THE FLOWER PALACE'S SECRET

Chapter 3: Trying to Stay Alive Sane

The Chang Valley that yesterday became a battleground has now returned to peace. The traces of damage and the waste of the rest of the war began to be cleaned one by one. Unexecuted prisoners were imprisoned in sturdy wooden prisons, awaiting orders to be taken to the palace and put on trial.

Weapons from the other side were stored in a large, tightly guarded tent. Meanwhile, the bodies of the fallen soldiers were buried in the highest place in Chang Valley as a final tribute. His families would get compensation and mercy from the empire.

Lin Zian, the great young general who had been treated like an intruder for quite some time was now standing gallantly. The soldiers who were still healthy and safe firmly straightened their shoulders to the general. Bai Ru, that second dashing man was also standing beside Lin Zian.

“I hope, you guys won't be big heads after this win. Remember that your soul and body are the countries you must protect. Someday, if the gendering here sounds call your heart, you should go back.”

The soldiers answered compactly. Compilation of their sounds produces a blaring echo in the open. The burning spirit and fire within their chests grew even more burning after a great victory. Lin Zian, that young general, was somehow so good at strategizing. With just one step, the entire enemy force was successfully repulsed without any significant resistance.

Bai Ru offered a cup of warm tea to her leader. The General's face was dirty and dusty. Even so, his good looks aura still radiated. His outward appearance does not reflect that he is a military officer.

He looked like an ordinary young man who was often pacing around in the capital. This man is blessed with an intelligent brain and a strong heart. He was a noble general of royal descent. Bai Ru could calculate how long her generals had been in this military camp.

“General, are you sure you won't open your eyes to see the girls of the capital? Your other brothers already have many concubines.”

“Bai Ru, why are you so chatty like a girl?”

Bai Ru responded by raising her shoulders.

“I'm sure there will soon be someone asking you to return to where you came from.”

After going through a hard struggle and a victory that made the heart become blue, a messenger from the palace came with his horse that already looked lame. This valley turned out to be not only troublesome for the enemy, but also troublesome for everyone who was about to enter to convey something. The messenger then went down and saluted Lin Zian, then handed him a golden scroll.

“That careless talk of you came true, Bai Ru. I'll get back to you later. Alright, Bai Ru, it's time to return to the capital.”

...***...

Shen Yanzhia could not sleep well. His eyes were open all night. His brain could not think of anything either. The lighted candle was extinguished, but the sleepiness did not come. He rolled his body to the right and to the left, creating a tangled pattern on the bed sheets and making them detach at all four corners.

After feeling safe, he just heaved a sigh of relief. Shen Yanzhia then took out a bottle of drink from the kitchen storage cabinet. The night is very late. Shen Yanzhia will not be able to sleep anymore. These two days have been exhausting for him. Shen Yanzhia never stopped thinking about what steps she should take.

Ever since the Emperor's edict was read, his life had begun not to run peacefully. Shen Yanzhia did not understand why the Emperor gave her such an excruciating decree. He was confused whether he should be happy or sad. When he was preoccupied with enjoying freedom, the Emperor instead gave him the gift of marriage which would limit all his freedom.

Shen Yanzhia actually wanted to refuse. Not only did he feel astonished, he also felt unfair because he was chosen first. In fact, his third brother who he managed to disturb yesterday was also not married. Mei Ling's age was even two years older than her age.

“Why did the Emperor even ask me to get married? Didn't he say that I could decide my own way of life? Be married? What kind of bond is that? From my observation, marriage is terrible. Every day should accompany the husband and serve him. Especially until you have children. Isn't labor very painful? I can live alone. I want to be free. Is correct. Why should I get married?”

The black sky without stars was like understanding the suffering of the humans below. The black sky did not display a moon or stars. Everything is just black. Shen Yanzhia continued to talk and argue to herself.

He split himself into two parts. The right side approved the marriage, while the left side refused. The reason the left was given was freedom, and it was quite reasonable for Shen Yanzhia.

“Nona, will you continue to be there? Does that high place give you comfort until you feel at home for a long time sitting?”

Shen Yanzhia's face was indeed a little surprised once someone caught her. But, upon recognizing the voice, his countenance returned to its original state. Tan’er won't divulge his behavior to his father. That one waiter was quite polite and kind, but he was more loyal. He would not report his own employer.

“Down, Miss. If you fall, I won't catch you. If I catch you, my body can crumble.”

“If your body is crushed, I will throw it into the fish pond so that they can more easily eat you.”

“Down, Miss. Stop having dialogue with yourself. Isn't tomorrow something important you should do?”

Shen Yanzhia immediately jumped down. The tail of his clothes was slightly torn off caught in the earthen tile that he descended. Tan’er's right. Shen Yanzhia at least had to think sanely so she could make sure of everything by herself, or at least until the wedding took place if the bad possibility occurred.

After marriage, he may not be sane. He would not humiliate the Prince Yun family because back then his status was that of the other family's wife and daughter-in-law.

Is correct. Shen Yanzhia must maintain her sanity first. Now all he had to do was return to the pavilion and sleep at all costs. If he does not sleep anymore, his face will be dull with black eye bags hanging on both petals. What's more, he might experience pain if his body doesn't have enough rest.***