In the stormy night, the forest was covered with darkness, tall trees were blending into shadows of dark clouds in the sky. Everything was brightened with loud thunder and lightening for a moment, indicating upcoming heavy rain.

The forest was once again restored to darkness after the lightening subsided. There were numerous people dressed as royal guards, riding the horses, carrying the swords searching for someone.

"Where is she?" The leader in the front shouted.

"We have searched all around, they must have entered the dark forest." his subordinate answered.

"Then search through the whole forest, she must not leave here alive tonight." The leader said and the horsemen entered the forest.

In the middle of the forest, behind a big wide tree, a woman dressed in royal clothes was hidden with help of big tall bushes around. Her Phoenix crown indicating that she was the Empress.

She was lying against the tree, clutching her big stomach and her beautiful face was covered with sweat. She was holding in her screams but blood has already started to flow from her lower body.

With her was a man dressed as a guard, who was heavily injured supporting her.

"Your Majesty... please hold on.." He uttered in low voice wiping the sweat from the woman's face.

The woman looked at the sky and let out a scream drowned with the sound of the thunder.

"Ye Hong... I'm about to give birth..." She said breathlessly.

"Your Majesty... " The man named Ye Hong turned away from her enduring the pain from the wound on his shoulder.

After many countless painful screams, came the faint sound of a baby. The Empress carefully wrapped up the baby in her outer robe.

She weakly tapped Ye Hong who turned back around to her.

"Here, hold your Prince, I name him . Protect him with your life." She said resting her back against the tree letting out a shaky breath as she felt all the energy leave from her.

Ye Hong held the newborn prince tightly and looked at her, "We can still escape, Your Majesty."

She shook her head, "They will be here any minute now, I'll only drag you down with me. Your Priority now is to keep the Prince safe... I can hold them off for sometime."

"I cannot leave you behind, I vowed my life for your protection."

"It's an order from your Empress. Take the Prince to the safety, he is replacing me as your Lord from now on." She said taking out a green jade token and handed it to him.

"You know where to go." She said to him pointing at the small path behind her and he nodded taking the jade.

The footsteps of horses were heard coming in their direction.

She gently caressed the baby's face for the last time.

"Leave.." She ordered.

Ye Hong bowed down to her and left with the baby. She wiped up the tears flowing through her eyes and grabbed her Red Iron sword, determination flashing through her eyes.

"Found her... " The Soldier shouted and soon all of them were standing in front of her.

She stood up holding the sword in front of the small path leading east. The leader of the soldiers reached at the front, looked at her and then at her stomach.

"Where's the baby?" He murmured, narrowing his eyes at the path behind her, he ordered, "Go east, find Ye Hong and kill the him and the baby at all costs."

The Empress pointed her sword at the soldiers who wanted to cross her, blocking the path for them to move.

The Leader laughed, "You think you can fight the Imperial army by yourself. You think too highly of youself, Your Majesty."

She looked at him scoffed and swung her sword at two soldiers in front of her, slashing their necks in an instant.

"Why don't you give it a try?" She said looking him in the eye as two bodies with blood dripping down their neck dropped by her feet.

The Leader was enraged and bellowed, "Xia Jingxi.... Soldiers kill her."

With that, many guards came towards her swinging their swords and a fierce battle ensued. The lightening flashed again and again as it started to pour down heavily.

After sometime there were dozens of soldiers lying dead and many cuts and wounds decorating the Empress's body who was still battling with blood dripping down her sword.

She didn't let even one soldier continue to chase down the east path.

"Get me my bow and arrow." The leader ordered his subordinate who handed it to him.

The leader pointed the arrow to the Empress's back who was still fighting.

"It's not honorable to attack from back in the battle." his subordinate said in a low voice.

"Then let me remind you.. this isn't a battle." The leader said and fired the arrow piercing her as she vomited a mouthfull of blood and kneeled down to the ground.

Another arrow struck her making her drop her sword and slump to ground in water that had turned red with blood.

"Imperial Xia army has really lost all the last shreds of dignity today..." She said as looked at him.

The leader's subordinate looked down in shame as the leader ordered, "Chase down east."

"We have to go back... Red River Army is coming this way, mercilessly killing our soldiers." A messenger came running to them.

The leader looked at her and towards the east, but he had no choice but to give up,

"Retreat.." he said and all of them begin moving away.

The Empress felt her conscious slipping away as she looked towards the east path and whispered, "Sorry..."

She could faintly hear several horse steps, and footsteps in the water running to her....

"Xi'er.. . ", a scream sounded as she closed her eyes forever.

.....

Xia Jingxi woke up with a startle, covered in sweat to find herself in the tent of the army camp.

She had the same beautiful face as the Empress in the dream, elegant persona, long black hair tied and dressed in warrior clothes.

Her maid, Ji Ran came running in on hearing her voice.

"Princess, you are awake. Did you have the same nightmare again? You are sweating." She said as she handed her a cup of water and wiped the sweat from her face.

Xia Jingxi nodded and handed her the cup back after taking a sip of water.

"What are you doing in the army camp?" she asked the maid.

"His Majesty was worried, when he heard you had an accident and asked me to come here and look after you." Ji Ran answered.

"It's nothing, I just fell off the horse and hit my head... nothing too serious." Xia Jingxi said getting up and putting on her silver mask.

"Did anyone saw my face?" Princess Jingxi asked.

"No one did. Your mask was still there, it was me who removed it." Ji Ran reported.

"You can go back to the palace first. I'm going out." She said taking her sword and exiting the tent.

...----------------...

In the Imperial Palace, the Royal Court...

The Emperor was sitting high on his golden throne... while a bunch of officials were reporting some matters. Just then Eunuch Gao, Emperor's most trusted aid entered the court and went to inform something to the Emperor.

"The court is dismissed for today if there's nothing urgent to add." The Emperor declared.

All the officials left the court, with just Emperor and Eunuch Gao left behind.

"Prepare the carriage, we'll visit the army camp right now." Emperor said to him standing up from his seat.

"It's not a good idea to go there yourself your majesty. I'll order someone to ask First Princess to come back immediately." Eunuch Gao said bowing to him.

Emperor Xia shook his head and said, "Just do as I said."

...

At the Army Camp...

"Who sent the message regarding my injury to the palace?" Princess Jingxi asked standing in front of the soldiers.

"It was me. It's His Majesty's order to report anything related to you back to him without any delay." The young commander Shen Bin said standing upright.

"Commander Shen.." She looked at him with an intense gaze.

Just then the messenger announced the arrival of the Emperor.

"Where is he?" Princess Jingxi questioned.

"Emperor is waiting in the main tent and has summoned you to meet him." the guard said to her.

"Continue on with your practice." She said to the soldiers and followed the guard back to the main tent.

They reached the tent and guard stopped opening the door for her to enter and closed it after she stepped in, standing guard.

She removed her mask after entering and reached the Emperor sitting inside.

She bowed down to greet him, "First Princess Xia Jingxi greets the Imperial Father."

Emperor stood up and approached her.

"I really made you angry this time." He said as he made her stand properly.

Princess Jingxi looked at him but didn't say anything.

Emperor Xia sighed and took her arm taking her to sit.

"I'm just concerned about you so I ordered General Shen's son to report to me if anything happens." Emperor said to her, placing the tea cup in front of her.

Princess Jingxi sighed and said, " I know, Father is concerned about me. I'm sorry for making you worried."

Emperor shook his head, "Let it be. Tell me where are you injured? I'll summon the Imperial Doctor."

"I'm perfectly fine, just fell off controlling a horse and accidentally hit my head. No need to call anyone."

"Where was your personal guard?"

"I don't need a personal guard."

"You do, you are a Princess." He said.

"I'm a Commander in the Imperial Army too." She replied.

"I cannot win against you. Eunuch Gao is right I've spoiled you way too much." Emperor said.

...

At night,

Back in Palace at Lotus Courtyard,

Ji Ran took the sword from the Princess putting it away carefully.

Princess Jingxi removed the mask and handed it to her, revealing her mesmerising face.

Ji Ran looked at her and asked, "Why do you hide your face your highness? Wearing mask in the army and veil in the palace. There are so many rumors saying you are hideous and have scarred face."

"What is the use of a pretty face on battlefield? It can only bring problems, my sword is the solution to them. Some words won't affect me." She said patting Ji Ran's arm.

Xia Jingxi always wore a veil or mask in public and even around the family. Only the Emperor and her personal maid Ji Ran have seen her beautiful face.

Ji Ran looked down and said, "I've prepared the bath."

"What about preparations for tomorrow?" Princess Jingxi asked.

"Everything is ready. There is no need to worry about anything." Ji Ran said and exited the room leaving her.

...

As Xia Jingxi was soaking in the water, she was reminded of the dream she had in the noon.

She has been seeing this same dream since she turned 10. The woman in the dream looks like her. She was a calm, reserved person who didn't knew fighting at all and had no interests in swords or weapons.

But this dream changed her, seeing the woman fighting with all her might, against so many people with no one to help her. It made her think if she ever was trapped like her someday, would she wait for someone to rescue her or silently just accept her death.

She felt like she needed to learn how to protect herself and that's how she got interested in army and swords changing her completely from a scared girl to the brave commander.

At the age of 8, she was pushed in the lake by some jealous princesses because she was extremely beautiful even at such young age and recieved Emperor's favour. Since then her mother, Empress Yue Shi made her wear a veil spreading the word that she got a scar by a stone from falling in the lake.

Her mother who was weak since giving birth to her, loved her deeply and tried everything she could to protect her from everything. Unfortunately, her mother left the world few days after she heard the news of Eldest Prince's death who was 13 years old. She was only 9 when she lost her mother and elder brother.

Tomorrow was the death anniversary of her mother. Every year she goes to the temple on top of North Mountain to offer incense and pray on her mother's death anniversary.

The knock on the door sounded, breaking her away from the past memories. She wiped the tears escaping her eyes.

"Your highness, are you done with the bath?" came Ji Ran's voice from outside.

"What's the matter?" She asked.

"Consort Wang is here to see you. She is standing outside Lotus courtyard." Ji Ran answered.

"Let her wait inside. I'll be there in a while, and hand me, my veil." Princess Jingxi said getting up and grabbing her robe.

"Yes, your highness." Ji Ran said and left.

...----------------...

At the Lotus Courtyard...

As Princess Jingxi entered the waiting room, She saw Consort Wang Xin waiting for her.

Although she was not so young now, she had maintained herself quite well and looked pretty good for her age.

"Greetings First Princess." Consort Wang bowed to her.

"Please get up and have a seat. What brings you here at this time Consort Wang?", Princess Jingxi asked sitting opposite her.

"You are away in the army camp all day, it's the only time I could find to meet you." Consort Wang said pouring the tea and handing the cup to her.

Princess Jingxi took the cup swirling the tea around but didn't take a sip, She looked at her.

Consort Wang smiled awkwardly and asked, "Tomorrow is late Empress's death anniversary. Are you going to the temple as always?"

Princess Jingxi nodded putting the cup down.

"Can you take Luo with you? She has been wanting to visit the late Empress and pray with you. She won't disturb you, it's okay if it's not convenient for you." Consort Wang said.

"Not a problem, you can tell Third Princess to come." Princess replied looking out at the lake.

"I'll be taking my leave then." Consort Wang bowed and left.

Ji Ran entered the room and handed a wet towel to Princess Jingxi.

"What did she want?" She asked.

Princess Jingxi cleaned her hands and handed the towel back to her, standing up," To send along a few ears and eyes."

Princess Jingxi looked at the table and said,

"Ji Ran, throw away everything she touched."

"Right away, your highness."

...

The Next Morning...

"Is everything ready?" Princess Jingxi asked Ji Ran.

"Yes, there are two maids and few guards as you instructed, not too much to attract attention." Ji Ran reported.

"But.. "She hesitated.

"What is it?" Princess looked at her.

"I heard Third Princess is taking quite a few people with her." Ji Ran said.

She shook her head, "Let her be."

...

Out of the Palace..

"Why isn't she here yet?" The Third Princess, Xia Yuluo asked her maid.

"She is coming, your highness. Are we taking the same carriage as First Princess?" the maid, Lu min asked.

"Who wants to sit beside her, looking at her hideous face. It will effect my beauty." Xia Yuluo said touching her face.

Just then, the Princess Jingxi came out with Ji Ran following behind.

"Why are so many people here?" Princess Jingxi asked.

"Greetings, First Sister, these are a few servants following me. It's a three day trip after all, I hope sister won't mind it." Third Princess said to her.

"Do as you wish." Princess Jingxi voiced.

The carriage bearing stopped in front of them and the guard opened the curtain for them to enter.

"Let's move." Princess Jingxi said.

"You can go on first, Sister. We'll take second carriage so we won't disturb you." Third Princess said.

Princess Jingxi ignored her and went into the carriage followed by Ji Ran and the carriage moved forward.

"What is she so arrogant about?" Princess Yuluo huffed.

"Our Carriage is here your highness, let's go." Her maid reported.

Inside the first carriage,

"Tell someone to keep an eye on the people Yuluo has brought along with her." Princess Jingxi said relaxing herself.

"I've already arranged for that, your highness." Ji Ran said to her.

"You are becoming more and more capable, Ji Ran. I'm impressed." Princess Jingxi said looking at her.

"I'm just learning form you." Ji Ran said blushing.

"Look at you all red." Princess Jingxi laughed.

The Carriage stopped as it took a turn.

"I'll see what's going on." Ji Ran said as she exited.

A few moments later, the curtain was lifted again and a young handsome man entered the carriage followed by Ji Ran.

"Your Highness, Second master Yue is here." Ji Ran said to Princess Jingxi who was resting with her eyes closed.

Xia Jingxi opened her eyes immediately and looked at the man in front of her as the carriage resumed moving.

This man was named Yue Jun, second son of Marquis Yue. Her mother, Yue Shi was the daughter of Marquis mansion, making Marquis Yue her uncle and Yue Jun her cousin.

"What? Are you that shocked to see your big brother?" Yue Jun said to her.

Princess Jingxi smiled at him and said, "I didn't expect to see Brother Jun today. When did you come back from the south?"

"Just yesterday evening. I knew you would be visting to pray for Aunt today, so I decided to come along." He told her.

"How are Grandfather and Uncle doing?"

"They are doing good. Would be better if you visit them more. Mother, Lin and Chen also miss you."

"I'll visit them in a few days." She said.

"I got this for you." He said handing a small porcelain bottle to her.

"What is it?"

"I knew you wouldn't fancy jade or ornaments so I brought something that will be useful to you. It's a miracle ointment for wounds and any kind of poison, made by an old master, only three or four of same kind are available in whole world. I got hold of two, one for you and one for me."

"I'll surely treasure it then. Thank you brother." She said to him smiling.

"Take a rest, it's a long way."

The carriage left the city gate and moving through the mountain path, they reached the temple at noon.

"We are here." reported the carriage driver stopping.

"A lot has changed since I last came here." Yue Jun expressed helping Xia Jingxi out of the carriage.

"Ever since Empress Dowager decide to stay here for practicing buddhism. Father has paid a special attention to the temple." Princess Jingxi answered.

"Let's go inside." She said to him.

"Wait for me First sister." Came Xia Yuluo's voice from behind as she approached them.

"Second Master Yue is here too."

"Greetings to Third Princess. I didn't expect you to come here." he said greeting her.

"Why does it surprise you? Can't I come to pray at the temple." She retorted.

"Of course you can. My apologies." He replied.

...----------------...