Rising from the Ashes

The scene opens to a dark and stormy night. A lone figure is silhouetted against the wind and rain, walking through a forest. As he gets closer, we can see that it is Fu Ren, the Emperor of the Fu Dynasty. Fu Ren is a kind and just a ruler, but, he is also an ambitious man and every woman dreamed of being his wife. As Fu Ren approaches the palace, he was ambushed by Fu Heng's men. Fu Heng: Shoot. As the arrow draws to Fu Ren... Guard: Your Majesty, LOOK! Luckily, he was able to dodge it. Unfortunately, his wife the Empress, Yifan Shi Yen, as she flew to dodge it, the arrow hit her. Leaving her a scratch in her heart. The arrow stuck to the wood. Fu Ren catches her in his arms and held her. Yifan Shi Yen: [*Cough] Y-your... Majesty... Fu Ren: Yen'er! Suddenly, the door of the palace burst open and FU HENG entered. He is wearing a black cloak, he looks so calm and has his man around him carrying a bow with arrows, and some carrying a sword. Fu Heng, was the third son. He was sent to Qiáng at an early age. Fu Heng is a ruthless and ambitious man, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He has been plotting to overthrow Fu Ren for years, and he believes that the wedding anniversary of Shi Yen and his brother is the perfect opportunity to strike. Fu Heng watches from the shadows, laughing to himself. Now, he is one step closer to taking the throne. Shi Yen: Your... Majesty.... Fu Ren: Chen, Yen'er was your lover too, why do you have to kill her? Shi Yen: Y-your M-majesty. Fu Heng: It doesn't matter if sacrificing your lover just to rule the world. Fu Ren: You are so cruel! Fu Heng: [*Grins] Fu Ren: Don't worry Yen'er, I'll take you to the doctor. As Fu Ren stands and walked, the arrow that shot to Shi Yen, Fu Heng took it then he threw it to Fu Ren's back. Fu Ren: Ckk, C-Chen, w-w-why d-do y-you h-have to d-do th-this? Fu Ren closed his eyes, he died because of losing a lot of blood. Fu Heng had rushed Shi Yen to the doctor, but it was too late. She died from her wounds. Fu Heng was devastated. He had not meant to kill Shi Yen, and he was filled with remorse. He gave a fancy funeral to Shi Yen, and put her coffin to the royal temple to visit her everyday. Then, he goes to the palace to claim the throne and he knows that he has won. He is now the emperor of the Fu Dynasty, and he will stop at nothing to rule the world. Meng Yao: And complete hehe. (I am Meng Yao, the author of this dark story). Hays, it's finally done. I am a working student, My parents abandoned me when I was a child, so I grew up living with my grandparents. According to my grandmother, my parents separated when I was just two years old and they found love to someone else. Despite my mother's desire to throw me into the nearest river, my grandparents took me in and made sure I was cherished and received lots of attention. Sad to say, my grandmother passed away last year and my grandfather passed away when I was thirteen. I can live independently now that I'm nineteen years old. Things got challenging, particularly when it came to earning money. Due to my lack of experience, I was not fortunate enough to get accepted to every job that I applied to. Now, I inherited my grandparents small bakery which is where I find my living. *Ting⁵ Meng Yao: Oh my goodness!!! So many comments! Wait- they all... What? Why are they cursing me? "The author is so cruel!" "Killing Fu Ren makes you satisfied? Well, we are not happy!" "It's such a waste of time." "We thought of a happy ending!" "Curse you!" Curse the author!" ⚠️ WARNING ⚠️ "WARNING! Rewrite the ending, it's making the audience unhappy." Meng Yao: Naturally, I won't make any changes. Hmpk! As the writer, I choose how the story ends! What should I eat? Iekei Ramen! Hehehe. *Meanwhile... Meng Yao: Hayss, it's so delicious, I am full. I guess it's time to sleep. Hm? I thought, I shut down my PC? Wait- the screen, it's not moving! Hays... [*Yawn] ? I'll finish it tomorrow, I won't miss the chance of having a meeting with the director about the story I recently completed. I have a lot of things to do in the morning, so I better go to bed. And I must get up early. As the wind dances with the curtains, the water droplets make a melody. And the thunder strike. *Thunder⚡ Meng Yao: [*Wake's up] (Ugh... Where am I?) Maid: My Lady, you cannot take off the veil yet. We are still far from the city. Meng Yao: Huh? City? Maid: Yes, My Lady. Meng Yao: (What the heck? Who is this? Who is she? Why am I riding on a carriage? This is a red dress... A veil....) AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Maid: My Lady, keep quiet. Meng Yao: (Why is this so familiar? Could that be...) Chapter 01: The Beginning, Ying Lou Xi's Arrival. In the middle of the forest, when Meng Yao found herself sitting inside of a walking carriage during the twilight. Her heart racing as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. The sights and sounds were vivid and unfamiliar, and she realized with a jolt that she had somehow been transported into the world of her own creation. The characters she had penned in her story were now living and breathing before her eyes. Ying Lou Xi: (So, I am in Ying Lou Xi's body?) Ying Lou Xi, the third daughter of Minister Ying Jiang Long, and the least favorite daughter. Lou Xi: (I remember her past. Of course, I am the author. This is from chapter 56!) *Past Imperial Messenger: A royal edict of His Majesty!! It is with great solemnity and gravity that I must inform you of a royal edict that has been issued by the highest authority. By a royal decree, it is hereby ordered that Minister Ying Jiang Long and his wife, Lady Yuan Ming Xia, must immediately depart to defend the Empire of Xiyang from any and all enemies seeking to conquer and claim territories within the land of Xiyang Empire. Their bravery and leadership are needed to protect our people and our land from any threat of invasion. Failure to comply with this decree will result in severe consequences. May the Gods bless and guide them in their duty to safeguard our kingdom. Let this decree be known and obeyed by all. Please accept the royal edict. Jiang Long: Tell His Majesty, we accepted his order. Mother, I... Ye Xian the Grandmother: No.... No, that sounds dangerous. We won't know if you'll be able to come back?. Jiang Long: Mother, we don't have a choice if I refuse to accept the royal decree, there'll be consequences. I have to lead our army and go to the battlefield. But that means I won't be able to take care of my four daughters. I was hoping that if you could take on all the responsibilities of raising our children while we are away. I know it won't be easy, but I trust you, that you will do a great job. I am grateful for your support before, mother. And I promise to return as soon as I can. Gm Ye Xian: Please take care of yourself and come back to us safely. We will be waiting for you. Jiang Long: I will, mother. And I will make sure to bring honor to our family and our kingdom. Gm Ye Xian: I have no doubt that you will, my son. Jiang Long: Let's go. We were left by the guidance of our grandmother, I have two eldest brothers; Ying Yuze, six years old the oldest and Ying Bolin, five years old. And my four sisters; Ying Yuu Mei, three years old, Ying Zheng Yi, two years old, and my twin Ying Mou Xi. The day we were born was the day where my brothers and parents left to serve the country. At the age of fifteen years old, I grew up far away from my siblings, I was raised by a retired maid of my parents, Aunt Chua Huan. I was thrown away by my own grandmother when I was four years old, and said she wasn't able to support my living and only my three sisters. When I was still living with my grandmother, I was only bullied by Yuu Mei and Zheng Yi, they told me I was the bad luck of the family. I was not only bullied, but also abused and used by them. And the day I was sent to Aunt Chua Huan. *Present Lou Xi: (Oh, my freaking hell! What happened to me? Why am I in a fifteen year old body?? And to all of the characters in my story why do I have to be in Ying Lou Xi's Body? She's just a "someone" who's not important in my story, she ended up killed while she was on her way to marry a man where she didn't even know. Seriously? Why her?? She wears a wedding dress because she was sold off just to pay her grandmother's debt. She faces discrimination in her own family, abandoned and bullied). Maid: My Lady, behave yourself. Lou Xi: I- Guard: BANDITS! Lou Xi: (HAAA? Why am I so unlucky? I hope I won't meet Fu Heng, when it happens I am dead.) Guard: Protect the Bride! Lou Xi was escorted where she is about to be married to the man that her grandmother has sold her to, in order to pay off the debt. As the carriage travels along the road, it was ambushed by a group of bandits. One of them fired an arrow at her direction, but she was able to dodge it, thanks to her maid who was skilled in martial arts. The maid took Lou Xi's hand and take her off the carriage just to ensure her safety. While they were running away, a few of the bandits had followed them and some are shooting arrows. Luo Xi was scared, but her maid protected her. Then, a young man with a mask appeared. He caught Lou Xi when she slipped, and she was surprised by his strength. He held her close, leaving her speechless and her eyes widened. They look at each other deep in their eyes. After that, the man let go of her. After he finishes off the remaining bandits, he turns around and points to Lou Xi the sword that he was holding, and the maid began to ask him. Maid: Who are you? My Lady, stay back! Man: (Ohhh, a Lady?) The man suddenly disappeared. Lou Xi: (What the?) Maid: My Lady, I have no idea where the man flee. Lou Xi: Neither I! But it's fine, let him be. We are safe, let's find a place to stay for now. Maid: I remember that there was a nearby cave on here. Lou Xi: Okay, let's go. Maid: I'll go get your bags then. Lou Xi: Sure. Maid: My Lady! It all got ruined, especially the medicines. Lou Xi: Let's find something useful then. We cannot carry all those heavy stuffs. Maid: Yes, My Lady. It started raining, they searched for a nearby cave, and saw one. Lou Xi: I guess, we'll have to stay here for tonight. Maid: My Lady, these are still useful. Lou Xi: What are we going to eat then? Maid: There are a lot of fruits and vegetables in this forest. Lou Xi: Let's go and collect some. *Meanwhile... Lou Xi: We have collected so many of them. (This maid must be Lou Xi's personal maid, her name was Bao Lin). Lin? Bao Lin: Yes, My Lady? Lou Xi: I'm going to cook... Lin: When did you learned cooking, My Lady? Lou Xi: (Does she mean I don't know how to cook?) Ahhh, hehe, I learned it from Aunt Huan. Lin: I remember when I was still young and didn't know what to do to make up my mistakes, Aunt Huan would come and help me out. She's the most kind hearted woman. Lou Xi: Yeah, indeed. It's time to cook, first we need to prepare the ingredients we need. And then... Slice them up, and a freshwater fish, clean it and season it with salt, pepper, and some herbs. Cook it over to an open fire or on a makeshift grill for a delicious and protein-rich meal. *Meanwhile... Lou Xi: Ta-da!!!!!!!!! It's done. Lin: Whoaaaaa, it smells good, My Lady. Lou Xi: In the village this is called grilled fish. Let's eat? Lin: Woahhhh, it's very delicious. I never tasted such a well seasoned dish. *Morning... Lin: My Lady, I think we should go back to the Ying Residence. We are not safe outside. Lou Xi: You are right, let's go. *Meanwhile... Both: [*Haggard] [*huffs] Lou Xi: I didn't know we traveled so far. Guard 1: Stop! Show us your token miss before entering the gates. Lou Xi: Don't you recognize me? I am the Third Daughter of Minister Ying! Guard 2: Stop messing around miss, we only know that the Ying Family has only three daughters and they are all delicate and beautiful. And you said you were- the third daughter? Lou Xi: (What the fudge? Was he stating that I am ugly?) I- ???: I heard my Father's name, what's going on here? Lin: Lady Yuu Mei... Guards: Greetings, Lady Yuu Mei. Yuu Mei: Linlin, I have been worried about you and my sister, ever since I've heard the news that a group of bandits showed up and attack you. It's great to know that you escaped. How are you then? Lou Xi: (Eh? She's worried about me but didn't even asked if I'm alive or not). Lin: I am fine, My Lady. [*Spotted] Yuu Mei: Ehhh, who is she? Lou Xi: (What the heck she doesn't recognize me!) Lin: This is Lady Lou Xi, the third daughter of Minister Ying and your younger sister. Yuu Mei: (So, this is the b*tch. I thought she was dead already). I see, hehehe. People started to gossip as if they were confused about Yuu Mei's actions of not knowing who I am. Yuu Mei: [*Notice it] Hehe, of course, I remember you, my dear sister. It's just because- you have been sick since you were born and grandmother forbid the three of us your sister, to visit you. Since, she cares so much about your health and might triggered your condition and become so serious. But since you were about to marry, we didn't even have time to visit and congratulate you. [*Sobs²] People started to gossip, but this time they look so sad and cheered my sister about the come up story with my great elder sister. Lou Xi: (Here she goes, being dramatic spoiled brat. Hays, I'm so sorry Lou Xi, I make your life so miserable having this kind of sisters and witch grandmother along with her minions.) Jia: Don't you see, My Lady was crying and yet, you are just standing and watching her. Don't you have- Lou Xi: (Nice acting, nice acting). Oh, my great sister. I am touched by your words. Yuu Mei: [*Confused] ??? Lou Xi: Thank you, truly, for your concern. Yuu Mei: [*Faked smile] hehe, that's what the sisters do. Lou Xi: (I think I should smile too). [*Faked smile] Hehe, The fate has brought us to unite, and I can't thank you enough for the blessing?. Yuu Mei: Hehe?. Old woman: Oh, such a heart touching, seeing them to reunited. I am touched. [*Sobs] Both of them hugged each other with a fake smile on their faces. Yuu Mei: Oh, sister, I guess we should go home immediately and celebrate your safe return. Lou Xi: Oh hehe, that's so sweet of you. Yuu Mei: Ride on my carriage. Yuu Mei: [*Unhappy] ... >At the Ying Residence Lin: My Lady, what had happened? I heard from the maids that you were not so close with your sisters before... Lou Xi: Shh, we should get along with them. Grand Mother Ye Xian: Yuu Mei... Yuu Mei: Greetings, Grandmother... Gm Ye Xian: What a lovely granddaughter... [*Smiles] Who is she? Yuu Mei: It's... Lou Xi?. Gm Ye Xian: (No, no, no, no, no.....) What are you doing here? You supposed to be married and meet your husband. (Why is this women still alive?) Lou Xi: Greetings, Grandmother, we- Lin: Replying to Madam, the thing is, a group of bandit showed up, and ended up killing our mens and luckily a mysterious man showed up and help the Lady, but unfortunately we didn't have a chance to know him because he suddenly disappear. Gm Ye Xian: is this true? Lou Xi: Yes. Gm Ye Xian: (I thought she was dead already because of the news I've heard, but luckily she managed to escape and here she is... Alive). I'll arrange another carriage as soon as possible. Hoping that you'll be safe on your trip. (I'll be doomed if the old man knows about it). Jiang Long: Who's going to get married without my consent? Everyone: ??? Yuu Mei: Father!!!!!! Gm Ye Xian: [*Burst into tears and pushed Lou Xi. Completely ignoring Lou Xi's presence] Oh, thank God! My son, you're alive! Lou Xi: ... Lin: My Lady... Lou Xi: [*Bite lower lips] Gm Ye Xian: Call your sisters, everyone, prepare everything we are going to celebrate my Son's Return. Where are my grandsons? Boys: Greetings, Grandmother. To be continued...