brow twitched and he stopped trying to find the right note for a second just to give her a blank stare. "Are you hesitating now?" Cai Jin himself once thought about the same thing. His appearance definitely can''t make up for his hobbies. But he grew up a scholar and always have dressed like one. If he was not studying and working in the study, he would be found with the ladies. Initially, nothing felt so wrong with a man his age. But now that his fiancee started to ask, it seemed like a tinge of regret pinched his heart. Wei Xia Ri shrugged her shoulders. Because the old one used to be philandering tyrant herself, no, she was someone worse than Cai Jin even, viewing him under that light would be too hypocritical. In addition, Wei Xia Ri in her previous world have had at least three imaginary boyfriends and fantasized about them so much throughout her previous life. She looked at him in the eye and could not help but also observe his soft cheeks. "Not really," she grinned. And much to the man''s surprise, her fingers reached his face once again and pinched his soft cheeks. "You''re so tall, look at me Cai Jin. I''m suffering!" "Huh?" Just as the lady said, she was already on her toes but her arms were outstretched. It was adorable to see her looking like this. And he came to realize that despite how dangerous and powerful the general is, no matter how big the rumors make her, she was still a woman and is physically shorter than him. Cai Jin bent his back and lowered his face to ease her struggle. "Oh my thanks! You''re awesome!" "My apologies." "Hmm? For what?" "For quickly--" "Nahh, it''s fine. More importantly, you should start eating more you know? Do you only eat vegetables and a bit of meat?" "I do." "I eat double or thrice the nutrition you get on a daily basis!" Hearing her high spirited voice, Cai Jin could not help but nod. ''We''ll compromise,'' he thought to himself. General Wei Xia Ri, a big figure riding a stallion, and she usually looked, acted, and was known to be intimidating. Anyone would always feel like she was looking down on anyone. But probably it was just in their head? Right now, it was just him and a lady he was about to marry. "Oh by the way, have you got the hang of it?" "Excuse me, what do you mean?" "Shoot! They don''t speak like this over here! Sorry, I meant to ask if you can play it now?" When she was humming, it seemed like he can finally find common ground with her. While they began to discuss music, she was not the general and he was not the scholar. "Do you mind humming it once more?" "Hmm, sure! It''s fine!" 12 This is Just a Passing Hobby of Mine, Elder Jin By the third day since listening and cooperating with Wei Xia Ri''s humming of Pachelbel''s cannon, Cai Jin was finally able to flawlessly play it. He sighed in satisfaction and pocketed his little flute back into his chest pocket. Then like a beautiful butterfly, his long lashes flattered while he gracefully pushed back loose strands of his silky, black hair behind his ear. His milky, white skin glowed healthily as he bathed under the sun. A young man in his late teens was a sight to see, especially when his modest and thick robes tactfully hid his body because of a certain someone. Unbeknownst to him, an elderly man was slowly walking forward. He had his back hunch while he used a wooden cane to walk. Then he cleared his throat to announce his arrival, "My lord," he began. Cai Jin''s focus quickly went to him. "Elder Jin, it is pleasant to meet you this morning. Is milady in trouble?" Elderly Jin stiffened. Thankfully, he wore loose clothes and was currently sporting a frail, elderly image. To be honest, he came to the Cai Clan Residence for a reason! A big important mission in order to preserve his lady''s future! ''Must stall him, must stall my young lord!'' "Of course not, my lord. How can be the general be in trouble at this time and date?" "I am well aware of the general''s behavior, for sure, it will at least be a servant begging for mercy or even troubling the emperor or any of the royal family members?" Thinking about the ongoing episode back at the mansion, Elderly Jin could not help but admire the young lord''s keen institution towards his lady. "My lord, certainly, my lady has changed since then! Please believe in milady more!" "Hmm," Cai Jin felt suspicious. Why was the general''s closest aide here in the first place? He sighed. "Would you like to join me for tea?" "Oh, how generous of my young lord. Young lord, do you usually begin your mornings with music?" ''To wake up and practice a song?'' Cai Jin never really did as it was a musical instrument he just learned in the past and liked to play whenever he was bored. After all, it was his artistic talent compared to his brothers who grew up with weapons of war and sisters who were trained to become wives or concubines to the surrounding kingdoms. He looked at the wooden flute that his master had gifted him as soon as they met. Thinking of that man whose face he could not remember, he had a small thought. ''How is he faring?'' He shook his head and replied with a small smile. "This is just a passing hobby of mine, Elder Jin." "Oh my, could that foreign music be from milady''s influence? I have to say, the general''s strange taste really can''t be parred with anyone!" Because the young man was polite and pretty timid, the elder who was used to a free household laughed loudly like those drunks inside the midnight restaurants. He had to forcefully punch his chest with a fist to calm down. Wiping imaginary tears of his eyes, he continued, "My apologies young lord, I was just impressed of how kind and open-minded you are towards our little tyrant." "That," Cai Jin sweatdropped. ''If I wasn''t, I would probably be sold as a slave the moment I disagreed with her!'' Elder Jin, however, had his own version which surprised the young man as soon as he began to elaborate. "I heard from milady while she was drunk that she cornered you and did whatever she liked once or twice? My apologies, my lord. The general really grew up among barbaric men and was accustomed to becoming one of them as self-defense. For a woman, it should be really hard if men would view you as a flower in the barracks filled with wolves." "That sounds fair," he stated. Cai Jin thought about her bold behavior. She can often be risque but was decent enough to hold back. She also liked to show her unmatched strengthed and agile skills in front of him. Nonetheless, the lady was scary in those terms, topping over his favorite courtesans and the bashful wives of imperial officials. Young ladies who had just reached or finished their coming-of-age ceremony cannot certainly reach the degree of the bold and honest general. "It''s funny how it has been just several days since we met." "Isn''t that what we call heaven''s luck?" The elder nodded in agreement. "The Wei''s little lady is a great big catch, she will certainly make you happy." ''I heard that thrice already,'' Cai Jin observed and felt an instant assurance. "Then I must see the general and confirm my official answer." "Huh?" The elder''s eyes widened. "What do you mean?" He felt that his heart was fighting to break his ribs and jump out of his body! The mission was to keep the young lord here while the general was to solve the problem back at the mansion! ''My lady, is it done yet?'' he wanted to bring out the ball and chain souvenir that the tyrant once gifted to him after her travel. If he used that, keeping the young lord here would be of no problem! ''If only the young lady had not confiscated that for a temporary hold!'' "We have not really signed any official documents. It was the general who proposed that we sign those as a private agreement for closure and evidence of our mutual agreement. Isn''t she rather innovative? It is quite some knowledge she learned after travelling," he sighed as if worried but in his eyes, it was a sigt of admiration. Elder Jin wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeves. "Milady is finally using those knowledge she learned. Sigh, she never wanted to try!" Cai Jin tilted his head in disbelief. "Is this the first time?" The old man nodded. "She always thought that those extra knowledge she learned were too foolish but look at that! Young lord has shed a light to those unused discoveries that she had long kept at the back of her mind! Like a beaming torch of fire in a treasure cave!" Cai Jin forced a smile out. The elder is certainly like the general. With a final sip of his tea, he straightened his clothes and then stood up to march towards the door. He looked back at the sweaty elderly and tilted his head. "Elder Jin, let''s pay the general a visit. She deserves a break." Right around this time, she was probably burried in stacks of paper and rearranging her household just like last time. Elder Jin wanted to disagree and kowtow for mercy. He was sweating profusely but could not refuse his young lord at the same time. Tears almmost lined the brim of his eyes. "My lord," he mumbled. Cai Jin knew something was not right. But in an oblivious smile, he played, "Elder Jin, the general must be busy. She might be looking for you right now." "I''m coming, I am coming young lord." Meanwhile, the person of interest was also sweating buckets because of the audacious Han Ryu''s wedding gift! Each of them gave her thin, leaf-shaped gold engraved with a word each. "May the general be victorious forever, cheers!" For every word was one leaf meaning that was one beautiful man per word. Even the exclamation mark had its own leaf! "Oh no, no, no," she mumbled coollyand raked one hand through her loose hair. Her heterochromic eyes darted behind them to find the flower. It would be funny to only expect leaves. Much to her discomfort, the ambassador gave her a scroll. When she spread it open, it read: "The heart of the phoenix, a diamond from a continent far away is currently on its way. Patience is a must. I believe you would know where the stems are located." Wei Xia Ri who had long knew of the male anatomy blushed and hid her face behind the scroll. ''Of course I know! Could it be that gems were also pierced into their bananas? No way! I only stick to one 3D character! 2D''s are the only exception!'' 13 Han Ryus Gifts "General Wei," his voice that could heal her migraine suddenly rang in her ears. It was so pleasing, but not now. She did not want to hear the gorgeous peacock''s voice right now! He was the luck in her new life, so he cannot be coming in right now! Just before the door opened, Wei Xia Ri was quick to signal her mightiest lady maids to hold on to the doors, get the family soldiers to cover the gifted concubines'' mouths and manhandle them so they couldn''t produce any sign of presence. Right then and there, the female servants started laughing and arriving in cue. Her shadow guards had long been informed of Plan B since Elder would surely not work at all. "Some elderlies told me that it is taboo to see the bride before the day of the wedding. I am in the midst of preparation, my lord." Her voice was firm and teasing as usual, that even the scholar almost fell for it if not for the sudden awkward laughter after his arrival. "Hmm, I see. Then let''s see each other on the day of the wedding," he replied making the woman sigh in relief. Wei Xia Ri wanted to rejoice but just as she felt relieved, it did last longer than a moment before the door was forced open. One has to say that he was still indeed a male species who outperformed her mighty maids in terms of strength. "As if I would say that, general Wei. We had an agreemet." Wei Xia Ri bit her lower lip. "Crap." "Yes, what is happening here?" He sounded grim when he found more beautiful men lounging in the room. Not that they were comfortably lounging but were rather being supressed to the point of hopelessness when a snake had coiled around their prey and rendered them immobile. Wei Xia Ri looked at the provocative scene and grinned. Her fantasies have become real! Her shadow guards were certainly not just for show. ''Real men!'' She wanted to give them a thumbs up for handling the gorgeous ukes in a great way such as one having wrapped his arms around the concubine''s armas and chest, one hand pressed tightly over his mouth while his legs had strongly supressed the beauty''s limbs. It was one impresssive view if not for the grave look in Cai Jin''s eyes. The tyrant was still a tyrant indeed. No matter what good light that Elder Jin had continuously spout, one cannot change overnight. Moreover, his presence seemed to bear little importance as her ees beamed with delight as she looked at a pair sat on the floor. He clicked his tongue which was seemingly something out of his character that he noticed but at this time, his manners had slowly slipped out the entrance. He raked his hair through his glossy, silky hair and turned away. "Then General Wei, our deal is off." "No! Wait!" Without looking back, Wei Xia Ri had used her qigong to catch up to a man who was walking in long strides. He sighed and closed his eyes a little, while mocking himself inwardly for falling to her little tricks within days from meeting her. However, when he opened his eyes, that very woman that the emperor had forced oh him was in front of him and kept him in place. Literally, as she held him down with her strong palms over his shoulders. "General Wei, this humble citizen did not mean to interrupt your privacy. I beg for your mercy," he dropped on his knees to support his claim. Thinking about the general, she was a tyrant who can easily turn your life upside down so it was best to do this immediately. "No, listen-" "It is my own fault for disrupting. I am sorry, General- no your highness, Princess Ruge." Wei Xia Ri took her palms off him and raked through her hair. "Is it really hard to talk? One mistake and you''ll turn away, drowned in your own interpretations and rejecting the story of the other party?" She felt frustrated because many webnovels actually got longer because of silly misunderstandings. In addition, she had reached the vice supervisor because of her frank and honest attitude. How could he easily assume that she was the philandering tyrant when she had not touched nor even dropped a line or two to neither one of Han Ryu''s gifts? Hearing her talk so righteously, Cai Jin''s fist hidden in his long sleeves were clenched to fists. ''How could she assume that he would not listen when she herself did not even spare him a minute or two of her time when he was speaking?'' He felt aggrieved, at the same time, it was strangely irritating. He was not angry but rather felt weird. He could not stand it so he would rather leave than entertain such discomfort. "If you''re not going to listen or even talk at all, just leave me then. I''m taking back the offer and it shall never be brought up ever again!" Wei Xia Ri shook her head. Her blood boiled at his reaction but then, she punched her own leg out of self-hate. ''In the first place, this was a beneficial agreement for the both of us. And Han Ryu is so dead if I ever get to know that sly little prick!" As she was drowning in regret, someone was contemplating his actions too. He needed the dowry! Also, to witness the general deliver a bone-breaking punch right to her leg made his shake in surprise. She was indeed different. Nevertheless, the general needed him and he needed her. He then stood up, dusted his clothes and then he spoke, "General Wei, let''s continue the agreement. I am very sorry for acting so recklessly." When before, he was so timid and bashful, this side of Cai Jin was strangely distant and uncomfortable. Just like that, a few days passed in the blink of an eye without much actions except for the dismissal of the concubines and the bridal preparations that continuously prolonged the days as if it was five years each day. Dark circles underneath her heterochromic eyes horrified the maid servants. "Princess Ruge, was the honey therapy defective?" One of the women asked, a bit disappointed. Afterall, it was a ''detoxifying'' mask introduced by the general to them all for personal and business purposes. Wei Xia Ri shook her head. "Oh no, it was. Except I stopped using it." "General Wei, today is the wedding. You are already beautiful as you are, please leave this little problems to us!" Than young woman assured after noticing the General''s mood. She was down but was not throwing a tantrum? She better keep her master in that state! "If your highness allow this little servant to make it for a little time, this servant will surely bring over the right make-up to cover her highness'' unrest." "Sure," Wei Xia Ri agreed. Fortunately, the wedding did not get cancelled. Unfortunately, a cold war was actively ongoing! Her shoulders slumped. She had never dealt with this much discomfort before! If it was disagreeable colleagues, it felt fine to brush them off. Much was owed to bad luck because this time, it was the fiancee. "Then my lady, this humble servant will go and make haste." "My lady, this slave is recommended by your servants to fix your hair." A young woman then came to her and presented herself in her plain, blue robes. Her hair however was braided and aesthetically curled. Some flowers also decorated her braids. "Such wonderful talent, what''s your name before you were a slave?" "Xiao Bing, my lady." "That''s a pretty name, so Xiao Bing, I want my hair braided and curly. But make sure it aligns to the standard here okay?" A few hours later, a red sedan carried the general that the empire has long feared followed by numerous maid servants, soldiers and manservants carrying dowry that was provided by her relative, the emperor. The procession took more than an hour given that it was a wedding hosted by the royal family so she had been paraded through out the capital before heading back to the ceremonial ground where the rest of the wedding were to take place. 14 Wei Xia Ri Raised A New Hype Fortunately, after the thanking their ancestors, nature and God, the couple exchanged drinks to mark the end of the ceremony. People watching were in awe because the man dressed in red and gold looked like a handsome man descending from heaven to whip the tyrant back to shape! The tyrant looked so small and tamed by his side as she struggled to keep herself from slouching. Her veil was too good to take off too! Most of them wished in their hearts that she rather put it on forever. However, that night while Cai Jin was lead to drink with the men during the after-wedding party, Wei Xia Ri was clashing swords against assassins. It seemed like the sneaky attacks during the entire wedding seemed to be continuous failures. ''Smart of me to listen to Elder Jin,'' she thought because she had been wearing an iron-jumpsuit that was made to be flexible and light as much as possible. It was hard to block them inside the sedan and while trying to complete the ceremony. If not for the armour, the soldier would have long been seizuring from the poison and then died an ugly death! So to ease her movement, Wei Xia Ri wore tossed away her headpiece in exchange for a helmet. Seeing her doing so, three men came at her at the same time. One with a sword ready to stab right through her and two others with the swords over their heads, ready to swing with every force they could muster. However, Wei Xia Ri''s body was also a seasoned fighter, that rose to the rank of a general through her accomplishments in the throat as soon as she land her weight on his sword to disarm him. The two others after being parried were slashed to death, not by Wei Xia Ri who hesitated but a certain elder who watched over her like the general was his own daughter. Elder Jin wiped the blade on the corpses'' clothes before pushing it back into the sheathe to complete his cane once again. Coldness that contrasted his everyday expression but matched his beastly face finally appeared. "General, myv apologies for taking too long." Wei Xia Ri shrugged. "It''s totally normal anyway. Let''s just clean up and get rid of this mess. Plus," she glared at the last survivor. He was gorgeous alright but it was just a pawn selected and sent by the sly prick once more. He was already kneeling on the ground so she might as well immobilize him further. "This man, interrogate him nicely without hurting him." "Huh? But the Wei army swore to not conduct diplomatic negotiations General. That is only for fools!" Wei Xia Ri shook her head, realizing how her force was mostly made up of muscle heads. "No! I got one sweet method, I learned it from a great magi from the outside!" But to be honest, she learned it from movies and webnovels. "I''d rather much prefer torture but I am a good person now, let''s do it in a civilized manner!" She then dug inside her boots. "Here, it is called melatonin. Lay him on a comfortable bed too and give him what he needs but never, ever let him close his eyes and keep feeding him this every morning and night time. Got it?" "That''s a nice life!" The elder laughed. When the arrested man heard it, he felt perplexed, whether to laugh or cry upon knowing his incoming days of sleep deprivation. ''A good person? She is a she-devil!'' The bloody odor made Wei Xia Ri shake her head. She had just happened to watch a terrible reality that often occured in webnovels and that was killing. Imprisonment with varying degree of punishment in this era was certainly mind-boggling as their basis and societal decisions were rather beyond comprehension for a modern person. ''Picking the untainted scholar was really the best decision after all,'' the bride rejoiced in her heart. Then she slid the door open by a bit to allow ventilation. Meanwhile, she sat on the bed and waited after fixing her headgear once again. She waited and waited until the sun had set and yet there was still no sign of her little husband. ''Could this be the infamous so-called humiliation in novels?'' she realized. The authors always depicted a happy heroine or a displeased villainess or a tragic, young miss. Among the three, Wei Xia Ri raised a new hype. She shook her head and suddenly had the urge to visit the Flower Pavillion for a lady''s night, women she could relate with and talk about vulgar topics that can humour her all night! Frustrated, she kicked a chair and ordered a shadowguard to get her a maid to help with the bath and him to pick her some snacks and drinks. "My lady," a maid called. It was supposed to be forbidden to come close to the bridal chamber however, this was the royal tyrant. She did whatever she pleased and tonight was no exception. "Young Lady, my little husband is still not here, can help me prepare a big bath?" "A big bath?" The young girl repeated, mentally amazed by a certain Elder who knew what she was called for after he picked her. "Yes." "Yes, milady." Tonight, she was sent on a mission by Elder Jin and it has to be entirely without the master''s knowledge! However, it was too hard to accomplish when the victim herself volunteered to help out on the manual labor from lighting the fire, heating up the water and carrying it to the bathtub! She wanted to scream as the general was either too nice or was playing dumb with her. Nevertheless, if the general knew, she was now being tested and Elder Jin said something about providing her protection. The elder as everyone in the mansion knew was a big influence on the general and could give advices to such tyrant too. Believing in that, she felt confident. "Is there anything wrong?" The oblivious wei Xia Ri asked, noticing the sweaty girl. "Oh, my lady, this humble servant is all right. Might I make an herbal bath or would my lady prefer a fragrance bath?" Wei Xia Ri shrugged. Cai Jin could less anyway. "Herbal bath." "Then it shall be, my lady." As the master has chosen, she picked a pot of dried herbal leaves and filled it with water and the aphrodisiac potion, heated it up and then quickly mixed it with bath. Before she herself would be affected, it was fortunate that she was told to take an antidote prior to! "Milady, the bath is prepared. Will there be anything else?" "Nothing more. You are free to retire for the night then." Wei Xia Ri bit back her tongue to thank her, as the tyrant never thanked them or else it would escalate once again! "Step by step," she told herself. When the shadowguard came and delivered the food, she bid him goodnight as well in order to keep up with tradition then began to taste the snacks. It was sweets and wine, some desserts and some chicken. It was a delicious treat and her stomach was grumbling in hunger! The whole day, it was only water and wine as if their was a scarcity of edible food at that time. She took the whole tray to the bed and began to taste each food in a bowl. "Ahh, this is what I need the most," she grinned, forgetting the bath. As she was binge-eating, sloppy footsteps pounded toward the door. But Wei Xia Ri did not mind. She kept on chewing and simply waited because no matter who it was, she was armed and ready to attack. Her stomach was warm and full too! "Noona~!" A familiar voice called. . . in Korean. Wei Xia Ri''s eyes bulged as several observations came together in that very second. The pretty mother-in-law had a funny accent and that her features were a bit different. It manifested on Cai Jin and now he was speaking in her language! ''Dangerous!'' Wei Xia ri felt alarmed. She hurriedly dropped her food and pulled in the drunk teen into the chamber. He was gorgeous when not drunk and adorable when blushing. He was cute as he continuously mumbled "Noona" but it would be cuter if he was sobber! Without a word, Wei Xia Ri signalled the shadow guards to leave the chambers and tightly guard the premises within a few hand gestures. Then she dragged him into the bath, even if he was fully dressed. Then carried and dropped the unwary Cai Jin into the tub! "I''m sorry darling, the water is still hot but what are the odds?" She sighed. 15 Alert! Uke Cai Jin player is online WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! Children should go away and play! It might make you uncomfortable! Just skip! He was fed with wine, over and over. A wine here and and a wine over there, it was hard to escape! In the beginning, he thought that Wei Xia Ri''s side was the tiger''s den but after spending time with these old men, especially Elder Jin, Wei Xia Ri''s was his haven. He never once thought that this wed Cai Jin would now truthfully seek Wei Xia Ri''s bridal chamber as a place for his ease! "I must not keep my lady waiting," he firmly said. Elder Jin knowingly nodded with his thoughts well assured. "Then I must help the young lord with all my might!" "Huh?" The older man stood up and cleared his throat. Then in a loud commanding voice, just like Wei Xia Ri, he announced, "Listen all, you fools! Our lady is going to make a man out of him tonight! Let the kid go!" Blood rushed to his face. One could say that he was as red as the emperor''s dragon robe! His ear burned and he hiccuped. "Elder Jin, that-" For as long as he knew, it was not just the Wei Mansion men who were gathered here but also the emperor himself, the princes, other noblemen and some female servants. He could hear a cracking sound from his pride at that second. But given that the Elder Jin simply meant well, he sighed. "I will be taking care of my wife." "Zhen and the royal family send you my wholesome support," the emperor nodded. However, as he made his way, the effects of the alcohol came rushing in the longer he walked. But he could see the well lit chamber from a distance. He stumbled on his way but finally made it there, nevertheless. The whole day, he knew that the general has not eaten and was imprisoned inside the sedan the whole time. "Her mood might be too dark right now," he thought. He knocked on the door but it seemed like his knuckles only pounded against the air so he tried once more. Unfortunately, it did not work so he just moved on to opening the door. The bright lights were blinding so he lowered his head but only to see the woman''s face. She was eating happily, grinning at every bite. She did not even worry for him at all, compared to his unstoppable thoughts. Torn in his own thoughts, he suddenly found himself soaked in a a hot tub. The herbal smell of the bath helped to clear his head too. He made a silent appreciation to this wife of his. After removing his boots and socks, Wei Xia Ri let him soak. Meanwhile, she sat on a stool by the tub as she ate her never-ending dessert. She stayed by his side and even offered him some bites. "This is the pudding. I never thought that it would taste this good!" Wei Xia Ri on the other hand finally felt happy because it was Cai Jin by her side this time. It was hard to eat alone and there was a difference with eating with a maid who was too scared to dine with her and a Cai Jin who is slowly getting used to her. ''Despite all his motives, anyway.'' "It tastes good," he said while blushing. His thoughts have now sobered and he was aware of the sudden tingling sensations at every skin-contact made with her. But with her personality, he doubted that she was scheming at all. Afterall, she did not even nag him to vent her frustrations but was continuously feeding him. He himself was hungry too. The snacks and wine just made him weak. "I know right, maybe we should go check out some food every once in a while," Wei Xia Ri nodded. After finishing the dessert, the two ended up drinking a coolled oolong tea. Cai Jin, struggling to maintain himself, was happy about the cool tea. It was a new flavor for him. "This tea, did you do something to it?" Wei Xia Ri nodded. "Yup, I did. Realizing that it cooled down, I used the ice that was brought over with the ice cream. This is what you call a quick iced tea." "It''s as good as when it is hot," Cai Jin appreciated but he wished to drink more to aid the searing hot temperature. The herbal bath seemed to be still hot after such a long time and it was never getting any colder too! But Wei Xia Ri dipped her hand in then quickly pulled it out. "Gosh, you are going to get sick if you soak in this cold water any longer!" "It''s hot." "No, it''s not. It''s cold- wait, are you having fever?" Wei Xia Ri accidentally touched his scalding skin. Her eyes widened. She always thought that it was because of the alcohol but come to think of it, he had been suffering while she was having fun! "This is terrible. Come out and strip, I''ll get you a blanket and make you something to drink okay?" Cai Jin nodded. He quickly pulled himself out of the tub and slowly untied his robe before hearing it fall on the ground with a wet, heavy splash. His eyes were trained on Wei Xia Ri''s small back though as she looked for his prepared pajamas. It would hurt her pride as a former medical professional if she could not even help aide a sick person! She found another blanket and put it on the bed too. "Come over here, Cai Jin and dress in this then get cozy. I''ll get someone to make porridge." "I am not sick." "What?" "Milady, I am not sick," he repeated. This time, Wei Xia Ri turned around with a confused expression. WARNING, ADULT CONTENTS AHEAD. IT IS OKAY TO SKIP NOW. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. "How come?" "This, I feel like I want you." Wei Xia Ri stiffened. In her past life, this was only said by others to others. Not to her. The first time she heard those words, she could not help but walk backwards. She read too many novels and knew where to go. She began to march towards the entrance door but he pleaded, "Please." "You do know what''s going on right? You might even regret it," Wei Xia Ri warned. ''Cai Jin was given aphrodisiac and the problem is when, where and who?'' Nevertheless, the novels always showed that the victims always blamed there partners after the event. It made her nervous. ''If only there was a video-recording device here so we can tape it!'' "I am. Please," Cai Jin walked closer in his naked glory. Thankfully, the pro seme detected him. "Don''t blame me afterwards," Wei Xia Ri finally agreed. "I won''t." The young man walked up to her face, wrapped an arm around her waist then pulled her hand so he can put it on his face. With a lustful gaze, Cai Jin began kissing her palm then the tips of her fingers, trailing them on her arm to her neck, her jaws to her lips. His kisses were rather gentle instead of hungry. "Who am I?" Wei Xia Ri pulled away and looked at him, straight into his eyes. "My wife." "Who is your wife?" "General Wei Xia Ri of the Sun Dao Corps. Her highness, princess Ruge, cousin to the dragon emperor. what''s the matter?" "I was just making sure," the bride blushed as she carefully secured information to avoid the drama after this type of scenes. "Then--" "Be at ease. Lie on the bed for me," Wei Xia Ri began. Cai Jin had a euphoria of questions, especially with their roles but his body was too hot and wet from her touch already. He did not dare go against her, unless he wanted to suffer until death. He laid on his back, on top of the silky bed. And slowly, he could feel her weight on the bed as she climbed on top of him. Wei Xia Ri did not remove any of her garments but the headgear, nevertheless, she was beautiful. "Do you want the lights on or off?" She asked. "On." "Then let''s take the light out," she grinned. Like a fantasy martial artist, one swiping move of her hand, the candles were put off. "According to studies, you take one sense off, the keener other senses become." Her voice sent tingling sensations as she breathed into his ears. Cai Jin trembled and he wanted to pull her, however, the general herself was strong too. Her cold hands wrapped around his wrists and pressed them down as she licked his lower lips, asking for an entrance and he gladly let her in. With their lips interlocked, a pleasure moan escaped his lips. Wei Xia Ri grinned. ''The uke Cai Jin is online!'' When she pulled away, she could hear her heart beating in her ears. It was as intense as she had read and that was a lovely one. She never thought that she herself would actually like such intimacy after her past. "Come back," Cai Jin said. He broke away from her right hold and pulled her down by her waist for another kiss. Wei Xia Ri responded but this time, she let go of his other wrist and started playing with one erect nipple of his. His nipple, when the lights were on looked so small and tender. She licked it, sucked it and teased him with a light bite. "Ah! General, d-don''t-" "Do you like it?" "N-no, I d-don''t. Stop it-ah! ah!" He denied. Still, if a man''s little brother quickly poked her thighs, this meant that the pervert loved it! Wei Xia Ri laughed and went back to kissing him on his soft lips with a long, thin thread of silver from their mouths appearing every time they separated. He was in his naked glory and his dragon was up. When she squeezed the banana, it got bigger. ''Damn!'' "Then let''s get rid of this lust. Cai Jin, this is why the ladies love you." Wei Xia Ri also lusted for a beautiful man like him so it was fair. Without letting go of his lips blessed with his amazing skills, she grabbed his dragon and rubbed his wet tip with her other palm. She rubbed it in different intensities, increasing her speed and strength in pressing that he begged her to not stop but then would slow down and tease his prostate. They were weird so Wei Xia Ri went back to his tip. Later, Wei Xia Ri found a smooth Jade pin that was rather-child friendly but was as thick as her two slender fingers. Kissing Cai Jin and hearing her soft moans encouraged her. His dragon became too thick and hard, he needed a release and Wei Xia Ri was not willing to do a fellatio. "Darling, do you want a release?" she whispered then licked and bit his tender ear lobes. Wei Xia Ri has long taken off her robes and chest armor leaving a bare chest for Cai Jin to massage and tease. He stopped teasing her small breast but pursued on massaging them without a word. He began to trail kisses right then until he reached her lips. After exploring her sweet and small mouth, he pulled back a little and finally conceded to her wishes with a pleasured yes. "As you wish. Then can you face the bed and show me your ass?" Cai Jin gasped, unmoving. "It''s going to be a whole new world, my love." ''My love,'' her voice repeated in his head. He gulped, blushing in embarrassment but he awkwardly went on all four. He was facing the headboard and his butt was open for business. Wei Xia Ri smiled. "Thanks darling." Her nimble right hand slowly then quickly then slowly rubbed his protruded dragon. It was so big and she couldn''t imagine the banana fitting into her small cave. Then with the smooth jade, Wei Xia Ri has slowly penetrated his throbbing ass. He gasped. "Ah-stop it!" Never had anyone done this sort of thing to him. It was so strange! But she had slowly pushed it in and then pulled it out. "Does it hurt?" Wei Xia Ri feigned a worried voice. But before he could respond, she stretched herself from slouching and kissed his trembling mouth. Like she had learned, it was clearly possible for her to do the same thing they did, kissing him, rubbing him and penetrating him with a toy. "Ah-ah! Ah~! I''m coming, General. Hurry," he muttered to her lips. Then like he said, he finally had a big release. . . except he was panting as he collapsed on the bed with an unmoved mountain on his groin. Wei Xia Ri was amazed. Little did she know, Cai Jin has finally been sobered at the fullest. The aphrodisiac was gone but his desire for her did not cease. The general was indeed good and skilled, making him cum with just those otherworldly activities. He liked it but he would also like Wei Xia Ri herself more. "General- wife, come here," he said through labored breaths. The fujioshi knew too well. ''In the end, he is straight as his banana.'' But to counter him, "Don''t move." She climbed on top of him with her wet hole licking from pleasure. Under the moonlight, Cai Jin could see her things on either side of his hips and the silhouette of her fluid leaching out of her and dropping on his abdomen. Her eyes were trained on him too as her fingers pushed in and out of her while he watched. He wanted to touch her but she told him not to move at all. Thankfully, his patience has paid well. Cai Jin''s hands tried to lift up for so many times but he tried to hold back and if he had not, he would not have felt the delight of Wei Xia Ri''s rubbing against his little brother. She was continuously rubbing, "Ah-ah, ahhhh~!" A small growl left his mouth. "General, forgive me," he began before pulling her into a kiss. He had badly wanted to explore her but she took the lead and was really doing so great at it. He rubbed back but with faster thrusts that made Wei Xia Ri plead, "Stop-ah! I''m coming." "No, you wouldn''t let me in," he retorted as he captured her lips. The general, though rambunctious and rough was a treasure anyway. He looked at her like she was a blessing bestowed to him in exchange of his sufferings. With her around, would life be better? 16 Nature The fruits of the wedding became pretty evident in the mansion. There were no more concubines as they were either sent back home or married to others already. More likely, their hidden lovers. Also, the couple''s cold war had ceased. Everywhere the couple went, anyone from the Wei mansion could see the glee in their eyes. And the emperor who was told the news sighed in defeat. He just continuously showered the general with fortune! Shaking his head, he put the matter aside and allowed the entry of the fifth prince, Zhong Lei. A grim expression replaced his regularly indifferent and arrogant demeanor because a certain someone had kept him locked during the entire wedding until past lunch the next day. Even his so-called fiance, Yu Xuan Xuan could not calm him down after his possessive nature have errupted upon hearing the news! "Father Emperor, I beg you," he kneeled to the dragon throne. "Please return--" "Son, you shall not covet anyone''s spouse. Haven''t you made your choice?" The emperor looked at his son who was almost like Wei Xia Ri''s male version. Zhong Lei was as willful but also, as brave and strong like the general. "Where is the lady, Yu Xuan Xuan?" "She is guiding Han Ryu to the empire, your majesty." "Ahh, I see. Better make sure that they don''t see each other!" "As you command, emperor father," Zhong Lei felt regretful. As he made a respectful bow and left the study, he could not help but reminisce through the old times because their memories were littered around the royal palace! Even down this hallway was an image of them racing to the stables after training. Her smile reached her ear and those wonderful eyes were fixated on winning. But her hand was holding onto his. Among the women, she was the most unsuitable and his royal concubine mother could barely accept such faulty lady. Not that her opinion was even considered. He kept walking down the straight path, not knowing where to stop because Yu Xuan Xuan had already taken care of the diplomatic negotiations with Han Ryu''s country. Welcoming the ambassador Han and his envoys were already prepared and so was a suitable person placed in-charge of the banquet. The only task in hand right now was blocking the meeting of the empire''s only female general and her nemesis. But that new husband of hers had probably taken her somewhere else. "Ling," he mumbled. At his call, a man in black with a uniform almost similar to Wei Xia Ri''s shadow guard appeared, except for the purple sash decorated with the royal insignia wrapped around his forehead. He did not talk but saluted to his master. "The strategist is here for peaceful negotiations. I doubt that he is unaware of the Wei general''s return so ensure her safety. She must never be harmed in any way." "Reporting to your highness," he had to interject. The prince''s expression seemed like he was already burdened with his own work as a fellow General in-charge of the imperial corps, but the Wei General seemed to still have some space left over. "Make it quick." "The general have already been indirectly contacted by the ambassador before today. He had sent her concubines and according to word, ambassador Han Ryu still has another present that he would personally bring over." "What? How dare you delay this information. Ling?" his tone dripped in anger. "Send yourself to the headquarters to receive your punishment immediately." Zhong Lei''s handsome face twisted but then, he began to massage his temples to ease an incoming headache. "Yes, your highness." When he departed, another was summoned. He stood taller than the prince but had an almost timid presence. Nevertheless, he was a shadow guard trained by the young sixth prince himself. "The sixth prince has also heard of the message and have sent me to aide your highness, fifth prince Zhong Lei." "Sixth brother also knew?" He chuckled with sarcasm. "Well, as I have commanded, deploy your squad and protect the general. Han Ryu is a snake, a very slippery one." While someone was having a headache with management, one young man was also being taught of the Wei household. The Weis were cousins to the emperor and were considered as important relatives of the dragon thus the significance of learning there history. Cai Jin raked through his hair and sighed. He dropped his brush and started to massage the achy hand. "General, how are you doing?" He looked at his fellow student beside his newly placed table. Both of them were now situated in her study because of her insistence. "I really dislike math, can you just handle the accounting by the elder''s side? I can handle the security a d handling the customer service." "Will you teach me your family history?" Wei Xia Ri looked at the book by his side. It was not so thick so it should be okay. ''To be honest darling, I am a transmigrator and it is a headache to go through the original'' s memories.'' "Well," she took the book and went through the pages. Nobody knew but Wei Xia Ri loved social studies back in school. Looking at the history book felt like reading a story. "I don''t mind if you give me a day or two so I can elaborate." "And I don''t mind if you pass the accounting to me so long as you at least have a basic understanding," he copied her. A small smile played on his lips. "You are an intelligent individual, good for you," she said and clapped dryly. "I can''t help it," he stated as a matter-of-fact. This was his forte afterall. "You are cute. Now, here you go." The general was quick to pass the books to him like it was a hot potato. However he pushed it back and moved his chair beside her. "No, I''ll teach you accounting." "Disgusting." "You will appreciate it." ''F my life.'' But much to her surprise, Cai Jin was surprisingly a great teacher. He did not teach precisely by the book nor like a genius who had his own wires connected to different areas but could still understand it. ''Accounting feels like answering a simple quadratic formula!'' "You are surprisingly a great teacher! I never asked but what''s your job, little Jin?" "A scholar employed by the empire to teach the prince''s and foreign allies," he answered while blushing. "Why are you blushing? A teacher at your age with impeccable skills? That is fantastic. Do you have glasses?" Cai Jin had a great face shape and a jaw-line she would kiss for days. He was lithe but muscular, at the same time, was soft on the proper areas. His deep set, obsidian gaze was as risqu¨¦ as a feline. His soft lips that caught her breath could also shut her up. How much more of it was others? Others? Somehow, the thought of his womanizing past made her mood go sour. Her slender fingers tucked his long, loose hair behind his ears. His ear lobes were soft and tender. "You''re my husband, we''re married and we applied for no divorce." Wei Xia Ri''s sudden change surprised him but slowly having known her predatory nature, he understood. Nonetheless, her treatment was so different, it made him red like a tomato. "Y-yes, in every way." Wei Xia Ri looked at his attractive eyes and smiled. Then wordlessly, much to his surprise, leaned forward to nibble his ear. "Mine," she whispered. Last night lasted until dawn, but having her done that made Cai Jin gulp. He pulled her back to sit her properly before kissing the back of her hands. "Let''s work on these together, general." "Agreed." Wei Xia Ri blushed, having returned to her senses. ''Did I move too fast? I don''t think he is catching feelings, yet.'' Deep in her mind, it was a playboy''s nature to be courteous to ladies. She feared that this honeymoon phase would not last long. In spite of that, the general returned to studying. 17 The strategist, Han Ryu is here! "Milady, you knew about our history. Why did you lie to our young lord?" The elder was worried. But Wei Xia Ri ignored his worries and finished writing down her summary instead. On the paper was a structure and filled with different bullet points. The elder had never seen this type of writing before! " Could this be another of those new ideas you learned?" "Uhhh-yes. As for what you previously said, I did not lie. I just wanted to show him a more detailed presentation for ease of understanding." "Milady is really sincere, oh how long did it take? The young lady is kind again," he sobbed. After her first heart break, Wei Xia Ri would grow colder and more cruel from every return after her victories. She became the tyrant that people feared, no longer was she the blunt and honest child who always had a foot into the grave. The difference was big, it almost made him take his little life for failing to educate the young lady properly! Wei Xia Ri sighed but did not stop him from sobbing. Anyways, he should have a troublesome reason for crying like that. Not that Wei Xia Ri would entertain him. Wei Xia Ri then gathered her materials to pack and head for the Palace where he was teaching. It was said that he was currently in-charge of letting the guests adapt to the empire''s culture and societal views. "My honey has been demoted to a tourist guide," she grumbled. Wei Xia Ri loved his job as a teacher and he obviously dud too judging by his proud expression when he answered her numerous questions. ''The sight of little Jin suffering for doing someone else''s job, I can''t bear it!'' Wei Xia Ri had an untouchable status and if the situation calls for it, might as well wield it! "General Wei, greetings!" "Princess Ruge, greetings." Many who met her would quickly exchange greetings with her. And it blew their unexpectant eyes off when she smiled or returned a salute after greeting back. ''Could it be because of her scholarly husband?'' ''Did the general suffer a head trauma?'' ''Was the general switched?'' Many conclusions arrived in their heads. But Wei Xia Ri only wanted to show off her hardwork. When not so many people were around, she climbed over the roof and used her qigong to locate Cai Jin. Today, he wore a half hairdo and a fish-tail braid behind his left ear. His light blue robes printed with the clouds were a huge discerning trait too. On the right side where eunuchs were gathered by the scholars'' royal academy was a pair followed by many. Even Yu Xuan Xuan, the infamous ghost doctor was beside the foreign man. Not that Wei Xia Ri minded especially that she stood by the foreigner''s and not little Jin''s. With the papers in a cloth bag, she landed in front of them. A pearly-white smile aimed for the scholar melted Jin''s cold facade. "Darling," Wei Xia Ri greeted. He looked so good and sounded great when working. ''if it was modern times, I would kiss you and hug you.'' "Noo- Xia-er," he smiled, a bit shaken as he almost slipped calling her noona! "I just brought the materials over but it seems like you''re busy," the general said passed him the cloth bag. Right then, she noticed two pairs of eyes looking at her. "Y-you!" Yu Xuan Xuan was first to react. She looked at stuff lady. Women like her were mostly awkward if not dusokayubg their regular arrogance. Given that she bore little to no grudge with her, Wei Xia Ri greeted back with a grin. "Yuan Yuan, how are you? I have another business proposal!" "You married the kid!" "I married a gorgeous and kind man, don''t you dare!" she teased, needless to say, Wei Xia Ri came to the Palace for a good time! Right then, she noticed the quiet guy who had been observing them. He was a good-looking foreigner who was a head shorter than Cai Jin but his stance was of a soldiers. His gait while he walked was as if he was marching too. "You must be the king''s ambassador, Han Ryu," Wei Xia Ri greeted. "It''s me, the general." if it wasn''t for the public, she would have added, ''you failed to kill!'' Han Ryu finally met the tyrant without her armour. He initially felt disbelief to see that she behaved less like a soldier on civilian grounds. The maniac on battlefield could not be detected. Then he saw her ''husband'' and came to realize some of his questions, ''That is why she refused the concubines.'' "Han Ryu, the strategist is here!" Wei Xia Ri nodded, pretending to be amused. "Oh I see, did you ran to any of my men? I''m warning you, don''t because they are bearing grievances for such a cowardly trick.". "You know the story of the eagle''s nest?" "I am well aware. Nevertheless, may you have a good time. If you excuse me, my husband and I have been called by the fifth prince, Zhong Lei," she lied. Wei Xia Ri figured that to escape them, it was better to lie and use the name of a less harmful acquaintance compared to the emperor. Unfortunately, Han Ryu caught on because of Yu Xuan Xuan''s flabbergasted face. Who doesn''t know that the prince was wrapped around her fingers and would listen and report to her at all times? "What a coincidence, lady Yu also discussed about heading there? Please join us, General Wei." Wei Xia Ri pulled a forced smile. "My, what a shocking coincidence. Ambassador Han and Lady Xu should head first because yoh are an important guest. Please go ahead!" "No, no! I am not so important, besides I would like to have a discussion with the two great generals." "I am not actively on duty, Ambassador Han." "General Wei, no need to be so generous with others," Yu Xuan Xuan decided to interfere with a small smile. "Please join us. Having your expertise would bring a significant contribution to the table." Wei Xia Ri felt speechless. They were too persistent! ''If exchanging blows do not lead to bloodshed-'' Suddenly, an arm was raised and a body came forward to put her behind him, as if to protect her." Ambassador Han, Lady Yu, please excuse my wife because of the lack of rest. She is clearly exhausted due to her work and has only come here to bring forth a message." "Young lord Wei," Han Ryu smiled. "You are a man filled with virtues and a good influence to your wife!" He sounded to be complimenting the scholar and bringing him under the good light but Wei Xia Ri, Yu Xuan Xuan and Cai Jin could detect his ridicule to the general. Fortunately, Wei Xia Ri grinned then took a step forward until her chest was touching Cai Jin''s protective arm. "Please be wary of your words, ambassador. Slighting a princess is already commendable for an execution. Please heed my warning," Wei Xia Ri reminded him. Since she was a well-known tyrant, it wouldn''t hurt to act like one. The ambassador was silenced. Reports said that she did not like the title nor the status that barely anyone would address her so. But this time she used it shamelessly. It was fair though as he underestimated her too much. He dug into his pocket and brought out a pink, diamond brooch. "I got this from the southern continent from the west. It is my final gift for the newly weds. I hope you accept this gift to symbolize my sincerest apologies." Wei Xia Ri was puzzled but accepted the gift nevertheless. "Ambassador Han Ryu is too generous. Might we invite you for a tea in the Vast Bamboo Pavillion tomorrow?" "I accept." 18 Retrieving the Sun Dao Corps Copyrights by JaehaJack This is my original work. All rights reserved. No parts of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems - except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews - without permission in writing from its author. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. . . . Many said that after the royal tyrant''s wedding, the Sun Dao corps would disperse to other divisions. The 7,000 men felt even more dispirited. Years of glorious victories under the tyrant were wonderful and so was their comradeship. The tyrant herself was even more humane than other generals except for her embarrassing behavior when returning home as if a suppressed beast was unleashed to bring chaos to the innocent. But because of the ambush, the Sun Dao Corps'' existence was in imminent danger. After escaping Han Ryu''s persistent invitation, Wei Xia Ri and Cai Jin left for the emperor''s court. Cai Jin remained standing with other nobles present in court when the general was allowed to stand before the dragon throne. The emperor rested an arm on his throne before placing his chin on top of that arm''s palm. Just when the day was bright and blue, a walking calamity came to visit. "This General greets his majesty, the emperor." The emperor rolled his eyes, knowing full well about the purpose of a tyrant who suddenly became so humble. He knew her well enough to know she was up to something. "Lift your head, General Wei. Forego the formalities. What is in your mind, cousin?" When the general did so, a flash of rich red silk and golden embroidery wrapped around a man sitting of a dragon sculpted throne met her gaze. The ruler of the empire, him alone, could boast their wealth even in complete silence. His face, which was not as thin as when they first met, seem to have gained weight. Moreover, she could not help but notice that the emperor''s eye bags disappeared and replaced with glowing skin. "Then please forgive me, your majesty, because I will come about frankly. Please bestow me the tiger tally sent back after the ambush," Wei Xia Ri bowed. The remaining men were from the original''s own formed division and it meant they were her people. Her downfall may make it difficult but the emperor had always been lenient towards her. Given that he trusted her enough before, then probably today would be fine as well? But this time, the emperor have been having relaxing times and could clearly think on the spot. Hawk-like eyes scanned her up and down, measuring her up. "Why do you think that Zen should reinstate you back, General Wei?" ''Crap, is this a job interview?'' Wei Xia Ri mentally groaned and then bit her lower lip. Good thing that she insisted to bow and could make expressions of irritation. Her face scrunched but then she decided not to show many emotions. Instead, the experienced modern world job seeker cleared her throat and smiled sensibly. "This general was a commander before but now, I have learned. I will pursue leadership to lead my troops for the betterment of the empire. The ambush was indeed a heavy blow that has torn my brothers'' spirits. My own had been reflecting since that day. If the wise son of heavens bestows me the tiger tally, I shall pull them away from the front lines so that we may start from the bottom once more by maintaining and promoting peace throughout the empire and our allies." ''It was a mediocre answer but if it worked so far, it is going to be okay. Maybe next time, I need to work on my speech with little Jin''s help.'' "Starting from the bottom after becoming a cavalry division that is on par with the imperial corps? Is cousin spouting nonsense? Must you know that he who thinks an inch but spout a yard will need a kick in the foot?" Her plan to return to square one and fix the army''s dilemma was indeed idealistic. But this was not the first with her people at least, just that they were in a different field. Wei Xia Ri persisted. "A wise, foreign man once said something that inspired this general to believe in rebuilding the Sun Dao Corps. Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. This general begs for his majesty''s consideration." The emperor, petty as he was towards this troublesome cousin, felt responsible for the loss of his men. They were people he invested in as well. General Wei has indeed demonstrated countless victories to defend the empire and even went as far as too volunteer to participate in the winter battle in place of the fifth prince, Zhong Lei. Despite the crown prince''s disapproval for the General''s blind faith and bias towards the fifth prince, the son of heavens himself had approved of it thus leading to today. If it had not been for his approval, the casualties would have been less, provided that the imperial corps under the fifth prince had been more equipped for offense and defense. "Hmm," he said and looked at her in silence. A face in deep thought shut the mouths of all the people in the courtroom. Cai Jin''s eyes kept darting back and forth from his wife to the most powerful sovereign of the empire then back to her again. The silence he gave when the general proposed a rash proposal indeed needed more time to think. ''General Wei, if it is only possible that I can stand by your side and aid you right now, I will.'' Just then, the emperor nodded. "Eunuch Li, summon Minister Zheng who helps govern the ministry of war right now." A eunuch in a verdant green robe stepped forward from his right side to acknowledge the order before leaving. His eyes could not help but give the general a glance. He felt amazed by her new idea that should really never leave her mouth unless the tyrant was reborn and became a lady from a scholarly family. ''A general with so much experience should think better!'' It did not take long before the Minister of War arrived. A tall, muscular man who aged well into his mid-fifties walked in and greeted the emperor. "His majesty, the emperor called for this subject?" "Minister Zheng, Zen wants to consult you about General Wei''s idea of restarting, how about you lend the youth an ear." Wei Xia Ri felt a sense of quick intimidation when the six feet tall minister turned his head towards her. But it was from muscle memory that made the body almost stagger back. ''Geez, how scary is this old man?'' Nevertheless, the general repeated her proposal while her eyes drilled into his as if trying to look into his head and see if the indifferent man would agree. He listened to her the whole time but not a muscle moved on his unsmiling face. As if he was an unmoving mountain. "Minister Zheng, this would only be plausible when his majesty and minister Zheng would cooperate with me," (JaehaJack) she added after mustering all the courage she could gather in her body. "..." The minister of war let out a sigh and began to play with his long beard. "Your majesty, General Wei, if I may share my thoughts, that is one excellent approach. It has never been heard of and certainly, it would incur different responses from the masses. It will not just affect our men but their families too." "I anticipated such an outcome. Your majesty, Minister Zheng, by taking back the tiger tally means my reinstatement. As for my men, I will allow them to choose whether to stay where they are or return to my side. The Sun Dao Corps might even be reduced to a battalion of at least 20 men." "Then General Wei is implying that we throw the medal away to satisfy your wish?" The emperor looked at her with a narrowed gaze. "Your majesty, I only want to fix the problem that brought the grievance to my men. Revenge is now impossible because of ambassador Han and his team of envoys. To avoid the possibility of rebellion--" "Rebellion--" The minister of war repeated in a surprised, loud voice. The emperor nodded knowing full well about the dissatisfaction that was slowly arising as soon as Han Ryu stepped foot into the empire''s territory. Wei Xia Ri took a breath to calm herself. Hearing the big man react like that startled her midway. However, those hard times of being stuck in the study to gather intel and learn about this world should not be brought to waste! ''I already lead meetings and collaborations and handled diplomacy issues. Even theft, customer complaints, possibilities of lawsuits, and more! How much more is trying to strike a conversation and proposing to two authorities!'' "Pragmatically speaking, that is an incident that ought to be partially prevented." "General Wei, partial prevention does not equal peace," the emperor shook his head. The general was making sense so he spread open a scroll and began writing. The tip of the brush lightly dancing across the paper as he formed his thoughts while listening and analyzing the general''s words. "This will just be the beginning, your majesty. Please give this general a chance to make up for the Sun Dao Corps'' losses and my mistakes." "You say it is just the beginning, does General Wei have another thought in mind?" The minister of war also started to consider. "Pulling them away from the front lines to make us start performing duties focused on our citizens would help distract them because of the busy schedule." "That is a good proposal, then what will we do to those who will be left behind?" "Other generals have their autonomy and would soon develop plans for prevention when thinking of the possibilities that arise from the diplomatic negotiations happening, your majesty," Wei Xia Ri concluded. "Eunuch Li," the emperor said and opened his palm. The eunuch automatically passes him a small wooden box. When it was opened, a tiger shaped fu made of metal with jade eyes were placed. Without any further second thoughts, the emperor began, "Zen shall bestow General Wei Xia Ri the tiger fu. Will you honor your words and strengthen your allegiance to the empire?" Wei Xia Ri had a stomachful of butterflies. Nevertheless, the soldier kneeled to accept the tally. "I swear my allegiance to the empire that no harm may come our way. And if so, I shall face the obstacle with all my might, your majesty." "Very well. Zen trusts your loyalty." He began his speech. Deep inside, a sigh of relief overcame her. ''All those hot soldier semes really did me right! The hot, nii-chan knights deserve praise! I hope Cai Jin does not have any work after this.'' Fortunately, the case was quickly briefed and then closed. With a slight bow, they began to walk away, moving backward in coordinated steps and never turning away from the emperor until the door was shut. ''So many formalities,'' she thought and stretched her spine. ''Ah, it''s so achy!'' "Wife," a voice called with a tap on her head. She turned around and faced the most refreshing man just from his voice alone. "Hmm, call me that again?" "It might not be too convenient right now," Cai Jin responded, embarrassed. Before Wei Xia Ri could retort, the old minister''s voice was heard, "General Wei, you did well. you must have suffered back there to return like this!" Just a while ago, he was stoic and looked as if he was in a bad mood. . . but who knew that he was as loud and open like Elder Jin? Wei Xia Ri grinned. "Minister Zheng is too generous with his compliments." "No, you deserve it you Wei brat!" He guffawed. "It was great seeing you once again, brat. Then excuse me!" Watching his back walk away, it took many steps before he actually looked smaller. "Wow, he is a very big guy," she began as they walked down the steps. Cai Jin agreed with a nod. "That man had protected his comrades a lot. I believe he also saved your father and grandfather at least once." "Elder Jin mentioned. I am very grateful to all of you for believing my strange idea," Wei Xia Ri smiled. "General Wei," he suddenly said. Now that they were alone, he dropped the ''wife'' part making Wei Xia Ri a bit disappointed. "What is it?" to sway her mood, she looked at him who was facing the sunset. The golden rays tanned his milky white skin and made his obsidian gaze glisten. His loose hair also looked dazzling as the sun''s rays were reflected on it like a halo. And then the wind blew letting her catch a whiff of his refreshing scent that of aloe vera and green tea. He was somehow even dressed better and aesthetically looked good with the background of mountains and hundreds of historic houses lined around the tall mountain. ''If I had a camera, I will capture this moment!'' But while she was daydreaming, he spoke with a sad tone, "Are you going to tour the empire to avoid the possible confrontations?" Wei Xia Ri shrugged. "I might." Cai Jin looked around and saw that they were alone on the steep stairways. Not an imperial guard could be seen so he moved forward and cupped one side of her face. "I see." Looking at his face, Wei Xia Ri felt confused as to why he was down. Shouldn''t he be happier that the cat was going away and he could play? "What are you so worried about? I can have mother move out of the Cai residence to our place you know?" "No, that is not it." "Then is it a kiss?" Cai Jin blushed. She was too forward! "N-no, not that." "Hmm, I''d rather much prefer that though," Wei Xia Ri smirked. Without any words, she led him by the wrist to take a few more steps down until they were eye to eye. "Come closer," she whispered to his ear. 19 Guil "Emperor Father, I have arrived," he announced. Zhong Lei kneeled down in front of the emperor as soon as he passed through the doors of the Jade Court. As he entered, his eyes could never miss the historical banners that many of the previous emperors and their generals have waved throughout the past battles, victorious and defeated. While others observed the boastful gold found in every corner of the room, all the imperial general could sense was the metallic smell of blood and the battle screams of those who helped build the empire. Even when the emperor spoke, all he could think of was the recent battle he watched from afar with fists tightly clenched. "As Zhen have previously predicted, General Wei came to take back the Sun Dao Corps." "It has always been hers." "Son, that was a first," the emperor noticed. "Rise and lift your head." "As you command, your majesty." He slowly stood on his feet under the sovereign''s watchful eyes. Not a thought of anything good crossed his mind when he heard the emperor but obeyed nonetheless. Not even the beast would kill its own young. . . for now. Zhong Lei, the fifth prince, his son was as fine as the crown prince. Born from the previous royal noble consort, he had resembled her more than him. Zhong Lei''s gaze reminded him of her black eyes and his warm tanned skin was like hers when he first met her working in the fields under the sun too. His eyes shape, his straight nose, his ears, and even up to her silky but wavy hair too. If the fifth prince wished to challenge the sit of the crown prince, he would have let him so. If not for the empress, Zhong Lei who collected various achieved in every step of his journey would have been the next-in-line. To appease the beloved royal noble consort up above, he had bestowed him the tally to command the imperial army. The emperor who had given the fifth prince almost everything he wished, twitched his eyebrows and pulled his lips into a flat line when his eyes met a crushed expression. Zhong Lei who always stood proud avoided the emperor''s gaze as he lowered his face by a little. "Fifth prince, are you dissatisfied yet again?" "Your majesty, I am not. It is the opposite," he confessed. "Learning that your majesty, emperor has given the Sun Dao Corps back to its rightful owner is just the right thing to do. His majesty is magnanimous and I will follow the command." "But the prince is not happy?" "Your majesty may be mistaken, I am simply guilty." "Ah," the emperor nodded, remembering the deal back in that cold, winter day when the temperature had hit the point when the horses cried and died at the same night. The chills went past his clothes and sipped into his bones at that time as he sat on his throne and listened to Zhong Lei''s angsty request. It was hard to forget the fifth prince''s words. "Indeed but let bygones be bygones, my son. Since the general has not mentioned any grievances, let us not awaken any animosity in case she is trying to hold back. Instead, tighten the security and watch out for her. Remember that General Wei has lead ten thousand men into battles and returned with ten thousand men, the head of the tyrant and his men and the crown to rule that kingdom." "If not for that day," Zhong Lei shook his head, "The three thousand men would have returned with Han Ryu in tow." "Exactly. It is a mistake that must be buried and will never be written by the scholars." "Yes, your majesty." Zhong Lei''s head ached as he left from the court. His schemes that finally defeated Wei Xia Ri built a den of iniquity in his heart to the point that just seeing her return exacerbated his nightmares. ''Just after Xuan-er started to help calm it down,'' he thought with a sigh. "Your majesty," he remembered the shadow guard say. "Ling, is the plan ready?" Ling usually wore a black unifrom from head to toe and a purple sash on his forehead was dressed down into a new recruit of the Sun Dao Corps, having the Wei''s crest engraved below the empire''s on his armor. It was just a simple set up that the arrogant general may possibly miss. Erase some details on the map and leak the Sun Dao Corps'' reported trajectory and her strategy of winning from a lower ground in order to deceive enemies who are appearing on a higher ground. If Han Ryu has learned of it, he can instantly reverse the situation and win on the higher ground as everyone would expect. "How about for their escape route?" Zhong Lei asked. "Prince, the blacksmiths have been cooperative into initiating cracks on their armory. Even the stables have been cooperative with poisoning the horses." Zhong Lei felt his jaws tremble and his chest tightened when he remembered the shameful adrenaline boost pulse through his veins that time. It was as if the cold was not as deadly as his plan anymore. "Luckily, the three thousand men who have been sent out are the most loyal to the Weis. Let them set their journey with the best drinks and food. Let the Wei general bid farewell to this world with those foolish smiles." ''Bastard, what a bastard,'' he scolded himself. Using qiggong, Zhong Lei found himself back in his room. His keen senses could tell that he was alone. Knowing so, the man sat in a corner without bothering to light a lamp or two. "Can''t sleep?" the familiar voice of Yu Xuan Xuan echoed. The door creaked open, allowing the dim moon light to shed a bit of brightness inside. Zhong Lei squinted his eyes until Yu Xuan Xuan''s ethereal face blocked it for him. She sat down by his side and held his hand in hers. "How long are you going to be like this? Where''s the arrogant and cold man I first met?" "Yu Xuan Xuan," he gave her an empty gaze but tightened his hold onto her small hands. They had planned this together anyway but how can she be fine? ''Perhaps, a woman''s heart can be colder than the winter chill.'' "I asked you before if you were ready to face the consequences of our actions? Even at the slightest possibility of her return was to be expected. I asked you if you were alright? I asked you for your permission before we sacrificed for the greater good." Yu Xuan Xuan sighed, her eyes that were always so fierce turned into the soft gaze that they always should have been. She could understand Zhong Lei''s guilt, after all, the tyrant was someone who shared good memories with him. Someone who had his back from when they were training until her ''death''. But the insatiable irritation made the woman restless after seeing him cower because of a past lover. ''Weren''t they over already? How long had Zhong Lei courted me after ending it with Wei Xia Ri? He made so much promises and said so many words to charm me. He protected me and swore his devotion to me! Were those empty words? Is he regretting it now? Be realistic Yu Xuan Xuan, just a few months with him really can''t defeat those fifteen years.'' "Xuan-er," Zhong Lei finally lifted a free hand to cup her face. His grieving voice lightened into a hopeful one after shedding some restrained guilt, "I know. But the general is alive, if I could atone for my mistake before the problem escalates-" Yu Xuan Xuan''s eyes widened, "No you must not. Are you considering about the results of this? A rebellion! The general will not just lead seven thousand men but a possibility of hundreds of thousands of men. It will be a revolution after the citizens who are family or friends of the dead will find out." Zhong Lei was a prince, second and an imperial general first so he already had long thought about that. He still did not approve of Wei Xia Ri''s overwhelming power despite her well-known tyranny over the red light district and her strong will to own a private army. It was not right for an imperial official, more over a general to even have so much power on par with royalty after all. However, Wei Xia Ri, even after realizing the end of their relationship, volunteered to confront Han Ryu in his stead and unknowingly set her foot into a trap. He shook his head and placed a light kiss on her forehead. "It will be alright. Don''t we have the Northern Empire''s cooperation?" "After the defeat, the Northerners and our empire have realized the pointless battle that took many souls of our men. Thus the beginning of diplomatic negotiations with the Northerners. The ambassador, Han Ryu and the envoys are currently in talks with the imperial officials. The Sun Dao Corps are praised for their bravery, especially the sole survivor, General Wei Xia Ri." Zhong Lei nodded and added, "Because of her exemplary skills, the General was able to make it. There are probably others who did too and is recuperating somewhere thus the need to retrieve the corpses of our people and a man hunt for the missing ones." Yu Xuan Xuan then finalized, "For the men who had perished, we will have an honorable burial. And the survivors,---" Zhong Lei shook his head. Wei Xia Ri seemed to have no memories or feelings left for him when they first met, as if she did not recognize him that night. If it was any other time, she would immediately attack Xuan-er. It was strange as if something was amiss. He feared that she had changed and was unwilling towards him, ''She probably knew something too but still.'' "Their will be no survivors, only Wei Xia Ri is." "But I thought you were-" "Wei Xia Ri was a comrade and a friend who always protected my back and that is all that matters. Her men need not to exploit what happened, Xuan-er. I will make an official apology to the general and maintain the peace." Yu Xuan Xuan instantly wanted to let go of his hand in shock. ''He was guilty and is guilty but the prince, no matter how cold he was outside, how could a general forsake those men? Can''t he just send them far away or imprison them? Wei Xia Ri, I met her for more than once already. She could care less about them anyway! Why, Zhong Lei?'' "Are you sure? I don''t want to see you like this, once again." The woman gripped onto his hand, harder this time when she felt his loosened. "I can''t stand it when you end up like this, regretting after a rash decision. Listen to me, prince, please. Wei Xia Ri is alive, that is fine. She had obediently married a man within two weeks! That is good. Wei Xia Ri even behaved well in front of Han Ry, that''s better! And Wei Xia Ri has been focused on her own household and her new husband since her return! That is the best! If the prince apologizes, that would just fix any past mistakes." "But the burden of bearing the deaths of three thousand men cannot be brushed aside like it is nothing, Xuan Er." "Then why kill more? Don''t do it. Stop it!" "I-" Zhong Lei swallowed his opposition. "This prince will try." "You should not do it, please. For my sake." "Xuan-er," he sighed. The ghost doctor who made him twist and turn every night because of her missing presence made him submit. If she disappeared, all his nightmares would come back in folds! "Then what should I do?" "Use the propaganda we just made. Let it travel by ear starting from the officials and the lowly servants and the gossip mongers in the streets. Let the harem know it so they could spread the word. Afterall, the three thousand men came from all walks of life and many had high status in society." "But a coup," he sighed. "Just this time, please listen to me?"