The Golden Flute Chapter 21

"Kwee-koko, why did your eyes flash with anger when you told the story of that courtesan being defiled by Ban-pi Lo-cia! A harlot like Ang-siauw-hwa, what value is there in defending her?"

This was indeed one of Lu Sian’s strange characteristics. If a man expressed liking or attraction toward another woman, even if that man meant nothing to her, she would feel envious and jealous! On the other hand, Kwee Seng was a youth completely inexperienced with women and romance, thus he did not know or understand this attitude. His face flushed red out of embarrassment upon hearing Lu Sian’s rebuke.

"Ah, why do you say that, Sian-moi? Courtesan or not, she was merely a weak person raped by a strong villain. It was my duty to defend her, and it is only right that I feel anger seeing the wickedness of Ban-pi Lo-cia. I hope for another encounter with that demonic priest!"

Lu Sian grew increasingly displeased because she assumed the courtesan’s death caused Kwee Seng pain, signifying that the youth had fallen in love with the Harlot.

"Koko, do you love that despicable woman?"

She suddenly asked, her eyes staring sharply. Kwee Seng looked back and his heart grew more admiring upon seeing those clear, sharp eyes.

"No, I only pity her."

Kwee Seng answered, his voice clearly stating his true feelings. However, Liu Lu Sian seemed unsatisfied. The girl frowned and pressed further.

"Have you ever fallen in love? Is there a woman you love in this world?"

Meeting that sharp, clear, scrutinizing gaze, Kwee Seng’s face grew even redder. Before answering, he bit his lip to suppress his feelings, then said.

"All this time I have never fallen in love. Only after meeting you, Sian-moi. Ah... I don't know. If this is what is called love, then it means I have fallen in love with you!"

Hearing these words, Lu Sian merely laughed, laughing very happily. Then she rose from her seat and said.

"Kwee-koko, let us continue our journey."

"What? Almost midnight?"

But Lu Sian had already stepped into her room and soon came out again carrying a bundle of clothes and calling a servant loudly. When the servant rushed over, she quickly ordered him to lead their two horses and prepare them in front of the inn.

"Why not, Koko? What’s wrong with traveling at night? After the commotion earlier, I am unhappy here; I want to leave quickly. I want to be in a free place with open air to cool my head so I can think properly."

"Thinking about something requires going out into the open air in the middle of the night? Kwee Seng grumbled because he actually wanted to rest. What are you thinking about, anyway?"

Liu Lu Sian smiled sweetly,

"Thinking about your declaration of love just now!"

Kwee Seng gaped and his cheeks turned red, but he quickly grabbed his clothes, and the two then left the inn, leaping onto their horses and leaving the servants staring wide-eyed, astonished by the two powerful and generous youths who had left no small gift in their hands before departing. As soon as they left the city, Lu Sian galloped her horse, and Kwee Seng was forced to follow, feeling bewildered. How strange this girl is, he thought, and his heart pounded when he remembered how he had just confessed his love to Lu Sian. However, the girl traveled for half the night without speaking, and Kwee Seng, still feeling shy from his confession, dared not say anything, merely trailing the girl from behind.

"Hey, Uncle Boatman! Come, ferry me and my horse across! Name your price, I will pay!"

The thin, squinty-eyed boatman wearing a wide hat immediately steered his boat to the bank—a boat large enough for their needs. He was clearly a fisherman, as fishing gear and nets were visible on the deck. In the back of the boat sat a young boy holding a long bamboo oar.

"Very well, Miss. Indeed, my daily work is only ferrying people who are fleeing. But they usually come from that side to this side. It is truly strange that you wish to cross over there so early in the morning."

Said the boatman, his voice full of astonishment. Lu Sian led her horse and urged it to leap onto the boat deck, while Kwee Seng followed without much comment. In the dim light, he could now see the girl's face, still radiant with happiness and exceedingly beautiful. This time Lu Sian glanced at him and smiled sweetly, but still said nothing.

"Ah, Uncle, what did you just say?"

When the boat was gliding into the middle of the river, Lu Sian asked.

"People are fleeing from over there? What is happening on the other side?"

The Boatman looked up, his brow furrowed.

"Does Miss not know? The San-si region is starting to stir. Since Governor Li Ko Yung took power and the Tang dynasty was overthrown, there has never been such a commotion among the populace. However, after Jenderal Muda Kam opposed the governor's authority and disagreed with the rebellion against the kingdom, the situation became chaotic because General Kam has many followers. In fact, many common people support that brave and mighty young general. Many arrests have been made by the governor, under the accusation of rebellion. Ah..."

"And what about the general? Was he arrested too? And where is he now?"

Lu Sian seemed very interested, but Kwee Seng listened to all of it with a cold heart. He had absolutely no interest in the endless national turmoil, which had persisted since the rebellion decades ago, leading to the fall of the Tang Dynasty and the fragmentation of the homeland as it was fought over. Who knows how many kings and young kings or former governors have appointed themselves, establishing small kingdoms that eye each other suspiciously, like a pack of dogs each guarding a bone. He was disgusted by it all, disgusted seeing people shamelessly scrambling for worldly glory and position, using the divided populace to take sides for their own interests without caring about the casualties among the common people who always lived poor and ignorant!

"How could General Kam be arrested? Even the governor himself wouldn't dare arrest him; he only dares to arrest the defenseless common folk! Furthermore, without that brave and people-loved general, how could Shan-si possibly withstand external attacks?"

"Good Uncle, isn't that general named Kam Si Ek?"

"That's right, how does Miss know the name of our general when you just said you knew nothing about the commotion in the San-si region?"

Now Kwee Seng began to pay attention, especially when the name Kam Si Ek was mentioned. He had heard of the prowess and actions of that Young General; in fact, Kam Si Ek had recently appeared at the Beng-kauw feast and demonstrated his truly brave and chivalrous character when he prevented Lu Sian from delivering a deadly blow to one of his admirers. A brave youth with a knightly disposition, he did not entertain Lu Sian's challenge, even though the young general might not necessarily be defeated by this daughter of the Beng-kauwcu. A man who does not yield to a beautiful face! Not like me, Kwee Seng cursed himself.

"Ah, Sian-moi. Are you crossing this river because you intend to travel north? Where are you going? Remember, this journey is mine; you are only accompanying me,"

Kwee Seng said after the boatman went to the bow to assist with the crossing, as the current was starting to become somewhat strong, and it was unsafe to rely only on his young assistant. With a sharp glance, Lu Sian curled her red lips. Kwee Seng’s heart felt tugged. How sweet this girl is when she acts like that!

"Kwee-koko, a husband may have his own will, but sometimes he must respect and follow his wife's wishes, and I am not even your fiancée. How can I always follow your will! You are not my husband, not my fiancée, nor are you yet my master, because you have not imparted any skills to me as you promised my father. I want to go north; if you wish to take another path without imparting your skills to me, which would mean breaking your promise, then suit yourself."

Kwee Seng sighed inwardly. This girl was teasing him too much. He laughed patiently.

"My dear sister, your words are as sharp as a knife's edge. I don't have a specific destination; anywhere is fine. But if there is war turmoil in the north, why do you want to go there?"

Lu Sian laughed, and her white teeth sparkled as the rising morning sun penetrated the gaps between the tree leaves.

"Precisely because there is war I want to go there. I want to watch the excitement! Kwee-koko, when there is a good show, why should we just pass it by? Besides, traveling with me, even if it means facing danger, isn't it very pleasant for you?"

The girl winked, exceedingly sweet, and Kwee Seng held his breath. The morning sunlight fell upon the girl's head, making her surroundings appear encircled by a golden glow!

"You are so beautiful, Moi-moi,"