The Guzheng of The Moon

XXIII

The funeral ceremony was a pleasure. No one knows the exact cause of the death of the Princess. News of the confusion began to spread. From illness to being cursed.

Only Gu Zheng and his mother knew the truth, because Hwa Nai always told them about Cheng Li. Her mother who was not strong bore the sadness of eventually falling ill many times.

As for Gu Zheng, there were no more foolish and naive youths. Gu Zheng also died when his older sister died. He will keep his last promise to Hwa Nai. But he also prepared his best plan to destroy An Cheng Li.

Yeah, here it is. The news of Crown Prince An's engagement was heard to his ears. "I'll destroy you like you destroyed my brother."

"I will snatch it from you," muttered Gu Zheng.

He looked away at the accompaniment of the Shicuan Kingdom train. Not far behind the train's accompaniment were the pursuing bandits. Gu Zheng deliberately paid them to do the dirty work.

It didn't take long until the bandits completed their task. Leave the bodies and the train on fire. That was when Gu Zheng approached.

He got off his horse. According to their orders left some people alive. Including the Princess Bungsu. Behind the pile of wood, Gu Zheng found a little girl with a golden clasp in her hair. The girl was also quite badly injured. Goody.

He took the little girl with him to the palace and treated his wounds. He also ordered someone to put a stamp on the little girl's back. A cap that would make him a slave for the rest of his life. It becomes the lowest caste.

But the plan was not satisfied until there. All he needs now is patience. The time for vengeance will come.

******

"You okay?" his sobs.

"Slightly sick."

"I'm sorry, because I'm you so .. so ...."

"It's not a big deal."

"But you got that burn because of me, because I gave you that golden clasp, Ah Mei."

Ah Mei shook her head. All they could do was hang out in the dark corner of the prison. With other children.

"I'm the one they're looking for, but .. but..."

"It's okay. 'We exchanged hair ties. It may have been fateful that I received this wound."

"I'm sorry." The girl rubbed her snot and tried to calm herself down. "Where do you think they're taking us?"

"They'll find us a new family. Usually it is like this, children who lost their families because of the rebellion will be found a new family" said Ah Mei. "So you really don't remember what your name is?"

The little girl next to Ah Mei shook her head.

"At least you should have a name" Ah Mei said.

"Hoi, out!" the orders of a guard.

"Ah May!"

"It's okay, you wait here" Ah Mei said.

Ah Mei was led to the palace hall. This was the first time he had entered the palace. So beautiful, her inner.

"I'm just going to marry her" said a young man.

Ah Mei who did not know anything immediately became the spotlight of everyone who was there. So did the young man who pointed at him.

The young man looked cold and terrifying. At first glance, there was an angry look on his face. Then return to the elders who are ready to wait for an explanation.

"I fell in love with that girl, I'm just going to marry her" the young man said.

"Omong empty! She's just a girl from the lower classes!"

"Isn't the Emperor free to choose his future wife?" Everything inside the hall was silent. "I'm the heir to the throne. Do you want to challenge me?"

"Alright, if that's what you want," Emperor Yuhan said. "I'm leaving everything to you."

"Your Majesty," at once the elders protested over the Emperor's decision.

"It is my decision that the Crown Prince will question the girl one day" the Emperor said firmly.

The young man approached himself and the guard standing behind him then dragged the guard away. Of course because they do not want to be left alone, Ah Mei also followed.

"Who's the girl?"

"Of course the girl His Majesty ordered to be branded," the guard replied in fear.

"Are you blind? I told you to brand the girl wearing the gold clasp" the young man sighed.

"He ... he wears it, Your Majesty."

"You, where did you get that clasp?" ask the young man who is now turning to Ah Mei.

"From my friend, Your Majesty. We ... we exchanged hair ties as a sign of friendship," Ah Mei said with a tremble.

After hearing Ah Mei's explanation, the young man left just like that. But, wait. The young man said something about marriage with her. Does this mean she will be a princess? Ah Mei's smile instantly faded as she recalled the real little girl having this golden clasp.

"So this shouldn't be for me?"

~FLASHBACK END~