Forewords
Hello girls, didn't think you'd see me so soon huh? Okay, done with PRA, now we're going to mix it up. This is an ancient story that Odie's imaginative mind thought up but she gave me rights to write it, so I am! lol...Thanks girl, luv ya much! Muah!
Here's the cast so far:
Andy Lau - Chu Ga Lung
Noel Leung - Cheng Sum Mong (Dream)
Julian Cheung - Lam Kit Sing (Star)
Ruby Lin - Ah Yin (Sparrow) aka Flying Sparrow
Nick Cheung - Miu Tak Keung (Courage)
Two families massecred in the middle of the night by the Emperor's request. Conspiracies flying out of control as those around grew selfish and worried for their own lives. The innocent that escaped suddenly turned to orphans with no where to run. But the Gods would not keep their eyes closed, they will be saved. A girl's dream to find her final link to her family's blood is another man's dream to wander and find the truth behind his origin. A mysterious girl with no background, only one wish in her heart. To fight evil and protect the poor. An Emperor to be will prove to his forefathers that he has what it takes to run a kingdom. But it is worth it when he uncovers the mystery of the two families killed innocently was the cause of his ancestor's ingorance to find the truth behind the lies? Will he find forgiveness from those that survived or lose his life through revenge?
Okay gals, that's it for now...I'll be back next week for the first chapter. Drop by when you can! Bye now!! Odie rules! Suki's crazy! Vickii's violent! Tara's psycho! Jenny's lost it! Long live the four musketeers, excludes Suki. lol...
Chapter 1
Andy Lau - Chu Ga Lung
Noel Leung - Cheng Sum Mong (Dream)
Julian Cheung – Lam Kit Sing (Star)
Ruby Lin - Ah Yin (Sparrow) aka Flying Sparrow
Nick Cheung - Miu Tak Keung (Courage)
Miu Kiu Wai – Cheung Fu (Tiger)
The night was falling and it looked enormous, devouring the entire city of the Forbidden Palace. The name set it’s boundaries to perfection, it was forbidden to the people. Only those with great status could enter. The giant doors squeaked open and appeared a small army, a General and head Eunuch on horses while the others on foot. They marched to the sound of the General’s holler. They had a duty to proceed and were not allowed back without accomplishing it.
Twenty miles south of the Palace, stood a large home that belonged to a respected merchant. The Cheng family was not considered royal but they dealt with the Emperor and his noblemen making the uniforms for Generals and his Highness’s personal gold robe. They were well liked by many but for untold reasons, left a large mark on General Fong’s memory. Cheng Hung Kin was a man of his words, but he was also a man that despised the rich that treated poorly to those unfortunate. One day, he spotted the General beating a homeless man because he touched his arm and begged for spare change. From that day forth, he knew who to stay away from.
“Seung gung.” Mrs. Cheng greeted as her husband walked into the home, the straw hat was peeled off and the hay coat to keep the rain away was pulled off by a servant. He was a tall man with a strong face and his wife was a gentle woman with a smile that eased all his worries “How is the weather?” she helped him wipe away the drip of rain that caught on his silk shirt.
“It is absolutely horrible, but at least the temple are keeping the homeless dry tonight. I will have to get the workers to make the homes faster.” He sat down on his favorite chair and sipped the tea that was instantly served. He nodded to the servant girl “Where are my daughters?”
“Sir, Siu Yan is with Yuk Jei and Dai Siu Jei is in the room practicing her sewing.” She replied with much respect and obedience.
“Would you call Siu Mong out?” he asked.
The girl nodded and walked to the room “She is so young.” The merchant’s wife laments. She was against the marriage proposal to the Lam family. The elder son was a year older than her first daughter and although they were close friends, she didn’t think a five year old should be wedded when she has no idea what love is “Couldn’t she chose her own life partner?”
Mr. Cheng sighed with disapproval “You know if I had a choice, I would choose for my daughters to live by my side for the rest of their lives. But the Lam’s are a powerful family and can protect our precious daughter if anything should happen to us.”
“Do not speak like that!” She scolded her husband for the jinx he spoke of.
“Neung Zhi, do not be naïve. You know from that first day we signed the legal contract to bind us as the private merchant to all of the Royal family and General’s clothing. It would not be an easy job and there are constant alliances formed to take out another family. It is the survival of the fittest in the Kingdom. Why do you think I chose to move far away?” he patted his wife’s worried hands “I am only thinking of their safety. Siu Yan is too young but one day she will follow in her sister’s footsteps.”
She had no argument with her husband for he knew what was best. Not to mention, everything he did and said was for the family. She realized that second why she married the man “If we knew of the conspiracies earlier…” she was regretful for the legal signing that bound them to the Royals.
Mr. Cheng smiled “If everyone knew of a wrong choice before it was made, this world would be perfect.” He said wisely.
“Te Te!” the sweet sound of his eldest daughter’s voice broke into his worried thoughts and they instantly became a spec of dust. She hopped into his arms happily, her hair bun bouncing against his chin as he hugged his daughter “You’re home.”
“Yes, and was Siu Mong good today?” he asked.
The five year old nodded adoringly “Yes, I learned how to sew and I read three pages of the Confucius book.”
“That’s great. Siu Yan is such an obedient girl” he coaxed and placed her on the ground “Ah Te has something to tell you.” He said in a more serious tone and the girl quickly acknowledged with a nod “Do you remember Lam Suk Suk?”
Siu Mong twisted her lips and eventually nodded when she recalled visiting a family not too long ago. There was a boy around her age “Yes.”
“Do you remember Lam Suk’s son?” he asked slowly, letting it sink in. Siu Mong nodded “Well, one day when you grow up, you two will get married.” It was too deep for the innocent mind of the girl as she looked at him with blank eyes “Like your mother and myself.” He explained further.
“But why?” Siu Mong decided to question.
Mrs. Cheng jumped in before her husband did more damage “Siu Mong, are you a good girl?” she nodded with widened eyes “Te and Neung will never make you do anything that will harm you.” She pulled out a jade necklace from her sleeve “This is from Lam Suk Suk, you cannot lose this, do you understand? One day you will live with their family and be a good daughter in law and wife.”
The girl was mesmerized by the glistening green and white jade charm “It’s pretty.” She grinned happily as her mother placed it around her neck “Can Yan Mui Mui come too?”
The couple laughed in response to her childish question “Maybe, if you are a good girl.” Her mother didn’t want to discourage her for she knew Siu Mong adored her baby sister, who was only two that year.
“Master, master!” one of the servants entered looking distressed.
Mr. Cheng looked over to check his daughter, who was oblivious to the frightened servant “What is it?” he got up and stopped the servant from scaring his little girl.
“Eunuch Luk is outside. General Fong and a lot of soldiers are present.” He whispered.
“Seung gung.” Mrs. Cheng heard it as she too was suddenly thrown into a worried emotion.
“Merchant Cheng!” the Eunuch didn’t wait to be announced as he walked in with the General. A smile of pure mockery plastered on their faces as he showed Mr. Cheng the royal letter in his hand “His Highness has sent a notice.” He pushed the gold roll in front of the man.
He knew it was his head if they disrespected the King’s orders. Kneeling down, his wife as well as the servants too mimicked his action “I am listening.” He answered with a respectable bow at the golden roll.
“The son of the Dragon, his highness has announced. Cheng Hung Kin is guilty of attempted murder of his majesty and the royal family. After months of searching, despicable amounts of poison were inserted to the collars of the clothing presented to the officials and the King. There should be no further researching for the Cheng family is now punished with death to be carried out this instant. End of sentence.” He closed the cloth “General…” he stepped aside.
Mr. Cheng wasted no time as he turned to his wife and got up to take his girl “Run!” he pulled her and Siu Mong into their room. The girl was suddenly fearful seeing her father’s face wrinkled.
“You can run but you can’t hide.” General Fong snickered, he turned to the soldiers and waved as they began attacking the innocent servants.
The merchant began taking the table and chairs as he held the door down “Seung gung, what are we going to do? We’re innocent!” his wife claimed.
“I know.” He didn’t know what to do “Cheung hing said he would come tonight.” The man was a great swordsman known through China and most feared him for his temperamental nature. But one faithful day, he saw Mr. Cheng helping the homeless and was immediately taken by him. They quickly became friends although to contact him was like finding a pin in the ocean, the man only came to see them and no one else. Days ago, he found a note attached to a pigeon saying Cheung Fu would arrive that night and needed a place to stay.
“This will not hold them!” Mrs. Cheng jumped after hearing bangs on the door and swords spearing through the paper windows.
Mr. Cheng took the now weeping Siu Mong and placed her in a hidden block under the floor mat next to the bed. It was the family’s safe where he hid the money and legal forms. He instructed his final words “You be a good girl and listen to Te, do not cry or scream no matter what you hear. Do you understand me?” her lips quivered as drops of tears poured from her face, she nodded and he closed the lid leaving a little room for her to breath. He turned to his wife “If you get a chance to run, don’t turn back.” He said boldly while picking up a wooden chair. Pulling out a hidden sword on his bed, he took it out of its case. Although he didn’t know how to fight, it was a gift from Cheung Fu that he considered a prize.
His wife standing near, they waited until the soldiers forced the door open and he grunted while pushing his way out with the sword slashing away crazily and the chair used as a shield. The General watched on the side, his eyes cold and his face frozen. The merchant was slashed on the arm as he dropped the chair. Holding the sword with two hands, he pointed it at the soldiers “No one can save you.” General Fong said lifelessly.
Suddenly, one soldier made an attempt to injure the merchant when he wasn’t looking instead Mrs. Cheng noticed and covered her husband’s back saving him. She cried out in pain and he turned and slashed at the soldier who died instantly “Neung Zhi!” he cried while catching as she fell to the ground.
“Seung gung…find…Siu Yan…she…” she was out of breath as the blood erupted from her body in a pool under his arms. Her eyes closed as he held her close, tears in his eyes. When she was no longer breathing, he placed her on the ground softly and picked up the sword in his shaky hands.
“Do you know the price of killing an Imperial Soldier?” General Fong asked “Not to mention going against the King’s orders.”
“You monster! You framed—” with the General’s order, a spear shot at his chest. He fell to the ground on his knees, right hand still gripping on the sword. With a raise of the hand another arrow shot towards the merchant but what surprised everyone was a rock that intercepted moving the spear towards an unexpected soldier as he fell to his death “Nosy nuisance!” the General cried to the figure that somersaulted into the center of the garden.
A white sword in his hand and one hand pulling Mr. Cheng to his feet “I don’t know who you are and I don’t care.” The man in white spoke slowly and firmly. His eyes piercing through each soldier “How dare you attack an innocent man who knows no kung fu.”
“This is the King’s order. You will move or be killed for it is a sin to protect someone the King wants dead!” The General ordered.
“ I bow to no one.” The man snickered and he quickly blocked an arrow that came flying at him. His eyes looked up at the men surrounding them “Move or I will kill you all.” He vowed in a deep voice. Arrows flew but it didn’t stop him from blocking them with swift movements of the sword. When his dying friend groaned in pain, he knew it was time to leave. Holding him firmly, he leaped out of the garden and on the roof as they made a dash across the roofs of the small town until they reached the rural area.
“Chase them!” the General demanded “And find the girls.”
“Cheung Hing…” Mr. Cheng whispered when they were in the dark woods. Luckily the rain had stopped but it was muddy to walk in “I can’t…” he looked down at the drenched shirt. It was filled with blood.
The man gave no emotion as he rested his friend against a tree trunk “How did this happen?”
“Framed…” he had no energy to explain “Please…I need a favor.”
“Anything.” He promised.
“My daughter, Siu Mong. She is kept safe in a hideout near my bed in my room. Get her away from here… My other daughter…” he began coughing uncontrollably and before he could finish his words as he fell back, eyes closed.
“Kin Hing!” the man called but it was too late. He lowered his head in a second of respect when his remarkable hearing turned to the left “Who is it?! Show yourself or you will die!” he commanded.
A young girl dressed in pink emerged, she looked timid and scared “Lou Ye!” she called to him and raced towards the now dead man but Cheung Fu’s sword forbade her to come near “Please sir, he is my master.” She begged.
Finding her to be harmless, he dropped the sword as she knelt down and cried for her master “Do you know his other daughter?”
“Yes.” She wiped the tears “Siu Yan is out with another servant. But I know where they are.”
“Good, find them and bring them back to Bak San. The highest hills and the home marked ‘No Trespassing’. Go in there in a day with the girl. I promised Kin Hing that I would take care of his daughters.”
“Yes…Okay, I will do that.” The girl rushed away into the woods while he returned to the house. The wretched soldiers had lit the home on fire. He could only wish the girl was still alive. He flew into the room and waved away the smoke, he saw the secret passage somewhat opened as he yanked over the cover. A little girl had fainted inside, tears still wet on her face. He easily pulled her up and grabbed the unburned blanket as he made a dash for the open window. He landed on his feet and pushed the blanket away. He felt her pulse and was happy that she was still alive. He was about to leave when he saw Mrs. Cheng on the ground nearby. He knew his friend loved his wife as he picked her up over his shoulder and flew them out of the burning home.
It was hard to burry his friend and wife for he didn’t get a chance to thank him for the favors he did. Sighing, he bowed three times “Don’t worry my friend, I will keep my word and protect your daughters until the end.” He picked up the unconscious girl and flew off into the night.
Chapter 2
Andy Lau - Chu Ga Lung
Noel Leung - Cheng Sum Mong (Dream)
Julian Cheung – Lam Kit Sing (Star)
Ruby Lin - Ah Yin (Sparrow) aka Flying Sparrow
Nick Cheung - Miu Tak Keung (Courage)
Miu Kiu Wai – Cheung Fu (Tiger)
Charlene Choi – Yung Ching Yee
Maggie Cheung Man Yuk – Yeung Gam Lai aka The Fair Nun
The servant quickened her steps when she heard noises behind her. Afraid to look back, she continued on until she reached the quiet village. She knocked on a door while looking around fearfully. When it slid open, she walked inside and closed the door quickly behind “Yuk Jei.” There was a sense of relief in her voice.
The maid frowned at her co-worker “What’s wrong?”
“Yan Siu Jei, where is she?” the girl was short of breath.
“She’s in the room playing with my dolls. What happened? Is it Lou Ye and Fu Yan?” the girl nodded and she was instantly disturbed when the story unraveled before her ears. She cried silently and shook her head “Dai Siu Jei, where is she?”
“She’s safe. A man saved her. He asked for me to bring Siu Yan to him.”
“Where is he?” Yuk asked.
The girl suddenly had a brain blockage. Her brows knitted “Bak San, I think…”
“What did he look like?” she asked.
“He wore all white and he carried a white sword, he looked really mean and his voice was strong and I could tell his martial arts was superior.” She answered.
“Yuk Jei.” The two year old darling appeared at the door, in her hands was a doll “Home.” Siu Yan barely spoke and for months her parents were afraid she would not speak.
The girls exchanged looks “Siu Yan, be good. We will have to stay here for the night.” Yuk coaxed gently. She looked confused but eventually nodded.
Suddenly, there was a short knock on the door. Yuk raised a finger to her lips and pointed the other maid to hide Siu Yan. When the coast was clear, she opened the door an appeared a nun dressed in gray. She had on a small smile and her eyes were bold as a night hawk “Excuse me, but I can stay for the night? The motels are booked and I have no where to stay.”
Yuk was glad to obliged “Certainly. Please come in. There are only two rooms in this small shack, but you can have mine. My father is resting in the other room.”
“That is alright, I will take that chair.” She pointed to a bamboo chair to the right and sat down crossing her legs. Her straight back against the chair as her eyes closed.
“Suit yourself. I am going to prepare dinner, please excuse me.” Yuk bowed and continued towards the kitchen.
The nun made a humming sound in answer as she continued to rest her eyes. Siu Yan snuck from the room when the other maid went to the restroom. She stood at the curtain and stared blankly at the nun “If you have something to say, then say it. I hate people that creep around.” The nun said when she heard steps.
Siu Yan approached the woman and placed a doll on her lap. The nun’s eyes opened and expected to see a person, instead she was faced with an adorable round eyed girl “Doll.” The girl pointed to hers and the one she just handed to the nun.
She couldn’t help but be smitten by her, a smile appeared on her face “Thank you.”
“OPEN!!!” the knocking came sudden as it frightened Siu Yan to the back. The nun’s eyes snapped towards the wooden door as it broke down “Imperial soldiers!” one man announced as he stepped over the door rudely “Hey you, nun. Have you seen a little girl and a maid in pink?”
She did not reply, instead, she closed her eyes and sat still “I think she’s deaf.” One soldier told another.
“Search this place.” The soldier in charge commanded. They began splitting up and searched the little shack. They found three adults and one child “You thought we wouldn’t find you?” he towered over the kneeling adults.
“Please Sir, she’s innocent.” Yuk begged.
“Silence!” he barked “It is the King’s order for the entire Cheng family to be killed tonight. How dare you ask to spare her filthy life.”
The nun cleared her throat loudly, causing everyone to turn to her. But her eyes remained closed. The soldiers shrugged carelessly “How do you want to die?”
“Please! I beg you, kind Sir.” Yuk bowed her head and so did the other maid.
“My choice.” The head grinned viciously as he yanked his sword and took a violent stab at the old man. Yuk cried for her father who died instantly. She cursed at the men and another stab shot through her heart.
“Yuk Jei!!” the other maid cried while holding onto Siu Yan, who was confused and too young to comprehend the word death “You monsters!! He is innocent! And so is she!” she yelled boldly. Before she could say another word, another sword sliced along her neck, blood poured out like a tiny stream. The maid’s eyes opened wide as she muttered to Siu Yan “Run…”
The little girl cried in fear “Shut up!” the soldier scolded. He raised his sword to take one good swing at Siu Yan when a whooshing sound of a cloth came flying towards his weapon as it wrapped around inches before hitting the little girl. His eyes snapped towards the nun, who remained seated but in her hand was the thick cloth. She gave it one good yank and the sword fell to the ground “Nuisance!” he barked.
The nun got up as she retrieved the cloth in one good pull and picked up the sword. Her eyes traced the fresh blood that dripped on the metal edge “I allowed you to kill three people in front of me. As a rule, you should be groveling at my feet to spare your filthy lives.” She mocked.
“How dare you!” he waved for the other soldiers to attack as they attacked her without holding back. She fought with one hand and using the sword they used to kill the three innocent people. Her strokes were soft yet tough on the skin. It only took one slice at the neck to take their lives with ease. She stepped towards the head, who was backing towards the door “It’s a crime to kill the Imperial Soldiers.”
“I guess I have committed a crime then.” She snickered as he tried to run. She speared the sword into his back as it shot through his body. He fell to the ground in a loud thud. After she was done, she turned to Siu Yan, whose eyes widened in fear “I will not hurt you.” She said gently. Kneeling on one knee, she beckoned for the little girl to approach her.
Siu Yan saw something in the woman that could kill without blinking an eye, her smile was different and inviting in a way. She stepped closer until the nun picked her up in her arms “Home.” She said shortly.
The Nun sighed as she turned to the bodies when her eyes caught a flicker of the finger from one of the maids. She placed Siu Yan on the floor and lifted Yuk’s head “You have something to say?” Asked the nun.
Yuk blinked, her eyes tracing towards Siu Yan “Her name…Cheng Sum Yan…her sister was saved…Please…take her away…from here.”
“I will.” The nun promised.
“She must forget everything…” Yuk coughed out a lungful of blood as her breathing began to slowly fade away. The nun placed her head on the ground gently and gave one final bow before picking up Siu Yan as she flew out of the front door and into the darkened skies.
Outside the door of the now quiet home, a little seven year old boy witness the massacre of three lives as well as the soldiers. He had seen too much and suddenly recalled the earlier events of his own parents being brutally slashed to death. He ran at the order of his parents’ last words. Shedding a few tears, he quickly learned the world he thought was great was taken away in one night. Hungry, he searched around for food and came upon a town and followed to the house with all the noise and lights. The boy rushed inside to see what he could find. He found a soldier lying lifeless on the ground, recalling they were the same uniformed men that attacked his family, he spat on their dead bodies and thought of an idea. He began searching for money and found a good amount.
Skipping out of the home, he knew it was enough to last him a while. He walked back to the kitchen and found steamed buns being cooked. He found a chair and pulled it next to the steamer to climb it. He pushed the cover open and picked out the hot buns into his shirt until they overfilled. He ate one hastily and snuck behind the back door and ended in an alley where a few homeless hobos hung around “Hey, that kid has food.” One of the desperately hungry men noticed.
“Get him.” Another acknowledged.
Kit Sing backed away slowly when the three dirty men approached him. When they began to run, he began throwing the buns towards them, thinking it would stop them. But to his surprise, they didn’t care. It didn’t take long for them to catch him, the man without a front tooth stared at Kit Sing’s necklace with greed “This is worth a pretty amount.” He hissed.
“No! It’s mine!” he fought off the man who had his filthy hands on the jade charm.
“Stop it!” they were weak due to lack of food in their system and the boy was giving them a good fight. The man raised a hand to hit the kid when Kit Sing swung his legs high in the air and froze when the man fell down. He had kicked him in the precious zone. With one open route to run, he turned and sped out of the alley and into the streets.
*************
When Siu Mong woke from her unconscious state, her eyes wandered the unfamiliar home. She sat up and found a man she did not recognize “You’re awake.” He said calmly while reading a book.
“Te? Neung? Where are they?” she asked feebly. But the tears were ready to erupt as she remembered the earlier situations.
“They’re dead, you need to face the truth.” The man replied in a monotone “People who die cannot be brought back to life. The world continues to turn even if you are sad.” She whimpered at first and slowly it turned into sobs as tears came streaming down her face. The man in white looked restless as he shut the book and got up while whipping the bamboo door open “Keung!”
Her sobs were like thunder and they only got louder when the man called for someone in particular. She was surprised to see a little boy around her age to appear, he had on a wide grin “Yes Si Fu!” he greeted the man with respect.
“Silence her.” He said shortly and left the room with his hands clasped behind his back.
Keung walked over to the girl, his smile still plastered “Hi, my name is Miu Tak Keung, what’s yours?” he ignored her sobs. When she didn’t stop crying, he patted her head “It’s okay, Si Fu will take care of us.”
His smile seemed to calm her nerves as she stopped crying and sniffed back the tears “How…how do you know?” she wiped the tears with her silk dress sleeve.
“My parents left me alone and Si Fu found me. He has never yelled or hit me before.” He nodded “He looks mean but he is really nice.” Keung grinned “How old are you?”
“Five.” Siu Mong answered.
“I’m almost seven, so I guess I get to be your Si Hing.” He informed proudly. She nodded eventhough she wasn’t sure what he meant by the term “You must be hungry.” He rushed out and came back minutes later with some steamed buns “There’s not much to eat here.”
She dug into the food and smiled “Thank you.”
“Don’t be polite with me. It’s my job to take care of my Si Mui.” He said with pride.
“My name is Cheng Sum Mong. But my parents call me Siu Mong.” She offered the information.
“Siu Mong. I like that name.” He nodded “Don’t worry from now on, no one will pick on you again.”
“Thank you…Si Hing.” It sounded foreign on her lips but the grin he gave her made her realize how fitting it was.
At the door, Cheung Fu heard the conversation and smiled to himself. Keung had a way with people, he could already tell the kid would grow up to be a noble man. As for the girl, he vowed on her parents grave that he would keep her safe. Teaching her the best kung fu that he learned and no one would ever pick on her again.
Chapter 3
Andy Lau - Chu Ga Lung
Noel Leung - Cheng Sum Mong (Dream)
Julian Cheung – Lam Kit Sing (Star)
Ruby Lin - Ah Yin (Sparrow) aka Flying Sparrow
Nick Cheung - Miu Tak Keung (Courage)
Miu Kiu Wai – Cheung Fu (Tiger)
Charlene Choi – Yung Ching Yee
Maggie Cheung Man Yuk – Yeung Gam Lai aka The Fair Nun
The King admired his flowers in the oversized garden, it gave him a sense of peace and calmness. It took the worries of the world off his shoulders even for just a few minutes. He did not welcome the interruption when General Fong approached him “Your Highness, I have returned.” He knelt on one knee with respect.
“Hm.” The King motioned him to get up “Did you find them?”
“No, Sir. Cheng Hung Kin has been taken care of as well as his wife and other servants. But the girls…” he hesitated to tell him that he had failed.
“You are losing your touch General.” The King said calmly.
“I should die in turn!” he bowed.
“How about the Lam family?” the King stopped grooming his plants for a minute.
“All destroyed…but…” The General again stammered.
The King grew restless “You mean to tell me that three children managed to somehow escape from an army of Imperial Soldiers and the top General of War?” he was not pleased “You have disappointed me.”
“Please give me a chance to make it up.” He begged.
The elder man sighed tiredly “Forget it.” He shook his head “The people that should died have already, the children after all are innocent.”
“But, your majesty. You must pull the roots out to kill the entire tree. Or it will live to grow a new one, possibly stronger.” He warned.
The King was thoughtful “If only they did not plot to kill me. I do not understand what I had done? Merchant Cheng and Lam were treated as equals to everyone in office under me.” He was baffled by the thought “If it were not for your quick observant, I would have worn the dragon robe and crown that day. You would all be forming a new King.”
“Your words are too kind, Sir.” General Fong smirked with a bowed head.
“Fu Wong!” a young boy almost ten years old came running towards his father, the King.
“Prince Lung.” The General said with much respect.
The King laughed gleefully “What is it son?”
“Mau Hau asked for you to see her. I think she has a gift for you.” The kid whispered playfully.
“Very well. General, that is all. We shall continue some other time.” He dismissed the General as he bowed and walked backwards until the King was out of sight. Raising a head, his eyes darkened. It was a matter of time he would claim what was his. Eliminating those that were loyal to the King would take time but two were out of his hair that night.
**************** 20 years later ****************
She swiftly moved her sword in almost perfect motions. Each stroke was liquid and smooth. Sum Mong froze at one move and turned to her sworn brother “Si Hing, did that look right?” she questioned. Her voice echoed in the cave, a place their Master often meditated and practiced his martial arts. All the 11 books of sword strokes were kept there. It was forbidden for anyone to enter but Sum Mong had a way to convince Tak Keung to sneak in with her.
He glanced at the book “Yes. Except, your arm should point to the back.” He corrected.
She posed as he asked and still felt it was wrong “Let me see that.” Sum Mong approached him and pulled the book from his hand “That’s the front!” she pointed to the picture with inscriptions.
“I’m sorry, you know I can’t concentrate when I’m nervous. Si Fu should be home any minute now.” He hissed.
She rolled her eyes “Si Hing, were you born the year of the chicken? He won’t catch us. Thanks to your smart Si Mui, I left a note that we went to town to pick up groceries.”
Tak Keung sighed with relief “Good.” He frowned at her “Did you just call me a chicken?” she laughed at his slow response “I’ll have you know that I was born the year of the Drag—” she clamped a hand over his mouth.
“Shh!” she hushed and pulled him behind a shelf. She heard specific footsteps, his eyes widened and so did hers.
Cheung Fu walked into the room with pure suspicion, his eyes traced over to the shelves where he kept his martial arts book. He counted with his eyes and instantly noticed one missing “Come out.” He said. The two exchanged glances and Sum Mong’s eyes traveled to the book in her hand. He knew they were there. But fear had an advantage as they froze in place, afraid to face their Master. Suddenly they heard the sword pulled out of it’s pocket and it speared through the shelf and landed between their faces. Tak Keung let out a high pitched cry while Sum Mong laughed hysterically “Now!” Cheng Fu hollered.
The two appeared, a smile still on her face “Si Fu.” They greeted in unison.
“Hand it over.” He raised a hand. Sum Mong stepped over and placed the eighth book in his hand. He observed the place she was reading “I have only taught you up to six.”
“And you did a very good job. We learned so quick the we were eager to pick up another.” Sum Mong kissed up with a winning smile.
“Your mouth is sweeter than your strokes, Mong Yee.” He used her nickname that he called her since she was a little girl. He knew she was smarter than the average but learning too quick would only cause her to lost control of her inner energy.
Tak Keung noticed the man growing impatient “Sorry Si Fu, we won’t let this happen again. Si Mui, apologize and then we’ll go to the market.” He nudged her on the ribs.
“Sorry.” She said unwillingly. Whipping her body away, she rushed out of the chamber.
“Wait!” Cheng Fu stopped them “If I catch you two in here again, I will chop your arms off!” he threatened.
“Yes, Si Fu.” Tak Keung bowed respectfully while Sum Mong wrinkled her nose in response and rushed out “Si Mui!” when they were outside, he called her when she quickened her steps “Si Mui!” he finally caught up to her.
The Spring came early as the snow was melted and the green meadows were replaced. Sum Mong crossed her arms, her eyes wrinkled from the sunlight “I don’t know why you are so afraid of him.”
“Fear is a part of discipline.” He said logically.
“Discipline? I’m tired of it!” She exclaimed “All he does is lock us up in this stupid mountain while he travels around. I want to see what’s beyond these hills. Don’t you?” she asked.
“Yes…I mean no.” he quickly corrected himself “Si Mui, he is only doing it to protect us. The world is full of dangerous and evil people, we are much safer here.”
Sum Mong turned to him “Don’t be silly, Si Hing. Those are just tales to keep our temptation from sneaking out. If you ask me, I think he’s hiding something, probably our past or our identity.” She analyzed.
“Si Mui, when did your imagination run away with you? Don’t you remember, Si Fu said we were orphans and he picked us up in the streets and raised us.” He repeated the same story they were told over and over.
Sum Mong rolled her eyes “This country is in poverty, if there are that many nice people that picked up orphans and raised then, then the world isn’t too bad to live. Why are there still people that want to suicide?” she question.
“Suicide? How did you hear about that?” he turned his head suspiciously.
“No where.” She moved her eyes away and began following the trail down to town.
“Wait!” he called and chase after her, he wasn’t done asking “Did you go to that brothel and listen to the singing man? He tells stories by singing?”
She pressed her lips tightly together “No.”
“Oh! Is that why you took my clothes that one night? You pretended to be a boy to go into that brothel, didn’t you?!” he accused with a pointed finger as he blocked her way.
Sum Mong grinned with crossed arms “Are you finished?”
“Si Mui, you know the danger you would be in if they discovered you were a girl?” he asked.
“What? Kick me out of the brothel? Yes, that will teach me a lesson.” She pushed him aside “Out of my way or I’ll cut your arms off.”
***************
In the busy town stood one of the most prominent restaurants around, it was two floors with lavish food fit for the King. Only guests with enough money were allowed and waiters that minimized appearances of mediocre dressed people. A few feet away came a man in dark blue, a black sword in his hands as he stepped into Fah Heung Restaurant. He was beyond confident when the waiter looked at him up and down “This is an upper end…” his eyes brightened when a silver nugget was placed in front of his face by the handsome stranger “Please, come in.” he pointed to a table.
“I want to sit upstairs.” Kit Sing advised.
“Of course.” The waiter nodded with a pleasing laugh. He showed him the way up the stairs and Kit Sing chose to sit at a table with a view of the streets below. Across the way was a well known brothel and famous for their beautiful girls.
When the waiter returned with his wine, he pointed to the brothel “What is that place?”
“Oh, Lan Fong is a brothel. The most popular within a hundred miles. The girls are beautiful and even the officials of the town could not resist but hide from their wives to come and have a little fun.” He explained.
“Beautiful girls?” Kit Sing asked more to himself.
The waiter nodded “I hear a new girl is being initiated today. The highest bid will win her for the night.”
Another waiter overheard as he butt into the conversation “And, I heard her face is always covered. No one is allowed to see her only the highest bidder. We’ll be sure to see all the officials and rich merchants to come like honey bees tonight.”
“Sir, are you interested?” the waiter asked Kit Sing, who had a crooked smile as he stared out the open balcony.
Suddenly his eyes caught a galloping horse chasing through the busy town. People were pushed out of the way, the man on the horse was an official dressed in black and apparently in a rush. His eyes moved towards a boy playing in the middle of the street. He would be run over in a few seconds. Reacting quickly, he jumped out of the window from the second floor. Somersaulting towards the kid but to his surprise a person was quicker as the kid was saved. Kit Sing stood across the street while the horse zoomed by causing a gust of wind to pass
The person that saved the boy was covered in a large straw hat with a black lace cloth that covered her upper body “Are you okay?” she asked the boy. He nodded briefly while his mother thanked her profusely “Watch your son, he won’t be lucky next time.” She warned.
She looked up to find a handsome man staring back at her, he smiled with a nod obviously flirting with her “Had I known the kid would be saved, I wouldn’t have tried to be a hero.”
“Wouldn’t you call that being nosy?” she asked with a snicker.
“Would you like to join me for lunch?” he pointed to the second floor of the restaurant.
She smiled behind the veil “I don’t eat with cocky men.” She insulted and continued on her way.
He watched on with interest, the fragrance of wild lilies lingered behind, he would remember that scent for a long time. Smiling to himself, he flew back at his table and continued his meal.
Ah Yin turned a corner into an alley and she took the back way into Lan Fong brothel. There were maids that walked around getting hot water ready for the new girl. She spotted the room with ease. When she got near, she could hear loud voices “Get out! I don’t want to take a bath! Get out now!” a female voice raged angrily.
Ah Yin hid behind a corridor when the maids exited the room “Who does she think she is? A Princess?” the maid complained to her co-worker.
“I hear she was forced to be an escort.” The girl lamented “What a sad life.”
When the girls passed, Ah Yin appeared as she walked into the room without fear “Who are you? Get out now!” the girl pointed to the door.
“Do you want to get out of here?” Ah Yin asked. The girl’s brows flickered in confusion “I can get you out, but you have to follow my instructions.” The girl nodded in agreement without thinking twice.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
