Feng Yu Jiu Tian Vol 2 Chapter 1.2

Terminology:

------ ------- ------

The case of the Crowned Prince being sent on a diplomatic mission was a grave matter. Naturally, there was an emphasis to uphold presentation and etiquette. Needless to say, this included the extensive amount of   clothing and personal adornments Feng Ming had to wear.  

Feng Ming had stood like a store mannequin for over two hours when Chiu Lan frantically made last minute adjustments to his completed attire.  

“It is ready now.” Chiu Yue stepped back to double check the collective efforts of the maids. She smiled and said, “What Country has a more attractive Crown Prince than Xi Rei?”

Unfortunately, the Crown Prince wasn’t smitten with the compliment. The heavy gold crown that rested upon his head was starting to give him a migraine, internally wishing that someone would put him out of his misery.  Everything about this ‘trip’ and the added burden of the official clothing made him feel uncomfortable. 

“Respects to your highness!”

Quenching his hopes, the visitors were actually General Tong and Official Xia, both men presented themselves in formal attire and had been meticulously dressed for the occasion. 

“So it was you two…”Feng Ming resigned. 

He wasn’t in a mood to admire their clothing, seeing it wasn’t Rong Wang, his complexion darkened a few folds. His once excited eyes now a black void.

General Tong bowed and spoke, “Rong Wang has ordered the two of us to assist your journey. Your humble servant have prepared five thousand elite troops to protect Your Highness, General Tong will ensure Your Highness will have a safe and pleasant journey. 

“Under the command of Rong Wang, Official Xia will be by your Highness’s side to attend to your health. Naturally, a stockpile of herbal medicines and ingredients have been prepared for the journey in case of any contingencies.” 

Feng Ming had fought to suppress the urge, but he couldn’t keep his mouth shut any longer so he quickly asked, “And Rong Wang?”

“Rong Wang is burdened with political affairs, incapable of sparing any time, he has ordered the two of us to relay his greetings and well wishes for the Prince’s success. But…”

“But what?” An irritated Feng Ming pressed.

“The King has bequeathed this sword to your possession.”

Feng Ming resentfully whisked his face away from the parting gift.

“Humph! What am I meant to do with a worn out crappy sword?” Feng Ming was pissed at the pathetic gift the Regent King had sent in his absence. He turned to Chiu Lan, instructing her, “Take that out and feed it to the dogs!”  

Trying not to laugh at her master’s request, Chiu Lan covered her laugh and in a small voice whispered, “His Royal Highness, it is impossible to feed this item to the dogs.”

General Tong was a stern man, and had not budged from his position and persisted in waiting patiently for the Prince to receive the gift.  Contrary to the hardy man, Official Xia was laughing his face off. 

Official Xia regained his composure and knowing the day was wasting away at this rate, he took over the duty of the sword transferal. 

“Does His Royal Highness know of the origins of this sword?” he asked, attempting to entice the Prince.

Feng Ming gave the offending item a longer inspection, taking note of the slender blade, and the a modest inlay, a large thumb sized dark jewel on the hilt. Apart from these there wasn’t anything spectacular about the sword, it was simple. 

Then he recalled the stories about Wei Xiao Bao in “The Deer and the Cauldron”, the hero of that story was given a dagger that could change smelt iron upon contact with another’s weapon. 

He inwardly thought of how ‘great’ his own luck was for the Regent King to offer a rare old sword which might not even pass the grade to give haircuts. 

“Humph!”

Regardless of how mystical and great the sword was Feng Ming was not letting Rong Tian off the hook. 

“So what’s the history behind this sword?” As he queried his subject as his curiosity finally got the better of him and he picked up the blade and promptly unsheathed it for inspection. 

Official Xia’s eyes lit up with admiration and he exclaimed,” His Royal Highness’s intelligence ceases to amaze me, I have never met anyone that could be your rival.” 

“Your Highness is spot on!  The eldest brother tricked the monster into taking up one of the swords, and he promptly committed suicide. The monster finally died according to plan. The youngest brother survived and lived on to govern a region till it prospered and this land finally became the foundation for Xi Rei. The youngest brother was in fact the first King of Xi Rei. The two “Unparalleled” swords were returned to the first King and since been kept well hidden within the Imperial Palace out of the sight and knowledge to everyone.” 

With the closing line of the story, everyone had their eyes on the sword. The scrap metal now had a number of new found admirers. It didn’t look as dull as it had moments ago.

Chiu Lan crossed the line and trembled as she asked, “Official Xia, why…why did Rong Wang bequeath such an ominous item to His Royal Highness?”

Feng Ming gave the magical sword a long firm look before releasing a deep breath, walked over and took hold of the cursed sword. He lifted it into view for more in depth survey, running his fingers along the décor and length of the blade. With hint of sadness he muttered, “ I…I will take care of myself.”

To Official Xia’s joy the Prince had finally accepted the gift. 

General Tong looked at Feng Ming and bowed again, “Your humble servant will do his utmost protect Your Highness, I shall serve Your Highness as Rong Wang has entrusted me.”

Chiu Lan interrupted, “The time is almost here for your departure Your Highness.”

Feng Ming nodded, Chiu Lan was quick witted and responded, stepping forwards to help him remove the ornate sword that had occupied his belt and replaced the spot with his new acquisition. 

The occupants left the Prince’s hall as a group, Chiu Xing was at the rear of the procession and she tugged on Chiu Yue’s sleeve, frowning as she asked, “I still don’t understand, why isn’t His Highness angry at Rong Wang for such a deplorable gift?”

“Let’s put it this way, ‘Unparalleled’ swords comes as a pair, so if one is with our Prince, where is the other one?”

“Oh!...I know, is it…”

Chiu Yue quickly sealed the loud mouth with her hands. She giggled and smiled back at her friend

Hence, Xi Rei’s Crowned Prince An He left his country en route to Fan Jia with a procession lead by General Tong and Official Xia, where they were followed by a grandiose entourage of five thousand soldiers. 

Chapter end