Capítulo 33: This is my gift
"Intruder?"
Han Suyin's heart skipped a beat, her slender fingers tightly clutching the bundle of clothes she held close, making a bag out of the tablecloth she had randomly found. The fabric, worn and frayed, whispered of distant memories as she cradled them against her chest.
Having persuaded a startled servant to illuminate her dim chamber upon discovering her continued existence, Suyin now faced the daunting task of erasing all traces of her being there.
She cast the garments to the cold stone floor. A flicker of remorse danced in her eyes as she watched the flames eagerly consume the evidence, their hungry tongues devouring her clothes with voracious fervor.
"This is my gift," Suyin murmured softly to the crackling fire, her voice barely audible above its fervent roar.
With a cautious glance towards the door, she took a hesitant step forward, her senses alert to the chaos unfolding beyond the confines of her chamber.
Outside, a throng of armored soldiers stretched as far as the eye could see, their weapons gleaming ominously in the flickering torchlight.
Peering through the narrow gaps between the imposing pillars that lined the corridor, Suyin strained to discern the nature of the commotion, her pulse quickening with each passing moment.
Were she to slip out unnoticed, disguised as a mere servant, perhaps she could evade the impending turmoil unscathed.
Turning to the mirror that hung upon the wall, Suyin met her own gaze with a steely determination, her features obscured beneath the guise of a nondescript male servant.
A plain, tan uniform draped her slender frame, a coarse hat concealing the tangled strands of her once-luxuriant hair. Drawing a shuddering breath, she steeled herself for the perilous journey that lay ahead, her resolve unwavering in the face of adversity.
The fire crackled and roared behind her, its voracious appetite consuming everything in its path.
Suyin's lungs burned with exertion as she propelled herself down the corridor, her senses heightened by the acrid tang of smoke that hung heavy in the air.
Amidst the chaos of clashing swords and agonized cries, her sole objective remained clear: escape, at any cost. With a sense of urgency gnawing at her heels, Suyin crept along the shadowed hallway, her makeshift bag held tightly against her chest as she sought sanctuary in the anonymity of the shadows.
But her heart plummeted as she rounded a corner and came face to face with Jianhong, his imposing figure striding purposefully towards her, his voice a thunderous roar above the din.
"You!" Jianhong's accusatory finger jabbed in her direction, his eyes ablaze with fury as he closed the distance between them.
Suyin froze in place, her breath caught in her throat as she braced herself for his inevitable wrath.
Jianhong, his hair still damp from his recent bath, barked orders at the trembling servants, his rage palpable in the air. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he castigated Suyin for her supposed negligence, his tirade punctuated by venomous spittle.
But just as his fury threatened to engulf her, a cry of alarm echoed down the corridor, diverting Jianhong's attention in an instant.
"Fire!" The panicked shout reverberated off the walls, sending a ripple of panic through the assembled throng.
Cursing under his breath, Jianhong's features contorted with frustration as he pivoted on his heel, his singular focus now fixed on extinguishing the burgeoning inferno.
With a final, menacing threat hanging in the air, he stormed off in the direction of the blaze, leaving Suyin to exhale a shaky breath of relief.
As the tumult of activity swirled around her, Suyin seized her chance, slipping unnoticed through the throng of panicked servants as they raced to combat the dual threats of intruder and fire.
"This is none of my business," Suyin mused to herself, a determined glint in her eyes as she forged ahead, her footsteps quickening with purpose.
Nodding to affirm her resolve, she pushed through the creaking wooden gates, the rough-hewn surface cool against her fingertips.
The east side of the courtyard beckoned a beacon of freedom amidst the chaos that engulfed the estate. Though she had no clear destination in mind, Suyin clung to the instructions whispered to her by Shao Feng to meet up later on.
Within the confines of the courtyard, the air crackled with tension, the metallic clangor of swords colliding reverberating off the weathered stone walls.
Guards, their forms prone upon the ground, bore silent witness to the unfolding drama, their erstwhile vigilance shattered by an unseen assailant. But Suyin paid scant heed to the unfolding spectacle, her singular focus fixed upon the promise of escape that lay tantalizingly within reach.
Darting from shadow to shadow, she sought refuge behind towering porcelain pots that loomed like sentinels at the corners of the courtyard, their delicate beauty a stark contrast to the violence that raged around her.
Amidst the chaos, a figure emerged, his movements fluid and precise as he dispatched his adversaries with effortless grace.
Suyin watched in awe as the mysterious figure moved with the fluidity of a dancer, his every motion a testament to years of honed skill and unwavering resolve.
But what struck her as peculiar was not the man's deadly prowess, but rather his restraint; instead of inflicting fatal wounds upon his foes, he rendered them unconscious with the blunt force of his scabbard.
Brows furrowing in perplexity, Suyin strained to discern the identity of this mysterious assailant, her curiosity piqued by the interest that unfolded before her.
Cloaked in shadow and obscured by a mask, the man remained mysterious in his presence, his motives shrouded in secrecy.
Yet as she edged closer to the exit, a jolt of adrenaline coursed through her veins, her heart hammering in her chest as the man in black's piercing gaze locked onto her own.
With a sudden surge of movement, he hurtled towards her with the speed of a falcon in flight, his intentions inscrutable and his resolve unyielding.
"A-ah!" Suyin's voice caught in her throat as her gaze locked with the piercing intensity of the man before her.
With a quick, instinctual grasp, she seized a nearby chair, its sturdy frame becoming an impromptu weapon in her trembling hands.
Yet, to her astonishment, the stranger's steely demeanor softened in an instant, his eyes alight with a flicker of recognition and relief as he halted his advance, mere inches from her trembling form.
Amidst the chaos, a singular question echoed in her mind, a question that remained unspoken as the man in black silenced her with a gesture, his index finger pressed against his lips in a plea for silence.
Before she could voice her query, he acted with swift resolve, producing a small vial from the depths of his attire and shattering it upon the ground, the acrid smoke billowing forth to cloak his escape.
As the courtyard descended into panicked pandemonium, Suyin seized the opportunity with both hands, her heart pounding in her chest as she darted towards the safety of the eastern gate.
With trembling fingers, she wrenched open the heavy wooden doors, the scent of smoke and chaos swirling around her like a suffocating embrace.
As she slipped into the night, the cacophony of shouts and coughs fading into the distance behind her, Suyin felt a surge of relief wash over her. In the darkness of the night, she was but a fleeting shadow, her escape unnoticed amidst the turmoil that gripped the estate.
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In the tranquil embrace of the courtyard, the incessant hum of cicadas reverberated through the air, their symphony of chirps a testament to the languid passage of time.
Bonsai trees, meticulously tended and arranged with care, stood sentinel along the well-worn pathway, their miniature forms a testament to the artistry of the gardener's hand. Amidst this serene tableau, a maid moved with practiced grace, a tray of dishes balanced delicately upon her outstretched palms. Her brow furrowed in consternation as a familiar voice called out to her, the concern palpable in its timbre. "Jiejie. Jiejie. Where is Master?" The inquiry hung heavy in the air, the maid's heart skipping a beat at the mention of her absent employer. "I think he went out," she replied, her voice tinged with a note of apprehension. "It's strange... the Master never leaves without letting us know." The girl's frown deepened, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as she contemplated the implications of her master's sudden departure. "Okay. As long as he didn't go out without taking his medicine." But the maid's eyes lingered upon the untouched cup of medicine that sat upon the tray, its contents untouched and the air heavy with unspoken worry.
"He didn't take it and just left suddenly... as if something was going on."
In the quiet stillness of the garden, a sense of unease settled over the courtyard like a shroud, the mysteries of the master's sudden departure casting a shadow over the once-peaceful sanctuary.
And as the cicadas continued their ceaseless song, the maid could not shake the nagging feeling.
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It seemed as though Junli had vanished into thin air, his abrupt disappearance sending the maids into a frantic search throughout the estate.
Among them, Jiayi, her heart heavy with apprehension, scoured every corner of the courtyard, her eyes darting anxiously in search of any sign of her elusive master. "Let me know if you see him," she implored her fellow maid, her voice tinged with urgency as she prepared to resume her desperate quest.
With a solemn nod, her companion departed, leaving Jiayi alone in the hushed tranquility of the courtyard. But her thoughts were consumed by worry, her mind swirling with dire possibilities as she retraced her steps through the corridors that led to the heart of the estate.
As she ventured deeper into the labyrinthine halls, Jiayi found herself ensconced within a grand hall, its opulent furnishings a testament to the wealth and prestige of the household.
Ancient artifacts adorned the walls, relics of a bygone era, their whispered histories echoing through the cavernous space.
Lost in her thoughts, Jiayi's reverie was abruptly shattered by a sharp sound, a resounding thud that reverberated through the hall like a thunderclap.
With a gasp, she whirled around, her eyes widening in shock as she beheld the sight before her.
Junli lay sprawled upon the cold stone floor, his form limp and vulnerable, a stark contrast to the proud warrior she had come to know. She rushed to his side, her heart pounding in her chest as she helped him to his feet, her voice trembling with concern.
"M-Master," she whispered, her gaze flickering with worry as she surveyed his pallid complexion and trembling form. "What did you do?"
But there was no time for explanations, no room for hesitation. With grim determination, Jiayi guided her master to his chambers, her hands gentle yet firm as she laid him upon the cool embrace of his bed.
"Go get me some medicine for me to take," Junli commanded, his voice strained with effort as he struggled to maintain his composure.
And without a moment's hesitation, Jiayi sprang into action, her feet flying as she raced to fulfill her master's urgent request.
Yet even as she hurried through the corridors, the weight of uncertainty hung heavy upon her shoulders, the echoes of Junli's collapse reverberating through her mind like a haunting refrain.
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[Flashback] The lantern festival had cast its warm glow upon the bustling streets, yet amidst the revelry, Junli's keen gaze remained fixed upon a lone figure, his heart heavy with suspicion at the unexpected sight before him.
"Oh, hello Uncle Jianhong," Junli greeted, his voice tinged with a note of wariness as he approached the carriage, his steps deliberate and measured.
Something about his uncle's presence seemed out of place, a nagging sense of unease gnawing at the edges of his consciousness.
Jianhong's response was curt, his movements brusque as he pulled aside the cloth to address his inquisitive nephew.
"My little nephew, Feng Junli. Hello to you."
With a cautious glance towards the carriage, Junli's curiosity piqued, his brow furrowing in confusion as he attempted to discern the reason for his uncle's odd departure.
But before he could glean any insight, Jianhong's stern admonishment cut through the air like a blade, his warning ringing with a tone of finality.
Undeterred, Junli pressed on, his eyes darting to catch a fleeting glimpse of the carriage's interior as his uncle hurriedly ushered the soldiers into action. And in that brief moment of instability, as the horse stumbled and the carriage tilted precariously, Junli's worst fears were realized.
There, nestled amongst the opulent trappings of the carriage, lay Suyin, her form still and unmoving, a haunting visual of his uncle's deceit.
Shock reverberated through Junli's veins like wildfire, his mind reeling at the implications of what he had witnessed.
"No... that can't be," he whispered, the weight of betrayal settling like a stone in the pit of his stomach.
[End of his flashback]
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Junli's heart swelled with gratitude as he beheld the familiar depths of Suyin's gaze.
In that fleeting moment of recognition, he found solace in the unwavering certainty of her presence, her eyes a beacon of light amidst the darkness.
He had known, instinctively, that it was her. Despite her guise as a male servant, her essence remained unchanged; her eyes, pools of empathy and courage, spoke volumes of the strength that lay within her.
It was those very qualities that had drawn him to her, captivating him from the moment their paths had first crossed.
But fate, it seemed, had conspired against them.
On the night he had recognized her, a cruel twist of circumstance had rendered him powerless to intervene, the debilitating effects of his medicine plunging him into a deep slumber from which he had not awakened until dawn's light.
With a bitter laugh, Junli reached for the bottle that lay at his side, its contents a potent concoction of herbs and powders, crafted with his own hands for moments such as these.
It was a last resort, a desperate gambit to thwart his enemies and ensure his survival in the face of adversity, a smoke bomb he had made for his safety.
Jiayi, ever the dutiful maid, refused to let him wallow in self-pity. With a firm resolve, she slid the tray of medicine towards him, her voice a gentle yet insistent reminder of his obligations to himself and to those who relied upon him.
"It's no use," Junli chuckled ruefully, his gaze lingering upon the vial of medicine before him. "I only ordered you to give me medicine to help with my back, not my illness."
But Jiayi would not be dissuaded, her words a poignant reminder of the sacrifices he had made for the sake of others.
"You need to stop thinking about that and think more about yourself! What about your family? You were so good to take the medicine yesterday so that you can meet that one lady."
In Jiayi's unwavering devotion, Junli found a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf him.
"That is why wearing layers of clothes, no matter if the heat is killing me or not, is the only way out for me right now."
Junli's voice was resolute, his tone brooking no argument as he brushed aside Jiayi's concern.
With a grim determination, he peeled away the layers of fabric that concealed the truth beneath, revealing a grim tableau of pain and betrayal etched upon his skin. Jiayi's gasp of horror was drowned out by the rush of blood pounding in Junli's back as he exposed the wound that marred his once unblemished flesh.
Bright red and angry, the puncture wound gaped like a sinister maw, its edges raw and oozing with the evidence of his recent struggle. It had been a gamble, one born of desperation and fueled by a sense of righteous indignation.
Junli had sought to thwart his uncle's manor in secret, to knock his soldiers unconscious without raising suspicion.
But in his haste, his confidence had betrayed him, and now he bore the consequences of his actions upon his flesh when one of the soldiers injured him as he escaped from the place.
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As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its final rays across the sky in a vibrant display, Suyin found herself nestled within the comforting embrace of an alleyway, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfares.
Here, amidst the tranquil solitude, she could breathe a little easier, her senses attuned to the faintest of sounds as she sought refuge from the looming threat of Jianhong and his soldiers.
Clad in the nondescript garb of a servant, borrowed hastily from the confines of Jianhong's manor, Suyin knew that hiding her identity was her greatest ally.
There would be no opportunity to change back into her own clothes, not when danger lurked around every corner and the specter of discovery hung heavy in the air. Instead, she moved with stealth and purpose, her steps measured and deliberate as she navigated the labyrinthine streets of the city.
But amidst the shadows and uncertainty, one glimmer of hope burned bright in Suyin's heart: her promise to Shao Feng.
Though she lacked the means to purchase the necessary medicine, she refused to abandon him in his hour of need.
With a determined resolve, Suyin set her sights on the medical shop, its entrance beckoning like a beacon of possibility amidst the encroaching darkness.
And there, standing amidst the threshold, she beheld the familiar figure of Shao Feng, his bun secured with a simple white string, a silent sentinel guarding the gateway.
"Shao Feng!" Suyin's smile lit up the dimming alleyway as she waved enthusiastically, relief flooding her features at the sight of him.
"You're here. I'm glad you got out!" Shao Feng's voice carried a note of genuine joy as he hurried to meet her, his own smile mirroring hers in its warmth and sincerity.
"You know that the Master--Er.. Jianhong wasn't too happy about what happened back at his place, right?" Shao Feng's expression shifted, his lips forming a silent gesture as he mimed the word "F-I-R-E," eliciting a chuckle from Suyin.
"He needs some heat in his life anyway and deserved it," she quipped, her tone laced with a hint of mischief as she brushed off the gravity of the situation.
"Was the intruder your doing too? Was it a friend of yours or something?" Shao Feng's curiosity was palpable, his gaze fixed intently upon Suyin with a confused expression on his face, wondering if the intruder was Suyin's doing.
Suyin's brow furrowed in thought, a shadow of uncertainty clouding her features.
"I...don't know... but he did make my escape easier," she admitted, her voice tinged with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension.
She couldn't shake the nagging fear that Qin Fuhua had been caught in the crossfire, his intentions leading him into harm's way.
Suyin's words trailed off as a voice interrupted their conversation from behind, shattering the fragile tranquility of the alleyway.
With a start, both Suyin and Shao Feng whirled around, their hearts pounding with a mixture of surprise and apprehension as they sought the source of the unexpected intrusion.
"Hm... who could this be, huh?" The voice echoed through the narrow confines of the alley, its tone tinged with a hint of amusement as its owner stepped into view.
It was Junli who emerged from the shadows, his presence a welcome relief amidst the uncertainty that gripped the alleyway.
A gentle smile played upon his lips as he approached Suyin, his movements careful and deliberate to avoid aggravating his injury.
Despite the fatigue that etched lines of exhaustion upon his features, his eyes shone with a quiet intensity as he greeted her.
"It's been awhile, Miss Suyin, fluttering here and there," Junli remarked, his voice soft yet tinged with a hint of playful affection.
As he drew closer, he reached out to pat her head, a gesture of familiarity and reassurance that spoke volumes of their shared history.
"It's good to see that you are safe," he murmured, his words a balm to Suyin's frayed nerves as she struggled to process the unexpected encounter.
But beneath the veneer of strength and composure, Junli's façade was crumbling, his energy waning with each passing moment.
With a weary sigh, he leaned against the wall for support, his strength ebbing away as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him.
"Junli!" Suyin's cry was laced with concern as she rushed to his side as she attempted to rouse him from his daze.
But despite her efforts, Junli's smile faltered, his eyelids drooping with the weight of fatigue as he succumbed to the pull of unconsciousness.
"Are you okay?" Suyin's voice quivered with worry as she touched his feverish brow, her heart sinking at the realization of his deteriorating condition.
And as Shao Feng rushed to their aid, his hands coming away stained with crimson, the truth dawned upon them with chilling clarity.
"Suyin, he's bleeding from the back!" Shao Feng's voice was tinged with panic as he relayed his discovery, his eyes widening in shock at the sight before him.
"Bleeding... from his back?" Suyin's voice trailed off, her mind racing with a flurry of thoughts and emotions as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
The identity of the mysterious intruder, the softness in his eyes, and the cryptic words he had spoken—all at once, it became painfully clear.
Suyin gazed upon Junli's pale, unconscious form, a wave of gratitude washed over her, mingled with a profound sense of guilt for the danger he had faced on her behalf.
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As the night descended, cloaking the courtyard in an eerie shroud of darkness, a lone figure perched atop the rooftop, his presence an ominous silhouette against the backdrop of the moonlit sky.
With a gaze as fierce and unyielding as tempered steel, Qin Fuhua surveyed the scene below with a mixture of disdain and determination, his features obscured by the veil of his long cloak as he clenched his fists in silent resolve.
"After all of these years," his voice carried on the frigid night air, a whispered lament tinged with bitter resentment, "you still want to get revenge on me. Even after killing the one you love—someone who I had loved before... you still try to find something to use against me."
Each word was punctuated by a sense of simmering fury, the weight of past grievances hanging heavy in the chill of the night. The memory of his beloved childhood friend lost to the favor of his Jianhong, stirred a tumult of emotions within Qin Fuhua.
But amidst the darkness and the bitter cold, a singular question loomed large in Qin Fuhua's mind: where was Han Suyin, the woman whose very existence had become entwined with this tangled web?
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
Aeriesu
Aeriesu Hello my dear readers! <3
Thank you for sticking with me throughout this hiatus as I mentioned again. On the bright side, about four more weeks of school left and I can finally say that I have vacation for about a month! You know that what means! ;u; <3
I've been getting exams back to back (week by week) so it's been kind of difficult for me to update a chapter. To be honest, I was really stuck at a writer's block for a very long time, but I was able to get over it and have a drive and got over the writers block, so I'm looking forward to the upcoming chapters because whew, what a chaos it is already!
As always, thank you for reading and being patient with all of the comments, love, reviews, and collections! <3 :)
-A.Su
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