HAND IN MARRIAGE

The bustling streets of the capital were alive with activity, a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds that assaulted the senses. People of all shapes and sizes hurried to and fro, their voices raised in a cacophony of laughter, haggling, and gossip. Amidst the chaos, a young woman stood out, her striking features and unconventional attire drawing more than a few curious glances.

Zheng-tai, her name was, and she was a force to be reckoned with. Her eyes blazed with determination as she navigated the crowded market, her search for the elusive director driving her forward. But the capital was a labyrinth, and its secrets were not easily won.

As she stopped to ask for directions, a haughty beauty, known as the capital's most peerless girl, looked down her nose at Zheng-tai's unorthodox clothing. "You must be crazy," she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. But Zheng-tai was not one to be intimidated. Her retort was swift and sharp, leaving the beauty's face red with anger.

The scene was not lost on the Crown Prince, who watched from afar, his interest piqued by the feisty young woman. But his companion, Huo-zui, was less than impressed. "Who is this craziest person I have ever seen?" he muttered, his eyes rolling in disbelief.

Little did he know, Zheng-tai was about to prove herself a force to be reckoned with. Her patience worn thin, she let out a mighty roar, demanding to know the director's whereabouts. The crowd gasped, and Huo-zui felt the ground beneath him shift. He tried to intervene, but Zheng-tai's fist was faster, connecting with a resounding crack that sent him flying.

As the dust settled, the Crown Prince's guard, Wang-wei, dragged Huo-zui away, leaving him to nurse his wounded pride and a pair of missing teeth. The message was clear: Zheng-tai was not to be trifled with. And the capital, it seemed, was about to get a whole lot more interesting.

As the Crown Prince's attendants scurried about, bearing steaming ewers and linens to his chambers, Huo-zui's pained cries echoed through the halls. "Oh, dear heavens! Be gentle, I implore you! Must you press so fervently? I swear, were it not for my parents' summons, I would not submit to such rough handling!"

Wang-wei, his loyal guard, chuckled wryly. "Ah, Huo-zui, did I not caution you against trifling with fire? And now, behold your countenance! That blow, seemingly gentle as a summer breeze, has left your face resembling a ripe plum. Your vaunted martial prowess, honed in our army days, appears to have deserted you. Your arrogance, however, remains unabated, I see."

Huo-zui's swollen visage contorted in a scowl. "Silence, Wang-wei! You know as well as I that I am the second greatest martial arts master in the land. That...that impudent girl merely caught me off guard."

Just then, a eunuch appeared, bowing low. "His Majesty the King requests your presence, Prince Huo-zui. He is curious about your sudden departure from the palace earlier this morning."

Huo-zui's eyes darted nervously towards the door. "Ah, is my mother...?"

Wang-wei whispered, "I shall ensure the medicine is added, Your Highness. Fear not, I shall be by your side."

With a deep breath, Huo-zui acquiesced, "Very well, let us proceed. I shall face whatever consequences my actions have wrought."

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