Princess Xia Jingxi

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.

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

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