บท 13: Nie Shaoqing 2

Duke Shenxiu's mansion

The man grinned at him and said, "Ziwei, it is time to make a decision".

Xiang Ziwei blinked rapidly and took a step back. He did not understand what the strange man was saying, "What decision, I don't know_" he was cut short before he could continue.

A bright light flashed and before he knew it, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. He glanced around taking in the scenery and based on observation, he seemed to be in a strange bedroom.

He walked forward and paused as his gaze fell on a frail-looking young dressed in thick multiple layers of clothes.

The young man sat in the centre of a circle of candles, the young man smiled as their eyes met.

"Who are you?" Xiang Ziwei asked eyes narrowed, he did not know where he was and why he was here but he suspected that this young man had all the questions.

The man knelt shakily and kowtowed at him, "Your Majesty, please uphold justice for me!"

Xiang Ziwei stepped back as the boy exclaimed, it had been a while since he had met another human being much less talked to one.

He was taken aback by the boy's actions, "Why am I here", he looked around cautiously.

Nie Shaoqing looked up at the former Emperor, he looked just like he did in the portrait. It was like the former Emperor was stuck in time and hand never aged.

"Sorry for the disturbance, Your Majesty. I had no other choice but to do this. This unruly one is Shaoqing surnamed Nie".

Xiang Ziwei's face darkened as soon as he mentioned his surname, the continuous repeat of the last four days of his life did not drive him mad but instead gave him an in-depth perspective of the events that led to his downfall.

Among the short list of people he suspected were involved with his death was his deceased master's eldest son and his comrade in arms, Nie Buyi.

His hand shook at his side, "Why am I here?" His cold tone brought chills through Nie Shaoqing's body.

Nie Shaoqing swallowed, "I-I don't mean you any harm." He looked down at his fingers, "I don't have anyone to turn to", he sniffed and looked up with tears in his eyes, "I want revenge on my family and the royal family. I am willing to give up my body for that."

Xiang Ziwei's frown broke, "you want revenge? why?"

Nie Shaoqing opened his mouth to reply but doubled over and spat out blood before he could say anything.

"I haven't got much time, your majesty. I know that they hurt you too, take over my body and get your revenge".

"What happens to you, if I take over your body"

"I was never meant to live past this night", he replied with a sad smile.

For the first the in years, Xiang Ziwei felt his heart tug, maybe because he saw himself in Nie Shaoqing.

During the last few hours of his life, he too had resigned to his faith, taking a deep breath he asked, "Who did this to you and why?"

Nie Shaoqing smiled and replied, "I saw something that I shouldn't".

The man from before appeared behind Nie Shaoqing, and placed his hand on Nie Shaoqing's shoulder, a few seconds later there was a flash of lightning and Xiang Ziwei blacked out.

********

The next day, at the main courtyard of Duke Shenxiu's residence, Lady Fu's central room.

A slightly plump woman dressed in a dark blue blouse and white long skirts sat in front of the brass mirror while her maid Chu Yan packed her hair into a simple yet elegant hairstyle.

Two kitchen maids knelt by the small table beside the top seat and carefully unpacked the food boxes and set her table.

Today was a lot brighter than the day before, the sun was out and the sweet smile of fresh flowers filled the room.

"It is all set, Your grace", Chu Yan said when she was done, she held out her hand and provided support for Lady Fu as she stood.

Lady Fu had strict rules for the maids that attended to her, she preferred efficiency and speed from her maids.

The table was all set by the time she moved to the table, since she had no further instructions for them, the kitchen maids left the room and stood outside as she started eating.

She ate only a little bit of each dish before settling down her chopsticks, Chu Yan poured out a cup of clear tea and handed it to her mistress.

While Lady Fu rinsed out the aftertaste of the meal with the clear tea, the kitchen maids were called in to clear the table.

As soon as the table was cleared a warm cup of tea was given to Lady Fu for digestion, she was midway through the tea when Chu Yan reported that the steward was requesting a word with her.

To which Lady Fu nodded without saying a word, she set down her cup of tea as the steward was led in.

The steward surname Du was a slightly plump man who bowed and reported, "Your grace, Master just sent word that he will be returning to the capital in two days. He heard that Fifth young master was ill and sent over a doctor to check on him".

Lady Fu gripped the arm of her seat tightly, she felt the great urge to throw the seat at the steward but maintained a calm expression.

"His grace is truly benevolent, he even cares for his kin from such a distance. It is good that he sent someone over, little fifth illness relapsed of late. Please have someone lead the doctor to the bamboo courtyard and Instruct the servants to prepare his grace's Pavillion", Lady Fu replied with a smile.

"Yes".

Her smile fell as soon as he was out of sight, she caught Chu Yan's eye as she picked up the cup of tea.

Chu Yan instructed the rest of the maids to leave, as they left, she instructed one of the third-ranked maids Yiru to find out how the fifth young master faired.