The Ageless Dream

11.1 Jie Ming's Gift (43)

"All of you, leave." Meng Tian loudly said with a commanding tone. The soldiers all left with different thoughts in their head. He turned to Huang Zhao with an inquiring gaze. "You two..."

"We did nothing! I did wrong because I slipped then Huang Zhao helped me. If not for him, I would have sunk there because I don't know how to swim." Dong Li Hua explained. From how Meng Tian looked at Huang Zhao, she knew he have more authority than her masked general. If Huang Zhao were to get in trouble, then that is her fault.

Meng Tian glanced to the two of them, he looked stricter than the one they had been with in Xinzheng. "Huang Zhao, don't forget why you are here. Moreover, Miss Lizi's origin is still unclear."

"I know." Huang Zhao solemnly nodded. He lowered his eyes, not daring to meet Meng Tian's gaze.

"It's goo that you still remember. I came here to tell you His Majesty sent a letter." he moved his hand forward that has been remaining behind his back. Meng Tian helped Huang Zhao and Dong Li Hua out of the lake. He took out a scroll from his sleeve pocket then gave it to Huang Zhao. "Come to my tent tonight. I have something to discuss." Meng Tian said before removing his outer robe and draping it over Dong Li Hua. She reluctantly accepted it as Meng Tian left.

Huang Zhao glimpsed on the scroll for a second, he frowned lightly and opened it. Dong Li Hua wanted to know what was written but he swiftly moved back to hide its content. After reading the letter, he sighed and tossed the scroll into the lake. The ink-written letter got ruined that its barely readable.

"Uhm... Sir General, why are you so obedient around Sir Meng? Weren't you on the same ranking?" Dong Li Hua asked to clear her confusion.

"Both of us do have the same ranking but our department is not. Have you not heard of King Zheng's elite imperial guards?" he faced Dong Li Hua while lightly creasing his brows. Everyone knows Ying Zheng created an elite group of chosen imperial guards, trained into a martial artist expert and were also taught scholarly pursuits.

"No." she shook her head. She doesn't belong here, ah.

"I am one of them. There is a strict law in our group, to only focus in serving His Majesty and Qin. My position at this moment is not long lasting. After my mission here, I will return to my previous title as an imperial guard." he explained while holding back a few information. Qin's elite imperial guards were used for spying, assassination and military warfare.

"So? What's wrong with you saving me?" Dong Li Hua got confused, not understanding his words clearly. There is something amiss and she can feel it.

"Its not that. Its about our questionable relationship. I made an oath likewise my whole group of elite imperial guards. We promised and vowed that I won't have any person to cherish until my retirement. All elite imperial guards have no family or either they abandoned their loved ones in exchange of their safety. Since we have no one to take care of, our whole attention will be given to Qin's wellbeing."

"Not even a friend?" she frowned.

"Its fine to have one but if that friend needs to be sacrificed for Qin, we have to leave him behind." Huang Zhao bent down then picked the bag, he opened it up to see a mismatched set of clothes. A black trouser, orange inner robe and green outer robe. His face darkened, looking behind him but Dong Li Hua stared upwards while whistling.

He has no choice but to wear them. Dong Li Hua suppressed her laughter after Huang Zhao stepped out of the large rock. Her stomach was in pain, covering her mouth and turning her back to him. Huang Zhao looked really...hilarious.

On the way to the camp, all soldiers who saw Huang Zhao's clothes tried hard to ignore him. If he were to know they are shocked or laughing, Huang Zhao will surely pass down a severe punishment. They just looked up or down, definitely avoiding even taking once glance.

"Happy?" Huang Zhao asked with an uneven smile as he glared at Dong Li Hua who is silently giggling. She coughed to clear her throat before looking up at him with innocence.

"Almost, I guess?" Dong Li Hua barely held back her laughter. Its just that Huang Zhao's gaze is threatening enough to make her shut up.

"Really..." Huang Zhao was left speechless. He rolled his eyes when Dong Li Hua poked his arm. "What?"

"The condition." she reminded. Huang Zhao thought she forgot about it but since he promised, he can't go back.

"Go on."

"Its about Jie Ming." Dong Li Hua observed his expression. He turned indifferent all of a sudden so she decided to speak slowly. "Give her a second chance. Its not like she harmed anyone. Well, aside from you..."

"Im afraid I can't." Huang Zhao hastened his pace and left Dong Li Hua behind  she quickly caught up by running slightly. His strides were too long and his pace accelerated his speed. Dong Li Hua had a hard time catching up.

"Please! What's wrong giving her a second chance? Jie Ming will change for sure now that she was taught a lesson. Huang Zhao, you promised to agree." she tried to get close when Huang Zhao stopped. He stared at her for a long time, trying to see if she is not faking her concern.

"Fine." Huang Zhao pinched his nose bridge. For Dong Li Hua, he will set that woman free.

"Don't be angry, alright? Since you promised." Dong Li Hua faintly smiled when Huang Zhao flicked her forehead. "Ow!"

"You purposely chose this mismatched set. How will I face those soldiers now, him? Can I not be mad?" he harrumphed and puffed his cheeks before leaving her. Dong Li Hua remained standing there. The familiarity in her grew, it was like she has met Huang Zhao long ago.