Loves Melody

Chapter 1: “Springtime Journey”. 5

Chapter 2: “Tender Loving Care”. 7

Chapter 3: "As You Wish, Princess". 10

Chapter 4: Back to the Zhen Kingdom.. 15

Chapter 5: A summertime filled with poetry and music. 21

Chapter 6: “Enemies within the Palace”. 25

Chapter 7: “The Pain of Separation”. 32

Chapter 8: Revelations from the Past 38

Chapter 9: One Enchanted Evening. 47

Chapter 10: Reclaiming the Throne. 54

Chapter 11: A Dream Fulfilled. 63

From the writers of All About Eve fictional stories:
Love On The Rebound, Another Chance,
A Day In The Life At AAE Dreamland, and This Must Be Love

Come this new tale set in the ancient times,
of two people brought together,
by circumstance, fate, love and music…

in
“LOVE’s MELODY”
written by: “iluvkoreanovela” and “dilettante maia”


CAST OF CHARACTERS:

1.) YIN HIANG CHE (HC) = Jang Dong Gun [Kenneth]
• An independent and kind-hearted young man who is excellent in playing the flute; raised by his uncle who belongs to a group of vagabonds and traveling musicians or performers in court festivals and theater shows; he simply hopes to bring joy and delight to the people he encounters, through his beautiful music
• he is also an educated man despite his “gypsy-like” lifestyle since he was taught and tutored by Chinese scholars in the fields of music, literature, and arts; being a learned man, he came to associate with the Fan-Quis or European travelers who traded in the Far East; he sometimes acted as one of their interpreters or guide, thus it enhanced his knowledge of other lands yonder
• he will have a chance encounter with Princess Sun Mi from the Zhen Kingdom and this event will change the course of his life forever

2.) ZHEN SUN MI (SM) = Park Chae Rim [Nicole]
• a Princess and only child of the King of Zhen Kingdom which was the largest and most powerful among all the four kingdoms at that time in the far east
• a sweet daughter with a sunny smile and gentle disposition who is a “child at heart”; but she will soon develop into a sophisticated young lady upon meeting the handsome man Hiang Che
• shall be betrothed in marriage to Prince Woo Jin from the neighboring kingdom

3.) KIM WOO JIN (WJ) = Han Jae Suk [Warren]
• the successor to the throne of Yun Kingdom because he is the nephew of King Yun Hae Seon; he is the son of Lady Yun Jin Suk, the sister of King Yun; his mother married General Kim who is the cousin of King Bae Won of the Kingdom of Kim. (King Yun Hae Seon was a widower and had no children, thus it was Prince Woo Jin who ascended into the throne when he passed away)
• He will be betrothed in marriage to Princess Sun Mi of Zhen Kingdom; Prince Woo Jin is also a very good warrior, excellent in martial arts and the use of spears in combat, because his father the general trained him since he was a young boy

4.) HUH YING MEI (YM) = Kim So Yeon [Erika]
• One of the court ladies of Princess Sun Mi; vile and vicious in nature and also very envious of the princess; she serves in her court not out of humility or loyalty but of the desire to mingle with the elite/royalty, with the hope that she will be able to ensnare a rich man, possibly even a prince, to alleviate her status and rank in society
• Will also serve as a spy for Prince Woo Jin with the help of one of the palace guards; will also have an attraction for Hiang Che for his good looks and musical talent

5.) KIM SUN DAL (SD) = Park Chul [Allan]
• The crown prince of the Kingdom of Kim; he is the eldest son of King Bae Won and the second cousin of Prince WJ; he is also a very good warrior in his own right and his mastery is in the field of archery
• Will be a friend of HC in the future and will also fall in love with Princess Yu Ju Hee

6.) YU JU HEE (JH) = Kim Jun Eun [Judith]
• The best friend of Princess Sun Mi and whose father King Yu Dae Soo is the cousin of King Yun Hae Seon of Yun Kingdom; she will soon rise into power when her father passes away because she is also an only child just like Princess Sun Mi

7.) CUI CHEN SHUI (CS) = [Choi]
• A good friend of Hiang Che who also belongs to the same group of musicians; he is an expert in playing the 12-string zither; he is like the “side-kick” or “best buddy” of HC and they are always together in their musical performances and other adventures

8.) ZHAO ZHAO DI (ZD) = [Cielo]
• The faithful courtesan or lady-in-waiting of Princess Sun Mi; she and Chen Shui will also be attracted to each other but it is a “love-hate” and often comical relationship

9.) King ZHEN GUI CHEN (GC) = [Nicole’s dad]
• A widower who garnered the honor and prestige of having the most powerful kingdom in the ancient far east, due to his wise but kind governance and excellent public relations with all the other kingdoms; (will soon be envied by Prince Woo Jin, thus the prince will strive to be wed to Princess Sun Mi hastily to gain greater power and wealth upon the merger of the two kingdoms)

10.) Lady KIM JIN SUK (JS) = [Warren’s mom]
• Formerly Yun Jin Suk, the sister of King Yun Hae Seon; she wants to see her son become king of Yun kingdom which is achieved when King Yun Hae Seon dies

11.) YIN RAO SHIN (RS) = [Raul]
• the uncle who reared up Hiang Che and regarded him as his own child since he has no children and is not married, given the nature of his livelihood wherein he is always on the road as a vagabond or traveling musician

12.) MIN KAE TEE (KT) = [Kathy}
• a daughter of an English man and an Asian woman; people believed she was an illegitimate daughter but her father married her mother secretly thus she was baptized as Kathy McLeod; she is Princess Sun Mi’s governess and tutor and because of her English father’s teachings, she was able to impart to the princess both the western and eastern culture, arts, and literature

13.) PEI REN XIU (RX) = [Jasper]
• A palace guard in the Zhen Kingdom but is actually a paid spy of Prince Woo Jin; he connives with Ying Mei in relaying information about the events in the Zhen’s palace to the Prince; he is also the “henchman” in all of Woo Jin’s deceptive plans and dubious schemes

14.) YIN AE LEE (AL)
• The aunt of Yin Hiang Che and older sister of Yin Rao Shin who took care of Hiang Che since infancy when he was suddenly orphaned because of his parents’ tragic death

15.) GENERAL KIM (GM)
• The father of Prince Woo Jin & husband of Lady Yun; he is also the cousin of King Kim Bae Won and therefore, the uncle of Prince Kim Sun Dal


INTRODUCTION:

Once upon a time, in the ancient Far East, four kingdoms were in existence and ruled the world of East Asia.

The first kingdom was the Zhen kingdom located in the northwest part and ruled by King Zhen Gui Chen. Their grand palace was located amidst the rich and fertile agricultural lands, thus this kingdom was considered as the wealthiest and most powerful among the four. It encompassed the widest and the best portions of land and they were the traders of prime commodities and food crops such as grains and tea leaves essential to all of the residents of the Far East.

The second kingdom was the Yun kingdom located in the west and its ruler was King Yun Hae Seon. Their palace was located near the sea and rightly so, their main source of livelihood was fishing. They were the counterpart of the Zhen kingdom when it comes to their products, thus there was easily a constant interaction between the two kingdoms which had been working together to further enrich their standard of living by the richness of the land and sea.

The third kingdom known as the Kim Kingdom was located in the southeast and its palace sat atop the rocky mountainous part of the Far East. Their location and land type may not be considered as very fertile compared to the other three kingdoms, but their expertise was in training the best warriors. With their fortress-like palace, due to the high walls carved from stone, it was the best place for military training. Even the soldiers from the other kingdoms were sent in this kingdom to undergo training and further enhance their skills in martial arts, archery, the use ancient weaponry such as spears, and horse-back riding.

The fourth kingdom which was located in the east was called the Yu kingdom ruled by the cousin of King Yun Hae Seon and he was known as King Yu Dae Soo. The Yu palace is situated near the forest and lush mountainside of the continent where the vast species of flora and fauna may be found. They had been regarded as the guardians of the rich cultural heritage and history of the region as well as the “gate-keepers” to the “hidden mystical kingdom” which has been mentioned in legends and folklores. The story about this ancient kingdom situated deep inside the enchanted forest has been handed down through generations.

Each of the kingdoms had a distinct flag and color to identify themselves and their troops.

For the ZHEN kingdom, their identifying color was yellow and featured on their flag was a dragon, a symbol that suited them well since among the four, they were considered to have the greatest power and the strongest economy. And in oriental symbols, the dragon was reflected as the biggest or greatest creature that was well-respected by the rest. Their troops were known as the “yellow cloaks”.

The YUN kingdom’s troops were called the “blue cloaks” since their identifying color was Blue, to represent the location of their kingdom which was near the deep blue sea. Their symbol of choice was an aquatic creature which was the swordfish. Since their main livelihood was fishing and their main products or source of income were those from the riches of the water or the sea.

The KIM kingdom was represented by the color red, a symbol of courage and valor. This was rightly so because the strongest and best-skilled soldiers come from this kingdom. Their symbol of choice was the tiger, considered as the one of the bravest animal in the orient. The soldiers from this kingdom were called the “red cloaks”.

The YU kingdom’s symbol was a tree because their location was near the lush forestry of the region and their main products were from the fruit bearing trees planted there. The troops were also called the “green cloaks” since green is the color of nature and that was their kingdom’s main attraction… the beauty of the natural wonders in the trees and mountains surrounding their palace.

The four distinct kingdoms lived peacefully amongst each other for several years but a recent turn of events would cause this amicable existence to be shaken and threatened. Read on and you will discover how the once harmonious relationship of these kingdoms will be disrupted and how the fate of our characters will be changed as they become entangled with each other’s lives, here in… “Love’s Melody”…

Chapter 1: “Springtime Journey”

It was a fine spring day, with the sun shining brightly and its rays sifting through the leaves and branches of the huge trees. Pink flowers or cherry blossoms were aplenty on the trees planted along the pathway. The traveling party of Princess Sun Mi of the Zhen Kingdom was having their respite in a forest clearing. They were on their way to visit her best friend, Princess Ju Hee at the Yu Kingdom.

The princess of the Zhen Kingdom is an only child of King Gui Chen. Despite her stature as the daughter of the most powerful king in the Far East, Princess Sun Mi was adored by many because of her sweetness and sunny disposition in life.

But today was quite different, it seemed that sunny disposition was temporarily shelved as Princess Sun Mi sat in her carriage, deep in thought. Her eyes were on the blooming rhododendrons nearby but her mind was elsewhere. She was mulling over her governess cum tutor’s last teaching before they left the palace. She’d just seen a palace guard arranging his arrows and recalled those lovely lines Lady Kae Tee shared. “Unto the bow is an arrow, unto the man is a woman, useless each without the other.”

Lady Kae Tee raised her well. Being a very knowledgeable woman herself, she wanted to impart her father’s teachings to the adorable princess whom she had taken cared of since she was twelve years old. That was the princess’ age when her mother passed away due to an incurable illness. Since then, Princess Sun Mi regarded Lady Kae Tee as a real aunt. She enjoyed her tutor’s teachings and she felt lucky that her father hired her.

The princess heaved a deep sigh which made her loyal lady-in-waiting Zhao Di rushed to her side. “Princess Sun Mi are you alright, what ails you?” The beautiful princess just shook her head.

“I just recalled what Lady Kae Tee shared.”

“Ah, that bow and arrow quote, I’m sorry princess but I can’t help listening, I like the latter part most.” She clasped her hand and closed her eyes and also heaved a sigh. “When can I find my own man?”

Princess Sun Mi smiled at her wanly. Like her lady-in-waiting, she’s also wondering of the same thing. She was betrothed to Prince Woo Jin of the Yun Kingdom but she does not like him because she found him too arrogant. A season ago he visited her but the princess openly rejected him.

However, she knew that her father already approved of the match long before she was born. It had been agreed by the two powerful kingdoms to arrange the said betrothal. But King Yun has no children and is already a widower. The queen died while giving birth and their child was stillborn. Hence, Prince Woo Jin, his nephew, became the immediate successor in line, based on the royal hierarchy.

“Will I ever find my true love Zhao Di?” she asked softly.

“My beautiful princess what kind of question is that. Of course you’ve already found your man. You’ve been betrothed to Prince Woo Jin and soon you will become his wife.”

Princess Sun Mi pouted her lips and tears started to form in her eyes. “I don’t love him Zhao Di. I want to marry a man whom I love.” But deep in her heart she knew she must follow her father, King Gui Chen’s wish.

Zhao Di patted the back of her hair with her palm to soothe her.

They continued with their journey in silence, with the guards carrying the princess’ carriage, when suddenly a group of forest bandits blocked their way.

The ladies were shrieking and the palace guards took charge of them. The princess’ face was ashen. She noticed there were four of them, surely her guards outnumbered them but there might be others lurking in the forest.

She started running when strong arms grabbed her and whispered “hide for your safety.” She cannot understand it but the man’s reassuring voice calmed her frayed nerves. But she looked back and saw one of her palace guards slain by another bandit. She cannot stand the sight of blood and passed out. Zhao Di was shouting.

The man and his companion helped the palace guards in fighting those ill-intentioned men. Two bandits were able to escape while two died. The bandits succeeded in killing three palace guards. Fortunately they were not able to rob the travelers.

The man looked at the lady who fainted a few meters away, it seemed she was hurt. From the looks of her attire, she’s a member of the royalty. He glanced at the flag carried by a guard and saw an emblem of the Zhen kingdom.

The man approached the frantic Zhao Di but a guard warded his approach with a lance.

“I don’t mean to harm the princess. I want to help. Like you, we are also traversing this forest. We are just simple travelers,” the man said, his voice firm.

“She’s hurt. Princess Sun Mi might die, please help us.” Zhao Di looked around for the guard Ren Xiu, but she was informed by one of the guards that he fled, perhaps to return to the palace for help. Or maybe for fear of losing his own life, Zhao Di thought. “That guard is really quite a coward! Where is he when we need him the most?” Zhao Di said softly but with a slight grunt in her voice.

The man knelt and felt for any broken bones. “I’m afraid it would be dangerous to move her. Let’s wait for her to regain consciousness.” It was then that Zhao Di looked at him and thought, he’s very handsome.

Yin Hiang Che looked at the princess’ beautiful face. It was true what he had heard from the others. Princess Sun Mi’s beauty was ethereal. He wanted to wipe the dirt off her face but refrained from doing so.

He bowed slightly to Zhao Di, “I’m Yin Hiang Che, and my companion over there is Cui Chen Shui. Where are you going, if I may ask?”

“To the Yu Kingdom.” Zhao Di was wringing her hands and crying.

Hiang Che shrugged and looked at his companion listening to their conversation from a distance. “The Yu kingdom, it’s just a few miles from here right.” It was more of a statement rather than a query. Chen Shui nodded.

“If you would like to, you can ask for help from the Yu palace while I stay here and look after her. Trust me I mean no harm to her. The bandits would not return for now and if they do, they have to pass over my dead body before they can lay their hands on the princess.”

Zhao Di hesitated because she did not want to leave Princess Sun Mi with these strangers. “You can leave the other guard with us.” In the end, Zhao Di agreed, her fear for the princess' unconscious state prevailed. And thus they continued with their journey to bring the missive to Princess Ju Hee that her friend needs her help,

Hiang Che looked at her face again and wondered: “What could be the color of her eyes?”


Yin Hiang Che is a handsome man who is an expert in playing the flute. Along with his good friend Cui Chen Shui whose musical instrument of choice is the zither, they are part of a group of musicians traveling along with the vagabonds who have no permanent abode, but relish in the adventure of going from place to place, spreading joy and entertainment to the people through their vast repertoire of music.

Hiang Che was orphaned early in his childhood thus he was cared for by his uncle Yin Rao Shin and auntie Yin Ae Lee. Both elder Yins are the siblings of Hiang Che’s father. According to his aunt and uncle’s story, his parents were killed by a group of bandits when they were traveling across the continent. His parents were also court performers, his mother was a singer and his father was also good in playing different kinds of instruments like the horizontal flute, the hour-glass shaped drum, and even the zither.

“Perhaps this is where he inherited his musical prowess”, his uncle Rao Shin often said. He was still an infant when that terrible day happened and it was a good thing that both his aunt and uncle were unmarried and thus they were able to give him their full attention and they raised him as a beloved son and not just a nephew.

This is also the reason why as he and Chen Shui were walking along the forest and heard the shrieks of the ladies, they hurriedly came to their rescue instead of running in the opposite direction to stay away from any form of trouble or danger. It has been Hiang Che’s oath to himself that he would always help those who were in need, especially those whose lives are put in danger by these terrible bandits. Those selfish criminals who wish to obtain wealth by unjust means and intend to harm the lives of innocent people… much like the fate that befell his parents before.

But despite Hiang Che’s ‘vagabond-like’ lifestyle, he can still be considered as a learned man. "It is important for you not to grow up ignorant. With your handsome looks you can readily hook a princess," his uncle would often tease him to which Hiang Che would merely scoff. Hiang Che knew where he belongs, being just an ordinary person or ‘commoner’.

His uncle and aunt made it a point to have him educated or taught by scholars in the places where they usually have their musical performances during different festivals and celebrations. Their group also had frequent encounters with Fan-Quis or European travelers who often visit the Far East for the purposes of trade and for expeditions. In return for their services as tour guides around the continent, these Europeans also impart their knowledge and culture from the western world.

The young Hiang Che would often be wide-eyed in wonder at the many stories told by these merchants. He also had the eagerness to learn to speak and understand their language, as well as their different forms of arts, literature and of course music.

Chapter 2: “Tender Loving Care”

It was already nearing sunset, and as Princess Sun Mi lay unconscious on the ground beside a tree, Hiang Che instructed Chen Shui to gather some firewood and start a bonfire to keep the beautiful princess warm and to ward off any wild animal that would dare stray near this precious young lady. One of the palace guards who was left with them went around to search the surrounding premises for possible food that he can give ‘her majesty’ as well as to ensure that there were no dangerous animals or even persons nearby.

As Hiang Che and Princess Sun Mi were left alone for a few moments, he could not resist the urge to stare at this ethereal vision before him. She looked so peaceful with her eyes closed, seemingly unaware of the chaos that ensued before. He noticed that her arms were slightly bruised by the prickly bushes around her when she fell. Fortunately, her head didn’t hit the ground hard or else she might have suffered a slight concussion.

He wanted so much to wipe away the dirt of the ground from her face and hair and heal the bruises in her arms but became tentative in doing so. What if she suddenly awoke and thought of him as one of the bandits and then start screaming and panicking. The palace guard might think that he was taking advantage of their princess and that would put him in much trouble. However, the sweetness of her face and her smooth porcelain skin was simply irresistible that he decided to proceed with his ‘noble’ intention.

He pulled out a clean white linen cloth from his pocket that his aunt gave him before he left their temporary encampment to travel with Chen Shui. It was their first time to travel alone but he had long been requesting his dear aunt and uncle for independence to be able to explore the land on his own. He argued that he was already of matured age and that he would not be entirely alone because he will have his good friend with him. His aunt Ae Lee hesitated at first but it was his uncle Rao Shin who gave the go signal, thinking that it was high time for the lad to venture out on his own.

Thus, this was the first adventure that he and Chen Shui had together apart from the group and this is the fate that they have encountered. Hiang Che smiled as he thought of this and said: “what a very interesting turn of events indeed.”

He poured clean water from his decanter on the white cloth and once it was already damp, he slowly smoothed it over Princess Sun Mi’s face, removing the dirt from her forehead, rosy cheeks, pert nose and her chin located just below those luscious red lips. Hiang Che suddenly thought to himself: “I wonder what her voice is like when she speaks… and how those lovely lips would turn and move upon the utterance of her words.”

Hiang Che shook his head then proceeded to wash again the cloth with water then this time he held one of her slender arms and started to wipe away the red marks and slight stains of blood from the scratches and wounds in her arms. He noticed that her fingers were long and slim, much like the shape of beautiful candles. Her skin is smooth and delicate and probably only bathed with the cleanest of water and the most fragrant of oils and perfume.

After he finished wiping her face and arms, he decided to proceed and check if her feet and legs were wounded as well. But he felt more hesitant this time because it would seem most awkward if the princess awoke and found him looking beneath her long dress for blemishes and wounds on her legs. Hiang Che had a glint of mischief in his eyes with that thought. It seemed highly improper but proved to be a very enticing and tempting thought for the virile young man.

Then as he was about to check on the feet and lower limbs of Princess Sun Mi, he heard the rustling sound of leaves nearby and he was suddenly startled. He thought that if any of the two men who looked for firewood and food would return and find him in that manner of action, they would surely think that he was planning to take advantage of the unconscious state of the princess.

“I’ve gathered some twigs for the bonfire to keep us and the princess warm,” Chen Shui said as he arranged the twigs and started to spark a fire using two fire stones. Hiang Che nodded in agreement as he looked at the unconscious form again.

The palace guard walked towards them too, with several berries and fruits on his hands which he started to wash and prepare just in case the princess awoke and felt hungry.

Hiang Che was trying to sense if either of the men saw or noticed that the princess’ wounds have been wiped clean, but it seemed that they were too preoccupied with what they were doing that they failed to notice if anything was amiss. Hiang Che then silently heaved a sigh of relief. At least, they would not wonder or question him about it and ask him what else he had done with the sleeping princess during their absence.

By nightfall, they were already starting to get sleepy and slowly, the eyelids of Chen Shui as well as the palace guard began to close. It was only the handsome Hiang Che who dared not close his eyes, lest another form of harm might befall the beautiful princess in case he fell asleep. Besides, he was so enchanted by her that it seemed like the need for slumber evaded him. He also wanted to be aware once the princess awoke for he wanted to see her reaction first-hand when she sees him.

He then brought out his wooden flute and began to play a soft tune with the sweetest melody much like a lullaby fit for a baby. The melody of the song seemed to be in harmony with the beauty of nature and some of the night birds even started to chirp along with the tune. As Hiang Che was playing, his eyes never wavered from leaving the princess’ beautiful face.

It was while playing the flute for the unconscious princess that sad thoughts entered his mind. The lullaby had always been his favorite tune since it is a way for him to express his longing for a real mother. It’s true that his aunt and uncle loved him, but he believed that a real mother’s love is different.

Hiang Che knew that through his music he can express his emotions which he cannot openly reveal to anyone. The handsome young man may be mischievous and full of humor, but deep inside him was a serious, sad and lonely soul.

As if responding to the sweet melody that filled the night, Princess Sun Mi suddenly stirred from her sleep and fluttered her eyes. She was disoriented for a moment and wondered where she was and where that soothing music was coming from.

The palace guard sensed the movement of the princess and slowly helped her to raise her head while Chen Shui looked on. Hiang Che was also delighted to see that the princess finally regained her consciousness and he slowly bowed at the direction of the princess, but it was only for a quick moment that his gaze left her face.

Princess Sun Mi looked back at him and frowned. She was helped by the guard to a sitting position by reclining her back along the trunk of an elm tree. ‘’Do you feel better now Princess? Please tell us if you’re hurting” the guard asked her majesty. The Princess merely shook her head while still frowning.

Princess Sun Mi was puzzled by their situation and she seemed to have forgotten the events that transpired. Then she asked him: “What happened and what are we doing here in the middle of the forest at night time? Where is Zhao Di and the other guards?”

The guard politely answered her and relayed the series of unfortunate events. Then she suddenly remembered that the last sight she saw before she passed out was the slaying of one of the palace guards so the princess felt terrified and started to weep.

As if by instinct, Hiang Che wanted to approach the princess and console her but he knew that he couldn’t because he was not ‘worthy’ to approach a member of royalty so boldly. He just decided to speak to her from an acceptable distance.

“Your majesty, I am Yin Hiang Che and this is my friend Cui Chen Shui. We were the ones who helped your guards in warding off the bandits. Please don’t be afraid of us, we mean no harm, we are friends not foes.” He said this in order to reassure the princess that she was no longer in danger in their presence.

The princess suddenly recalled that low voice. Yes, that was the voice of the man who whispered and told me to hide for my safety. Upon remembering this, Princess Sun Mi smiled for she knew that what Hiang Che said was true. That indeed he and his friend were there to protect her as what they did earlier that day. “By the way, where is my female companion Zhao Di? Has she been hurt as well?”

“No, your majesty, she went to the palace of Princess Yu Hee along with another guard who survived to ask for help and reinforcement.” The palace guard replied.

“I see, well as soon as the troops from the Yu kingdom arrive with Zhao Di, I wish to send you home immediately so that you can send word to my father and report to him the events that happened here and also to re-assure him that I am fine. Thankfully, with the help of these kind men here who fought for our safety” Princess Sun Mi instructed softly.

Hiang Che was charmed by her voice as well. It sounds sweeter than the music coming from his flute. So soft and it seemed to have a melody of its own. Her voice matches her ethereal beauty, the young man thought.

“Once again, I thank you Yin Hiang Che and Cui Chen Shui for this noble deed you have done in saving my life. Rest assured that your help shall be greatly rewarded.” The princess nodded at both of them, at the same time trying to regain her royal composure.

“Thank you your majesty” replied Chen Shui.

“But a reward won’t be necessary…” Hiang Che retorted. “It was our desire and duty to protect all those who are in need and in danger’s way, royalty or not…”

Princess Sun Mi gave him her sweet smile of gratefulness and even by the light emitted from the bonfire, Hiang Che realized that she is very beautiful indeed. They stared at each other for sometime, unaware of the other two people with them, each mesmerized by the wonder they saw in each other; she by his handsome face and mesmerizing eyes while Hiang Che was spellbound by her beauty.

Chapter 3: "As You Wish, Princess"

The palace of the Yu Kingdom stood majestic amidst the lush greenery of the forest. Princess Ju Hee was walking to and fro in her beautiful garden. It was a sight to behold now that it is springtime and all the flowering plants and shrubs were in bloom. Princess Sun Mi would love this, she adores looking at different plants and collecting assorted flowers too, just like me, Princess Ju Hee thought as she entered the gazebo to rest. She’s worried, constantly looking at her timepiece hanging as a pendant, a gift from a Fan-Qui visitor of her father.

She frowned and looked at the timepiece again at the same time going out of the gazebo to look at her shadow on the ground. Where’s the princess, by this time she ought to be at the Yu palace already.

Princess Ju Hee returned to the gazebo still frowning. She’s like a real sister to the princess of the Zhen Kingdom. Older by a few years than Princess Sun Mi, she dotes on her a lot. And when a missive from the young princess arrived informing her of the visit, Princess Ju Hee was delighted. It had been two seasons ago when she visited the Zhen Kingdom.

A smile replaced her frown when she remembered how they became good friends. She often went with her father, King Yu Dae Soo, when he visits the Zhen‘s realm. Princess Sun Mi was still a gurgling baby and she was fond of helping out in taking care of her. In her young mind then, Princess Sun Mi was her little sister. And when they became grown-ups, the bonding formed was strengthened now that they can openly share with each other their thoughts and emotions with confidentiality.

The voice of a palace guard cut her reverie. "The lady-in-waiting of Princess Sun Mi is here Your Majesty.’’

The princess jerked her head and upon seeing Zhao Di’s bedraggled appearance, she was alarmed. ‘’Is something amiss Zhao Di? Where is Princess Sun Mi?’’

‘’We encountered a group of bandits in the forest Princess. We came to ask for help from you. Princess Sun Mi is unconsciousness. They are a few miles away from here. We were afraid to move her in case she was badly hurt.’’

‘’Who’s with her? I assume you left enough palace guards to ensure her safety.’’ The princess lifted her skirt so she can walk hurriedly while Zhao Di followed. ‘’I’ll send palace guards immediately to assist you. I wanted to go myself but my father is not here at the moment and no one is taking charge here.’’

‘’We left her with a palace guard and two travelers, the other guards were slain…’’

Zhao Di was not able to finish her statement when the princess turned abruptly. ‘’You left Princess Sun Mi with strangers, what if they kill the guard and kidnap her?’’ Princess Ju Hee asked with a look of agitation in her face.

Zhao Di bent her head realizing her mistake. What if those two were just pretending to be simple travelers but were actually part of those bandits’ group. Her lips trembled. ‘’My concern Princess was to seek immediate aid. I think he would not harm her, he’s a very handsome fellow,’’ Zhao Di recovered her spunk upon recalling Hiang Che’s handsome face. She’s now smiling at Princess Ju Hee.

The latter shook her head in exasperation and proceeded walking towards the palace indicating for Zhao Di to follow. ‘’You should not base a person’s character in physical appearances Zhao Di. I’ll send some guards immediately.’’

Meanwhile, in the forest, Hiang Che knew that the princess was becoming uncomfortable and restless. He pretended to be asleep with his back against a tree trunk, but he was actually observing her. Since this morning, she barely talked to them, sitting and walking to and fro. Princess Sun Mi glanced to his direction. The guard was seated a few meters away and every now and then was roving along the premises.

‘’Are you awake?’’ she came near him hesitantly and asked softly. Princess Sun Mi was uncomfortable with Hiang Che’s presence. After their exchange of stares last night, she cannot bring herself to look at his eyes again; those beautiful eyes which had a color as black as the raven or as dark as the night. She even had a hazy dream of him. His eyes are like magnets, drawing her closer to him.

Hiang Che stood up immediately and bowed. ‘’Is there anything you want Princess?’’

She blushed, but she’s very thirsty. All their provisions were wasted during the commotion yesterday. Chen Sui went to look for fruits again, and that noon Hiang Che was able to find a fowl and had it broiled for her. ‘’Please accept my little offer Princess, this may not be to your liking, but it would ease your hunger.’’ Princess Sun Mi tried to hide her smile and contrary to what Hiang Che said, it was very tasty.

She gathered her courage and hoped she was not blushing and looked at him, ‘’Yin Hiang Che can I ask for a little water, I’m very thirsty.’’ He complied and offered her his extra decanter. ‘’You can have that Princess Sun Mi, it’s still full.’’

The princess smiled shyly at him and though he was uneasy, Hiang Che still dared to look into her eyes as he smiled back at her. Looking at her closely, he realized that they had similar eye colors. Both of them have ebony-colored eyes. And the color of Princess Sun Mi’s eyes were so evident since it greatly contrasted with her smooth complexion as fair as ivory. The princess then returned to the flat stone where Chen Sui put a cushion from the carriage so she can sit comfortably.

‘’You played the flute beautifully, have you been doing it for long?’’ she asked. Hiang Che had to strain his ears to hear her. She speaks so softly.

‘’Since I was a little boy Your Majesty. We perform at festivals and court ceremonies.’’ He hoped he did not sound boastful.

She inclined her head and regarded him innocently. ‘’You haven’t performed at the Zhen palace.’’ She knew if he had, she would not forget that handsome face. She blushed at the thought.

The young man shook his head. ‘’This is my first time to travel in this region Princess. We’ve stayed for several seasons across the continent and it was only now that we’ve decided to venture in this area.’’

‘’Perhaps you should come with us to the Yu Kingdom. I want Princess Ju Hee to hear you play. Perhaps you can entertain us there. You play very nicely,’’ she invited him, her shyness evident but masked it with the pouting of her lips, making her appear petulant.

Hiang Che thought for a while and bowed to her. ‘’Thank you Princess. We have no specific destination at the moment and if you wish for us to accompany you until you reach your destination, I am at your service.’’ He bowed again. She bent her head to hide her triumphant smile.

Moments later Chen Sui returned with some fruits and offered it to her. She demurely refused and instead she told them to eat also and requested them to stop pampering her. Chen Sui sensed something and looked at the now serene face of the princess and the poker-faced demeanor of Hiang Che. Later when they are alone he will ask his friend what brought the extra shine in his eyes. But Chen Sui already had his guess when he saw the princess holding and staring at his friend’s extra water decanter.

It was already late afternoon when the ‘green cloaks’ from Yu kingdom arrived at the place in the forest where Princess Sun Mi and the men took refuge.

‘’My princess, I’m glad to see you’re all right, ‘’Zhao Di’s theatrical greeting made Princess Sun Mi smile. Zhao Di is always dramatic. ‘’I thought you were seriously hurt, what would have I done if something happened to you?’’

‘’Stop fussing Zhao Di, I’m all right now. I just cannot stand the sight of blood that’s why I fainted.’’ She shuddered at the thought of what she saw.

‘’Did these men take good care of you Princess?" she glanced around and it was then she saw Chen Sui smirking at her theatrics. Zhao Di stood at her full height, eyes narrowed at the man. ‘’And what are you smirking at vagabond?"

‘’I’m not a vagabond,’’ Chen Sui hissed under his breath.

Hiang Che turned and chuckled and so did the princess. ‘’It’s not ladylike to pick a fight with men Zhao Di. Please help me now so we can continue with our journey. I’m tired and want to rest in a bath.’’

Hiang Che glanced at her. There was a sudden wish for him to comfort her. He knew how tiresome it would be for someone not used to traveling. He turned his head in the opposite direction when she also glanced his way. Her heart seemed to flutter when she saw the worried look in his eyes. He walked a few meters away and heaved a sigh. Just what was he thinking. The likes of him are not for princesses let alone one as beautiful as Princess Sun Mi.

Chen Sui followed and nudged him. ‘’Are you serious when you accepted the princess’ invitation to go with them? We should go Hiang Che, it would be good to present our repertoire there. Perhaps they’ll hire us often once they’ve heard us perform.’’

It took the handsome man a long time to reply, he was having second thoughts in agreeing. He’s afraid to be near the princess. For the first time in his life, something stirred within his emotions and he knew he must extinguish it immediately. He has no right to feel that way toward a member of the royalty.

‘’I think I changed my mind Chen Sui, we are going in a different route anyway.’’

‘’Are you afraid of that Pekingese?’’ Chen Sui pursed his lips indicating Zhao Di’s direction. Hiang Che did not reply but walked a little farther away from the rest of the group who were busy preparing for the continuation of the journey.

He sat by a protruding root of a tree, deep in thought. Hiang Che is a very brave man because he had been trained since childhood to be so. But now he realized that he’s afraid. It was only yesterday when he first saw her but it seemed like he had known the princess for a very long time. He had already memorized every angle of her face. He shook his head, she’s haunting him already and she’s only a few meters away.

The head guard of the Yu Kingdom who accompanied Zhao Di informed the princess that they’ll be ready anytime the princess wishes to go. Princess Sun Mi looked in the direction where Hiang Che went. Is there something troubling him, she thought. She stood and was about to go in the direction of the young man but stopped. What is she doing, she blushed and hoped the guards and Zhao Di did not notice.

Princess Sun Mi tried to regain her regal bearing and ordered them that they should be moving on. She glanced with inquiring eyes at Chen Sui who was standing hesitantly nearby. He bowed, ‘’We wish you a safe journey Your Majesty.’’

The princess raised her delicate brows, ‘’But you’ll be going with us to the Yu Kingdom, I invited Yin Hiang Che to perform at my friend’s court. He agreed didn’t he?’’ Zhao Di kept on nodding her head and looked at Chen Sui with narrowed eyes.

‘’Yin Hiang Che seemed to have changed his mind Princess Sun Mi.’’ Tears welled in her eyes although she was unaware of it. Her lips trembled and she whispered, ‘’But he agreed to come…’’ Zhao Di cannot understand why her princess looked so upset with the news of that vagabond not going with them. Just then soft sad music wafted through the air, coming from Hiang Che’s flute. The princess’ face fell and she bent her head to hide her tears.

Zhao Di faced Chen Sui. ‘’You tell that man that no one has a right to change his mind where Princess Sun Mi’s wish is concerned.’’ The princess who was already seated in her carriage, grabbed her lady-in-waiting’s skirt.

A few seconds later the handsome man reappeared with Chen Sui, flute in hand, and bowed towards her. ‘’Your Majesty.’’

In her soft trembling voice she said, ‘’Aren’t you coming with us to the Yu Kingdom? I’ve invited you as my guests and you’ve agreed a while ago.’’ She pouted her lips, her lashes still misty from her tears.

‘’If that is what you wish Princess Sun Mi.’’ Hiang Che bowed but not before he saw a flicker of a smile in her lovely face.

The group traveled in silence and even when nightfall came, the princess did not want to stop. She could already see the beacon of the Yu Kingdom and she wanted to rest inside the palace immediately.

Princess Ju Hee was waiting for them. Upon their meeting, they hugged each other tightly. Princess Ju Hee smoothed her best friend’s hair and patted her cheeks inspecting for blemishes. ‘’Are you all right? I hope you’re not seriously hurt.’’

The princess shook her head. ‘’Except for a few scratches, I’m all right. You know I cannot stand the sight of blood let alone seeing someone killed.’’ She shuddered at the thought.

‘’Come inside, I know you’re tired, your room awaits you. Tonight I’ve arranged for supper to be sent in your room so you would not be disturbed.’’

Princess Sun Mi did not move but glanced back at Hiang Che and Chen Sui. ‘’Princess Ju Hee I hope you would not mind if I invited these traveling musicians to come with us. They are the ones who helped us from the bandits.’’ She stole a glance at the princess whom she regarded as an elder sister. Princess Ju Hee is known for her meanness at times and she does not trust people immediately. The young princess bit her lower lip waiting for her friend’s response.

Hiang Che and Chen Sui bowed at the princess. ‘’Yin Hiang Che at your service Your Majesty and my companion here is Cui Chen Sui,’’ Hiang Che said politely.

Princess Ju Hee turned to face Hiang Che. So this must be the man Zhao Di referred to as the handsome vagabond. ‘’Traveling musicians?’’ she regarded them and smiled slightly. ‘’Just what we need, we’ll have a banquet in your honor Princess Sun Mi, but our regular palace musicians are at the other part of the region now. Yes they can stay. I’ll request the head servant to prepare their sleeping quarters,’’ Princess Ju Hee smiled secretly, just what mischief is the princess of the Zhen Kingdom up to now, she wondered. Spoiled princess she’s not but sometimes she can twist people in her little finger. And the older princess just cannot refuse her.

It was what Hiang Che noticed of Princess Sun Mi’s character, she uses her charm to get what she wants although he knew she did it unintentionally. He bowed again towards the other princess, ‘’That’s very kind of you Princess but we can always stay at an inn and come here when our services would be needed,’’ a statement which made Princess Sun Mi uneasy. She did not want them to leave the palace premises.

‘’No, no, you can stay. I want to thank you also for saving my friend from harm’s way,’’ Princess Ju Hee said with authority.


The next days were quite busy for the palace folks preparing for the banquet in honor of the Princess of Zhen Kingdom. Hiang Che and Chen Sui were billeted at the other wing of the palace.

The night of the banquet arrived and Princess Sun Mi was so excited, a thing which did not escape Zhao Di. That night she decided to wear a beautiful flowing gown made from the finest silk and with intricate embroidery. She suppressed her delight upon seeing the handsome musician again. The same is true with Hiang Che, although he tried his best to avoid glancing at the princess’ direction. King Yu and his daughter highly applauded the series of tunes played by the two musicians. But it was the young princess who was the happiest. He’s a very handsome, talented man indeed, she mused.


Meanwhile at the Zhen palace, the guard who formerly accompanied Princess Sun Mi has returned. When King Gui Chen was informed of the traveling party’s mishap, he was greatly worried for his daughter’s safety. About the same time, the guard Ren Xiu arrived.

‘’Why didn’t you return immediately when this happened considering that you left the scene hastily,’’ the king’s booming voice made everyone within his sight flinch. They all knew how much he loves his beautiful daughter.

‘’Your Majesty, I left the area immediately to run after the other bandits. There were not only four. But I was not able to catch any of them. They knew the forest like the palm of their hands.’’ Ren Xui boasted. It seemed to please the king to know of his loyalty and courage.

That night, two shadows were whispering within the confines of the Zhen garden. ‘’Were you able to report the incident to him?’’ The woman’s head was covered with a veil.

‘’Aye, although he said he has nothing to do with it. But I’ve already planted the seed of an idea in his mind on what to do if he cannot obtain the goods. He wanted other things not only that. Rest assured our reward will be great once we have delivered the goods,’’ the owner of the man’s voice smiled in the dark.

‘’Until then, let’s just be careful.’’


Back at the Yu Kingdom, the next days of spring were spent by the two princesses enjoying each other’s company, talking endlessly, going on picnics at the palace grounds nearest to the forest. The flowers on the trees were in full bloom and looked like beautiful ribbons adorning the deep green canvass or background created by the lush leaves of various trees. The air was pure and clean, quiet and serene, save for a few chirping birds which would perch on the tree-branches occasionally. It has become their habit the past days to stay in the garden and enjoy the wonder of all the springtime flowers and the tunes or melodies made by the chirping birds.

‘’I’ve spent almost the entire spring here Ju hee, in a week’s time I’ll be going home,’’ Princess Sun Mi smiled at her friend. Princess Ju Hee eyed her curiously, ‘’There’s a special glow in your eyes little princess, would you care to share it with big sister.’’

Princess Sun Mi covered her face with a fan and giggled. She herself cannot explain it but every time she caught a glimpse of Yin Hiang Che, her heart seemed to miss a beat. Oftentimes at dinner she would request her friend that she wanted to hear some soft music played. But the truth is she just wanted to see the handsome face of the musician.

‘’Will you retain the services of the musicians?’’ she suddenly asked Princess Ju Hee.

The other woman shook her head and raised her eyebrows. She looked at her friend’s blushing face and shrugged. She guessed but she knew it would pass. Princess Sun Mi is betrothed already.

Next season, their regular palace musicians will return from across the continent and there will be no need for the services of those two. Although she would admit that they perform exceptionally well.

‘’How do you find Prince Woo Jin? I assume he is the reason you’re so happy lately.’’ Princess Ju Hee tried baiting her. A cloud of sadness seemed to pass over Princess Sun Mi’s face and her friend did not pursue the topic anymore.

Just like the other nights, sleep often eluded Hiang Che. He got up from his cot and decided to take a walk in the garden. Although they were not treated as servants in the palace, Hiang Che did not want to abuse the King and her daughter’s kindness and generosity. During daytime, he avoided the areas where the members of the royalty frequented.

It was a quiet, cool night. A jumble of thoughts had occupied his mind since that forest incident. And one prominent face was often in his vision, haunting him. She is always in his mind, her beautiful face haunts him even in his dreams, and when he is awake, it is still the vision of her ethereal beauty that he sees, constantly knocking at his heart, occupying his mind… always.

As if on cue, when he looked up to the palace balcony where Princess Sun Mi was staying, he caught a sudden movement and saw her pale beauty standing there gazing at the stars. Hiang Che took his fill gazing at her. Soon they would part ways and everything would just be a part of his treasured memory.

Chapter 4: Back to the Zhen Kingdom

Spring was nearing its end when the beautiful princess of the Zhen kingdom bid goodbye to Princess Ju Hee and King Dae Soo. Enough "green cloaks" were sent to ensure their safety.

A few days before their departure, Chen Sui and Hiang Che were contemplating on which direction they would venture when a servant told the latter that Princess Sun Mi wanted to see him. She was seated by the window in the palace receiving room, her lady-in-waiting fanning her.

Hiang Che bowed at them upon entering the doorway. Princess Ju Hee rose from her seat and came near him saying in a low voice, "I hope whatever Princess Sun Mi asks of you, you will not disappoint her. She’s rather a crybaby." The young man smiled secretly. During the course of their stay in the palace, Princess Ju Hee seemed to have softened towards him.

"Yin Hiang Che, a missive from my father, King Gui Chen arrived, informing me to bring the two men who saved us to the palace. I hope you would accept his invitation," Princess Sun Mi tried her best to sound authoritative and smiled at him.

Hiang Che cannot understand himself why he readily agreed even if at first he had resolved to avoid her. He just wanted to have this last chance to be with her. Just watching her from a distance will be enough for him.

Thus they were included in the princess’ retinue back to the Zhen realm. The journey was uneventful and at nights when they have to take respite, Hiang Che had made it a habit to play a lullaby for her, something which made the beautiful princess smile in her sleep. Both cannot deny that there is a hidden attraction between them. The princess knew whatever it is she is feeling now Yin Hiang Che was the reason for it.

*******
King Gui Chen met them at the edge of the forest, he missed his daughter so much he just cannot wait in the palace. There were tents set up in the clearing and food and refreshments were made available by the palace servants for the weary travelers.

The palace guards slowly lowered the carriage and the princess alighted gracefully. She lifted her skirt up to her ankle, unmindful of the others, and run to the waiting arms of her father. She was babbling and giggling at the same time.

Hiang Che who was standing at a distance shook his head and suppressed his smile. She’s so child-like at times making her more adorable, he thought.

The king peered at her and teased her, "What did King Yu serve you my darling daughter, you seemed to have lost your radiant beauty?" It was evident that father and daughter have an easy camaraderie. She pouted at him and stamped her foot, an action which drew laughter from the king. He hugged her again and kissed the top of her head. "You are my treasure, Sun Mi, and you are very beautiful."

Hiang Che looked away, his longing for a real mother was revived. He agreed with what the king said, she is the most beautiful woman he had seen.

She whispered something into her father’s ear which made the king glance around. He smiled when his eyes settled on Hiang Che and Chen Sui. "Father, they are the brave men who helped save us." A palace guard motioned for them to come nearer and the two men cautiously obeyed. They bowed towards the king.

"So you are the men who saved my treasure. I sent a missive to the Yu Kingdom for you to come because I wanted to reward you. I’ve been informed that you are excellent musicians, and I wanted you to be in our court from now on."

The Zhen kingdom, being the largest and most powerful, does not lack visitors. It has been the king’s hospitable way to entertain his guests with dances, music and theater shows.

He glanced at his blushing daughter. The Zhen palace has its regular musicians but when he received a missive from his daughter, requesting him to hire the services of these men, he was hesitant at first. But he cannot refuse his daughter’s wish. Thus he acquiesced.

He smiled at the two men, and invited them to partake of the refreshments prepared for the traveling party. Hiang Che bowed again. "We hope we would not disappoint you Your Highness and we are very grateful of your reward." He got his flute or dizi and rendered a lively tune for the king. When he looked up, he met the smiling eyes of the princess who was watching him all the while. She blushed when he bowed in her direction too.

While everybody were resting and eating, Princess Sun Mi came near her father and hugged him again, "Thank you father for agreeing." And with her sweet smile, who can refuse her.

Thus a new phase in the life of Yin Hiang Che and Cui Shen Sui began. They became a part of the regular palace musicians who entertained the guests with their excellent musical skills.

One night before dinner, Zhao Di was combing the princess’ hair. She looked at the smiling face of the princess in the mirror and smiled too. "You are so radiant nowadays my beautiful princess, what could be the reason for it?"

Princess Sun Mi pretended to be fiddling with her fan. She knew she was blushing. The other day, Lady Kae Tee asked her the same question when they were having their lessons. Is her happiness so transparent? She looked at Zhao Di and smiled at her loyal lady-in-waiting. "I think I’m in love Zhao Di."

"Oh," and the other girl giggled also. A thing which Huh Ying Mei did not miss. She smirked and continued with her task of arranging the princess’ gowns.

"When can I have the chance to wear these apparels?" Ying Mei grumbled under her breath and narrowed her eyes at the two giggling by the bedside. So she has fallen in love with Prince Woo Jin, that is good, our reward would be doubled. Perhaps it’s the constant presents bought by Ren Xiu as ordered by Prince Woo Jin, that softened the princess’ heart. Ying Mei had been the bearer of those presents, proclaiming often that it came from the Yun Kingdom.

"Do I look all right now Zhao Di, does my gown fit me well? Come and accompany me to the dining hall, I want to enjoy the music tonight," there was no denying the twinkle in her eyes.

Ying Mei raised her eyebrows. She was deep in thought trying to piece together the sudden change in the behavior of Princess Sun Mi. Since they arrived from the Yu Kingdom, she has become fussy over her appearance. Ying Mei left the room and followed the two. She is one of the ladies-in-waiting of the princess, but ever since she was in her service, deep in heart, she was very envious of her. She stood behind a column and saw the musicians arranging their instruments.

Hiang Che was helping the other musicians arrange their instruments when a familiar scent assailed his senses. He held his breath, trying his best not to look in her direction. But as if his eyes had a mind of their own, he directed his gaze to where she usually sits. Every time he saw her, it seemed she has become more beautiful. She was smiling at what one of her father’s guests was saying.

The musicians tonight were requested to render some western inspired songs since they have European traders as guests. They came to the kingdom to trade for some goods like silk, tea, and porcelain in exchange for western textile and other commodities.

Just then the princess’ eyes strayed in his direction. Hiang Che’s heart seemed to miss a beat but he still managed to make a slight bow towards her. She lowered her eyes to hide her smile. Ying Mei who was still standing by the column did not miss that exchange of looks. She narrowed her eyes and chewed her lower lip. She looked at the handsome musician again. NO. It cannot be. She was attracted herself to Hiang Che and has even started to drop hints at him. Could it be that the princess was also attracted to him? She must be on the alert, Prince Woo Jin must be informed soon. Besides Ying Mei has set her eyes on Hiang Che and even if he is not a rich man, Ying Mei was willing to settle for him.

After the usual repertoire of the dynamic musical duo of Hiang Che and Chen Sui, the guests could not help but give a big round of applause to their whole impressive performance. And just when they thought that the program was finished, Hiang Che suddenly signaled Chen Sui to hand over to him an hourglass-shaped drum. This was the first time that he will be using this instrument in their palace performances and the people in the audience were surprised because they were only used to seeing him play the flute. This was a very special performance indeed and Hiang Che wanted to impress Princess Sun Mi even more, by showcasing his other musical talent.

The crowd grew silent as Hiang Che beat on the drum with gentle and light taps on the goat skin membrane of the drum at first. But gradually, the music was picking up its tempo and the slow light taps became loud rhythmic bangs. The people were drawn to the steady beat of the drum and the fast tempo encouraged them to clap along with him and some were even unaware that they were already tapping their feet.

Soon, the whole room was filled with hearty laughter and loud clapping that went along with the lively tune emerging from Hiang Che’s excellent drum playing. Hiang Che closed his eyes as he played, allowing his mind to be invaded by the image of the lovely princess. It was the fitting ending for that night of grand celebration and merry-making. Everybody had smiles on their faces and they were nodding their heads in approval to the musical prowess displayed by this handsome young man once again.

Princess Sun Mi was indeed quite stunned because it was the first time too that she saw him perform with such intensity and concentration. If his flute renditions were soulful and often mellow, his final performance that night was full of passion and raw emotion. She watched his handsome face, beaded with perspiration, while he beat on the drum. Somehow, this image made the princess suddenly feel uneasy; as if a different kind of feeling had been awakened within her that she could not understand.

And it was not only the princess who was so engrossed with his upbeat drum-playing, even the other lady guests were so impressed by him, including of course the lady-in-waiting Huh Ying Mei. She noticed him before because of his good looks. But now, after seeing his excellent and versatile talent, she was now, more than ever, eager to get closer to him. She was determined to get his attention and affection as well, no matter what.

At their room that night, Chen Sui could not help teasing his friend. "Hiang Che I think the princess has taken a fancy on you. And I bet my last gold coin that you are attracted to her also. Am I right?" Chen Sui was grinning, Hiang Che’s restlessness at night was not lost on him. Poor Hiang Che, he thought.

Hiang Che sat on his bed and heaved a sigh. "I don’t want to answer that Chen Sui, suffice it to say that I always know where I stand in society." He picked up his flute and went out of the room. He needed some fresh air and took a walk in the manicured garden, her garden. He looked at her balcony. The lights were extinguished already, that means the princess was already resting. He sat on one of the garden benches and started to play a lullaby song. Will she be able to hear it, he asked and closed his eyes, her beautiful face he saw tonight was all he wanted to remember.

As the days passed by, the two musicians had developed a routine. Chen Sui had made it a habit to help in the garden while Hiang Che did other jobs within the kingdom just to avoid working in the garden because Princess Sun Mi would be there.

One day, he asked the Palace Minister in charge of administration, if he can go with them when they go out that week to do their routine check of the kingdom’s land. "But we will be away for days Hiang Che, your services might be needed by the king. Besides, it seems that your hands are not fit for manual works."

Hiang Che looked at his long fingers and shrugged his broad shoulders. "There are no scheduled visitors at the moment Minister; and besides, I would think that the other palace musicians would suffice for now. If you would allow me, I would like to offer my help and render my services in other aspects or duties concerning the Zhen kingdom."

"Very well, if that is what you want, I will make sure you will be equally compensated."

Princess Sun Mi was standing by her balcony when the portcullis was raised and the men went out. She did not mind it at first, but when she noticed a long-haired man with broad shoulders on horseback going out with the palace minister, she craned her neck.

"Princess Su Mi you are not paying attention again," Lady Kae Tee put down the writing brush and stood beside her.

"Zhao Di do you know where the men are going?" she asked, panic evident in her voice.

"I think they are going to do their usual check of the palace lands Princess. If you want I will ask."

Later in the day, it was confirmed by Chen Sui were the men went. "Vagabond, my lady wanted to know why Yin Hiang Che went with them," Zhao Di asked him while he was resting from gardening. He was adjusting his zither to play a tune for the forlorn princess he saw sitting by the gazebo. The princess was saddened by the handsome musician’s absence. She felt empty and there is a certain longing within her which she cannot put a name to every time she saw him.

"How many times do I have to tell you Pekingese that we are not vagabonds. We just travel with them, but vagabonds we are not," he looked at her disdainfully.

While on the field, Hiang Che was amazed at the extent of the Zhen Kingdom. Plantation of tea was vast as well as the groves of fruit trees. Silk production was also active and during the days that they stayed outdoors, Hiang Che helped the men. It was a good exercise for him and at the same time a good escape for him from thinking of his emotional turmoil.

It was during one of the rounds that the palace minister found out his ability in numbers and calligraphy when Hiang Che helped solve a predicament in the number of silk produced in one of the silk houses.

"Where did you learn that young man? You surprised me with your knowledge," the impressed palace administrator said.

Hiang Che humbly told him that he had been tutored and that he also acquired knowledge from the foreigners whom they came in contact with in their travels.

On the last day of their stay outside the palace, they decided to drop by a marketplace where there were a lot of traveling merchants. Hiang Che went with the two men while the others decided to while the time in an inn.

"Yin Hiang Che, I did not recognize you immediately," the man slapped him on the back. Hiang Che smiled at him. The man was a merchant with whom he and his uncle used to travel with.

"Have you met my uncle? Please inform him if you happen to meet him in one of your routes that Chen Sui and I are in good hands. We are presently hired as part of the palace musicians at the Zhen kingdom."

The man laughed. "I told you young man you have far to go. Your excellent music is not fit for carnivals and simple festivities but for the royalty." They talked for a while before Hiang Che bid him goodbye as he joined his companions.

He found them at a stall selling earthenware. "Come let us leave soon, these are old stuff and I think she already has these," The palace administrator said.

"What are you looking for?" Hiang Che cannot help asking. The assistant stopped and told him that it has been a habit of King Gui Chen to give them enough paper currency to buy some beautiful pottery for the princess. "She collects all these little plates, vases, little jars and what have you. But it is very rewarding because Princess Sun Mi is always delighted by these potteries we bought for her.’’

Hiang Che stayed behind for a while trying to look at the pottery displayed. He was about to leave when something caught his attention. He exchanged for it and had it wrapped in a pink silk cloth.

Meanwhile at the palace, Princess Sun Mi was sulking in her receiving room. Lady Kae Tee had given up on her since she was not paying attention to her lessons that day. She had not even eaten her supper the past two nights and spent the time in her room sitting in her canopied bed, her face lacking of her radiant smile.

Huh Ying Mei entered the receiving room, a package wrapped in silk cloth in hand. She bowed and smiled although her smile did not reach her eyes. "A present from Prince Woo Jin my lady."

The princess seemed not to hear her; she was propped on her elbows in her table, ink, paintbrush and books scattered in front of her. She was pouting and Ying Mei knew that once she was in that demeanor, something was amiss.

She placed the present beside the books and left.

A freshly-bathed Hiang Che was looking for Zhao Di. He asked her if she can give the package he was carrying to the princess but the latter insisted that it would be good if he would give it to her. He followed her, without knowing that there was an impish smile on Zhao Di’s face. Zhao Di guessed what is going on silently between the two and she was giddy with excitement.

"Princess Sun Mi, someone wanted to see you," she gaily announced from the doorway of the receiving room.

"I don’t want to see anyone Zhao Di," she said sadly.

"I am sorry Yin Hiang Che my princess does not want to be disturbed at the moment." At the mention of the man’s name she straightened in her seat and looked at the door. Hiang Che smiled and bowed. She smiled and bid him entry, a curious Zhao Di on his heels.

"Good day Princess Sun Mi, I hoped you would not consider me too forward but I have found this and thought you might like it.’’ He offered her the pink silk package and bowed again.

The princess was radiantly smiling now. She hurriedly opened the package and exclaimed. "It’s very beautiful Yin Hiang Che, it is quite different from the white and blue pottery." She held the vase in her hand, designed with trees with a rabbit as the prominent figure. "I think they used gold to have these different colors instead of the cobalt blue paint."

Hiang Che was impressed by her knowledge of pottery. He looked around the receiving room and noticed a lot of display of plates, jars, vases, either plain white or the common white and blue design with the design of dragons, ducks, swans, fishes or plants.

"I love it Yin Hiang Che, this is perhaps made by a modern artisan, and this is the first time that a rabbit was used as a subject," she told him softly, the happiness evident in her voice.

"I remembered what you said in the forest when I offered to forage for food and you warned me not to kill a rabbit. I assumed you favored them and I did see some rabbits scurrying in certain parts of the gardens."

She dimpled at him and smiled, "Yes, they are my pets. Thank you once again Yin Hiang Che for your thoughtfulness."

"It is my pleasure Princess Sun Mi to present you with something to add to your collections," the young man nodded.

They looked at each other intently until Zhao Di cleared her throat. The embarrassed princess realized then that they were not alone which made her blush profusely.

"Let me take care of the vase princess, I’ll find a proper place for that here."

"No I’ll take this to my room," and held the vase in her chest, an action which clearly indicated for Zhao Di not to interfere anymore.

"I’m glad you like it Princess Sun Mi, until then," Hiang Che was smiling when he left the room. He almost collided with the surprised Ying Mei who was hurrying down the hall.

"It’s good to see you back Hiang Che, we missed listening to your music." Hiang Che politely smiled at her and continued walking out of the hallway.

Lady Kae Tee opened the adjoining door to their rooms when she heard the excited voice of the princess. What could be reason for her lifted spirits, she thought, smiling to herself as she entered the room. The princess was ordering Zhao Di to remove the vase at her bedside table. Then she transferred the fresh flowers to the new vase. She looked up when she sensed her governess’ presence.

"Look Lady Kae Tee, Yin Hiang Che gave me this, it was so thoughtful of him to remember why I did not want him to kill a rabbit while we were stranded in the forest. He thought they are my favorites and he was right. Is not the vase beautiful? It is different from the others,’’ she babbled. Lady Kae Tee nodded and hid her smile. Now she knew.

The princess lay down on her canopied bed, still eyeing the vase at her bedside table. Her governess sat by the bedside and looked at her. "Lady Kae Tee have you been in love?’’ the question startled the older woman.

"Princess Sun Mi, we should always adhere to Confucius’ teaching which states that: let rulers be rulers and subjects be subjects," was all the other woman could say thinking ahead already of the consequences if it will go on. But her words landed on deaf ears as the princess continued on smiling, staring at the lovely vase with the cute rabbit on it.

Moments later Ying Mei entered, "Princess Sun Mi you forgot to open the present sent by Prince Woo Jin," and placed the package at the divan at the foot of the bed. "I think it is sandalwood,’’ she added. The princess did not reply, her eyes already closed, a smile evident in her lovely face.

"Hush, let her take a restful nap for now," Lady Kae Tee signaled as she quietly left the room too.

Chapter 5: A summertime filled with poetry and music

Days passed by so quickly that before the princess realized, it was already summertime. She was sitting idly in her room, taking out her poem collection. Since Lady Kae Tee started tutoring her, Princess Sun Mi had also learned to transform her ideas into poetry. An idea suddenly occurred to her, which brought back the radiant smile on her face, as well as a curious frown.

Princess Sun Mi picked up her writing brush and started to write the poem she had been mulling over for the past days…

What is on your mind?

What is on your mind? I would like to know.
Is it the same as what you seem to show?
Or is it much different from what you really feel?
Can you tell me what is for real?

Your brilliant smile that reached me by a mile
Your puzzling stare that placed tension in the air
Your secret glances that I would always catch
But it did not seem to bother you that much.

The thoughtful, concerned and helpful ways
That leaves me awed and amazed
Those polite, careful and kind words
Would taking them seriously be absurd?

How I wish that it could be
All your thoughts revealed to me
If only I could, I would hypnotize you
In telling me all of what is true

What is on your mind? I really must know.
Is it the same of what you seem to show?
I hope I could learn to trust you… enough
Now that I am beginning to like you…
(now that I could be falling for you…)


If only she would have the chance to share this poem with Hiang Che. But would he be able to realize that she is referring to him in her poem?

*****************

Princess Sun Mi also had a talent for painting. Lady Kae Tae was glad that she had started to pick up her painting materials again although of late she was so secretive of her subjects making sure that she has complete privacy when she did her sketches. The main reason for this was because lately, her paintings and sketches would be about everything that reminded her of Yin Hiang Che.

Such as: the spot in the forest where they were stranded; the water decanter that he offered to give her when she said that she was very thirsty; the scene by the bonfire where they glanced at each other and for that brief moment, time stood still. And most recently, her artistic mind would always dwell on drawing cute little rabbits scurrying in the garden.

It became obvious to her tutor that the princess’ mind has been pre-occupied by these furry creatures for some time now. She never grew tired of drawing them over and over again. And it was not just because they were her favorite animals, but more so because it constantly reminded her of the porcelain vase that Yin Hiang Che gave her.
She indeed had a fondness for everything and anything that could be associated with the handsome musician and she became excited and eager to sketch and paint these things and sceneries on paper. Lady Kae Tee could only smile secretly in amusement for indeed her ward was definitely growing up and turning into a fine young lady. However, in the back of her mind, she also became worried about Princess Sun Mi and how she is bound to be dismayed and get hurt in the future.

********************

It was a hot summer night. Hiang Che kept on tossing in bed because he could not sleep. He got up stealthily so as not to awaken Chen Shui, picked up his flute and went out to the garden. He went to his favorite spot and sat in one of the benches. He gazed up to the princess’ window and saw that a light was still flickering.

She is still awake, Hiang Che thought.

Surprisingly, he was not in the mood to play some music tonight. Instead he walked towards the princess’ abode in the garden: her gazebo. He seldom wanders around that place since Chen Shui had once mentioned that it is an off-limits territory to others except for Zhao Di and whoever was doing the gardening; and her rabbits of course, which were often scurrying around.

He smiled, remembering her reaction to his present several fortnights ago. But then, he was saddened immediately. He sat in another bench near the hedges and hunched his shoulders, his gaze on the ground. It is futile to experience these deep unexplained emotions within him, which he knew would have to be extinguished soon. He heaved a sigh when he remembered another bit of information he heard from the palace subjects. The princess was already betrothed to a man named Prince Woo Jin.

Suddenly, he heard a sweet voice softly humming a melodious tune. It was coming from the nearby gazebo so he straightened his back and looked in that direction. He moved towards the voice and was delighted indeed to see that it was Princess Sun Mi.

The princess could not fall asleep as well. She just waited for Lady Kae Tee and Zhao Di to retire to their bedrooms then she went down to her garden. Since it was a very humid night, she decided to walk further along the path until she reached the gazebo. She was deeply immersed in her thoughts, humming softly while strolling along.
She suddenly stopped and looked around upon hearing soft footfalls on the grass. A shadow appeared near the bushes and the princess almost choked.

"Please do not be afraid your majesty, it is I, Yin Hiang Che. My apologies for disturbing your peace but I thought the place was deserted." He came out of the shadows and bowed.

Princess Sun Mi heaved a sigh of relief. Slowly she relaxed and stared at him. They stared at each other, with their faces illuminated only by the lamp inside the gazebo. It was Hiang Che who looked away first although what he wanted to do was to stare at her lovely face forever. Princess Sun Mi was glad it was dark because she knew for certain that she was blushing.

*****************

It would be the start of the frequent meetings and encounters in the garden between the lovely princess and the handsome musician. Princess Sun Mi was impressed by Hiang Che’s vast and varied knowledge in a lot of things. Once, when they were staring up in the sky, Hiang Che started telling her the legends about each of the constellations. But the princess would often stare at him in awe instead of the stars.

“Hiang Che, can I ask a favor from you?’”

Hiang Che bowed slightly. Even though they had become friendly with each other lately, he still tried to keep his distance.

“Can you please keep this a secret? You see, I have written several poems over the years and have kept them in scrolls hidden inside my room. But lately, I was pondering about sharing these poems with other people such as my father, my friends, and even to our subjects here in the Zhen kingdom.”

“However, I would be more delighted if I could share them with others in a form of a musical rendition. I already have some tunes in my head and I would be humming them often so as not to forget the melodies which I’ve created in my mind.”

Oh! So that is the reason why I would always hear the princess humming, just like that humid summer night when I first chanced upon her by the gazebo. Hiang Che thought to himself and smiled.

The princess continued: “but since I do not know how to play a musical instrument, I can’t seem to put together the melody and the lyrics. So, seeing how musically-gifted you are, would it be possible for you to make the musical arrangements and supply the musical accompaniment?” She asked wistfully.

Hiang Che’s eyes grew even wider in awe of the lovely princess. He discovered that she was even more talented and wonderful than what he had already known. His admiration for her became greater.

“I would gladly and eagerly comply, your highness. And thank you very much for putting your confidence in me and in my musical abilities; and also for trusting me enough, to share your treasured poems with me.” Hiang Che beamed as he replied to the beautiful maiden before him who was a picture of happiness upon his words of agreement.

Thus, the princess and the musician spent most of the summer time composing lyrics and creating music for the different poems written by Princess Sun Mi. It was indeed “poetry in motion and music in action”. They were both amazed at how easily they worked with each other and how they seemed to agree in a lot of the tunes and melodies that they would suggest.

However, it was unknown to them that during their musical tasks and melodious endeavors, there would often be a by-stander hidden in the shadows. It was actually the lady-in-waiting Young Mi who was closely observing the two, focusing her eyes on them like a hawk! She clearly saw the undeniable rapport between Princess Sun Mi and Yin Hiang Che.

She would always clench her hands tightly into fists as feelings of outrage and jealousy were already creeping in. Young Mi was determined to do something about it. She would have to talk to the palace guard Pei Ren Xiu soon.

*****************

At the other side of the region, Rao Shin, Hiang Che’s uncle, learned about Chen Shui and his nephew’s new positions in the Zhen palace. He sat down and smiled while recalling Hiang Che as a little boy. He always knew that regardless of the ill fate that befell him, losing his parents at a very early age, his life would still amount to something significant. As if greatness was destined to be etched in his life.

Meanwhile at the neighboring kingdom, Prince Woo Jin was troubled. The guard Ren Xiu had delivered a missive to him personally, about the handsome palace musician who rescued Princess Sun Mi from the bandits and was accorded by King Gui Chen such a position in the palace courts. Prince Woo Jin felt that he had to make his calculated moves soon. He decided to give a surprise visit to his betrothed at the soonest time possible.

The sudden arrival of Prince Woo Jin seemed to cast a dark cloud on the princess’ sunny disposition. Hiang Che, who was watching the newly arrived guest from a distance, felt the same way too.


(to be continued)

Chapter 6: “Enemies within the Palace”

The arrival of Prince Kim Woo Jin at the Zhen Palace coincided with the yearly hunting trip that King Gui Chen organized for all the noblemen in his kingdom, as well as for distinguished guests from the neighboring palaces. Among the nobilities present was Prince Kim Sun Dal, the crown prince of the Kim Kingdom. He is the eldest son of King Kim Bae Won and he is also the second cousin of Prince Woo Jin, their fathers being first cousins.

Aside from the hunting trip which was an exclusive activity for the men only, the thanksgiving feast was also the culminating activity held along this time. This is to signal the end of summer and the arrival of autumn. Also, the essence of this special banquet was to give thanks for a bountiful harvest within the year. This would also be the last major celebration for the year, before winter comes.

As soon as Prince Woo Jin arrived, he immediately asked to be presented to the king for he will use this time to talk to ‘his majesty’ and make formal preparations for his impending wedding with his only daughter, Princess Sun Mi. This was his main purpose in visiting the palace. The feast and the hunting trip were only secondary. His primary concern is to hasten his marriage with the princess so as to immediately rule out all the others competing for her affection and attention. Especially that pesky musician and ‘outsider’ Yin Hiang Che!

“Greetings your highness… I am so delighted to be a visitor in your palace once again. I have come bearing gifts from my uncle King Yun Hae Seon of the Yun Kingdom, as well as some ornaments from my mother Lady Kim Jin Suk for Princess Sun Mi.” Prince Woo Jin proudly declared to King Gui Chen.

“Thank you Prince Woo Jin and please extend my gratitude to your uncle and mother as well. Please, have a seat,” replied the King.

“Your highness, can I just inquire at what time can I see your beautiful daughter? I’m very eager to see her since I started my journey to your kingdom.” The prince asked.

“Oh Prince Woo Jin, worry not. I have informed Princess Sun Mi of your arrival and have arranged for the two of you to meet during dinner and you may have a talk with her afterwards.” King Gui Chen smiled. "I see that you younger folks are so eager to see your beloved ones immediately.”

“Certainly, your highness” replied Prince Woo Jin. "That is how precious your only daughter is to me.” He said this as he smiled back at the King.

“Well then, you must be tired from your journey. I have instructed them to arrange your temporary quarters in the palace and it is already prepared. You may want to retire first to your room to rest? We shall meet again later tonight during dinner time.”

“Thank you once again your highness for your hospitality.” Then Prince Woo Jin proceeded to his temporary abode as a guest in the Zhen palace.

Tonight Princess Sun Mi, we shall finally meet again and I guarantee that you cannot escape from me and that you will agree to marry me soon. By hook or by crook, you shall be my wife. I won’t let anything or anyone else stand in my way. I shall never pass up the chance to subdue you and use you to advance my ambitions and enlarge my territory. Your father’s kingdom is the most powerful in the Far East and I will be the one to rule it… in due time.

Prince Woo Jin was grinning sheepishly. These thoughts and plots filled his mind as he strode towards his room.

**********
A sumptuous dinner was prepared to welcome the distinguished guests of the palace. Among the four kingdoms, only the Yu kingdom was not represented. King Yu Dae Soo, the father of Princess Ju Hee, had been very ill for a long time and so the princess opted to stay by her father’s side instead of attending the festivities on his behalf. She was now practically the one ruling the Yu kingdom since her father is already unable to perform his administrative duties due to his sickness.

Prince Kim Sun Dal was a bit disappointed because he was eager to see Princess Ju Hee and this could have been the golden opportunity. He has long been intrigued by the beautiful and willful princess. They haven’t seen each other for a long time. In their childhood days, they would be brought along by their fathers to visit each other’s kingdoms. But he eagerly listened to stories told about her and he felt that he already knew the princess well, from the accounts he heard from others. He would often hear about how effective she is in governing their kingdom even at her young age and despite her gender. And this image made the prince admire her even more.

**********
All eyes were on Princess Sun Mi as she arrived at the banquet hall. Her ethereal beauty emerged among the sea of other beautiful women in elegant gowns of opulent colors adorned with fancy embroidery and ornaments. The gentlemen gaped in the wonder of her beauty while the women looked upon her with envy.

“Indeed, Princess Zhen Sun Mi is very beautiful and the man that will capture her heart will be so fortunate. Not only will he have the prestige of having her as his bride, but along with it comes the vast fortune of the Zhen kingdom.” Some of the nobilities were whispering amongst themselves.

Then one of them retorted: “But I heard that she has already been betrothed in marriage to Prince Kim Woo Jin, the only nephew of King Yun and the future heir to his throne since the King is a widower and has no children.”

“Is that so?” replied another guest. “Then that prince is very lucky indeed. Maybe they will announce their formal engagement towards the end of the festivities?”

**********

Many speculations were already circling around the room but Princess Sun Mi couldn’t care less. There was only one thing on her mind: Where could Yin Hiang Che be? I haven’t seen him for the whole day. Even Xhao Di had not seen him since this morning. Is he alright? Maybe he suddenly became ill or he is not feeling well? Will he be among the court musicians in the banquet tonight? All of these questions were racing through her mind but she had to keep her smile plastered on her face and assume a demeanor free of worry and anxiety.

Hiang Che had purposely avoided to see the princess since he saw the arrival of the ‘distinguished guest’ Prince Woo Jin. All the more he felt out of place and unworthy to have the princess’ attention and to remain in her company. So he opted to stay away from her, especially now that her betrothed is already in their midst.

He originally wanted to excuse himself from joining the other musicians tonight. But he was sent a personal missive from the king himself that he would want him to play a special tune for tonight in order to entertain his very important guests. Of course Hiang Che could not refuse the king’s order so he had no choice to be present at the feast tonight.

If only it was not this painful to see her so lovely and elegant and vibrant, then to see her in the company of her ‘prince charming.’ Don’t be stupid Yin Hiang Che, you are no match for him. Besides, she only sees you as an eager and loyal subject, as a friend at best. As a willing ally in her musical endeavors… that’s all. You are crazy to think that there could be something more. It’s only an illusion.

He continued to berate himself in his mind with these rambling thoughts as his eyes were intently staring at the empty spaces in the room. He wanted to see only blurred faces and he will do his very best to concentrate in his flute playing. He wished that he would not be able to lay his eyes on the princess for he knew that when he does, he will be deeply mesmerized again and it will just make him lose his concentration.

Beside him, his friend Chen Shui has been observing him since this morning and he saw how strange he was acting tonight. “Hiang Che, what is it? Is anything the matter? Are you not feeling well? You look so bothered and perplexed for the whole day. Are you sure you are able to continue to play?”

“Yes, yes, I’m fine Chen Shui, don’t worry about me. I just feel a bit nauseous. It’s probably because of the big crowd gathered here that the room feels so warm and I can’t seem to breathe easily. But other than that I’m fine. Now go on and concentrate on your playing. We have very special guests in our midst tonight.” He reassured his friend but somehow Chen Shui was still unconvinced.

“Well if you say so… I’m just concerned about you my friend. Alright then, let’s continue on playing our music.”

At the other end of the room, the ladies-in-waiting were all seated together while observing the festivities and looking after Princess Sun Mi. They have to be always ready to serve the princess, in case she might need any assistance. Zhao Di was smiling for she always admired the way the princess moved and talked especially during this type of gatherings.

On the other hand, Ying Mei had a smirk on her face because as always. She was envious of the princess whenever she walked into a room and all heads turned towards her, admiring her regal bearing. It was Ying Mei’s ultimate dream to one day be as elegant and charming and bewitching as Princess Sun Mi. Her eyes roamed and landed on the direction of Hiang Che.

Hmmm…. This handsome man looks so downtrodden and forlorn today. I wonder why? Ying Mei rolled her eyes for she knew the reason for this. Wasn’t she the one, along with the palace guard Pei Ren Xiu, who divulged all the information to Prince Woo Jin? That Princess Sun Mi and the handsome new musician have gotten so close that he might be a possible threat to the prince if he starts to invade the princess’ emotions and capture her affection.

Well, with Prince Woo Jin present here now, he will surely take care of Princess Sun Mi and get all her time and attention. While you my handsome Hiang Che will be left alone and disregarded. And from then on I can have you all for myself. Ying Mei had a devious smile on her face again as she intended to snag Hiang Che’s attention with her worldly charms.

You may not exactly be ‘royalty’ but at least you’re a very talented and capable man. And if I obtain your love and favor, I can ask you take me away from this palace for I do not wish to serve as the princess’ maid forever. Ying Mei seemed to already have a well-thought of plan and she was deeply determined to successfully execute it, no matter what.

**********

The banquet was nearing its end but Princess Sun Mi and Yin Hiang Che never once locked eyes with each other. It was so different from the previous times when they could easily find each other even in a sea of so many people. Tonight, it seems that a huge gap or high wall have been built between them. And the perfect harmony they seemed to share during the summertime of writing poetry and music had suddenly vanished.

Then Princess Sun Mi heard a familiar tune. She knew that she heard it before but she just could not pinpoint it at once. Then eventually it dawned on her where she heard that melody before. It was the tune that Hiang Che composed for one of her poems!

She strained her neck to look for him in the room. She wanted desperately to see his face as he played that tune… that “love melody” he specially created for her.

“That is a very beautiful tune Hiang Che is playing.” The king remarked. "I knew I could rely on him to make a special musical rendition. I told him that we would have very special guests tonight. Hence, I wanted him to give his best musical performance and play a very special tune.”

“The melody is so beautiful and yet so haunting. It seems to echo a feeling of deep longing. There is a certain sadness in the tune but also with a mellow and soothing effect towards the end. Don’t you agree cousin?” Prince Sun Dal expressed his observation and asked his cousin if he agrees with what he said.

“Uh…” Prince Woo Jin was taken by surprise by his cousin’s question because in truth he wasn’t paying much attention to the music being played. He didn’t care about music, more so if the one playing the tune is that ‘vagabond’ Hiang Che.

Princess Sun Mi was eager to hear the prince’s reply because somehow she was hoping that at least they would have a common love for music. But she was disappointed when she saw his reaction. Clearly he was not paying attention and had no interest or appreciation for beautiful music at all.

“The song is much like the rainbow after the rain; like the ray of light signaling hope after the storm. That is how I feel about the melody that had just been played.” Princess Sun Mi expressed her emotions about the song and the crowd cheered and agreed with her comment. And why would they not, for the words that she uttered were the very lyrics of the song, the lines from her poem which accompanied this tune.

Princess Sun Mi secretly smiled within her heart. She sensed that though she and Hiang Che haven’t spoken for the whole day and their eyes haven’t met during the evening, she knew that he was thinking about her and that this melody was special to him as well.

**********

King Gui Chen, Princess Sun Mi and Prince Woo Jin were seated at the receiving room of the king’s quarters. They were about to discuss the details of the wedding but the princess was still very vocal about her protests.

“Please father, why do we have to rush things? I know you made an agreement with the King of Yun kingdom to give my hand in marriage to his heir to the throne. But I’ve only known Prince Woo Jin for a very short time. Wouldn’t it be better if we will have a longer engagement to know each other well? Then we would have a better foundation for our union.” Princess Sun Mi pleadingly whispered to he father’s ear while Prince Woo Jin was seated at the other end of the room.

“Hush child, why are you asking this way? I am a man with word of honor and the agreement I had with King Yun Hae Seon a long time ago, I must fulfill. Please try to understand my sweet daughter. This is not only for my sake but for the sake of our whole kingdom. We need to strengthen our ties with the neighboring kingdoms and make them our allies. And besides, what do you have against Prince Woo Jin personally? He is a handsome young man with royal descent. He is intelligent, articulate and highly educated. Also skilled in various martial arts and would be a competent leader someday. From what I can see, you are compatible with one another, what more can you ask?” The king explained to Princess Sun Mi.

“What about LOVE father? Am I not allowed to consider love and my feelings? I want to marry someone whom I can cherish for the rest of my life. Not just for political, social or economic reasons. I’m your only daughter… don’t you want me to be happy? Look at Princess Ju Hee, she is older than me yet her father is not forcing her to marry so early. So why do you have to put me in this kind of pressure father, why?” Princess Sun Mi was close to shedding tears as she continued to reason with King Gui Chen.

“Enough, Sun Mi. I have already told you everything you needed to hear. Now it is impolite to treat our guest this way, whispering and talking behind his back. So please show some courtesy and extend your hospitality to our visitor. The kind that is fitting for a prince and that is expected from a princess.” The king of Zhen kingdom finally became stern in his voice and there was nothing more Princess Sun Mi could do but to bow her head in submission to her father’s wishes.

Prince Woo Jin has been closely observing Princess Sun Mi and her father and somehow he knew what has transpired between her and the king. "Your highness, I think it would be better if we can agree on the soonest possible date for the wedding." The prince purposely said to try and contradict what the princess has been pleading with her father. He really did not want to dilly-dally. A lot of fortune is at stake and he must act soon. The reports made to him by Ren Xiu were quite true. He had seen the delighted face of the princess while watching that musician play. And Prince Woo Jin also sensed the other man’s attraction towards her. He had seen the secret glances he threw at her.

The king and Prince Woo Jin started to discuss the wedding plans and Princess Sun Mi, feigning a headache, excused herself. "Forgive me Prince Woo Jin but I think I need some fresh air. I hope you will understand that the suddenness of your decision to set a date surprised me."

Prince Woo Jin looked at the princess and said, "My apologies beautiful princess, I hope you understand too that I’m very eager to make you my wife so that there will be a beauty who will grace our Kingdom."

She gave him a bland smile and retreated from the room. The princess instructed Zhao Di not to follow her and she went out to the garden. She went directly to the gazebo and was not disappointed. She saw Hiang Che sitting on his favorite bench.

**********

Jealousy was eating at Hiang Che’s heart and mind so he decided to go to their usual meeting place for some peace and quiet. He didn’t expect to see the princess there for he knew that she would be busy entertaining her betrothed.

A few moments ago, he had dismissed Ying Mei from his presence. The words of that aggressive and over-bearing lady-in-waiting also bothered him. She’s a real coquette. Hiang Che remembered Cheng Sui’s words a before.

"I know why you’re so sad tonight Hiang Che, will you let me take that sadness away? Your eyes are not fit for sadness," Ying Mei, without much preamble, sat near him.

This was not the first time that she approached him. There were incidents in the past when she asked him to teach her how to play the hour-glass drum, always insisting that she wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument just like him. But Hiang Che did not fall for her seductive traps because there was only one woman in his heart. He looked up at her window. The lights are not extinguished yet.

Does Ying Mei know of the secret rendezvous between him and the princess? A worried thought suddenly crossed over Hiang Che’s mind. Then, it was his turn to be surprised when he sensed her highness’ presence.

“Greetings your highness” he bowed and uttered these words softly.

The princess smiled at him sweetly and it tore Hiang Che’s heart to know that even that lovely smile can never be totally his.

"I was really hoping to see you here Hiang Che. That was a very beautiful piece you played tonight. I could not believe that it would come out like that. I really wanted to inform all those around that it was our joint effort but I held my tongue."
Actually, in her happiness upon hearing the "love melody", she almost blurted out that it came from her poem and Hiang Che made the musical notes for it.

Hiang Che smiled wanly at her and stared at her for a long time. "You look very lovely tonight Princess Sun Mi. Surely I hope I was able to do justice to my offering for such a lovely lady." His tone was very serious tonight.
The princess beamed at him. Eventually, the forlorn mood of both of them during the night vanished as they talked quietly.

**********

Meanwhile, Prince Woo Jin had a sly smile and a dubious expression on his face. A personal missive was given to him a moment ago, informing him of the death of King Yun Hae Seon. Just like the King of Yu Kingdom, he has been quite ill for a long time. It seems that he never fully recovered from the death of his wife and child several years ago. He was always sad and depressed, and thus his health quickly deteriorated through the years.

Although he was his uncle, Prince Woo Jin was not necessarily devastated about the news. He wanted to return to their palace soon after their hunting trip. He would like to discuss with his mother the agreements he made with King Zhen Gui Chen regarding the wedding preparations. He was also eager to enforce his installation as the new king of the Yun Kingdom. However, he decided to keep the information of the king’s death to himself. His mother told him that she would be the one to send a personal missive to King Zhen regarding this matter.

"Are you looking for Princess Sun Mi, your majesty?” Prince Woo Jin was a bit startled by the sudden appearance of Ying Mei beside him as he was so deep in devious thoughts a few moments ago.

“Why do you ask?” The prince replied. “Are they together?” Prince Woo Jin asked the lady-in-waiting whom he knew as the ‘spying partner’ of Pei Ren Xiu in monitoring the princess’ actions.

Ying Mei signaled the prince to follow her. Once they were outside, the prince whispered again: "Are they together?" Ying Mei nodded with eyes full of hatred. She stood behind the prince but she was puzzled when he did not make any move to intrude upon the happy conversation of the princess and Hiang Che.

Prince Woo Jin was seething, but he would not openly interrupt them now. He watched them with narrowed eyes. He decided to stand in the shadows and just observe them for now. He was busy in concocting a plan in his mind on how to get rid of the musician without anyone suspecting him.

"Prince Woo Jin, you are not going to come near them?" Ying Mei asked him for she wanted Princess Sun Mi to be embarrassed. But Prince Woo Jin just remained silent and turned on his heel to go inside the palace.

**********

The following day, the men had an early start for the hunting trip. Prince Woo Jin was surprised to see Hiang Che and his friend accompanying them.

"Do we need to play a lullaby for the birds and animals so we can easily catch them?" Prince Woo Jin asked mockingly and in a very loud voice for everyone to hear.

The other men, including Prince Kim Sun Dal, did not reply. He just looked at Hiang Che who was walking silently behind the King’s carriage with his head slightly bowed. It was the king who insisted that Hiang Che go with them to the woods.

The hunting trip went smoothly until the king decided to mount a horse so he can go deeper into the forest. The horse, which was not accustomed to him, reared on its hind legs and almost threw the king. It was a good thing Hiang Che was nearby to cushion the fall of King Zhen.

"Yin Hiang Che thank you from saving me from that fall, you are highly dependable." The king patted him on the shoulder inquiring if he was hurt. Hiang Che merely shook his head and bowed. When he looked up, he saw Prince Woo Jin staring hard at him, the hatred in his eyes obvious.

**********

Upon the men’s return to the Zhen palace, Prince Woo Jin sought audience with the king alone to bid him goodbye.

"Prince Woo Jin I just got a missive from your mother regarding your uncle’s death. I sympathize with your loss and I agree that you have to go back home now. A bigger responsibility awaits you now that my friend is gone."

The prince bent his head pretending to be sad. "I’ll look for the princess to bid her goodbye for tomorrow my traveling party will leave early."

The king nodded and looked at the prince’s retreating back.

But the prince suddenly turned around again and said: "King Zhen Gui Chen, I do not wish to meddle in your palace affairs but since my betrothed is concerned here, I think I should let you know about this.”

King Zhen frowned but signaled him to go on and continue what he was saying.

“I think it’s time you should be made aware of the inappropriate actions done by that ‘vagabond musician’ Yin Hiang Che.” Prince Woo Jin revealed.

“What exactly do you mean?” The king replied with a confused face.
“I have heard rumors since I arrived that this ‘outsider’ has been secretly meeting with your daughter almost every night at the gazebo by the garden. At first I could not believe it but I was able to see it with my own two eyes last night! Forgive me for my frankness your highness, but I think he is trying to seduce her with his charms and worldly ways. He was accepted honorably in your palace and this is how he repays your kindness and generosity. I think he wishes to take advantage of the princess’ innocence to achieve his ambitions. I was deeply bothered by this your majesty so I decided to inform you of this matter.”

The king was obviously startled and angered by what he heard. “I appreciate your honesty Prince Woo Jin. Rest assured that I shall handle this matter accordingly. I wish you a safe journey back to your palace.”

Prince Woo Jin bowed towards the king then made his way out of the room with a glint of victory in his eyes. Yes, my plan worked perfectly! Now, it is the king himself who will dispose of that ‘foreigner’ for my sake.

**********

Shortly after Prince Woo Jin left, the king summoned Yin Hiang Che to his quarters.

“You have called for me your majesty?” He bowed and asked the king. He thought that his majesty would commend him again for his act of saving him from harm and injury since he was able to break his fall from the horse earlier at the hunting trip.

“Yin Hiang Che…” The king began to speak. “I have accepted you in my good graces and treated you well with kindness and generosity as thanksgiving for protecting my daughter’s life from the attack of the bandits before. I assumed that you were an honorable and honest man. I extended my hospitality to you and your friend and allowed you to stay as our regular palace musicians. But I never expected you to deceive me in this way!” The king exclaimed in a loud and forceful voice.

“Your majesty…” was all Hiang Che could say as he was completely startled and utterly puzzled by what the king was saying. He sounded like he was accusing him of a crime and he was becoming wary of what the king’s next words would be.

“You have taken advantage of my daughter’s gratefulness towards you for saving her life that you have already gone overboard with your limitations. Is it true that you have been secretly meeting with my daughter regularly at the gazebo by the garden?” The king asked him directly.

Yin Hiang Che was taken aback and he didn’t know what to say. He has promised the princess never to reveal their rendezvous or meeting place to anyone. It was to be their ‘sworn secret’. But he was faced with an intense dilemma for he knew that he could not openly lie to the king. He thought that maybe if the king knew about the reason why they were meeting --- to compose music for the princess’ poetry --- the king would not be as mad and would understand that they had an honorable purpose or valid reason for meeting.

“I would never lie to you, your majesty… Yes, it is true that there had been instances when I would meet the Princess by the gazebo. But it was because…”

Hiang Che was trying to explain further but before he could continue and finish his statement, the King stood up and yelled at him: “So, it is true, you ingrate!”

“But your majesty… please let me explain…” Hiang Che pleaded.

“What is the use of your explanation? I have already heard enough. The fact that you have admitted to secretly meeting with my daughter in the middle of the night is already cause for me to consider that your intentions are definitely not honorable. I order you to leave the premises of Zhen palace at once! Bring your friend with you. We have no more use for palace musicians like you.” The king gave his orders and the palace guards quickly dragged Hiang Che out of the room.

Hiang Che did not bother to struggle as he was led away. Zhao Di saw this incident and ran to the princess’ room. She was having her tutorials with Lady Kae Tee.

"I apologize for intruding Princess Sun Mi but it seems Hiang Che had done something which was not to your father’s liking and he was being dragged by the guards. I think they will be banished from the kingdom," Zhao Di was panting, a worried look on her face since she had become besotted with Chen Shui herself.

The princess hastily stood up and left the room immediately, as the two quickly followed her. Ying Mei just stayed there, smirking behind one of the pillars, not minding the commotion and panic going on among the other ladies.

It was too late. The princess saw the palace guards leading Hiang Che and Chen Shui outside the palace premises.

"Yin Hiang Che," Princess Sun Mi could not control her emotions anymore and shouted.

Hiang Che slowly turned his head and what he saw really tore his heart. Princess Sun Mi stood there by the palace doors with tears streaming down her lovely face as she looked at him.

Please do not cry Princess, he uttered to himself as the sad expression in his eyes also melted Princess Sun Mi’s heart. Then he quickly turned around, not wanting to see her tears again. He could not bear to have his last glance of her in a very anxious and miserable state.


*** to be continued ***

Chapter 7: “The Pain of Separation”

There was nothing Lady Kae Tee could do to appease the crying princess. This was what she feared for her ward, to be heartbroken. She knew that Princess Sun Mi cared for the handsome musician and the same is true with the young man. Lady Kae Tee just shook her head to ward off her tears also. She blamed herself for letting the princess get some false ideas and for turning a blind eye on her wandering out in the garden at night to meet with Hiang Che.

She gathered Princess Sun Mi in her arms and smoothed her hair. "Hush now my little girl, you will get over this soon."

The princess looked at the older woman and saw the knowing look in her eyes. "You knew that I care for him," she whispered in between sobs. Lady Kae Tee nodded.  

Suddenly Princess Sun Mi wriggled from her embrace and ran inside going directly to her father. Ying Mei was observing from the shadows, anger and hatred were visible in her eyes. You are the cause of Hiang Che’s banishment Princess Sun Mi. You already have your prince but still you wanted him.  

"Father how can you do this to Hiang Che? After all that he has done for us…" the princess was not able to finish her diatribe when King Gui Chen cut her in.

"Stop your foolishness Sun Mi. I’m aware of everything already. I trusted Hiang Che and yet he betrayed me, by wooing you, having secret meetings with you."

"It’s not what you think Father, Hiang Che is my friend and whoever gave you that information just wanted to ruin your trust on Hiang Che," Princess Sun Mi tried to defend the musician.

She bowed her head and cried anew. It was true that she has fallen in-love with the handsome man, but she tried her best to keep it to herself. Hiang Che had not taken advantage of her trust in him during the times that they were together. He would always show his respect for her. And now he was gone, never to return again, for the princess knew that the king’s order can never be bent.  He wanted Hiang Che to be banished from the realm of Zhen Kingdom; to be exiled to the farthest place possible where his beloved daughter would be beyond his reach.

===== 

Meanwhile the guard Pei Ren Xiu had volunteered to take charge with regards to the exile of Hiang Che and Chen Sui. He clasped his fist with his other hand and smiled wickedly: It’s time to carry out Prince Woo Jin’s order.   He knew he will be rewarded with a big sum. Besides, it was time to punish that handsome man because Ren Xiu knew that Ying Mei had taken a fancy on him also. I must teach you a lesson and if it meant killing you, I will.

With arms tied behind their backs, Hiang Che and Chen Sui traveled with the palace guards. When the former saw Ren Xiu on horseback trying to catch up with them, instinct warned him that something bad would befall them.  He tried to catch Chen Sui’s attention and whispered, "If anything happens to me please try your best to stay alive and look for Uncle Rao Shin."

"You two stop talking!" One of the guards shouted and lashed out his whipped. It hit Hiang Che’s back although Chen Sui was spared. Hiang Che’s face was devoid of emotion.

The palace guard who was in command of the journey admonished the one who whipped them. The order was for them to bring the two men outside the Zhen Kingdom but there was no order to harm them. Besides, King Zhen was not the kind who would inflict physical punishment among his subjects.

Ren Xiu shook his head. "King Zhen ordered me to take charge of the journey. You are relieved of your duty to bring these two outside the kingdom."

The guard hesitated but Ren Xiu was higher in rank than him so he must obey him. He steered his horse and looked at the two men. He did not understand why they were ordered to be exiled but he knew that the handsome musician is a kind man.  

They continued with their journey. Hiang Che’s mind was full of the teary-faced vision of Princess Sun Mi. He was tired but he tried his best to put one foot after another. It was very cold as it was already winter.  

It was while they were already far from the Zhen’s realm that Ren Xiu signaled to his men. The one carrying a whip started hitting the men again. Chen Sui, after some resistance fell to the ground. Hiang Che started kicking around, struggling to be freed at the same time. Someone kicked him while another jabbed him in his midsection. He gritted his teeth to endure the pain and like a wounded animal charged his head on to the next man standing.  

Unfortunately it was Ren Xiu, and he grabbed a handful of Hiang Che’s hair, a dagger glinting in his hand. "It would be a pleasure for me to kill you Yin Hiang Che. You think you’re adorable hah! You think you can regale everyone with your music! Your dead body will bring me much reward."

"What do you mean?" Hiang Che’s eyes slit with hatred towards the head guard.

Ren Xiu laughed and pulled his hair again almost dragging him and pointed his dagger at Hiang Che’s throat. "The princess’ betrothed orchestrated this you know and I’m telling you this because I am sure before the sun sets, you are a dead man Yin Hiang Che. How my hands itch to put an end to your life. You have stolen Ying Mei’s attention too."

So it was Prince Woo Jin. The prince was jealous of him. His musings caused him to be caught off guard by Ren Xiu’s attack.  Hiang Che tried to give him another kick.  If only my arms were free, he thought. But Ren Xiu can hold his balance better as his limbs were unbound.  In the end, he knew he will prevail over Hiang Che.  

The handsome musician realized that his shoulder was hit by the guard’s dagger.  He can feel the warm blood oozing from the wound. He looked at the unconscious Chen Sui.  Then the other guards started charging against him. With his remaining strength he tried to defend himself but they did not fight fairly. One against many, they intended to carry out their punishment.  Eventually, Hiang Che could not hold fort much longer.  He was weakening and Ren Xiu’s final kick caused him to stumble to the ground.  

He was beginning to lose consciousness. It seems that he was being pulled into an abyss. He can still hear their fading voices. Images of the beautiful face of Princess Sun Mi floated in his mind. He tried to grasp it. If he will die now, he wanted to have that lovely face to be the last image in his memory. You are the only woman I love, Princess Sun Mi.

"Listen I can hear sounds of horses running.  Someone’s coming in this direction," one of the guards warned.

Ren Xiu looked at the young man’s still body on the ground. "Finish him!" he ordered the guard, his cowardice showing again. There was something about the man that stopped him from doing the killing himself. He cannot understand why.

The guard who was ordered hesitated, and strained his ears at the same time; the sound of the horses’ hooves was nearer.  "He is dead master.  I am sure of that."

Ren Xiu mounted his horse hurriedly. It seems they have trespassed at the property of the Kim Kingdom. He did not want to be caught red-handed. He gave Hiang Che a last glance and sneered. "You do not know how to play your cards well silly musicians."

Dusk was gathering when Chen Sui regained consciousness. He tried to recall where he was. He did not like the stillness of the surroundings. Hiang Che’s battered body met his gaze. He sat up abruptly and struggled to free his hands.

"Hiang Che can you hear me?" with trembling hands he felt for his friend’s pulse. He cannot determine whether he is still alive but there seemed to be a faint ticking of his pulse. They will freeze soon. He was afraid to move him since he did not know the extent of his injury. Even if his body was hurting too, he must try to look for help.  

He hobbled nearby to look for twigs; if he was lucky to ignite some into a fire. He must keep his friend warm while he tried to look for help. He knew they are in the realm of another kingdom.  

It was while Chen Sui was away that Prince Sun Dal passed by the clearing and saw the body of Hiang Che on the cold ground.

"Who could this be?" he asked loudly. He signaled for his men to stop and alighted from his horse. One of his men brought a lantern near the man’s face and Prince Sun Dal thought for a while. It seemed to be a familiar face.

"I think this man needs help. I have a strong feeling he is not a scoundrel, he even looks familiar. Check the extent of his injury and we will bring him to the palace so he can be treated properly," Prince Sun Dal ordered his men.

At that time Chen Sui who was hobbling stopped and peered among the leafless branches at the men gathered around Hiang Che. "Are they going to harm my friend further? But they are wearing the red cloaks of the Kim Kingdom. Surely they are not bad men," he murmured, trembling now from the cold and fear.  

When the men started to lift Hiang Che and put his wounded body in an improvised hammock, Chen Sui came out of his hiding place. A red-cloaked guard saw him and pointed his spear at him, warning him to stop.

"Please do not harm me, that man is my friend. We were beaten by the palace guards of the Zhen Kingdom. Please help my friend Hiang Che. Do not let him die," Chen Sui knelt in front of the horse of Prince Sun Dal. He did not elaborate on the reason why they were beaten. The Prince of the Kim Kingdom might change his mind and will not help them.

Prince Sun Dal nodded but wondered why King Zhen’s men would be that cruel. "We will do our best to restore him to his health. Come with us too, I can see that you have bruises and cuts as well," the kind-hearted prince invited Chen Sui.

It was while they were traveling back to the Kim Palace that the prince learned they were one of the palace musicians of the Zhen Kingdom.  Prince Sun Dal realized they were the ones who kept the subjects mesmerized by their fantastic music during the autumn festival at the Zhen Kingdom.

"And why were you banished from the palace?" Sun Dal probed further.

Chen Sui pointed his lips towards Hiang Che. "I apologize to you Prince Sun Dal, but I think it would be better if you would ask my friend about that.  Please ask Hiang Che when he recovers for he knows the reason.”

Prince Sun Dal called for the palace doctors to attend to Hiang Che’s wound. He also ordered for Chen Sui to undergo examination and be properly treated. But since his injuries were milder compared to Hiang Che, Chen Sui volunteered to keep watch on his friend. It was at dawn that his friend regained consciousness.

"Princess Sun Mi, please stop shedding those tears," Hiang Che muttered in his sleep for his hazy mind conjured an image of the princess crying.

"Hiang Che, are you all right now? Can you still remember me, your friend Chen Sui?" his friend asked eagerly, so relieved that he has recovered immediately.  

"Where am I?" he winced when he attempted to get up.

"Don’t move yet, your shoulder was wounded. We are in the palace of Prince Sun Dal," and his friend related to Hiang Che how they were helped by the kind prince.

That morning, Prince Sun Dal personally paid Hiang Che a visit in his room and was glad that he was conscious already. The latter tried to give homage to the prince but he just signaled for him not to move in his bed.

"So you are the musician who kept us entertained at the Zhen Kingdom. May I know what caused your physical abuse from the guards? Are you sure they are guards from the Zhen Kingdom?" the prince cannot believe that subjects of King Zhen are capable of such cruelty.

Hiang Che looked at the sheets covering his bandaged upper body. He was reluctant to divulge to him the reason for their banishment and the instigator of the harm that befell them.  But he knew that he could not totally ignore the inquiries made by the kind and helpful prince.  

"I am sorry Prince Sun Dal to have caused you and your people so much trouble in taking care of me and my friend, and for that we are eternally grateful.”  Hiang Che smiled weakly and bowed to him, while trying to sit up on the bed while speaking.  

“As for the reason why we were banished from the Zhen kingdom, I am deeply saddened to say your highness that it was due to a wrong accusation.”  Hiang Che paused for a while and thought if he should continue the story since it concerns the prince’s own second cousin, Prince Woo Jin.  

Then he tentatively continued:  “You see, there was a report given to the king that…”  Before Hiang Che could continue his sentence, he felt a stabbing pain caused by the wound on his shoulder.  He suddenly winced and grimaced in pain.  His severely battered and badly beaten body still caused him too much discomfort that he could not remain in a sitting position for long.  Prince Sun Dal noticed this so he just decided to allow Hiang Che to rest for several more days.  Then he will ask him again to continue relating the facts of the matter to him.

Thus, the remainder of winter time was spent by Hiang Che and Chen Sui within the premises of the Kim Kingdom.  Meanwhile, Prince Sun Dal catered to their needs and he also opted to withhold the information that these men were taking refuge in his kingdom. One of these days he will know the full story.  He felt that both were kind men, so despite their differences in status, they had developed an instant rapport.  Little by little, the prince started to be at ease with Hiang Che.

************

Winter was coming to an end and then it would be springtime, but the beautiful princess was still in a very sad state. The changing of the seasons did not bring comfort or excitement to her. She was not looking forward to spend time in her garden. Instead she would prefer to stay in her room as her eyes never seemed to dry of tears. Zhao Di was helpless as well as Lady Kae Tee. King Zhen was worried also. But the princess must be ready for the wedding to Prince Woo Jin in the coming autumn.  

Princess Sun Mi was scanning over the canvass sketches of Hiang Che and tears started to fall again. She gathered her writing materials and started to write a poem. Hiang Che, are you all right at this moment? Where did they bring you?  

{Note:  “Yearnings of a Melancholic Heart” is an original poem written by: I.L.K. [iluvkoreanovela] for the AAE fan fiction story, Love’s Melody.}

And while everybody was busy with the wedding preparations, Princess Sun Mi adapted a snobbish attitude towards everyone. She would often stay in bed watching the vase Hiang Che gave her. She would re-read the poems which the young man had transformed into melodious tunes.

Back at the Kim Kingdom, Hiang Che had fully recovered. But Prince Sun Dal was adamant when they brought up the topic of leaving.  

One night, the prince chanced upon Hiang Che in the garden playing a sad tune in his flute. And when he asked the handsome man again the reason for their exile, Hiang Che bowed his head and thought for a while. When he lifted his head, the prince could see a mixture of emotions in his eyes, sadness and anger.

"During our stay in the kingdom, Princess Sun Mi and I had developed a special rapport because she commissioned me to transform her poetic works into music. But it was misinterpreted perhaps by the other subjects as my effort to try to win the princess’ heart."  

Hiang Che bowed his head again and looked at the flute in his hands. It was the first time after many months that he tried playing his music again. He longed for his beloved. No she was not my beloved, she can never be mine.

Prince Sun Dal looked at the bent head of the other man.  He had a feeling that there was more to it than mere suspicion.  He will check on this matter personally. He noticed the special glow in Hiang Che’s eyes every time Princess Sun Mi’s name came up. Even the way he said her name, there was a certain caress in that.  

Besides, the prince does not believe that King Zhen would carry out such cruel physical punishment to those who have erred. Something was amiss and not in its proper perspective.

"Do you love Princess Sun Mi?" Prince Sun Dal asked suddenly.

"Your Highness, the likes of me has no right to bestow our attention to those with regal bearings. It was something which I haven’t forgotten."

The prince nodded his head, it was a clever answer, he thought.  He remembered the happy face of the princess during the autumn festival. Prince Sun Dal had never seen the princess so happy like that before, having an aura of an inspired person, a person who was in love. Now the prince suspected that happiness was not caused by Prince Woo Jin but by someone else.

One day Prince Sun Dal asked the handsome man to go with him and join his training on his men.

He was given a bow and arrow. And Hiang Che remembered the poem shared by a Western trader before. "Unto the bow is an arrow unto the man is a woman, useless each without the other" and the memory of the beautiful princess which seemed to be etched on his mind and heart forever, flashed before him.  He closed his eyes and took his aim. Sun Mi! His mind shouted her name.

"My, my, you are becoming adept in archery Hiang Che. I think I must retain you as part of my head soldiers as well as my palace musician." And the two men laughed, although the prince noticed a deep sense of sadness in the eyes of his new-found friend.

On the other hand, Chen Sui decided to take matters into his own hands and when he learned that there were traveling merchants nearby, he took his chance. Perhaps he would find Uncle Rao Shin.  

Luck was with him because the jolly man was with the group. After exchanging pleasantries, Chen Sui related to Hiang Che’s uncle what transpired during the winter months.  

Uncle Rao Shin looked towards the horizon.  "I want to go to the Kim Kingdom Chen Sui and talk to Hiang Che.  But first, I must look for someone who holds the key to the past..."

The young man was puzzled by Rao Shin’s statements.  Nevertheless, he followed the uncle’s instructions to keep their meeting a secret for the meantime, until his arrival in the palace at Kim Kingdom.

Tbc 6.9.06

Chapter 8: Revelations from the Past

Winter was coming to an end and the blooms of springtime can be seen and felt in the air.  The subjects of the Zhen Kingdom were busy with the preparations for the forthcoming wedding of their beautiful Princess Sun Mi to Prince Woo Jin.  

However, there was one person who was not happy with the wedding preparations, and it was the princess herself. Princess Ju Hee had even spent a few days with the young princess when she was summoned secretly by King Gui Chen to cheer up the forlorn princess.

But the princess was just too sad to care about what was happening around her.  

"We will see each other again when summer comes so I can help you with the preparations. I have to return to the Yu Kingdom. Promise me that you would not do anything foolish," Princess Ju Hee comforted the young princess. It was a fruitless stay for she was not able to pry anything from her although Lady Kae Tee secretly confided that the banished musician was the cause of it.

Princess Sun Mi had also neglected her lessons, refusing Lady Kae Tee’s coaxing to sit down for her teaching sessions. Her poetry and painting were forgotten. She had become thinner, refusing to eat most of the time.

"Princess Sun Mi you have to eat. You will look like a ghost soon." Zhao Di also tried to convince her one night when she just toyed with the food brought to her.

"Might as well let her eat poison," Ying Mei murmured while preparing the bath materials. It was not lost on Zhao Di.

"You wish her dead? You are very evil Ying Mei," but Ying Mei simply glared at her.

"I just want to sleep Zhao Di, please bring the food outside," and she laid her head on the pillow, her face fixed on the vase given by Hiang Che.

Are you really dead? She asked silently. She closed her eyes because it was only when she did that vivid memories of Hiang Che returns.  She recalled the times when they were making those musical compositions for her poems and when he shared and taught her a lot of things about the stars.  

"Hiang Che…" she murmured as tears welled in her closed eyes.

Her anguish was silently observed by Lady Kae Tee, who gently wiped the tears from her face.  

That night at the palace garden, Ying Mei told Ren Xui of the princess’ reluctance and sadness to marry Prince Woo Jin.  Suddenly she narrowed her eyes towards the head guard.  

"Why did you kill the musician?"

"Must we argue about this again? My dear Ying Mei I knew that you were attracted to him even if he was just a poor musician. Naturally I just hate competitions," he held her arm, almost twisting it as he warned her. "Remember this:  you only belong to me and no one else."

Ying Mei sneered. "What if I will try to snare Prince Woo Jin, would you kill him too? To become his mistress might be a good goal Ren Xiu," and she gave a shallow laugh.

He released her abruptly. "You are despicable."

"We are just peas from the same pod Ren Xiu," and she turned and left him in the dark.

After a few days, Ren Xiu found an excuse to the king and hied off to the Yun Kingdom to report Princess Sun Mi’s coldness and obvious reluctance to marry Prince Woo Jin.

The Yun kingdom was also abuzz with many things and was also in a form of disarray, because of the recent death of their king.  Some of the king’s loyal subjects where somehow bothered why Prince Woo Jin and his mother Lady Kim Jin Suk were so eager to have the crowning ceremonies for the prince.  They were wondering why the king’s sister seemed to be more concerned about this, than organizing the proceedings on how to give a proper royal burial for her brother, King Yun Hae Seon.

When Ren Xiu arrived at the Yun palace, he immediately sought Prince Woo Jin to have a chance to speak with him in private.

“Prince Woo Jin, I would just like to report that your betrothed is really not in the pink of health.  According to Ying Mei, she barely eats and does not wish to leave her room.   Thus she has grown very pale and fragile.  If she will go on like this, her health might completely fail and she might become too weak.  Worst yet, she might have an untimely death brought about by her poor health condition. Alas! She might not even live long enough for your wedding. What will happen to your plans now of wanting to marry her in order to gain access to the Zhen kingdom’s wealth and resources? ”

Prince Woo Jin listened intently on what his spy was saying but instead of being alarmed, he just shrugged his shoulders and said: “Just tell that girl Ying Mei to make sure that the princess lives long enough for our wedding.  She must take good care of her -- for her own life’s sake.  Or else, if Sun Mi would have an untimely death, I would blame her and hold her personally responsible for it.”

Pei Ren Xiu was a bit startled and bothered about what the prince said.  He is really ruthless and vicious… somehow even more heartless than me! And how dare he threaten the life of my dear Ying Mei…  

********

Meanwhile, also in the vicinity of the Yun palace, Yin Rao Shin, Hiang Che’s uncle, had a secret meeting with an elderly lady of the court who turned out to be his distant cousin.

“Please cousin, you have to go with me to the Kim Kingdom.  I want you to meet someone… somebody very important.  Kindly go and make an excuse to Lady Kim Jin Suk that one of your children has become ill so you must return to your home immediately.  This is really urgent and very important so we better hurry up so we can start our journey soon.”

Yin Rao Shin was very persistent in convincing his cousin to come with him.  Thus, the elderly lady-in-waiting had no choice but to approach Lady Kim and tell her the excuse instructed by her cousin.  Lady Kim readily allowed her long-time court lady to take her leave and wished her a safe journey to her home.

The cousins left the Yun palace immediately and headed straight to the Kim palace in order to speak to Hiang Che and discuss very important matters with him.

********

It was already nightfall in the Kim palace and Hiang Che was alone again in one corner of the palace garden.  He kept on looking up at the stars, misty-eyed, while soulfully playing the tune of the love’s melody he made for Princess Sun Mi.  Trying to reminisce the special times they had back in the garden of the Zhen palace where they would often talk and share stories and compose beautiful music for the princess’ words of poetry.

Chen Shui would often see his friend in this state and he would just watch him silently while shrugging his shoulders, wishing that there would be something he could do to cheer up his good friend.  He remembered that it was this afternoon when a missive arrived for Prince Sun Dal inviting him to the forthcoming wedding of Prince Woo Jin and Princess Sun Mi.  And he knew that Hiang Che must have been aware of this too, that’s why he was extremely sad and bothered.

“I wonder how things are at the Zhen kingdom since we left… rather, since we were banished from the palace.  Has Princess Sun Mi really forgotten about Hiang Che completely, now that she has agreed to push through with her wedding to that scheming Prince Woo Jin?  I’m more than certain that it was him who instructed his cohorts, Pei Ren Xiu and the other palace guards in his connivance, to get rid of me and Hiang Che.”  Chen Shui clenched his fist as he thought about this and remembered how his friend almost died because of them.

“I’m also wondering about that “Pekingese” Zhao Di.  Hmmm… I hope she is taking good care of herself… and Princess Sun Mi of course.  The poor princess, I am sure that she was also enamored by my good friend but it would be close to impossible for them to be together… because they are like worlds apart.”  Chen Shui sighed as he thought about the fate that befell these ‘star-crossed lovers’.

********
One day, Hiang Che overheard Chen Shui approach Prince Sun Dal and informed him that a certain Yin Rao Shin, the uncle of his friend, was within the realm of the Kim Kingdom and would like to see his nephew, with permission from the kind prince.

Hiang Che was delighted to hear this because he was feeling a bit ‘home-sick’ and extremely lonely and vulnerable since his ‘near-death’ experience, that he silently wished to be in the company of his family.  Indeed, he was eager to see his uncle Rao Shin again.

When the day arrived for Rao Shin’s visit, Hiang Che met him halfway across the hall and hugged him tightly.  

“My dear uncle, I’m so glad to see you.”  Hiang Che exclaimed.  Then he noticed another visitor with him, an elderly woman, so he asked him who she was.

“Hiang Che, I am very glad to see you too.  I’m happy that you have regained your health and that you have survived the attack and the attempt on your life.  Your Aunt Ae Lee has been very worried about you too so she requested me to come and see you immediately.  By the way, I would like you to meet another aunt of yours.  She is one of the court ladies in the Yun palace.”  Rao Shin explained.

Hiang Che was surprised to know that he had another aunt.  All this time that he was growing up, she was never mentioned to her before by either his aunt or uncle.

“Oh, so I have another aunt?  Pleased to meet you madam.  Uncle Rao Shin, how come I didn’t know that you had another sibling?”  He asked.

“Well, you see my dear nephew… she is not our sister but just a distant cousin.  But the reason why she is here with me now is of great importance to you… and to your real identity,” His uncle replied hesitantly.

Hiang Che frowned and was deeply puzzled by his remark.  “My true identity?  What do you mean by that uncle?”

“Why don’t we let her relate the whole story for you to fully understand.”  Rao Shin motioned for his cousin to step forward and move closer to Hiang Che and to reveal to him the story of his life which they kept a secret all these years.

********
This is the true story that she told Hiang Che:

The Queen of Yun Kingdom, the wife of King Yun Hae Seon had a difficult pregnancy and really had a struggle in delivering her baby.  She labored for several hours that the king was starting to worry if his wife and child’s life were going to be in danger.  He wanted to consult other physicians from the nearby kingdoms to help out and aid his wife and ensure the safety of the queen and their child.

But Lady Kim Jin Suk insisted that there was no need to send for other physicians since their doctors could handle the delicate situation and that his brother need not worry.  However, after several more hours of intense labor pains and a huge amount of blood loss, her body quickly weakened and deteriorated until she eventually lost consciousness and soon passed away.

According to Lady Kim, the child was stillborn and this was the report that she gave the king.  She was actually only a half-sister since the king’s father remarried after being a widower.  They have the same father but different mothers.  It was because of this that Lady Kim became envious and insecure, knowing that since she is just a younger daughter, it is her elder brother who would surely ascend to the throne, and all his children and descendants after him.  

Hence, there would be no chance for her son Woo Jin to be crowned as king.  Unless she would get rid of her elder half-brother and make sure that he will not have any off-springs.  And now, with the queen dead and the child out of the way, her son would be the next in line to the throne after King Yun Hae Soon.

But the truth was that the child was not stillborn but was alive and healthy.  The queen was able to give birth to him before she died.  Yes, the child of the king & queen of Yun Kingdom is a boy.  And that child is Hiang Che, whom the queen wanted to be named as Prince Yun Xiang Zhe.

********

Hiang Che’s face was filled with shock and disbelief upon hearing this story.  “How can this be?  All my life I was made to believe that my parents were just simple people, traveling with a group of merchants and musicians, who were both killed by bandits in one of their journeys.  That’s the story that I have been told ever since.”  He bowed his head while still trying to absorb and contemplate on the things he had just heard.  

“Forgive us dear boy for not telling you the truth about your identity.  It was our way to protect you and your aunt too.  For her life would also be in danger if Lady Kim found out that she did not carry out the instructions given to her to get rid of you.  You see, she has been a loyal subject of the Lady that is why she trusted her enough to obey her even if it meant taking the life of another.  But she could not bear to do the Lady’s bidding this time, even if she was paid a huge amount for her vow of secrecy and silence on the whole matter.”  Uncle Rao Shin paused for a while to give Hiang Che a chance to absorb the gravity of these revelations.  

Then he continued to explain:  “Besides, there were many spies around the village and they would surely find out if she had opposed the Lady’s wishes and have kept the baby alive.  Thus, she decided to give you to us for she knew that you would be safer.  Since we are just distant cousins, nobody would suspect that the baby with us is actually the sole heir to the throne of the Yun Kingdom whom they wanted to get rid off.”  His uncle explained further.

“Believe me Hiang Che, I wanted to tell you the whole truth several instances before but we felt that it was not yet the right time.  But when news reached us of King Yun Hae Soon’s demise and the attempt on your life, I knew that this was now the proper time for you to find out.  We had to reveal to you the truth, lest that cruel aunt and cousin of yours, Lady Kim & Prince Woo Jin, take advantage of the situation and fulfill their twisted dream to have Prince Woo Jin crowned as the next king.”

Everybody in the room was speechless because of all these revelations, including Chen Shui and Prince Sun Dal.  The prince could not believe that this handsome but simple musician before him was also a prince and rightful heir to the throne of a kingdom, just like him.  He also could not believe that the wife of his uncle General Kim could be that scheming and vicious to the family of her own half- brother.  He shuddered at the thought that his aunt who seemed so pleasant and courteous would be capable of such a despicable act, just to obtain the crown for her son.

“It is indeed an honor to be in your company and to have been your friend for a long time, your majesty.”  Chen Shui uttered as he tried to motion a bow as a gesture or act of respect to the presence of the prince before him.

“What are you doing Chen Shui?  Stop this foolishness.  I will not have you bowing before me in that manner. We are good friends, the best of friends, first and foremost.”  Hiang Che said this as he bent down, held his arms and motioned Chen Shui to get up and stop his ‘silly act’ of bowing down before him.

“After hearing all these, what do you intend to do now Hiang Che? Or shall I say Prince Yun Xiang Zhe?”  Prince Sun Dal inquired.

“Please, Prince Sun Dal, pardon me but I wish to be called as before, as your friend Hiang Che.”  He meekly smiled as his mind was still racing and his thoughts still pre-occupied in trying to digest all that has been revealed to him today.  

He embraced tightly this aunt who saved his life and had the wisdom to give him to Uncle Rao Shin and Aunt Ae Lee whom he both loved dearly as his real parents.  He shed tears of joy and gratitude to his uncle for taking good care of him.  At the same time, his tears were also of sorrow of pain for he did not have the chance to see and meet his real parents.  Then he remembered that his father King Yun had recently passed away and he knew in his heart that it was his duty as his only son to give him a proper burial.  He was also seething in anger at Lady Kim and that tyrant Prince Woo Jin, who was actually his cousin.

Now more than ever, he was determined to stop Woo Jin’s evil plans.  Not just to reclaim the throne of the Yun Kingdom which was rightfully his.  But more so, to reclaim the hand of his one and only love Princess Sun Mi and rescue her from the clutches of the selfish schemes and deceitful ways that would intend to harm the innocent princess, and her father, and their whole kingdom. Perhaps now that his real identity was revealed to him, he can declare his love openly to the princess without reservations?

For him, the welfare and safety of Princess Sun Mi was his utmost concern so he intended to set out to the Zhen Kingdom immediately and relate to King Zhen the truth about the whole situation.  Not just of his real identity or ‘birth-right’, but primarily because he wanted to ensure that the princess would be protected and would not be used again by Woo Jin.  He planned to handle the matters in Yun Kingdom as soon as he has already secured the beloved princess away from harm’s way.

********

Prince Sun Dal and Cui Chen Shui accompanied Hiang Che on his journey to the Zhen’s Palace.  Uncle Rao Shin and his cousin also went with them. When they arrived, Hiang Che had an eerie feeling about the place.  Yes, he was already familiar with the surroundings, but he somehow felt that he was entering the palace as a new and different man.  He had many fond memories as well as painful experiences in this place, and the deep longing for Princess Sun Mi was greatly creeping in and welling up in his heart.  But he decided to seek an audience first with King Zhen Gui Chen before searching for the princess.

Both Hiang Che and Chen Shui were wearing hoods so the palace guards did not recognize them.  It was Prince Sun Dal who spoke to them and told them to announce his arrival because he sought to have an audience with King Zhen.

After a few moments, the ‘party of five’ was allowed to enter the palace premises when Prince Sun Dal explained that the people with him are his trusted friends.  They proceeded to the king’s receiving room and waited for him there.  As soon King Zhen arrived, they readily stood up and bowed in respect to the king.

“Your majesty, please pardon my impromptu visit and my coming here without prior notice.  But there are some pressing matters that my good friend here would like to discuss with you, if you would permit him.”  Prince Sun Dal expressed to the king.

“Prince Sun Dal, there is no need to worry.  It is a pleasure to see you, although I must admit that I was surprised with your sudden visit.  I believe that the matter is really urgent or else you would not be here at once.  And your friend, who is he and what does he wish to speak to me about?” he inquired.

Then, Hiang Che stepped forward and bowed low before the king as a sign of respect.  Then he slowly removed the hood from his head.  The King was startled to see who he really was.

“You! What are you doing here?  Did I not banish you from my kingdom before?  How dare you return to my palace and stand here before me again.  Are you really that shameless?”  The king was seething with anger and was utterly confused and puzzled why Prince Sun Dal would consider this man as his friend, after what Prince Woo Jin told him that this commoner, this musician, tried to take advantage of his only daughter.

“Please your highness, before you become enraged, kindly allow my friend Hiang Che to speak and explain to you the purpose of his visit.  I assure you that his intentions are noble and that you would soon understand after he has relayed to you the true story of his life and who he really is.”

The king was hesitant but he agreed and allowed Hiang Che to speak since he also became curious as to what this man had to say about his ‘true identity’ as mentioned by Prince Sun Dal.

So Hiang Che slowly spoke and relayed to the king the events that were revealed to him by his uncle and aunt.  The king was listening intently but he could not totally believe what he was hearing.  It seemed like a fictional story, born out of legends and folklores.

“How can I be certain that what you are saying is the truth?  What if you are just uttering these words in order to return to my good graces and to allow you to have a chance to ensnare my daughter again?”  The king was not easily convinced.

“Your majesty, here with me now is one of Lady Kim’s lady-in-waiting and she was the one who told this story to me.  According to her, she was the one who personally witnessed the events that transpired.”  Hiang Che then requested her to speak before the king.

“He is telling the truth your majesty and so am I.  I would not risk my life and the safety of my family just to invent stories in order to serve the purposes of this young man." She thought for a while and spoke again as she remembered something…  

"To prove to you that I am indeed telling the truth, the son that was born of Queen Yun had a birthmark, on the left part of his chest.  I have not seen this lad before, not until a few days ago.  But to assure you that we are telling the truth, if he has that exact same birthmark, then we will know for certain that he is indeed that infant whom I took away and gave to my cousin several years ago in order to save the life of the prince and future king of the Yun Kingdom.”

“Well, we shall see then.”  King Zhen motioned his palace guards to take Hiang Che closer to him then asked them to remove his robe and upper garment.  Hiang Che did not speak and simply conceded to what the king was instructing them to do.  Everybody in the room held their breath, in anticipation of the confirmation:  If he was truly the prince and son of King & Queen Yun.  It was only uncle Rao Shin who was in a calm state for he already knew for certain that his cousin was telling the truth.

Once Hiang Che’s chest was disrobed, the old lady gasped then smiled with tears welling up in her eyes.  She was so happy to see that she did not make a mistake.  After all those years, she once again saw this little baby whom she kept alive, against the wishes and without the knowledge of her mistress, Lady Kim.  He is now a grown man and her cousins did well in raising him.  She felt relieved and satisfied that she made the right decision of giving him to them.

Even Hiang Che himself, who also had some doubts of his own about the validity of the old woman’s story, was now completely convinced of his true identity.  And it was this birthmark on his chest which served as the confirmation of his birth-right.

The old lady also revealed to King Zhen the evil intentions of the Kim mother and son duo and how they intended to amass the power and wealth of Zhen kingdom as soon as Prince Woo Jin and Princess Sun Mi were married.  She also expressed that the king’s own life might be in danger because surely they would also want to get rid of the king who could stand in the way of their plans to completely unite and govern the two neighboring kingdoms:  Yun & Zhen, under their control.  

Just like what Lady Kim was able to do to her own relatives: the infant prince before, and even to her own brother King Yun whom they slowly poisoned in order to make him feel weak, numb, and paralyzed.  Thus it was her and her son who was already making the decisions for him and he just readily agreed.  He has become withdrawn and distant and deeply depressed since losing his wife and child that he lost all zest in life, and the mother and son team took advantage of this situation.

“I assume that you would now proceed to the Yun Kingdom to claim what is rightfully yours.”  King Zhen addressed Hiang Che.

“Yes, that is part of my plan, your majesty.  But before I return to my real home, I would like to make another request from you.”

“What is it?” the king asked tentatively.

“Your majesty, I love your daughter very much and my primary concern is for her safety.  Would you allow me to remove her from Zhen kingdom, even just for a little while?  I believe that once Prince Woo Jin and his mother found out about my real identity and that I have come to thwart their despicable schemes and destroy their deceitful plans, they would surely think of a way to prevent me from stopping them.  And what better way to hurt me than to harm my one and only beloved Princess Sun Mi.  I am afraid that they might attack your kingdom and have the princess kidnapped in order to blackmail me.”

Hiang Che decided to be open with the king with regards to his feelings for the princess because he knew time is not on his side. Besides, he is aware that there are eyes and ears within the palace walls ready to report to Prince Woo Jin what had transpired now.

The King shuddered at the thought of any form of harm befalling his only child.  He considered Hiang Che’s words and felt that what he was saying was reasonable.  “If ever I do agree, where do you intend to take her?  Where will she hide?”

“I have thought that it would be best if she be goes to the Yu palace for the meantime.  Her good friend Princess Ju Hee can keep her company and she will surely be protected there.”

Prince Sun Dal nodded in agreement to Hiang Che’s proposal.  "I will send some reinforcement to the Yu Palace your majesty."  He too believed that the people in Yu kingdom can be trusted and that they will be able to take good care of the princess there.  Also, he felt delighted to travel to the Yu palace since he had long treasured Princess Ju Hee in his heart.  It would indeed be a pleasure to see the beautiful princess again.

The king pondered on these things then finally came to a decision.  “Well then, I will agree to your plan.  Just make sure that my daughter will be safe at all times.”

“Thank you, your majesty.  However, may I request one more thing?  Can we first withhold the whole story from her?  I do not wish to confuse her mind further.  I am certain that she would be greatly traumatized to know that her groom-to-be only wanted to amass greater wealth and power by marrying her.  I believe that the princess is very fragile and very sensitive when it comes to matters of the heart. I have seen the evidence of this in the words of her poems and the lyrics of the songs she wrote.  It would be unfortunate if she would begin to lose faith in love completely because of all the deceptions surrounding her.”

“I understand what you mean Hiang Che.”  The king nodded.  “And I would also like to say that I apologize if I have misjudged you before and if I believed the lies fed by that Prince Woo Jin. I can clearly sense now your sincerity and that your affection towards my daughter is genuine.  I am pleased to meet you once again, Prince Yun Xiang Zhe.”  The king said with a smile now evident in his face.

“You must be tired from your travel, I will instruct the servants to prepare your rooms where you may take your rest.  We shall all have supper together at the main dining room.  I will be seeing you again later.  Once again, I am grateful for your honesty and concern about the welfare of my kingdom.”  King Zhen was about to leave the room when he turned around again and spoke to Hiang Che.

“Young man, if you wish to see my daughter, she is now strolling at her garden.  That is what she often does during sunset, since you were removed from the palace.  Always looking out to the horizon, as if waiting for someone to appear and still hoping against hope that you would return.  I am so glad to know that day has arrived and that you are alive.  Now my daughter can smile again.”  

********

Princess Sun Mi was staring blankly into space as usual.  Lady Kae Tee has consistently tried to encourage her to express her sadness through writing or painting but to no avail.  The princess seemed to have lost interest in all of her creative works and artistic endeavors.  She felt that it was now all in vain since her source of inspiration has disappeared.  The person whom she enjoyed the most sharing her written works with, has now vanished from her life.

Suddenly, Princess Sun Mi sensed something moving behind her.  When she glanced back, she saw a couple of rabbits scurrying about in the grass near to where she was standing. The princess smiled meekly because she really found these creatures so adorable.  Then when she raised her eyes further, she was taken aback for she thought that she was seeing a ghost.  There was a man standing in front of her who had a great resemblance to Hiang Che.  She blinked her ‘black as raven’ eyes several times, thinking that she was just imagining things.

Her heart was beating riotously for she could see the image becoming more vivid and the apparition of this handsome man was going nearer and nearer towards her.  

Is this a dream? Am I hallucinating?  What’s happening to me? No, I’m just imagining things!   Princess Sun Mi thought to herself while her mind seemed to be spinning out of control.

And then the ‘vision’ before her spoke, with that deep husky voice which was all too familiar to her.  

“Greetings, Princess Zhen Sun Mi.”

Then she heard the sweetest melody of the love poem she composed together with Hiang Che.  It was then that she realized that this was not a dream.  What was actually transpiring is all true.  He has returned… her beloved Hiang Che has come back for her.

“Yin Hiang Che…”

That was all the princess could say as she suddenly found herself running towards the direction of the handsome musician.  All regal grace and royal poise set aside, she flung her arms around his neck and softly buried her head against his masculine chest.  She was half-sobbing and half-laughing for she could not believe that it was really him… he was safe and alive.

Hiang Che gently raised her head with his right hand and intently looked at the dark pools in her eyes which were glistening because of her tears.

“I have returned my Princess.  I am sorry if I have caused you so much grief and pain and forgive me if I was not able to put forth a message for you, regarding my welfare and safety, sooner.  I was also quite unsure if you would still be concerned about me, thinking that you must have been pre-occupied with your wedding preparations and had no time to bother about someone like me.”

“What are talking about Hiang Che?  If you only knew that every waking moment I would think about you and that I would often cry myself to sleep.  I was so distraught thinking about what form of cruelty or violence befell you and if you were truly forever lost and gone from my life.”

They just looked at each other’s face intently.  Neither one of them wanted to let go of this magical moment when they have been reunited, wishing and hoping that the extreme happiness and joy they felt would never cease and would last forever.  

The radiance in the beautiful princess’ face has finally emerged again.  All the yearnings of her melancholic heart seemed to have vanished without a trace.  What is evident now is that she was deeply enthralled and completely satisfied, simply by looking at Hiang Che’s mesmerizing gaze.  

And the radiant smile from the princess has become the source of strength for Hiang Che.  He was no longer uncertain, no longer afraid.  It is as if he could do anything and scale even the greatest heights, as long Princess Sun Mi was beside him.  And he knew for certain now that he loves her, and will love her eternally.


*** to be continued ***

Chapter 9: One Enchanted Evening

The cold twilight breeze added a romantic allure to the surroundings as Hiang Che gently ushered Princess Sun Mi towards the gazebo.  They sat side by side, hands clasped as the princess looked at him with tears in her eyes. Hiang Che held her gaze for a long time, his face full of love. He was heady with happiness. If during those times while he was still working at the palace, he simply assumed that the princess was also in love with him, now he knew that it was not a baseless assumption. Hiang Che realized that if there was one thing he was glad about in being born into royalty, it was because now he can declare his love openly to the princess without qualms that it would be met with disapproval.

"You did not take good care of yourself, you have grown thin," he spoke softly as he wiped her tears with his fingertips.

"Tell me what happened to you Hiang Che, they told us you were attacked by a fierce animal and died," she sobbed and smiled at the same time.

Yes, it was indeed a fierce beast that wanted to kill me, Hiang Che thought.  

"I will spare you the details of what happened, my princess.  Right now we have no time to spare. Perhaps later when everything is in its proper perspective, I will share it with you."

Princess Sun Mi smiled radiantly as she heard him call her ‘my princess.’

"Hiang Che, do you…." she hesitated to ask the question which had haunted her every waking hour.  Now, she suddenly felt shy.  What if she was misinterpreting the whole situation?  Then she remembered her father and her forthcoming wedding to Prince Woo Jin and fresh tears welled up again. It was mingled with fear that her father would become angry also. Reality came in.

"Hiang Che, how were you able to enter the palace grounds? Did you sneak from the palace guards? I do not want my father to find out about this or you will be banished again. You should be cautious," she was pouting now, a worried look in her face. Hiang Che loves that facial expression, how he longs to touch her lips with his when she pouts.

Hiang Che chuckled and held her chin gently. "I have your father’s blessing to see you. You are admonishing me and we have only seen each other. You wanted to ask me something, what was it?" he cannot help teasing her although he knew what she wanted to ask.

Princess Sun Mi blushed and even in the twilight, the young prince could see it. Not wanting to prolong their agony, he said softly, "Princess Sun Mi, please look at me," and as she raised her face towards him, he saw the love in her eyes.

"It was the vision of your beauty that kept me alive all this time my princess. Honestly I had lost hope of seeing you again. I was able to endure all the pain because of your ethereal memory that haunted my dreams. You are the only woman for me Princess Sun Mi. I truly love you and I would do everything to protect you from anyone who wishes to harm you."

She raised her soft hands to touch his handsome face, tracing his brows, his eyes, the bridge of his nose, but her hand stilled as it neared his lips, her shyness prevailing. Hiang Che caught her hand and kissed her palm and closed it gently, his mesmerizing eyes never leaving her lovely face.  

"I love you too Hiang Che. Now I am prepared of the consequences. I do not want to be married to Prince Woo Jin and even if my father would disinherit me, I will still choose you. I am willing to live the life of a pauper, as long as I am with you," she professed in a very soft voice.

Hiang Che gathered her in his strong arms, inhaling her sweet scent, smiling as tears of joy were visible in his eyes. Soon my princess everything will be resolved, he said silently.  He then bent to kiss her forehead, controlling himself to seek the fullness of her lips.
*****
Meanwhile, at the palace hall, King Gui Chen ordered one of the palace administrators to call any of the guards whom he ordered to escort Hiang Che and Chen Sui when they were banished. The king was deep in thought after all these truths had been revealed. He started to doubt that there was indeed a traitor within his palace.

He had a brief talk with Prince Sun Dal and the latter filled him with the details of how Hiang Che and his friend came into their kingdom. The king was surprised because he had not given any orders to punish them physically but just to make sure they were outside the Zhen Kingdom’s land. He was blinded at that time by pride that a mere musician would dare make a pass at his daughter. He knew Hiang Che was an honorable man but he believed Prince Woo Jin then.

In fact during the past months, King Gui Chen was bothered by his conscience with what he did to Hiang Che especially when he was informed that he was already dead. Before Prince Woo Jin started to accuse him of trying to ensnare his daughter, Hiang Che had become one of the king’s favored subjects. That was why he felt so betrayed. And now the king wanted to repay the young prince by helping him regain what was rightfully his.

The guard bowed upon being presented to the king.

"Tell me what happened during the time when you escorted the musician outside the Kingdom," the king ordered the guard.

"Your majesty, we were intercepted by Pei Ren Xiu, ordering us to return since you have new orders for them to take over our duty. He was higher in rank than me, so I followed him even if I was directly commanded by you to do the task."

The king nodded and after several queries he ordered, "Call Ren Xiu now, but do not tell him anything regarding the guests’ arrival. And make sure to keep watch on Yin Hiang Che and Chen Sui until their departure. I do not want Prince Woo Jin to think that we are harboring scalawags here. Since Hiang Che is part of the army of Prince Sun Dal, I just allowed him to see my daughter in return for a favor I asked of Prince Sun Dal," the king said in a booming voice.  

He did it purposely in order that whoever was listening will not doubt him and if that person would report to Prince Woo Jin, he would be fed with the wrong information.  

Prince Sun Dal nodded and the king winked at him. The palace men who were not aware of the real situation were nodding their heads also.  

When the messenger returned, he reported that Ren Xiu was not around the palace premises. When the king noticed that the messenger was hesitating, King Gui Chen asked what was bothering him.

"Your majesty, I do not know if this information will be of value, but one of our palace hunters saw him a few days ago in the forest together with the princess’ lady-in-waiting, Ying Mei. Do you want me to bring him in?"

Upon the messenger’s signal, the hunter came in and after the perfunctory courtesy, he related his story.

"I was in the forest hunting when I saw Pei Ren Xiu traveling with Ying Mei. It did not bother me at first because I know they are lovers. However I got curious when after a few hours I spotted them again and they were headed towards the direction of the Yun Kingdom. So I followed them and saw them entered the palace gates."

"But I do not have any orders for them to go to the Yun Kingdom," the king wondered aloud, his mind full of doubts now.  

"I am grateful that you followed them. I just do not want my subjects to do things without my prior knowledge. You may go now." Then king then turned to Prince Sun Dal and told him that he wanted to talk to him and some trusted aides. They all proceeded to the king’s receiving room.

Once the door was closed, the king looked at everyone in the room, his trusted palace aides and Prince Sun Dal.  

"I task you to do a secret investigation on the activities of Pei Ren Xiu and my daughter’s lady-in-waiting, Ying Mei and relieve her of her duties as Sun Mi’s maid."

After further discussion and instructions, the trusted men departed and the king faced Prince Sun Dal.

"Hiang Che is a very honorable man. I am sure your majesty that he was aware who was behind his attempted murder, but he did not mention anything. I have a feeling that Prince Woo Jin had a hand on it, considering that it was also him who fed you with lies where Hiang Che was concerned."

"We must help Hiang Che regain what is rightfully his Prince Sun Dal. On the morrow before the sun is up, you must accompany them to the Yu Palace. Once everything is settled there, bring Hiang Che back and some of your ‘red cloaks’ and together we will plan our surprise visit to Prince Woo Jin."

"And we will make your subjects believe that the princess will be staying in my kingdom for a while, to mislead whoever would want to follow her," Prince Sun Dal retorted.

*****
While King Gui Chen and his trusted men were busily planning for the ‘visit’ to the Yun Palace, Ren Xiu and Ying Mei were trying to be in the good graces of Prince Woo Jin. Upon knowing that Ren Xiu would pay a secret visit to the prince, Ying Mei lost no time in following him in the forest.  She was able to cajole Ren Xiu to allow her to go with him.

Ren Xiu was reluctant at first, remembering Ying Mei’s remark to become the prince’s mistress. And if he was just a mind reader, he would know that was exactly the reason why Ying Mei wanted to go with him.  

Once they were at the Yun Palace, Ying Mei invented tales of how much the princess adores Prince Woo Jin to which the latter simply sneered. He knew that the princess would be marrying him out of a sense of duty towards her father’s wish.

In fact, during the short days of Ying Mei’s presence, she was able to achieve her goal. Prince Woo Jin started to see her as very appealing and the thought occurred to him that if Princess Sun Mi would prove to be the ice maiden as he thought her to be, he knew that her lady-in-waiting would come to him willingly once he will show her the slightest interest.

Prince Woo Jin smiled. Later when Sun Mi is married to me… he thought as he looked at Ying Mei, with a devilish glint in his eyes.

*****
Zhao Di was running along the palace corridor, her skirts gathered in her hand. Suddenly, Chen Sui appeared from behind one of the pillars and blocked her way.  

"So… so… it is true what Lady Kae Tee said, you are back, ‘vagabond’…" she said in her singing manner of speaking, hands clasped in her bosom, eyes fluttering towards Chen Sui.

"Yes, and I missed you too ‘catwoman’…" he replied teasingly.

That angered Zhao Di and she aimed her fingertips at him. Suddenly Lady Kae Tee appeared and in an amused tone reminded her of her task.

"Zhao Di, did I not tell you to fetch Princess Sun Mi so we can prepare for our journey?"

"Yes, yes Lady Kae Tee, I was just blocked by this scoundrel," and gave Chen Sui a smirk which was answered by a smirk also from the young man.  Suddenly, Zhao Di remembered something and she clutched his arm when he was about to go. Chen Sui let her hand rest in his arm, hiding a smile before turning towards the two women.

"Is Hiang Che with you also?" and when Chen Sui nodded his head, she squealed with glee and jumped for joy, giving Lady Kae Tee the thumbs up sign.  

The older woman just shook her head in amusement and turned to leave, a puzzled look in her face.  All she knew was that they were ordered by the king to prepare for a journey to Prince Sun Dal’s kingdom. Why the banished musician was here and welcomed openly by King Gui Chen was puzzling her.

When Zhao Di saw Hiang Che at the gazebo with her princess, his hands clasping the latter’s hand, she squealed again and acted as if she was going to faint.  Chen Sui who was following her, immediately supported her back, but Zhao slapped his hands and glared at him.  

"Oh dear musician, you have become handsomer. I cannot help falling in love with you," and giggled at her own joke. The couple at the gazebo laughed at her.

"I cannot believe this handsomest Hiang Che.  Our beloved princess is smiling again. You seemed to have taken her smile with you because it is only now that the radiant smile is back in her face."

"I promise not to make her cry again Zhao Di," Hiang Che vowed which made the princess blush.  And as Hiang Che squeezed her hand gently, she knew that no matter what the future holds, she would be brave to face it as long as Hiang Che’s with her.

*****
When Sun Mi entered her father’s receiving room followed by Hiang Che, she was surprised to see several people there, including Prince Sun Dal, Lady Kae Tee, and an older woman and man.  The king introduced them as Hiang Che’s aunt and uncle.
Her lips trembled and she was about to cry when the king told her that she would be traveling to the Yu Kingdom on the morrow. The princess glanced at Hiang Che, trying to tell him that she did not want to go, now that they are reunited.

The king noticed it and was glad that the youthful radiance and glow was back in his daughter’s face.  King Gui Chen realized how much the young musician meant to her and she to him.  Given different circumstances, the king further realized that for her daughter’s happiness, he was willing to give her hand to Hiang Che even if he was just a common man.  He knew that her daughter would be happy and he realized that is the only thing that matters to him, the princess’ happiness.

"You will be traveling with these people but refrain from telling anyone where you are going," the king said in a soft voice, coming nearer his daughter, stroking her hair.

"Hiang Che’s going with us also?" she asked shyly, trying to lower her voice so the others in the room would not hear. She looked at her father and she saw the love in his father’s eyes.  He nodded his head.

She hugged him suddenly, "Oh father I love you so much."

"I want you to be happy my princess. I give you my blessings to decide what you think is best.  I hope you will forgive me for my past mistakes."

Princess Sun Mi did not care anymore what her father meant by ‘his mistakes’. She glanced at Hiang Che’s direction and gave him a timid smile.  

"Go now and prepare for your journey. When things are already settled, you will be home my princess."  

She wanted to ask what will happen to her arranged forthcoming wedding but she assumed that was what her father meant when he made that statement. She was smiling gaily as she went out of the room, with Hiang Che’s eyes following her dainty movement.

******
The palace astronomer spoke to the king. "It would be best to implement your plan to visit the Yun Kingdom on the eve of the blue moon." The king nodded.  There will be a second full moon in the following month of the next season.  

Princess Sun Mi stole a glance towards Hiang Che. They were gathered at the king’s receiving room on this cold dawn, ready to start their journey.

"Hiang Che is it true that when two people are in love and if they are together when the blue moon rises, they will be together forever and even in the life thereafter?" the princess asked softly.

"My beloved princess, even if we would not be together during the blue moon, I promise that I will love you forever and in the life thereafter," Hiang Che whispered as he looked at her lovingly, keeping his hands to his sides to prevent himself from touching her beautiful face.

"Lady Kae Tee once told me that once midnight strikes and the blue moon is at its brightest, you must make a wish that only you and the moon would know," Hiang Che smiled at her child-like features as she related the tale.

"Then we must not disappoint Lady Kae Tee and tell the blue moon our dearest wish my princess," he said in a low voice.

Before the sun was up, the traveling retinue consisting of Zhao Di, Lady Kae Tee and several trusted palace guards of Princess Sun Mi were all prepared. Prince Sun Dal and Uncle Rao Shin led the way. Hiang Che rode his horse beside the princess’ carriage.  

The journey lasted for several days. During the journey, Hiang Che and the princess became even closer, making up for the lost times when they were apart. Once while the group was resting and Hiang Che and Prince Sun Dal were practicing with archery, Princess Sun Mi came near them to observe. When Hiang Che smiled at her, she said shyly, "Lady Kae Tee taught me a poem regarding the bow and arrow, something like…unto the bow is an arrow, unto the man is a woman…" and became hesitant to finish it.

"…useless each without the other," Hiang Che finished the sentence.  

She looked at him, surprise and wonder written across his face. "You knew it too."

Hiang Che touched her cheek with his knuckles. "There were times during the past seasons when I thought my life would be useless my princess because I knew I cannot have you or even declare my love for you. But perhaps I was born under a lucky star because there are circumstances that arose and it had made me braver to face you and offer my love even if this is the only thing I can give you."

She again looked at him puzzled but later gave him her beguiling smile which seemed to melt his heart and weaken his knees.

Zhao Di who was watching nearby suddenly closed her eyes and thinking she was near a tree hugged it, only it turned out to be Chen Sui. Another round of quarrel ensued between them which disturbed the lovers.

*****
They were already within the realm of the Yu Kingdom when Hiang Che came near Lady Kae Tee’s carriage and asked for her permission if he can show the hidden forest nearby. They would catch up with the group. Lady Kae Tee agreed, confident that they are already safe within the land of Princess Ju Hee.

Prince Sun Dal readily agreed too, thinking that the hidden forest would indeed be appropriate for people in love, just like these two, who were so smitten with each other.  He gave Hiang Che an amused look and teetered his horse towards him. "Take good care of Princess Sun Mi or else you will fall again from the good graces of the king."

Hiang Che gave a hearty laugh. He was indeed very happy.  

"Where are we going Hiang Che?" Princess Sun Mi asked excitedly as her carriage was lowered to the ground by the guards. He simply shrugged his broad shoulders and came down his horse to assist her. She was hesitant at first to ride in front of him, but as they left the group she became comfortable.

"Relax my beloved princess," he whispered huskily in her ears as she leaned against him. Hiang Che inhaled deeply the fragrance of her hair and tightened his hold on her.

The princess closed her eyes. It was heavenly to be in his arms like this. "Open your eyes so you can see the beauty around you," but instead of obeying him, she looked at him lovingly. Hiang Che silently cursed himself, perhaps the shared horse ride was a big mistake?

"I just miss you so much," she declared coyly. Hiang Che likes this side of the princess. She may be shy but at the same time very frank with what she feels.

When they arrived at the hidden forest, her eyes widened. It was so beautiful. Like an enchanted haven, a mystical place.  And as Hiang Che narrated, it was a place of eternal summer and spring.  Sunlight drifted among the tree leaves, as flowers were blooming everywhere. There was a waterfall at a distance, and as she bent to dip her hands in the cool water of the nearby pool, Hiang Che suddenly snaked his arm around her waist for fear that she would fall in the water.

"How did you learn about this place?" she was blushing as she asked him, wanting to get out of his arms but in the end gave in to her desire to lean against him.

"I read it in one of the scrolls in Prince Sun Dal’s palace. Now I am wondering why he has a lot of interesting things about the Yu Kingdom in his library," Hiang Che chuckled as he led her to a grassy clearing. He spread out a blanket and opened the food package which Lady Kae Tee gave him.

They partook of their lunch happily, and afterwards, they strolled around the area. When Hiang Che asked her if she wanted to bathe in the pool, she demurely shook her head. But later on, as she sat by the edge of the pool, her dainty feet dangling in the water, she looked at him and said that she cannot resist the water.

Hiang Che nodded his head, too mesmerized by her radiant face smiling up at him. She indicated for him to turn around. "Promise me that you will not turn until I told you."  

He walked a few distance and sat on a tree root. She undressed behind the bushes, leaving her chemise on, her eyes not leaving his back.

The water was so refreshing and it was a welcome respite. Hiang Che on the other hand kept on calling at her asking if she was alright, resisting the urge to turn and make sure his princess was doing fine. "Do not stay in the water for long or you might have a cold," he kept on reminding her. He smiled when she started singing.  She has a very melodious voice. But when she stopped singing, Hiang Che quickly turned around, due to his protective impulse, and what he saw made his jaw drop.  

Princess Sun Mi was just getting out of the water, her wet chemise plastered to her body. Hiang Che knew she was beautiful, but he was completely unprepared by what he was seeing.  Perhaps she was like those ‘forest nymphs’ who cast spells on people who saw them. When she looked up and saw him staring, she was immobile.  She saw something different in his eyes.

"I am sorry princess," and turned his back from her, with his face now beaded with perspiration.

She blushed but instead of becoming angry with him, she smiled secretly as she dressed.  Was it admiration she saw in his eyes?
*****
It was already late in the afternoon and when Hiang Che started to gather their picnic things, Princess Sun Mi held his hand to stop him.

"Can we spend the night here and make a bonfire, I want to reminisce the first time we met at the forest when you saved us?" she asked him sweetly. She wanted to add that it was by that bonfire when they first stared at each other and perhaps, their special feelings for each other might have started there.

Hiang Che readily agreed, although he wondered if he was going to survive the night without touching her. When she moved, she lost her balance, and Hiang Che quickly supported her. She rested her face in his chest, his male scent intoxicating her.

He tilted her face towards him. "I love you," he would never get tired of telling her how much he cares for her. He cannot resist her pouting lips anymore and as he lowered his head to taste the sweetness of her lips, she leaned closer to him, ready to offer what he wanted. Her hands tentatively crept up his neck, and as he deepened the kiss, she wound her hand around his neck, responding to him.

It was Hiang Che who broke the kiss, but he held her tightly against him. He stroked her back and as he heard her whisper how much she loves him, he sought her lips once again.

Reason prevailed over emotions. Hiang Che did not want to break the king’s trust towards him. She told the princess that he must prepare the bonfire. Moments later when he sensed that she was sleepy already, he cuddled her in his arms. He laid her down to rest while he started playing a lullaby for her.

He knew he will never get tired of looking at her lovely face. As a man, Hiang Che cannot deny the physical attraction he felt towards her, especially at this moment when her ethereal beauty was just within his reach.  But he has to restrain himself. Things must be in order first. When he was assured that she was already fast asleep, he bent and kissed her on the forehead and decided that a dip in the cold water would do him good.  It would douse the burning fires within him.  

Princess Sun Mi sensed that Hiang Che left when he stopped playing his music. Her eyes opened when she heard a splash on the pool.  It was her turn to be mesmerized by the handsome form of Hiang Che.  She cannot take her eyes off him and she smiled thinking that when they reach Princess Ju Hee’s palace, she must paint the Adonis-like form of Hiang Che.  It was already committed in her memory.

When he came out of the pool, she kept on staring at his nakedness, but she hastily squeezed her eyes shut when he came near her, fully clothed now.  He smoothed her hair, and she slowly opened her eyes and smiled at him.

"Hiang Che will you sleep beside me?" she asked him plainly, unaware of what she was asking for.  When Hiang Che hesitated, she pouted.

"You are still so innocent Sun Mi… You do not know what you are asking for…" Hiang Che breathed deeply and settled beside her, gathering her in his arms.  He gave her a light kiss before drifting off to a light slumber.  Princess Sun Mi smiled, telling herself that no matter what happens, she knew that it would only be in Hiang Che’s loving arms that she will feel this safe and secure.

Chapter 10: Reclaiming the Throne

After days of traveling, the group of Prince Sun Dal arrived at the Yu Kingdom. An advance party had been sent by the prince to inform Princess Ju Hee of their hasty visit. The young prince glanced at the agitated Lady Kae Tee. She had that worried look on her face since last night when Princess Sun Mi and Hiang Che were not able to catch up with them. Prince Sun Dal had to assure her time and again that nothing wrong will happen to the princess because Hiang Che is a trustworthy and honorable man.  

The young prince hid his smile, now what did Hiang Che hoped to achieve by pulling that stunt, not hurrying to catch up with them last night? Perhaps the young lovers were enchanted by their surroundings and forgot everything? Prince Sun Dal gave out a low chuckle which made Cheng Sui turn abruptly in his direction. The mischievous look was easily replaced by a serious demeanor once the prince spotted the beautiful Princess Ju Hee waiting for them.

After the formal introductions were made of Rao Shin and his distant cousin, Princess Ju Hee approached Prince Sun Dal and in a low tone asked, "But where is the princess?... and Hiang Che also?" as she craned her lovely neck to look out at the palace entrance hoping that the two would appear soon.

Prince Sun Dal indicated for her to follow him until they reached a nook in the garden. There, he related the whole incident to the princess, his eyes unwavering as he stared at her.

"This is incredulous! Hiang Che is actually a prince?  And he is the son of King Yun, who is my uncle and my father’s second cousin?  So… we are actually third cousins?? My goodness! All this information all at once is quite difficult to handle…” the princess was astonished.  

“I’m also wondering how prince Woo Jin could dupe the King all these years…? And how can his mother, Lady Kim Jin Suk tolerate this?"  Princess Ju Hee inquired further.

"Greed, power, wealth... In fact she was the one who masterminded the whole thing, taking advantage of King Yun’s vulnerability, as he was engulfed with grief and overwhelmed by severe emotional turmoil, ever since the queen died," Prince Sun Dal said.

"It is time for us to unite our forces Prince Sun Dal, not only to help Prince Hiang Che but also to eliminate these evildoers in our midst," Princess Ju Hee declared bravely as the prince watched and nodded his head, his admiration for her courage and beauty was growing more and more.

"I believe from what had been related, his real name is Xiang Zhe. I agree with you Princess Ju Hee the sooner we have to execute the plan the better. The Zhen’s astronomer advised us to make the surprise visit to the Yun Kingdom on the eve of the blue moon," Prince Sun Dal continued.

"Then I will instruct my green cloaks to prepare. Meanwhile, I think we must return to the others and see that they are well accommodated," she turned to leave but the prince detained her further.

"There is one thing princess. Hiang Che does not want Princess Sun Mi to know of his real identity yet, so I trust that this will be kept a secret until things are settled in his kingdom."

Then upon remembering Princess Sun Mi, the worried look returned to her face. "Are you sure they are safe Prince Sun Dal?"

The prince nodded sheepishly. "Let them be alone for the meantime. I believe they need more time to be with each other. Precious time had already been wasted, so let them catch up. You have nothing to worry about Princess.  Although allow me to say that you become more beautiful when you have that worried look on your face."

The princess gave him a puzzled look and murmured an excuse before turning. But it was too late as Prince Sun Dal saw her blushing face before she left.
**********

Meanwhile at the hidden forest, Hiang Che woke up first as he slept lightly.  He had to be on the alert during the night. He stared at the beautiful face of Princess Sun Mi as she laid her head on his arm. How his arm ached.  But for the sake of his lovely princess, he had to bear it, not to mention that uneasy feeling of sleeping beside her.  

You are really so innocent yet, my lovely princess, Hiang Che murmured as he caressed her smooth face. It was then that she slowly opened her eyes and immediately smiled at him. She tentatively touched his face also.

"I thought I was dreaming," she said softly.

"Am in included in your dream my princess?" Hiang Che teased her. She blushed and playfully glared at him.  

"Were you dreaming of rabbits?" and as she shook her head, Hiang Che continued enumerating the possible things she might have dreamed of.  

She laughed and softly told him, "You will never guess," and shyly buried her face in his chest.  

Hiang Che indulged her for a while but when he felt that she had dozed off again, he whispered softly in her ear, trailing his lips in her temple. "It is time to wake up Princess, we have to prepare and continue our journey. There are still several things to be settled."

He stood up immediately for fear of doing something foolish aside from kissing her temple. He cannot think straight when she is near him. Princess Sun Mi stretched languidly and smiled at him. Hiang Che offered his hand to help her stand up.

"Now off you go, freshen yourself and we have a journey ahead, my dear princess," he gently gave her a push towards the pool. "Be careful or else you will dive headfirst."

Hiang Che walked a distance before washing his face by the lakeside. He gave her a sidelong glance when he heard her humming a song. She approached slowly.

"Hiang Che, can you make another melody, to serve as a seal of our love for each other? I have one poem which I kept from you for fear that you will discover my feelings towards you."  

"Your wish is always my command my love," he told her gently as he embraced her.

Hiang Che smiled as he tilted her head to make her look at him again. The princess was taken by surprise by his next action as he said, "I think this was your dream," and he bent his head to capture her lips. Both were left breathless. As usual it was Hiang Che who broke the kiss even if he wanted for it to go on forever.  

Words were not needed as they stared in each other’s eyes, the promise of their love for each other clearly reflected there.

"We must be going now, or else they will be worried already. The last thing I want is for Princess Ju Hee to send a search party for us," he told her softly as he stroked her hair.

As they mounted on his horse once again, she asked him in a pleading voice, "Hiang Che please promise me that we will return here."

He kissed her forehead. She comfortably leaned her head against his chest as they continued with their journey.
**********

The arrival of Yin Hiang Che and Princess Sun Mi caused a stir among the subjects. Zhao Di and Lady Kae Tee breathed sighs of relief upon seeing the radiant face of their beautiful princess.

"You scared us princess, I thought something bad happened to you both," Lady Kae Tee was teary-eyed upon seeing her. The princess hugged her tightly.  

"I’m very happy Lady Kae Tee, you have nothing to be anxious about.  Hiang Che took good care of me," she glanced shyly at him talking quietly with Chen Shui and Rao Shin.

"Welcome to Yu Kingdom, Yin Hiang Che and Princess Zhen Sun Mi! How is my little sister? You look so radiant today. I was about to send my green cloaks to search for you thinking you may have lost your way," and Princess Ju Hee laughed softly when she saw the young princess blush. She glanced knowingly at Hiang Che who was listening at the exchange with amusement in his eyes.

"Let us go inside, I believe we have a lot of stories to be shared," and upon indicating for the others to follow, she led Princess Sun Mi inside the palace hall. The princess looked back at Hiang Che but he indicated for her to go on and turned to Prince Sun Dal who was eager to show him the armory of the Yu Kingdom.

Chen Shui mimicked Princess Ju Hee and grabbed Zhao Di’s hand. "Let us go inside Princess Zhao Di," which earned him a kick from the lady-in-waiting.
 **********

When Pei Ren Xiu and Ying Mei returned to the Zhen palace from their secret journey to the Yun Kingdom, the former was surprised to find out that Princess Sun Mi was nowhere to be found. His further inquiry from the guards yielded the information that the princess and her party were invited by Prince Sun Dal to visit the Kim Kingdom.  

Ren Xiu was puzzled, he was not aware before he left that there was an outstanding invitation from Prince Sun Dal. And what would Sun Mi be doing there unless she suddenly took a sudden interest in swordsmanship or archery. He smirked and as he went out of the palace halls he saw an agitated Ying Mei standing near one of the pillars. He indicated for her to go outside.

"Ying Mei, are you resting here? I am sorry to disturb your peace. I noticed that you just arrived from a long journey," Ren Xiu said in a loud voice for the benefit of those subjects who were within earshot.

Ying Mei looked around before speaking in a hushed tone, "Ren Xiu, I had been relieved of my duty as lady-in-waiting of Princess Sun Mi. It was ordered by the King. How can I make my reports to Prince Woo Jin if I do not have direct access to her?"

Ren Xiu sneered at her. "That is the price you have to pay for being so stubborn and wanting to go with me. We cannot afford to lose the payment and benefits we would be getting from Prince Woo Jin. You are so careless and stubborn!"

"I noticed also that they have stopped the preparations for the wedding," Ying Mei added worriedly, although her main concern was the fear of losing favors with Prince Woo Jin.
**********

Princess Ju Hee wasted no time issuing orders for the preparation of her green cloaks for the journey with the forces of Prince Sun Dal to the Yun Kingdom. But tonight was reserved for merriment. She stood on the palace grand staircase admiring the banquet hall. Upon receiving the missive from Prince Sun Dal of their hasty visit, she immediately planned for a grand banquet. She smoothed down her skirt, smiling to herself. She wanted to look more beautiful tonight. What’s happening to me?, she wondered.  

Tonight, they will be having a welcome cum goodbye dinner for the group since they would be leaving again in a few days. She had joined the group earlier that day as they discussed strategies and alternatives for the "visit" to the Yun Kingdom. Princess Ju Hee observed Hiang Che during that time, admiring his intelligence as he suggested tactics to Prince Sun Dal. But she admired more the leadership of Prince Sun Dal.  It was Hiang Che who requested him to lead this journey, another tactic so they would not be suspected immediately by Prince Woo Jin.

As soon as Princess Sun Mi appeared at the hall, Hiang Che sprang out of nowhere and offered to escort her. She was glad that tonight, he would not be relegated to the background together with the other palace subjects but will be sitting in the banquet table. She gave him a shy smile.

"Princess Ju Hee requested me to provide the entertainment music tonight. Would you mind if I will play again the songs which we had composed before? Or will it bring back bitter memories of our separation?"  He had to ask her first because he did not want to upset her.

She smiled lovingly at him, "I will be very proud if you share it with them Hiang Che.  Later,  I will show you the poem that I hid from you before."

He smiled back at her, bringing her hands to his lips.

Zhao Di who was hiding behind one of the pillars was looking at them dreamily while retracing her steps, unaware that Chen Shui was standing right behind her. There was a shriek from her and as she lifted her skirt to run after him, Lady Kae Tee just shook her head helplessly at the temperamental Zhao Di.

Princess Ju Hee observed discreetly from the distance the loving glances exchanged by her friend and Hiang Che. She was glad that tonight, that fleeting sadness and worried look on the young princess’ face was gone. Earlier that day, Princess Sun Mi told her what had transpired between her and the handsome musician since he returned to the Zhen Kingdom. But she suddenly remembered Prince Woo Jin and became worried that he may be hurt once he learned that the marriage will not materialize.

"Father was so silent over the whole thing except that he gave me the freedom to choose whom I love. I trust that he will make this known to Prince Woo Jin although I am afraid also that they will do something to Hiang Che," she related, a worried look on her beautiful face.

Princess Ju Hee simply encouraged her to do what she thought was right.  Although she wanted to add that Prince Woo Jin was indeed a ruthless man.

Everyone enjoyed at the banquet. Once again they were entertained by Hiang Che’s flute rendition of several melodies. Every time he played a new number, his eyes would seek the lovely face of Princess Sun Mi. It seemed that the others were non-existent and he was only playing the songs for her.

"They are a perfect match, right?" Prince Sun Dal asked softly beside Princess Ju Hee and when she looked at him, surprised that he was already near, he winked at her. After a few drinks, the young prince gathered the courage to come near the lady who had taken his fancy ever since.

"Please be careful in your journey Prince Sun Dal," she was worried not only for her troop but also for the prince.

"I am flattered that you care for my safety Princess," he replied seriously.

Princess Ju Hee blushed but replied wittingly, "Well, you will be leading also my troops.  Naturally their welfare is my concern too. And I want Hiang Che to succeed in this mission. He deserves to be crowned king of the Yun Kingdom."

Prince Sun Dal smiled happily.  For now, he would not bother her with his feelings.  He can wait until they have finished helping Hiang Che reclaim his throne.
**********

After dinner, Princess Sun Mi told Hiang Che that she wanted to show him something. They went to the receiving room of Princess Ju Hee while she hurriedly went to her room to get the scroll of her hidden poem. Lady Kae Tee who was left with Hiang Che bowed and gave him a hesitant smile.

"I will leave you both now Prince Yun, I know I can trust you where my Princess is concerned."

The young musician was taken aback by the title used but gave her a reassuring nod, "Hiang Che suits me better Lady Kae Tee.  Yes I promise you I will take care of her for the rest of our lives."

The older woman wished them a pleasant night when the princess returned.  

"Here it is I hope you will like this," the princess handed him the scroll excitedly.

Hiang Che slowly opened the scroll and was touched by the poem she made expressing her love for him.  

“Love’s Melody”
My love is pure and sincere
Deep inside I know it is real
What I feel for you, is genuine and true
It is my heart’s song, my melody for you
I’ve written down the words, to express how much I feel
Because this love inside my heart, I can no longer conceal  


The moment you walked into my life
Dark clouds faded and turned to light
The melancholy feeling I once had within me
Has been replaced with happiness, joy & glee
Before there were only gray and gloomy skies hovering above
Now the sun shines bright as I bask in the warmth of your love

At first, I was afraid to reveal these emotions  
Told myself it is rather foolish for me to go on
Feeling this way for someone like you:  practically a stranger
Met only by chance, in that encounter you became my rescuer
But since then, I have discovered more about the man with the soulful eyes
Your musical prowess & thoughtfulness; valiant but gentle, gallant and kind

My love is pure and sincere
Deep inside I know it is real
What I feel for you, is genuine and true
It is my heart’s song, my melody for you
I’ve written down the words, to express how much I feel
Because this love inside my heart, I can no longer conceal.

He pulled her into his arms and tried to control his tears.  "Thank you my princess.  Sometimes I just cannot believe that someone as beautiful and wonderful as you would love me in return."

They stood there embracing each other, contented with that magical moment, before Hiang Che bent to kiss her sweet lips.
**********

A few days later, the group of Prince Sun Dal and Hiang Che prepared for their journey to the Yun Kingdom. They will meet with the yellow cloaks of the Zhen Kingdom somewhere in the forest.  

Princess Sun Mi woke up early.  She wanted to watch the preparation from her room. Last night, she and Hiang Che bid each other goodbye. She was teary eyed as she looked at him. "Why won’t you tell me where you are going? Do you really have to go?"

Hiang Che ran his knuckles gently on her cheek. She becomes lovelier everyday with that special glow in her eyes. He put a finger on her lips to signal for her to be quiet. "Hush now my princess, please don’t cry. We will see each other soon. I promise you that. I cannot bear to see you so sad. Tomorrow when we leave, please do not bother to come down. "

She buried her face in his broad chest and nodded her head. "Remember what we said about the blue moon, think of me Hiang Che and make a wish when the moon is at its brightest."

Lady Kae Tee stirred from where she was sleeping and was surprised to see the princess who was already awake at that hour. She quietly stood beside her ward as they watched Princess Ju Hee moved to and fro at the grounds below, so precise in her instructions.  

Hiang Che looked up at the window where his beloved was roomed. It was still dark but he thought he saw some movements there. Perhaps it was just his imagination. Goodbye for now my princess, I want to regain what is rightfully mine for you too.

At the agreed place and time of day, they met with the yellow cloaks of the Zhen Kingdom. What surprised the other party was the presence of King Gui Chen. Together, they continued their journey to the Yun Kingdom. It has been agreed that upon reaching the territory of the kingdom, Prince Sun Dal and King Gui Chen would advance first.  The ploy was for him to make Prince Woo Jin believe that it was just a friendly visit. Hiang Che had stressed that if possible, he wanted a bloodless return to his kingdom.

That night, as the group was resting at the forest near the Yun Kingdom, Hiang Che could not sleep. He looked at the glimmering lights afar with teary eyes, his fists clenched. He muttered a silent prayer for the parents he never had the chance to know.  He vowed that as long as he lives, he will do his best to restore the glory of his parent’s kingdom. He closed his eyes and remembered his Princess Sun Mi.  This is for you too my beloved princess…

He raised his eyes and looked at the rising moon, the blue moon. He smiled as he recalled the princess’ childlike face as she told him to make a wish upon it. There was no need for her to remind him to think of her since she’s always on his mind, even in his dreams. He made a silent wish for them to be happy together.

The princess was doing the same thing at the garden of Princess Ju Hee, envisioning his handsome teasing eyes as she looked at the moon.
**********

Before the sun was up, the group had reached the outskirts of the Yun Kingdom. Prince Sun Dal shook his head. "Prince Woo Jin is so lax in his security. Look, there are no guards within this territory. He’s not a good property custodian after all." Hiang Che simply nodded his head.  

Inside the palace, a messenger was hurrying towards the hall where Prince Woo Jin was talking with his mother.

"My son I think you must hurry and have yourself proclaimed as the king soon," his mother was agitated.

"Hah! There’s nothing for you to be worried about mother. Wouldn’t it be nice if I will be proclaimed king upon my wedding to Sun Mi," and he laughed loudly.

Just then the messenger appeared, informing him that King Gui Chen and Prince Sun Dal were now at the palace gates. Prince Woo Jin was surprised but straightened in his seat. No, he will wait for the visitors to enter the hall.  He would not stand to greet them. But his mother looked sternly at him, indicating that they were having as visitor the powerful king of the far east. The prince got up reluctantly just as the party entered the room.

"King Gui Chen, we are very honored with this sudden visit. I hope Princess Sun Mi is alright. I believe you want to hasten the preparations for our wedding that is why you are here," Prince Woo Jin rattled, noticing that aside from the two, there were others with them.  

At that moment, Hiang Che was just outside the palace doors.  He changed his mind and decided to go with the group. Most of the men did not recognize him or perhaps they were not the ones who accompanied the prince when he visited the Zhen kingdom before.

"This is not a social visit Woo Jin, we came here to right a wrong that was done many years ago, to return all of these to whom it rightfully belongs…"  King Gui Chen said without much preamble, his authoritative voice booming.

Prince Woo Jin was irked immediately and looked at his mother. He was surprised to see her so pale. He smirked and looked at the king. "You are not yet my father-in-law and yet you treat me like this Your Majesty. I cannot understand what you are talking about."

"You and your mother and all your cohorts know what King Gui Chen is talking about," everyone was surprised as Hiang Che entered the hall quietly. Prince Sun Dal readied his hand at the hilt of his sword when he saw that Prince Woo Jin did the same. They did not expect Hiang Che to enter soon.

Woo Jin did not recognize Hiang Che immediately since his hair was shorter. But the angry eyes of the handsome musician made Woo Jin realize who it was.

"You are dead already!  No!  It cannot be you… they told me they succeeded in killing you… I paid a huge sum for your death!"  Prince Woo Jin was unaware of what he was uttering, unconsciously admitting his crime.  

Hiang Che moved forward until he was in front of Prince Woo Jin. "I think I am blessed with nine lives. Your mother tried to kill me before, but she failed. You attempted to have me murdered, but you failed. Even if you did not admit to your crime, I was not totally unconscious when your henchman Ren Xiu mentioned your name."

Lady Kim Jin Suk was angry too. "Who are you to accuse me of trying to kill you?  I have not seen you in my entire life and yet… how dare you trespasser!"

Hiang Che smiled at Woo Jin’s mother although his smile did not reach his eyes. "Lady Kim would you like me to refresh your memory years ago when you ordered that kind lady standing over there to have the son of Queen Yun killed?"

Lady Kim was trembling, "No…you are an impostor!  The child was killed at birth that was why I ordered immediately for him to be buried. I did not want King Yun to suffer further."

"But he survived Lady Kim and he is right now in front of you. I am Yun Xiang Zhe, and I came to reclaim what is rightfully mine. I also want to give justice to what had been done to my father."

"He is lying!" Lady Kim told the people around them lamely, while Prince Woo Jin was trembling with rage. He drew out his sword, but Hiang Che was quicker than him. Neither wanted to give in and several sword thrusts were made, parried by the quick movement of each one.  But in the end, Prince Woo Jin was pinned down, the tip of Hiang Che’s sword pointed at his throat.

When the guards loyal to Prince Woo Jin started to make some defensive moves, Prince Sun Dal shouted, "Do not bother to defend your leader, we have the palace surrounded by our men. Any false move from you will mean total banishment from the Yun Kingdom."

"I believe that my parents had been very good to your family Woo Jin. But you and your mother’s greed pushed you to do these evil deeds. You deserve to die…" Hiang Che’s angry voice reverberated inside the room. Even King Zhen was not able to act quickly. Hiang Che seemed to have forgotten his vow to prevent the shedding of anyone’s blood.  

He looked at his trembling hand holding the hilt of his sword. But suddenly the face of the lovely Princess Sun Mi seemed to appear before him and he closed his eyes. NO… he did not want his hands to be tainted by the blood of this evil man.

Prince Sun Dal signaled his men to arrest Woo Jin, who still tried to fight back. His mother and their loyal subjects attempted to escape but King Zhen’s men were quick to apprehend them.  

The palace subjects were panicking although now that the truth had been known, most were relieved. For many years they had served under the cruelty of Woo Jin and his mother. They knew that King Yun had been neglected but they were powerless to do anything to help him.

Outside the palace, the men of Woo Jin were rounded by Prince Sun Dal. He volunteered to Hiang Che to leave to him the task of determining who will remain loyal to serve under the Yun kingdom and eradicate those who have already become ‘puppets’ under Lady Kim Jin Suk and Prince Woo Jin’s rule.

Hiang Che wandered inside the king’s receiving room, his eyes sad as he looked around. King Zhen followed behind.  

"You will be the one to decide on the proper punishment for Woo Jin and his mother. Whatever your decisions will be, I will support you Hiang Che."

"I want them exiled to a faraway land King Zhen.  I do not want to keep them as prisoners here. A short talk with the subjects revealed that most of them hated the prince and his mother because of their cruelty. I want my rule to start without any blemish of blood or death."

The king nodded. "Do not worry about running your kingdom Prince Xiang Zhe, I will be willing to assist you. You will be my son-in-law soon and I admire your wisdom, especially in the punishment that you will give to these traitors."  

"You have no qualms in me marrying your daughter King Zhen? I do not have the proper royal training, but I also hope that you would not say no to my request for her hand."  Hiang Che smiled at the older man.

The king patted him on his shoulder. "Your kindness, intelligence, and most of all your love for my daughter is enough Hiang Che.  I know that you love her as much as I do.  And as for my daughter, she was even willing to marry you as a pauper and was ready to give up her inheritance just to be with you."

Hiang Che laughed and bowed to express his gratefulness to the king.

Further investigation also confirmed the involvement of Ying Mei and Ren Xiu in every activity of prince Woo Jin, serving as his spies in the Zhen Kingdom. They were also banished from their services but were exiled in a different place.
**********

It took almost half of the season before Prince Xiang Zhe had straightened everything. He made sure that proper rites for the burial of his parents be made again. His Uncle Rao Shin, his aunt, and Chen Shui were given special positions in the palace. After all they were the people he could trust.  

The loyalty of his subjects to his father, King Yun Hae Seon, made managing the kingdom easier.

Prince Xiang Zhe was preparing for his return to the Yu Kingdom to fetch the princess. Until now she was not aware of what happened.  He wanted to tell her the truth when they meet again. He closed his eyes remembering her lovely face. He missed her so much.  

Sun Mi… he whispered towards the starlit night.

***to be continued*** @_@ & ^_^

Chapter 11: A Dream Fulfilled

Traveling from the Yun palace in the west to the Yu palace in the east required traversing the entire Far East continent. But Prince Yun Xiang Zhe was undaunted. His pace and the steps of his horse seemed to be hastened by the deep desire to see Princess Sun Mi once again. To hold her in his arms, see her lovely face, look into her smiling eyes and kiss her tender lips. It was a good thing that the weather was in his favor since it was already summertime. Thus, he welcomed the warm rays of the sun on his skin as he imagined it as the warmth of the touch from the sweet princess’ fingertips.

It took several months to iron out the matters of concern in the Yun kingdom. But with the willing help of his friend and ally Prince Kim Sun Dal, and the guidance of King Zhen Gui Chen, he was able to restore the kingdom in a peaceful and orderly state.

His heart beat riotously when he realized that he was finally within the realm of Princess Yu Ju Hee’s palace. It means that in a few hours time, he will already be rejoined with his beloved. But along with the excitement came the anxiety in his heart. How to answer Princess Sun Mi’s inquiries and would she be upset if she learned about the truth, finally… and would she be furious if she knew that she was kept in the dark about his true identity, even when almost all the people surrounding her already knew the truth.

Well, I would have to find out soon then. Prince Xiang Zhe said to himself as he guided his horse on the path towards the Yu kingdom.

**********

Princess Zhen Sun Mi was particularly feeling impatient today. It seems that she had butterflies in her stomach and was constantly fidgeting in her seat. Lady Kae Tee noticed this so she asked her with concern and confusion in her voice. “Princess Sun Mi, is anything the matter? I have noticed that you have been acting uneasy since this morning. Is something bothering you, are you not feeling well?”

“I do not know Lady Kae Tee, but I had a horrible dream last night. I dreamt of Hiang Che and there were armed men who wanted to hurt him. I tried to yell and call out his name to warn him, but he could neither see nor hear me. Oh no! What does that mean? Do you think his life is in peril again?”

“Hush my child” the elder lady answered as she patted the princess’ hand in order to calm her nerves. “It was only a dream, just a bad dream. It does not mean that it happened for real. Maybe you are just having nightmares because you have been constantly thinking about him and the time apart has made you more vulnerable and sensitive to your emotions. But fret not my child, isn’t it that Princess Ju Hee said that a messenger already arrived few days prior, stating that Prince… errr, I mean Hiang Che will be back soon. Perhaps, it is because of your great anticipation for his return that you were able to dream about him…”

“I hope so… I hope you are right. I really wish that Hiang Che would return soon. I miss him terribly and I am eager to know the reason why he had to leave so abruptly and why it took him several months to return. It seems that everyone around are speaking in hushed voices whenever I’m in the room. As if they are hiding something from me. But I’m just constantly holding on to the words Hiang Che told me: to trust him completely and that he will surely come back and that when I see him again, he will explain everything to me. I suppose that until that time, I will continue to experience great difficulty in trying to be fully calm… and maybe that is why I had that nightmare.”

“Yes my child. That was probably it.” Lady Kae Tee reassured her. “And in the meantime, I’m glad that you have taken up your drawing pen and painting brush again. It is helpful to keep your mind preoccupied with other pursuits, in order to lessen the strain of stress in your heart and mind.”

“I do agree. Writing, painting and drawing have been my forms of therapy whenever difficult situations and distressing thoughts are gathering in my mind.” The princess replied with a nod towards her tutor and confidante.

“I see you have a new painting project on hand. I do not think I have previewed it before. May I see it, your highness?” Princess Sun Mi suddenly blushed upon hearing her teacher’s inquiry.

“Oh, you mean this one wrapped in silk… ummm… yes, it is a new project of mine but it is somewhat of a ‘personal theme’ and I’m quite shy to show it to anyone else.” The princess tried to explain.

“What do you mean ‘personal theme’? You mean it is a portrait of a person? Hmmm… let me guess, you have painted the handsome musician’s image, am I right?” The lady arched her eyebrow as she questioned her student further.

“Ahhh, yes that is correct, it is a painting with Hiang Che as the subject. And it would be a surprise gift or my welcome back present for him. Hence, I would like him to be the first one to view it (…and be the only one to see it, I hope…) Princess Sun Mi added in her thoughts.

“Well then, if that painting is indeed that special and very personal, it is but proper that he be the first one to see it. I understand. Excuse me your highness but I would now return to my quarters and allow you to continue with your work.” Lady Kae Tee bowed before the princess then turned around with a slight smile on her face as she left the room.

Princess Sun Mi heaved a sigh of relief as she saw the lady exit her chamber. I really thought she would insist on seeing this painting. It is a good thing I covered it with a silk cloth, or else I would not know how red my face would be if she saw it.

Indeed, she had a reason to be quite timid to share this particular painting with her tutor. The reason being that the image on the canvass was the one that has been etched in her memory since she went to that enchanted forest with Hiang Che: a depiction of his naked form or bare back as he bathed on the pool. And he had no knowledge that she was able to see him because he thought that she was fast asleep at that time.

**********
Night time was nearing and Princess Ju Hee’s guests had just finished eating dinner. The two princesses opted to stroll along the garden to feel the cool summer breeze. Zhao Di followed them and Chen Shui was also walking closely behind while strumming a mellow tune on his zither.

Zhao Di kept on glancing coyly at Chen Shui. Something which did not escape the princess’ attention, and she cannot help but be amused with these two people who seemed to have fallen in love with each other’s quirkiness and idiosyncrasies. Though their fondness for each other they would often mask or cover up with their constant bickering and quarreling.

The rhythm from the stringed instrument made Princess Sun Mi’s longing for Hiang Che more vivid. She remembered those summer nights spent in the Zhen palace wherein they collaborated on composing wonderful melodies for her various poems. She was lost in her reverie that she did not notice that the others have stopped walking. And before she could turn around to retrace her steps and return to them, she heard another familiar tune. But this time, it was not coming from Chen Shui’s zither but from a wind instrument, particularly a flute.

Princess Sun Mi’s heart beat quickened and her dark eyes widened as she held her breath. She wanted to make sure that this was not a dream and that the music she was hearing was for real. When she was convinced that she was indeed wide awake, she slowly turned around and saw the smiling faces of Princess Ju Hee, Zhao Di and Chen Shui. Behind them, the moon gleamed from the sky and shone on the handsome face of Hiang Che beaming at her.

“Hiang Che! Finally you have returned!” Princess Sun Mi walked past the others and fixed her gaze on the face of her beloved, now standing before her.

The handsome man was also speechless for a moment, taking in the beautiful vision of the princess. He moved the flute away from his mouth then bowed and uttered his greetings.

“Your highness, Princess Sun Mi, I have now returned… as I have promised.”

Tears started to flow from her eyes; tears of joy for seeing him once again, and tears of relief that her nightmare and fears were proven wrong. Tonight, he has come back to her, just as he had pledged.

“I’m very glad to see you once again Hiang Che. But where have you gone to and what took you so long to return?” Princess Sun Mi asked.

Princess Ju Hee suddenly cleared her throat then said: “Zhao Di, Chen Shui, I think we better go inside the palace and give Sun Mi and Xiang… I mean Hiang Che a chance to talk in private. Let us also welcome back to the palace Prince Sun Dal and his troops. I need to instruct the servants to prepare some refreshments for them since they just came from a long journey. Hiang Che, I will also send someone to serve your refreshments over there at the gazebo in the garden. I assume that is where you want to stay while speaking with Sun Mi.”

Hiang Che slightly nodded to her and replied: “I would greatly appreciate that your majesty… and thank you very much for your hospitality… my cousin…”

Princess Sun Mi frowned in confusion when she heard him refer to Princess Ju Hee as his cousin. But she was more puzzled by the other princess’ reaction for she did not seem to be surprised. She just bowed towards him in acknowledgement then strode along, with Zhao Di and Chen Shui following her.

“Hiang Che, have I heard it correctly? You have called Princess Ju Hee your cousin? Why did you say that?” Princess Sun Mi inquired but he just held her hand and led her to the benches in the garden’s gazebo. When they were finally seated, he looked intently into her eyes and started to relate the whole story. The tale of his true identity, the truth that set him free and will change the course of his life… of their life together… from now until forever.

**********

Prince Xiang Zhe was pleased to have finally been set free from his secret after revealing the events that transpired while he was away from the princess. His travel back to Yun kingdom to reclaim the throne that was rightfully his; the encounter with Kim Woo Jin and his mother who selfishly wanted to steal the crown for their own gain & benefit; how her father King Zhen Gui Chen actually helped him secure the kingdom and rebuild the governance in the Yun palace, under new rulership.

Princess Sun Mi had tears in her eyes once again. “So, your real name is Prince Yun Xiang Zhe? And you are the sole heir to the throne of King Yun Hae Seon? And that your real mother, the queen, died at childbirth. What a pity! If only you had known about the truth earlier, you would have been given a chance to meet your real father. You led a difficult life Hiang Che, not knowing that by your real identity and birth right, you would have lived a life of prosperity, within the realms of the Yun kingdom.”

“I know my dear princess, but I still consider myself blessed because I had my good uncle Rao Shin and aunty Ae Lee who raised me up in the best way they knew how. They took care of me, fed me and educated me, and most of all kept me safe and alive, long enough for me to discover my true identity; to regain all that was previously lost and to retrieve all that have been stolen from me. I will be forever thankful to that faithful kin of Uncle Rao Shin who bared the truth even it meant risking her life…”

“…And you know what my love? I would not trade being a traveling musician for whatever other ‘princely privileges’ I have missed by not growing up inside the palace. Because if I had not been traveling along the forest that fateful day, we would never have crossed paths… and that for me is the greatest loss of all.”

“Oh Hiang Che, do you really mean that? I mean, Prince Xiang Zhe, your highness. I’m sorry. I think it would take more time to get used to your real name.” Princess Sun Mi said shyly.

“Of course it’s true, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. And don’t fret about what you should call me. Remember, I will always be your ‘Hiang Che’, the one ready and willing to serve you, my beloved princess.” Prince Xiang Zhe gave her a smile and a wink before he continued to speak.

“My princess, as soon as possible, I wish for us to travel back to Zhen palace. I know you already miss your father, and I would also like to formally ask him for your hand in marriage. That is, if you would accept the love I’m offering you, my dear Sun Mi.” The prince said this as he slowly unwrapped a small pouch with a beautiful jade ring inside. He presented it to her, along with these valuable words forming the all-important question:

“Will you marry me, Princess Zhen Sun Mi?”

“Oh Hiang Che, I think you already know the answer to that. Yes, I do accept your love. Yes, I do want to marry you. Yes, Prince Yun Xiang Zhe, I would like to be your wife and spend the rest of my life with you.” Sun Mi beamed as he slipped the ring on her finger, tenderly kissed her on the lips then embraced her tightly. Tears were also welling up in his eyes.

Xiang Zhe released her from his embrace then told her the story behind the significance of the ring he had just given her. “Do you know Sun Mi that this is the same ring which my father gave my mother when they were wed? The trusted official from the palace treasury gave this to me. He said that the king gave it to him for safe-keeping and that he hoped that he would have a valuable use for it when the time comes. He believed that the perfect time had arrived when I was introduced to him. He was doubly delighted when I revealed that the ring is indeed perfect because I was planning to give it to a very special lady, who just like my mother will be the future queen of the Yun kingdom.”

“Oh Xiang Zhe, I feel so privileged to be wearing this ring. I promise to keep it safe and will treasure it forever. It will be the symbol of the legacy of your parents’ love, which we will honor and continue with our union.” This was Sun Mi’s heartfelt reply.

“I love you very much my sweet Sun Mi.” Xiang Zhe whispered to her ear as he clasped both her hands and kissed her forehead.

“And I love you too, my kind rescuer, my valiant hero Hiang Che… and my brave prince Xiang Zhe.” She replied and looked at him intently, then slowly closed her eyes when he lowered his lips to touch hers once again.

The summer months went by so swiftly. Autumn again was suddenly here and everyone was abuzz with excitement for the preparations being made for the upcoming union of Prince Yun Xiang Zhe and Princess Zhen Sun Mi. The whole Yun palace was back to its original splendor and zest, and the lavish decorations were made in order to serve as the perfect setting for this very special wedding. Windows were draped with bright as sunshine yellow curtains, to symbolize the yellow cloaks identified with the Zhen kingdom.

Deep blue sea-colored walls and sky blue hues on the ceiling could be seen in the main hallway and grand room where the ceremony would be held. Of course, blue being the signature color of the Yun Kingdom. The pillars around the room would be adorned with freshly cut crimson red roses, abloom amidst the lush green leaves and stems of the flowers. These two colors would then symbolize the other two kingdoms in the Far East: green for Yu kingdom and red for Kim kingdom.

**********
The day of the much-awaited wedding finally arrived and everyone was breathless as they saw the ethereal beauty of the bride as she walked through the main hallway. Her father, King Zhen Gui Chen was beaming with pride as he witnessed his only daughter walk confidently towards the altar. She wore a red and gold gown made from very lush and intricate fabric. A golden tiara adorned her head, holding the bun of her long black hair in place. Cascading from the crown of her head was also a rose colored veil which slightly covered the radiant smile on her face. Red was her color of choice, because aside from signifying royalty, this color is also the evidence of their great love and deep passion for each other.

On the opposite end of the hall, the prince, her groom, was nervously waiting for her. A handsome grin was reflected on his face upon seeing his bride, the woman of his dreams.

They were now together, standing side by side facing the altar, both of them bowed low, as a symbol of reverence, humility and submission to God. Then they faced one another as the priestess conducted the wedding ceremony. After a few moments, they were now finally declared as husband and wife and as they faced the people, everybody in the room stood up in applause for the newly married couple. King Gui Chen was also a bit teary eyed upon seeing his daughter and his new son-in-law beaming with extreme happiness.

Then the happy couple faced the priestess once again and Prince Xiang Zhe stepped forward and kneeled on one knee. This time, it would be his crowning ceremony as the new king of the Yun palace. When the crown was finally placed upon his head, Princess Sun Mi was overwhelmed with great pride for her husband. And when the new King Xiang Zhe arose and faced the people, they applauded once again and gave a victory cheer or chant for their new royal highness.

Fulfillment and contentment could now be seen on the face of Xiang Zhe as he regally stood there amidst the crowd of witnesses. His heart was overflowing with joy as he received two wonderful blessings that day: his precious wife Sun Mi, and his installation as the rightful successor to rule in his father’s kingdom. It would truly be an unforgettable day, with two valuable reasons for thanksgiving and celebration.

King Yun Xiang Zhe then turned to his wife and declared to his people: “I greet you all as the new king of the Yun kingdom. And now, may I present to you my wife and your new queen… Queen Sun Mi.”

Queen Sun Mi bowed before the king then turned to the people with a sincere smile, to receive their warm welcome.

**********After the sumptuous banquet and rounds of music and merriment, the new royal couple finally had the chance to slip away from the guests and proceeded to the royal chamber. It was the first time that Sun Mi would see the completion of this particular section of the palace and she was giddy with excitement. But her heart was also peppered with nervousness, this being their wedding night, the first night they will be together as husband and wife.

As they entered the lavish room, Xiang Zhe proceeded to light up all the candles inside. When the room was properly illuminated, Sun Mi was delighted with what she saw. Adorning the walls were expensive pottery collections which her husband knew that she was greatly fond of. On the center of the display is that special vase which Xiang Zhe gifted her back in the Zhen palace: the one with the rabbit on the design. When this caught Sun Mi’s attention, her eyes suddenly lit up.

“So now I see, that is why that vase had gone missing from my room a few days ago. When I asked Zhao Di about it, she told me not to worry because she just had the vase cleaned and polished and that she would return the vase on my bedside table soon. I somehow forgot to ask her again about it because of all the on-going wedding preparations. What a delight to see now that the vase is actually here too, in my new home.” Sun Mi smilingly declared.

“Of course my love, I know how much you have treasured this item and so it would only be fitting that it be displayed here in our room. After all, it is the very first gift I have given you and it is as special to me as it is to you.” Xiang Zhe lovingly replied.

Sun Mi blushed as she remembered how extremely happy she was indeed when she received that vase gifted by her husband. Then, she only knew him as a simple traveler and talented musician. But now, this man is the one who has captured her heart and changed her life. And now they are about to embark on a new chapter of their lives, a fulfillment of their destiny to meet and be together.

Suddenly, she remembered something important and asked him to walk with her across the room. She pointed to a package wrapped in silk cloth, leaning against the wall near the window.

“My beloved, could you please pick up that item wrapped in silk, I have something to show you.” She requested.

“Oh, you mean this one? Hmmm… why did I not notice it before? I do not think it was here when I made a last inspection of this room yesterday.” He pondered.

“Surely it would not be here because I asked Zhao Di to give this to Chen Shui and to tell him to put this in our bedroom only on our wedding day.” Sun Mi mischievously grinned.

“Oh I see. Well then, I suppose this is a ‘secret gift’ or a ‘special surprise’? He asked.

“Indeed it is!” She exclaimed. Then she motioned for him to open the gift for she could not wait to see his reaction upon seeing what was inside the package.

Xiang Zhe excitedly unwrapped the gift and realized that it was actually a painting. Surely, this is one of Su Mi’s creations. He thought, growing more eager to see the piece. When the painting project was finally unraveled, the young king’s jaw dropped and he was suddenly speechless.

Queen Sun Mi was intently watching him as he impatiently opened the present. She did not know what to expect or what his reaction would be. And now that he was speechless, she was a bit worried that perhaps he did not like the gift and that is why he was not able to speak or say something as simple as: ‘thank you’.

Oh no! Maybe it was not a very good idea to make this nude painting of him; and an even greater mistake to show it to him. Oh Sun Mi, how could you be so foolish! She reprimanded herself in her thoughts as she could not stop rubbing her hands together. She was really nervous now about his silence. She then mustered up enough courage to ask him:

“So… surprise! How do you find the painting? Do you like it? Because if it is not to your liking, we can just discard it and I will keep it locked inside a box and you will never have to see it again…” Sun Mi was blabbering to cover up her anxiety.

“My dear, what is this talk about discarding the painting?” Xiang Zhe finally replied, looked up from viewing the painting and looked into her eyes. “Sun Mi, thank you… it is a beautiful painting. I am just surprised and I am wondering how you were able to do it… I mean, how you were able to capture my image, accurately and vividly?” He said matter-of-factly.

Then a knowing smile flashed across his face. “Aha! That night, at the enchanted forest, when I bathed in the pool, I knew you were sleeping at that time. It turns out somebody was actually ‘peeping’ and watching me… am I right my sweet madam?”

“Of course not!” Sun Mi denied. “It is because I am such a talented painter with a very vivid and detailed imagination that is why I was able to create this project and complete this painting.”

"And I can see that you have a very vivid and detailed imagination of me even if I am fully clothed." Xiang Zhe could not help tease her as she becomes lovelier and more radiant when she blushed

Xiang Zhe went on to tease her further: "How I wish that I have the same talent as you my sweet Sun Mi. So I can also put on canvass the ‘nymph’ I saw coming out of the water." This comment earned another glare from Sun Mi and as they stared at each other, she blushed anew. Remembering that incident at the enchanted forest, she cannot forget the look she saw in his eyes at that time. Perhaps that was what they call ‘desire’… and it is what she is seeing now in her husband's eyes. The amusing bantering between the couple was starting to elicit giggles from each other until Xiang Zhe finally exclaimed: “Aye, no matter what, whether you will admit it or not, what is important is that I love this painting and so I will proudly display this masterpiece in the grand room, in the main hall, for all of Yun kingdom to see!”

“What? I am sure you are not serious about that! This painting is meant for your eyes only my handsome King Xiang Zhe. I have carefully kept this from prying eyes while I was making it. Not even my tutor Lady Kae Tee had seen it. And now you want to showcase it to the entire kingdom?” Sun Mi was flabbergasted.

“And why not? It is a very artistic painting and the depiction is flawless!” He continued with his joking mood and mischievous tone.

“Well if that is the case, then I shall pack my belongings now and leave this palace at once and return to my former home in Zhen kingdom. For what face will I be able to show to your people once they discover that the artist behind this ‘revealing’ painting is me?” Sun Mi pouted, turned around and pretended to leave the room.

King Xiang Zhe ran after her and caught her arm. “Ah, ah, ah! Not so fast my fair madam. You will not be able to get away from me that easily. A special token such as this painting deserves a very generous show of gratitude. And I intend to fully express my appreciation of your artistry with this…”

Xiang Zhe lowered his face towards her and captured her pouting red lips in a passionate kiss. Sun Mi tried to squirm away from his hold but was immediately mesmerized by his kiss that she was rendered immobile and her knees weakened from where she was standing. She was only jolted back to her senses when she felt his sensuous mouth slightly part from her trembling lips.

“Seriously speaking now my love, I will treasure this painting that you have made and will proudly look at it and remember our magical time in that mystical forest that enchanted evening. It shall be displayed here inside our bed chamber along with our precious belongings. Side by side with the rabbit vase I gave you, what do you think?” Xiang Zhe asked his beautiful wife.

“Yes, I do agree. That would be a splendid idea. The precious gifts we gave each other safely nestled here in our room and as you said, proudly displayed for our eyes to appreciate and for our thoughts to remember both items’ significance.” Sun Mi convincingly nodded in agreement.

“Well then, it’s settled. Our tokens of love safely kept inside our room as their meanings locked inside our hearts… and I have another proposal.” He continued.

“What is this other proposal?” She inquired.

“That we continue to express our undying love for each other, here and now, always and forever.” Then he slowly moved closer to the canopied bed and gently traced the smooth skin on her face with his long slender fingers. He held her chin up to kiss her lips once more. They slowly sat on the edge of the bed and he started to remove the tiara and veil from her head but he was having a slight difficulty detaching it from her hair.

Sun Mi let out a soft nervous giggle and said: “Let me do it my love. And may I just go inside the changing room for a while and remove my wedding gown and all these ornaments, and slip into something more comfortable.”

“Yes… and I will be doing the same.” Xiang Zhe escorted her towards the changing room then she proceeded to move behind the silk screen located at the corner of the room. Both of them mindfully undressed their garments and put on matching white silk robes. He was the first one to exit the changing room then sat on the canopied bed to wait for her.

When she finally emerged behind the sliding doors of the other room, Xiang Zhe looked up in wonder and amazement over his exquisite bride. Surely, even without the ornate dress and lavish accessories, she actually looked more ethereal and beautiful. With her long silky tresses no longer tied in a bun and once again falling freely on her shoulders. This reminded him of how she looked the first time he saw her, during their first encounter in the forest. As if a goddess emerged from the heavenly realms and descended upon his presence.

He quickly stood up from the bed and walked over to where she stood. Then he held her hand and led her towards the bed. Sun Mi was just looking at her husband and allowed him to lead.

Pausing by the edge of the bed, Xiang Zhe softly said: “May I?...”

Then he slowly removed the robe from her young, slim body and the silk robe slid down from her shoulders and gathered by her feet. He likewise did the same and removed his robe which quickly settled on the floor along with her robe.

Sun Mi was looking in his eyes the whole time but then something caught her attention. When she lowered her eyes to rest on his shoulders, she saw a deep scar and she gently touched it. Xiang Zhe held her hand and told her about it.

“This scar is from a dagger wound which happened when Pei Ren Xiu and his men attacked me after we left Zhen palace.” Xiang Zhe related the story. “I thought at that time that it was already the end of my life and that I would never see you again. But as fate would have it, I survived that attack, my wound has healed, and now I’m standing here before you as your husband. Is not life just unexpected, sometimes too surreal? Like living inside a dream…”

“But this is completely real… tonight, with you, I am really here…” Sun Mi uttered as she caressed his wound once again. “Everyday, I thank God for keeping you alive, for allowing you to return to me, for giving us this chance to be together, to make our sweet dream a reality…”

“I love you, your highness Queen Sun Mi.”

“And I love you too, your majesty King Xiang Zhe.”

The loving couple embraced each other on their marital bed and began to make passionate love to another. Little did they know that tonight was indeed a special and magical night… truly one enchanted evening.

For soon, beneath the bosom and within the belly of this goddess-like queen will be the growth of “double delights” or “twin blessings” that would surely color their world and enliven their hearts anew. The warm golden rays of the summer sun cast a bright light that peered through the window of the royal bed chamber in the Yun palace. The queen had just given birth to their fraternal twin sons: Prince Yun Jun Ho, older only by a few minutes, and Prince Yun Jum Ri.

The atmosphere of joy and excitement inside the room could not be contained and the good news already spread throughout the entire palace and across the other kingdoms in the Far East region. Princess Ju Hee and Prince Sun Dal were both eager to visit their dear friends and new ‘nephews’. They would also be sharing with the royal couple the good news of their engagement and that they too will embark on the world of married life soon.

Zhao Di and Chen Shui kept on doting on each child, already aggressively trying to determine who will be closer to them and who is supposed to take after them.

“Don’t be silly Zhao Di. How can any of these adorable baby boys have anything similar to you, when you are clearly a female? They will surely look up to me as their very good uncle who will accompany them to many trips and different activities only reserved for the boys.” Chen Shui declared confidently.

“Oh really? Well I beg to disagree, you foolish man. Who do you think will personally help in taking care of them, from the time they are infants, up to when they become toddlers, and until they become young men and excellent lads. I will be watching them more closely than you. Therefore, there is a bigger chance for me to be a greater influence in their lives than you.” Zhao Di smirked and scoffed at her constant ‘nemesis.’

Chen Shui was about to verbally retaliate when King Xiang Zhe cleared his throat and looked at the both of them. “Children, that’s enough quarreling for now. Sun Mi needs her rest and the twins also need peace and quiet in order to sleep soundly.

“Excuse us your majesty.” Chen Shui and Zhao Di immediately replied then bowed low and exited the room quickly while still continuously making faces at each other.

“When will they ever grow up?” King Xiang Zhe sighed.

“Well, at least our sons will surely have their ‘playmates’ as soon as they are big enough to run around the palace.” The happy new parents laughed together.

“How are you feeling now my love? Still very tired after giving birth?” Xiang Zhe asked concernedly while stroking locks of hair away from her forehead.

“Yes, I’m still feeling a bit weak, doubly tired actually. I never imagined that on my first time giving birth, I would have to do a ‘repeat performance’ of the birthing process at once, only a few minutes after the first one.” Sun Mi recalled the wonderful surprise they had when the doctor said that there was still another baby on the way. They didn’t expect that their first-born would be twins.

“Sun Mi… this is really another dream come true. I am quite speechless again and overwhelmed with immeasurable happiness. You have already given me two sons who will both be royal successors and heirs to the throne.

“That is right Xiang Zhe.” Sun Mi agreed. “It seems that God already provided for our need. One of them will rule the Yun Kingdom after you, and the other one will rule the Zhen Kingdom after their grandfather.”

Both parents pondered about the future, when both their sons would be rulers of each kingdom. They wished and prayed that they would indeed be worthy, noble and honest rulers of the people that would be entrusted to them to govern.

“But that is a very long time away from now. At present, let us concentrate on giving them all the best care and complete love we can shower upon them so that they will grow up to be happy and healthy, strong and intelligent children.” The young king declared.


King Xiang Zhe kissed his wife’s forehead then proceeded to hold and kiss each of his new-born son’s tiny hands. Sun Mi beamed at this act of endearment from him. She looked at her husband, the brave and mighty King Yun, now gently cradling their twin bundles of joy.

Several months and years passed and the princes were now handsome little men. They inherited the handsome features of their father, as well as the flawless porcelain-like skin of their mother. The Yun boys who were now collectively known as the ‘royal twins’ brought much joy and laughter in the lives of their parents and in the whole palace as well. They would also visit their grandfather King Zhen Gui Chen often, especially during autumn, wherein they would always attend the after harvest thanksgiving festival.

This year’s celebration would be extra special because it would be the first time that the ‘royal twins’ will participate in a musical performance, joining their father King Xiang Zhe.

Queen Sun Mi was very excited for the event to take place that evening. It seems she was even feeling more nervous than her young sons.

“Sun Mi, just be confident about their performance later. Surely they will give a beautiful rendition of their musical number. After all, they know the song by heart. Remember, it is your ‘Love’s Melody’ poem which we transformed into a song that they will perform. They practically know this one by heart because we have been singing it to them since they were babies.” Xiang Zhe explained.

“I agree with your majesty. Your highness, Queen Sun Mi, worry not about your children’s performances tonight. Surely they would make you proud and give a satisfactory rendition. They have been trained since they were very young and they have the inborn musical talents which they inherited from both their artistic and musically-inclined parents.” Zhao Di tried to reassure the queen.

“Ehem… for once I think I agree with you ‘Pekingese!’ ” Chen Shui interrupted.

Zhao Di raised her eyebrow and glared at him.

Chen Shui continued his statement. “Especially the part when you said that they had excellent musical training. That is entirely correct! Because it is I who have masterfully trained them and developed their musical skills. I introduced Prince Jum Ri to the amazing percussion instrument: the hour glass shaped drum; and I taught Prince Jun Ho how to play the zither. I was even his vocal coach who helped in developing his golden voice.” He stated proudly.

“What? Are you dreaming Chen Shui? Although I must admit that I do not know how to play any musical instrument, thus I cannot take credit for their playing skills. But I beg to disagree with you regarding your claim to be a vocal coach. That is my department!” Zhao Di exclaimed as she started to vocalize in front of everybody and tried her best to sound convincing.

“Oh no, here we go again…” Queen Sun Mi just rolled her eyes, giggled and shook her head as she thought to herself: When will the “cat and dog” relationship of these two ever end?

**********

The hour of the performance finally arrived and all the dignitaries from each kingdom were seated in the front row of the main hall. Queen Sun Mi stood up, faced the audience and proudly introduced her family.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the joyous celebration of our autumn season festival. As the highlight of tonight’s festivities, may I present to you the rendition of the song: “Love’s Melody” to be performed by my beloved family: my husband, his Royal Highness King Yun Xiang Zhe, and our twin sons, Prince Yun Jun Ho and Prince Yun Jum Ri.”

The crowd applauded then the Yun royal family trio began to play. King Xiang Zhe was the master of the flute tones, while his younger son Jum Ri took charge of playing the drum. The high notes from the wind instrument were complimented by the low steady beats of the drum. Then the other prince Jun Ho started to strum the strings of the zither while singing the words of the song. Together, the musical trio created a melodious tune which enthralled everybody in the audience.

Queen Sun Mi was teary-eyed upon seeing the three beloved men in her life together on stage. She was beaming with pride because of her young sons and of course, because of her husband Xiang Zhe. Seeing him perform in public once again brought back the sweet memories of the past when she first heard him play the flute which accompanied and gave life to her poems and compositions. ________________________________________


Lovely Melodies from the Musical Family

King Xiang Zhe is the master flutist

Twin sons: Yun Jun Ho & Yun Jum Ri

Inherited his musical genius and prowess…

The elder Jun Ho acquired the skill

Of playing the zither and the talent to sing

At a very young age, he pleasantly serenades…

The younger Jum Ri’s chosen instrument

Is the hour-glass shaped drum which captured his interest

For him, making music from those rhythmic beats is the best…

Queen Sun Mi is the resident composer

Her poems transformed into songs which later on they will gather

For those wonderful renditions of the Royal Family’s Lovely Melodies…

[an original poem written by I.L.K. (iluvkoreanovela) for the fan fiction story Love's Melody]
________________________________________
Another unforgettable evening had transpired and when the twin boys were safely tucked in bed and comfortably snug under the blankets, the royal couple finally had the chance to talk in their bed chamber which was especially prepared by the servants of the Zhen palace.


“That was really wonderful my love. Thank you for convincing me to allow our children to join you in the musical celebration. I didn’t think that at their young age they would already be able to do it, to perform in front of a large audience. But they were able to accomplish it, and they even passed with ‘flying colors’! I am so grateful for the way you have tutored and guided them to express themselves musically, and to believe in their abilities.” Queen Sun Mi expressed her gratitude.

“You are welcome my dear wife. It is my pleasure to impart my knowledge to them. I would like to help in honing their skills, by encouraging them to always be confident and to believe in themselves; to be courageous and not be afraid to try. It is part of the legacy that I can pass on to them. But please, do not forget that they also have to thank you for their artistic genes. Without the beautiful words of your poems, the songs would not be as lovely to compose and interpret with musical instruments.” King Xiang Zhe also expressed appreciation for his beloved.

“Oh Xiang Zhe, I feel so happy and content. We are truly blessed and I can’t seem to ask for anything more. God is really good to us.” She lovingly touched her husband’s well-toned chest as they relaxed on the bed, lying face to face.

“Yes indeed, we have been blessed with the chance to fulfill our greatest dreams. But you know, I think there is still one more thing that I can ask from heaven.” Xiang Zhe retorted.

“What is it, my gallant knight in shining armor?” Sun Mi sweetly replied.

“I just thought that I can ask God to give us more additions to the family; perhaps a set of twin daughters this time?” Xiang Zhe gave her a wide grin. “And I think we can start working on that tonight…” He meaningfully added this as he slowly captured his lovely wife’s bosom in his hand, encircling the twin peaks of her firm mounds of succulent flesh with his nimble fingers, and planted a spine-tingling kiss on her luscious red lips.

Xiang Zhe reluctantly interrupted their kiss with a question:

“So, do you agree with me Queen Sun Mi?”

Sun Mi simply nodded her head and said: “I do…”

“I will love and cherish you forever… my exquisite treasure… Sun Mi.”

“And I will always love you… my one and only true love… Xiang Zhe.”

And then their bodies amorously intertwined as they swayed to the rhythm of their love-making… the music coming from the beat of their hearts. Moving in unison, they continued to express the deep love and consuming passion burning within them. The Glory of Love, in perfect harmony, is the song of their hearts joined together… their Love’s Melody.



***** THE END ***** [the Glory of Love… in Love’s Melody] {@.@} (^_^)