Flowers Bloom from Battlefield

"You got a promotion? That's awesome!" Fan Lanying was truly happy for her brother who got promoted so quickly after joining Jun Min's army. Not only did he get promoted, he even got a few days off from the army because of his accomplishment.

Fan Ying nodded. Yabei, his superior, may be harsh and the training was arduous, but the rewards were plenty and Jun Min never put on any airs before them. Other than when he's giving orders during the war, Jun Min is truly an approachable young man.

"I feel lucky to get transferred out from that army," Fan Ying took a few more slices of meat to eat. He smiled towards his sister.

Fan Lanying nodded heavily. "When I get the chance, I want to become a general like Jun Min and Soujin. They're my idols."

"Sure, I support you," Fan Ying laughed. "What have you been doing during this time? I heard that you didn't continue on in the academy anymore?"

"Nope, I'm the guard for Princess Hui," Fan Lanying answered proudly.

"You need to be careful, there might be people wanting to hurt her," Fan Ying said.

"Yes."

The brother and sister were talking happily with each other. Their mother was listening from the side with relief. She's glad that things turned out good for her children.

…

Mountain Kingdom

Jun Qing was supposedly working to move the Jun family over to the Mountain Kingdom area. They also brought the soldier's family over to the land here. Aside from that, Jun Qing was building a wall to separate the Jun family territory from the Ming Kingdom.

"Are you done with your work?" Kuina asked from the side lazily. She would often sneak here to avoid the work as an empress because she could not use her cave anymore after General Hen knew about it. If she hides there, they will surely find her and drag her back.

Jun Qing stared at the princess with a helpless expression. He was partially forced to accept her hiding in this place. Although the princess was really smart and has countless brilliant ideas, she didn't want to be confined inside the palace. Thus, she became a naughty princess who would ditch her work to others and hide here.

"Today's part is almost finished. When will they hold your ceremony?" Jun Qing asked back.

"After I get married. Those annoying officials are always pestering me with countless papers or whatever you call those, and ask me to pick one to be my husband," Kuina was terribly annoyed and did not bother looking at them before throwing them all out.

Jun Qing can imagine it. This little princess was truly stubborn and was not one to obey other's words easily. Even when she's supposed to govern the court, she's here hiding and talking with him. The problem is, she is smart and knows how to evade things she doesn't want to do.

"Where do you want to go today?"

"The waterfall."

Jun Qing's face darkened slightly. That place was outside the capital and bringing this little princess around the capital has taken a lot of his energy. And now she wants to go outside? How does she think she can escape the guards?

Seeing Jun Qing's expression, Kuina laughed. "I know a secret passage."

With that, Jun Qing relented. Both of them sneaked outside during the afternoon and Kuina guided them through the secret passage towards the waterfall. It was located not far from the capital and Kuina could easily reach that place with Jun Qing following behind her.

"Look, it's there!" Kuina pointed happily.

Jun Qing was not really familiar with this place. He had heard the sound of the waterfall, but he would never think that this place would be really beautiful. The light from the sun created a rainbow on the waterfall, causing an extraordinary view.

"This place is good. You're really amazing," Jun Qing smiled.

"Thank you," Kuina stared at the waterfall. "I often come here with my father and brother when I was small. We would play around and chase each other here with my father watching us. But, for a few years, I only came here alone."

Jun Qing nodded. The two of them have died from the battle this kingdom had experienced and the innocent princess was dragged inside. It was such a shame that the princess had to be left alone, but in this era where war was common, there were many families like hers. She was considered lucky to be still alive and with people supporting her.

"You're not alone today."

"Yeah," Kuina nodded.

"Why did you bring me here?"

"It's dangerous to come here during this kind of times but with you protecting me, I should be alright," Kuina grinned.

Jun Qing did not want to listen to Kuina's answer anymore. In the princess's eyes, it seems like he is only a guard who is helping her. He didn't really mind though, interacting with this princess had been fun and he hoped to stay here longer.

He detected a presence behind them. "Princess, stay behind me."

Kuina moved behind Jun Qing as a few black-clothed people appeared. Jun Qing stared at them before attacking those people. In a matter of seconds, everything had ended.

"You should have closed your eyes," Jun Qing frowned upon seeing the princess still standing stiffly.

"I have seen a battle before," Kuina answered as she calmed herself down. She was not really used to seeing blood, but the scene from when she had followed after Jun Min still remained. "Thank you."

"Let's return. This place is getting darker as time goes by. There might be more people attacking you."

"Okay, I will lead the way."

"Be careful."