Episode 2

The pine tree spirit went back and this time with Chen Xiaodan accompanied by her husband Chen Zian. She ordered to let me in. I greeted them both with a bow. Chen Xiaodan hasn't change at all.

"It has been a long time since we last met, your royal highness." I greeted them politely.

"Oh... M'Lady, It has been really a long time. I rushed in when I heard your name. How are you? Please forgive An for not recognizing you."

"An? The pine tree spirit? It's alright. He doesn't know me and he's just doing his job." I smiled to reassure her.

"Ah... Thank you. Please follow me to have a tea." She offered.

"Thank you."

We followed them and we waited in the courtyard. The Wang Wei that I remember is just the same. As if time did not pass by. The Fox Clan is still as simple as before. Xiaodan arrived with the tea. The aroma is fantastic. It seems like her tea improved.

She poured a glass for me then for herself. She urged me to drink. The tea is wonderful. She really did improved. The tea is made from peaches. It must be from Minsheng.

"Peaches. Minsheng is still here?"

"Yes, M'Lady." She said.

"Wow! He must have a lot of time. These peaches are good. I'll say a ten thousand year old tree." I said.

"Yes, you're right, M"Lady. How did you know?" She asked curiously.

"Ah... I just estimated it. Its fragrance is just right. Oh... Please call me Chao-Xing."

"Eh... How could I possibly call you by your first name, M'Lady?"

"Please!"

"Alright, M'L- Chao-Xing." She smiled.

"Thank you." I said happily.

She gave me a tour of the surrounding and when we reached the peach forest she received an urgent message. I stayed at the peach forest and looked around. The place is really beautiful. I've heard that this forest is vast. I was walking and looking around when I heard someone playing a solemn song. The guqing is giving off pure sincerity. I wonder who's playing.

I walked to where the music is coming from and when I reached the source of the beautiful sound. I saw a young beautiful man. He look so serious yet gentle. His fingers are gentle. He have a dark long hair. He's wearing a light blue color.

He stopped from playing and looked into my way. When I saw his face clearly I stepped back. How can this be? He is-. Wait, I don't know yet. I was so shocked that I fell. He put the guqing down and offered his hand to help me get back on my feet. I grabbed his hand and stood up without taking my gaze off of him.

"Are you alright, miss?" He asked.

"Ah... Yes. Thank you." I bow at him, embarrassed of what just happened.

"May I asked who you are?" He said gently.

"I'm Chao-Xing. Ming Chao-Xing."

"Chao-Xing. What a beautiful name." He smiled. "I'm Zihao. Chen Zihao."

"Zihao. You also have a beautiful name. Zihao. Chen Zihao. Chen?" I asked him shock. "You're part of the family Chen?"

"Yes. I'm the Chen's fourth son." He said proudly yet still remaining humble.

"Oh... Your highness. Please forgive my rudeness."

"It's alright. You doesn't know me. It's understandable." He said. He smiled at me gently.

"Thank you." I smiled at him as well.

We fell into silence and the awkwardness starts to grow bigger and bigger. Fortunately, he broke it with a question that I'm happy to answer. It's not that hard anyways.

"What are you doing here in the peach forest?" He asked full of curiosity.

"I've come here to visit an old friend." I said.

"An old friend? Here?" He asked as if he ca't believed it.

"Yes, your highness."

"Oh... No need to call me your highness."

"But-"

"It's alright. I'm not that used anyways." He reassured me.

"Thank you." I said. "I came here to visit Minsheng. Bai Minsheng." I said.

He seemed surprise. When I said Minsheng's name. Why is that? is there something wrong? Did that phoenix did something unspeakable to him? Oh... That phoenix is really something. I smiled at Zihao. A smile that's full of confusion.

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