LEGEND OF THE GOLDEN TIGRESS

The Heavenly Flowers Palace is an inst.i.tution which had survived for centuries and even held certain power in the kingdom.In the past the influence of the Heavenly Flowers Palace extended to the Imperial Court itself. They had even made changes in the Emperors if they didn"t suit their taste. It is said that the main reason the Tians.h.i.+ Emperor relocated the capital city from Caijing was to reduce the influence of the Heavenly Flowers Palace. From then, their influence in politics got reduced but not entirely so.

These days they just do it secretly as per the rumours. Once you enter there it is like a different world and everyone has to follow the rules of that place and even the Imperial token or seal is worthless there. No one can buy the shares of the inst.i.tution just with any kind of money. Only those who are allowed by the management there are allowed to have connections with them.

There are even rumours that say that the original owners of the Inst.i.tution is a clan from the Demon realm. But those are only rumours and no one exactly knows the workings of that place. But one thing is for sure, those who are under their protection cannot be touched easily as they go all out for them for the money they are paid.

But how did s.h.i.+hong manage to get in that place when he didn"t succeed this long? What had changed now? But since that"s the case, won"t Xing"s secret there cannot be kept anymore? Shengli was worried.

"What are you s.p.a.cing out for?", Xing"s clear voice snapped him out of his deep thoughts. He looked at Xing who had clear eyes and calm expression which was a surprise to him. This is clearly a difficult situation. But how come she is this calm? But somehow seeing her calm face made him calm too.

"Isn"t this to be expected? Of course if s.h.i.+hong wants to get me he"ll have to get in the Heavenly Flowers Palace. Also that is a business inst.i.tution and they"ll accept anyone who might bring profit to them", she spoke in a soothing voice.

"But the one you call big sis betrayed you didn"t she? How could she accept a known enemy of yours and endanger you?", Shengli was a bit angry. That Lady Shaoyao was nice to her and yet she let this happen? Seems like he had put too much trust on an unworthy person!

Xing calmly poured him a cup of tea, "That place is not entirely run by her. It belongs to the Fox Clan of the Demon Realm. She"s just a figurative head with no absolute authority and She"ll have to follow their suggestions", she said and Shengli looked at her blankly. So it is like that?

"Demons?", AoTian"s surprised voice was heard from behind her and Xing turned to see her father and First Uncle walking towards them.

"What are you talking about?", her first uncle asked.

"Heavenly Flowers Palace", Xing replied.

"Oh, right. So did you receive a message?", he asked.

Xing gave him the letter and her first uncle smirked, "As expected".

Seeing both of them calm Shengli realised he really did not know about that place much. So if Xing already expected it, why did she keep quiet till now?

Xing"s principles were simple. She never went offensive whenever she is concerned and only defends and finally gives a death blow. She goes on offensive without thinking about consequences only when someone touches those who are close to her. Be it the Gu family or Lord Chu, she only got deeper only because it involved Haru and her mother.

But s.h.i.+hong seems to be interested in her and she still have no clear idea why. So until then she would just defend what"s hers, protect those who are close to her and a.s.sess his strengths, weaknesses and his style of attack and when she gets a clear idea about him, he"ll be cornered and have no way to escape. But one thing Xing felt was this s.h.i.+hong is someone not simple and she has this unexplainable desire to kill s.h.i.+hong. May be it was because she knows the scars on Shengli"s back was made by him or may be she had resentments from her past life, but she wanted to kill him and she intends to do so. Since he will end in her hands she"ll have to wait patiently for that time and act prudently until that time.

For now s.h.i.+hong had placed Ran family against her Huang family, got into Heavenly Flowers Palace as equal to her. So his next plan would be to get the Zhong family that supports Huang family and the throne, right? What better way is there to get them other than gaining Chu military? Now she has no other way than to get the Chu"s military from Chu Yixin. But she cannot have the military for herself either! Xing pondered drinking the tea.

Shengli was in his own thoughts too. Demons! So that"s not a rumour and that"s why everyone wants to be a part of them. G.o.d"s cannot be easily approached as they had disappeared for centuries and some demons are said to hold G.o.dly powers too. Also a brothel of highest quality is a place everyone - n.o.bles, merchants and common people gather and intoxicated people reveal secrets under the temptation of beautiful trained women. Also some n.o.bles and merchants who have a lot of money have a lot of "weird preferences" which will be met by the Heavenly Flowers Palace and that can be used as blackmail material if those people try to act against the inst.i.tution. That"s how they always keep their place safe and clean and would "sell" informations to those who pay enough. But on the flip side, if you break their rules, you"ll disappear from the face of earth. So s.h.i.+hong who thinks the world is for him and acts as if he has no rules to follow won"t be a good patron for that inst.i.tution. He won"t survive there long and will be thrown out unless he has proxies already placed there just like he placed Seiren in there. But whatever it is even without Heavenly Flowers Palace, he himself can protect her from s.h.i.+hong and judging by Xing"s expression, she has a plan too. So there is no need to worry much.

Both of them were drinking their tea in their own thoughts as Zedong explained everything about Heavenly Flowers Palace to AoTian who had paled by now. How come a brothel hold such power? Why is he learning about such things only now? Just how many other things that he doesn"t know are there? AoTian was wondering. Too bad he has yet to see a lot in the future.

"You"ll be fine, won"t you la.s.s?", Zedong asked Xing. He seemed calm with no worries as he knew what Xing knew too - Heavenly Flowers Palace is not just the management!

"Yes, First Uncle. I can"t be that easily moved there!", Xing smiled and her entire demeanour emitted Confidence making Zedong smile proudly. AoTian was perplexed and Shengli had a smile in his lips looking at her standing elegant and domineering like a queen.. Lately she"d been emitting feminine aura even when she is dressed as a man. Wonder what was that about or it may be his imagination. But, You really are impressive, my moon! He admired her.

Xing excused herself followed by Shengli and went to her courtyard with Xu mama in tow.

Zedong saw Xing and Shengli walking alongside each other looking like they were made for each other and found that adorable. As someone who had lost his first love he had never liked to stand against love if both of them like each other. It was for the same reason he had never forced his youngest brother to marry all this time as he knew how much it would hurt to lose the one you love.

Status, wealth and everything else won"t matter if they are truly in love with each other. And he knows his niece would need a sly, smart and strong man beside her to protect her and this Shengli fits the role perfectly and his status is perfect too. He had no opposition to their union as the family head but his brother is one tough nut to crack. He would be refusing them just for the sake of opposing them even if he knew they are suited for each other.

"How long are you going to oppose them?", Zedong asked AoTian to which he didn"t answer and stood up to walk back to his courtyard and Zedong followed him. AoTian"s step paused when he saw Xu Mama locked out of Xing"s room in her courtyard but he resumed walking as if he didn"t see it. Zedong smiled in his heart, So brother! You"ve started to accept your daughter"s choice!

Shengli walked with Xing and as soon as he reached her room, he signalled Xu mama to wait outside and closed the door before she said anything leaving Xu Mama with her mouth wide open.

Xing who was walking towards her study as she wanted to write a letter to Lady Shaoyao paused,

"What are you doing?", she asked a bit nervous.

"Locking the door", he said and walked towards her.

I can see that, Xing thought, that"s why I"m asking the reason!

"Why?", she asked so that he understands clearly. Has he become dumb? Why does this brings a dangerous atmosphere? Xing wondered and she could feel her face getting hotter with each step he took.

"To do this", he closed in on her and before she could react, held her waist with one hand and the back of her head with another and pressed his lips on hers and started to kiss her.

Xing who was a victim of a surprise attack wanted to escape his clutches but the sensation of his wet and hot lips and the sweet taste of blossoms from the tea he drank before and the warmth of his hands that held her gently made her lose herself and she fell more deep into his sweet clutches. She felt like she was falling and flying at the same time.

By the time he let her go, both were panting and she was clutching his collars and as her knees felt week ended up in the mercy of his arms that held her waist to even stand straight.

Still he didn"t feel merciful and he whispered with his deep, sultry voice, "Xing! Do you realise we won"t be able to meet each other for at least ten days as I am leaving today?", Xing who was leaning in him and listening to his heartbeat which now had become steady, released it and she felt a sharp pain in her heart.

Wait I had lived without him for ten years before. But why does ten days make me feel this painful? Xing wondered.

Shengli"s hands played around her back and he smelled her hair. His warm breath made her feel hot.

"Xing", he spoke softly as if he was pleading, "Even though you being bashful made me happy, I miss your scent on me and your taste on my mouth these days. I want to feel the warmth of your skin on mine", he breathed out and his warm breath fell on her ears making her go red, "Oh, my love! What have you done to me? I want to make you mine... Soon.. Only mine.. I want to run my hands through your smooth skin, press .... "

Xing could not hold on anymore with his ramblings and she felt her entire face burning up, "what"s gotten into him suddenly? Why is he saying these things?". Xing could not control her pounding heart and felt an adrenaline rush and pushed him away.

The burning sensation didn"t go away and she didn"t even have the guts to look at him and she hid her face in her sleeves and walked towards her table and took a deep breath and drank water from the jug with her back facing him.

Shengli who had momentarily lost his control after the pa.s.sionate kiss they had regained his composure back after she pushed him away and felt he had made her too nervous as he can see her ears were entirely red.

Well! This is not the time to be thinking about this! With s.h.i.+hong right behind their tails, they should not be distracted like this.

Shengli took a deep breath and went and opened the door, which let the cool breeze and Xu mama in.

"Xing", he called with his usual gentle tone and Xing who"d brought her composure back too looked at his usual smile and was relieved a bit, " This guy is really not good for my heart... And yet my heart wants only him! Weird! Guess I"ll have to find strategies to get used to this sweet torture then! ", she thought.

" What?", she smiled at him.

"Why are you not bothered by s.h.i.+hong having same shares as you?", he asked. How come she is not at least a bit worried? And the weird thing is her first uncle doesn"t too!

"Shengli, the supporters for Ran family and the Zhong family and father in the court are almost same in numbers, aren"t they? Still father is more powerful than Lord Ran, why? ", She asked him back. Her brother teaches her about those officials" hierarchy and their authorities and who their backings are. Both sides have almost the same number of supporters. But she knows in politics, her father and the Zhong family holds higher power.

Shengli smiled understanding what she meant, "Because the Emperor is on their side", he answered.

It"s true the Emperor cannot do whatever he wishes and have to answer to the court but still his position gives him an inexplicable authority over the others and his personal preferences do play a role.

Similarly Lady Shaoyao cannot make decisions of her own at all times but when it comes to make a decision to choose between her or s.h.i.+hong her heart will naturally lean towards Xing and she will find a way to protect Xing even though as the Madame she"ll have to look out for the most profitable one for business.

As expected, her way of thinking is always different. She always puts the human emotion in the equation unlike him. He is always someone who first eliminates anything that might be harmful for them later but she always waits and finds a way to change things her way using human emotions. Help who needs help, pay who needs money and smile at who needs appreciation. That"s how she had always made more people loyal to her. But emotions are a double edged swords too if not properly handled.

Shengli sighed. "I"m too much like my father in this matter to not trust people much", he thought, "All the more reason I can not be an Emperor".

"And you are with me too, right? I can handle anything", Xing said with a smile and her eyes filled with conviction and confidence.

Shengli smiled, "I am", he kissed the top of her head. This girl always trusts me too much it makes me feel scared sometimes! What if I fail? He thought.

"Then, see you soon", he rubbed her head and kissed her forehead and Xing could sense him lingering. He only left after taking in her scent for sometime and left waving his hands and Xing somehow felt empty seeing his back.

The next day packing for the trip was done and Xing was surprised how compactly Xu Mama packed everything.

Xing felt uneasy to travel in a carriage as she had never done that but had to give in as her father insisted that it would be the safest way. Xing was sulking because if she had left alone, she would have taken the mountains and reached Caijing within a day.

But she had known her travelling through those secret hidden pa.s.sageways only works for her and those with the Lu blood. She always took Shengli with her through these pa.s.sageways when he lived with her in the past and somehow Haru cannot use it freely. She wanted to test it out with the Emperor and it worked with him too. But it won"t work with her father or brother as she had tried it with her brother once. That is another mystery she cannot understand why she is allowed but he cannot. The G.o.ds surely are mysterious!

The next day every one left the Manor early in the morning and Xing was made to leave as Huang Mingxia with a veil and she even had a separate carriage for her with Xu mama accompanying her. The carriage was exquisite with everything needed fixed in there from a small bed to attached stove and everything. Xing realised why everyone wanted to be rich. They do have good lives!

Since the entire Prime Minister family was leaving, they had a large entourage following them for security reasons as it was arranged as an official visit.

Xing didn"t understand why her father made his departure public. But it was all planned by him and Lord Zhong to find out what their enemies are planning.

Xing found the troubles of a n.o.ble lady that journey. She had to wear female clothes and had to sit inside a closed s.p.a.ce that was swaying with no conscience for three days. The last time she reached here within a day and in horseback it would only take two days max. But since they were taking the imperial road in a carriage, it took them three days.

Xing felt sick stuck in a constricted s.p.a.ce which was a new discovery for her. She could not even lift the curtains since their entourage attracted the attention of many who wanted to take a glance at the Prime Minister"s daughter. Xing went to her brother"s carriage after they exited the city and saw him actually throwing up.

"Brother! Not only we both are directionally challenged we both have motion sickness too! How identical we are, like twins!", she was ecstatic but was only met with her brother"s angry glare.

"I would have preferred to be identical to you in intelligence and sword skills" , he grunted making Xing laugh hard. Poor brother!

Xing went back to her carriage and immersed herself in some books Xu mama had brought for her. Xu mama was accompanying her in her carriage and she was extremely happy since it has been years since she had left the city.

On the third day, they reached the Guest Manor the Emperor had arranged for the Prime Minister and Xing had a room arranged for her too. She was covered in veil the whole time she was out, disappointing everybody who wished to take a look. Her father and brother had started meeting officials almost immediately and there was a banquet arranged and obviously Xing didn"t attend as she got sick due to the travel, which was obviously an excuse.

After eating her dinner she went up the roof to get the information about the Chu family Xing had asked Lady Shaoyao to collect. As she was there, she could hear some young men talking,

"The nerves on her, not even attending the banquet!"

" If only her father was not rich and powerful do you think anyone would want an ugly s.l.u.t like her?"

"I heard your father is h.e.l.l bent on getting you to marry her. What are you going to do?", one said.

"Marry her? Hmpf! Then she"ll just have the t.i.tle of wife and die a virgin", the center one said.

"Yeah right! With the boatload of women you already have, why not keep one more for show? At least your family will benefit greatly", another one said.

"Yeah! For someone handsome as you, you need to get at least some benefit, for marrying an ugly trash like her. Where else can someone like her get to have such handsome husband! Even the Prime Minister should know that! That"s why he haven"t refused your father"s proposal yet! ", everyone laughed.

Xing wanted to laugh hardly seeing how deluded they are, talking about her. The "handsome one" they were talking about was not even half as handsome as her father. Her brother would look like a painting beside him and Shengli would look like a G.o.d. And he thinks this highly of himself? Dream on, idiot!

Even I am more handsome than you!

Just as she was about to leave she heard a noise from a little far away as her ears are usually sharp when she was alone. She saw her brother unlocking the door of the guard dogs of that Manor and they immediately pounced out of their enclosure, loudly barking towards those gathered fools.

Brother! My dear black- bellied big brother! You love me this much! Xing was happy.

The young masters who were gathered scattered and ran away screaming from the top of their lungs. It was much more funnier for Xing than their delusional banter from before and more entertaining to watch and she sat down to watch it.

Everyone was pus.h.i.+ng each other and trying to run forgetting their friends.h.i.+p. Soon the guards rushed there and brought the situation under control. Those well dressed young masters left the banquet in torn clothes, covered in mud and bruises and out of breath. Their fathers were making a commotion at the entrance demanding justice for the mistreatment of their sons.

"You sc.u.mbags want my sister? Even your family"s dog won"t want you ugly b.a.s.t.a.r.ds. Torn clothes? Be happy you were able to leave with your b.a.l.l.s intact! ", Rijun threw salt in their direction making Xing laugh hard.

AoTian who went to see the dog kennel, noticed him mumbling and left wordlessly. He even noticed her on the rooftop and shook his head smiling. Xing who was in the highest place in the guest Manor could see everything happening and she observed continuously.

That situation was resolved when they found out that the latch was already in bad condition setting the dogs loose and the whole thing was not a sabotage but an accident. There was even an expert confirming the findings. Xing saw how patiently and effortlessly her father resolved it even though he knew his son deliberately set the dogs out and how his page and other close aids communicated and get things done erasing all traces of Rijun being there, without her father even saying a word.

Wow! Father is not Prime Minister this long without reason! Father is awesome! And he has smart people who work for him too! He really meant it when he said he can protect me even if I kill the Emperor! Xing was impressed.

By then Lady Shaoyao"s personal shadow guard delivered the doc.u.ments she had requested. Xing knew the guard watched everything happened here too. Xing told him that she"ll be meeting Lord Chu on the burnt library and not in Heavenly Flowers Palace and Lord Chu should be "brought" there only at the last minute without previously informing. She also advised him to let Lord Chu to believe that Lord Táng is in odds with the Heavenly Flowers Palace. She really wanted to see the look of despair on his face when he finds out he had never been right.

When Xing got down, her father had Rijun in his room and her brother was standing with his face down. Xing felt bad for her brother and sneaked in to know what was happening.

"Mingxia, You saw everything right? Why did your brother do it? He is not answering", AoTian asked Xing.

Xing honestly told him everything and expected her father to advice him or punish him and in that case Xing decided to stop him.

But AoTian just asked the list of the young masters and let them go,surprising both of them. "Next time inform me beforehand or immediately after you do stuff like this, so that I won"t be surprised when I receive the complaints. It"s for both of you ", AoTian said to the siblings as if it is a natural thing to do before sending them to their respective rooms.

Xing went to her room to see another set of doc.u.ments there and saw it was in Shengli"s handwriting and unknowing to herself she was caressing the writing. Even though it was just days, she missed him already.

She read the doc.u.ments sent by Lady Shaoyao too and her lips curved to a satisfying smile, As usual, you are the best, big sis Shaoyao ! With this, Lord Chu will be my slave forever!

Lord Chu, Let"s see if you side with s.h.i.+hong after you see this!