Chapter 1
I was in the training area sparring another assassin named Wang Yong. He and I had the same skill sets and we often engaged in a battle to see who is the better combat fighter between the both of us. Our seniors and superiors always complimented us and cheered us on every chance they got.
We were a group of assassins that never followed the emperor’s orders. We were independent assassins. The emperor was Zhang Yu. He is known throughout all Asia and Europe. He has been crowned emperor for seven years now. I’m pretty sure most of our people have tried to kill the royal family but have failed countless times.
“Li Xiu Ying, Master Zou Fang would like to see you,” Tian Mei said as she bowed to Yong and me. “Of course he would,” I muttered before striking Yong to the ground. “Your getting better Xiu Ying. I think in just a few months you’ll be the best, then once Master dies you’ll be the new master,” Yong said. I gave him a playful glare.
I didn’t mind being the master but I don’t think I deserve it. I made my way to his office and let out a small sigh once I stood outside the office. I knocked on the door and soon entered.
“Xiu Ling I want you to kill someone for me,” Zou Fang said as he looked at me. “Alright, want me to go ninja on them and sneak into their room at night to kill them?” I asked. “No, you’re going to seduce him and learn as much as possible before killing him. You see he is the emperor and since you killed the old emperor your perfect for this job, you will be reporting back to me every night,” Fang said. “I’m not killing Yu!” I exclaimed. “Now now sweetheart, I know you were his best friend but now it’s time for you to complete your destiny. You’re not meant to be Empresses of China, you’re supposed to be Master of the assassins,” He said as he put his hands on my shoulder. “Of course, Master Zou Fang,” I said. “Sweetie, I’ve raised you for twenty years, call me dad,” He said with a smile. “Of course father,” I said. “Now go get ready you will be leaving tomorrow morning,” He said.
I nodded my head before going to my room. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to kill my childhood best friend, that was until his father kicked me out of the palace. He said I was a distraction for his sons. I got mad so I did the only logical thing at the time. I killed him when I was six years old. I couldn’t face my best friends after that so I fled. I met Master Zou Fang and he sorta adopted me.
When it was the next morning, I was told the plan on how I would enter his life. I would go to the Imperial Harem. When I enter the Harem he would be there. I was a little nervous since it has been a long time since I’ve seen him.
I was wearing a traditional man’s clothing. I could never wear a woman’s clothes as I find it rather uncomfortable at how tight it was around my waist.
I got onto the horse and rode out to the Imperial Harem. It was a half-day trip which I didn’t mind as I used that time to collect my thoughts.
“Yu slow down, you’re going to get hurt,” I yelled after him. “Sometimes Xiu Ying you have to live a little, besides when I become Emperor, I’m making you my Empress, so we can rule together!” He exclaimed. “What if I wanted to be by your brother’s side?” I asked him. He stopped right in his tracks. “You promised me that you would marry me!” He whined out. ”I’m only kidding Yu,” I giggled. "Of course you are, I knew that,” He said scratching the back of his neck. “Now let’s go to the pond in the garden,” I said as I held my hand out to him. He gladly took it and we were off to the garden.
When we got to the pond in the garden, it was tranquil. We stood on the bridge and stared over the railing as we watched the ripples in the water. I looked over at him to see he was staring at me.
“You are destined to rule by my side. I will forever love you,” He said with a smile. “I will forever love you, as long as you don’t go with a concubine,” I said with a huff. “You know I won’t. Why do you not like concubines?” He asked me. “They are a disgrace to womenkind, but then again I’m also a natural born warrior,” I said with a great big smile. “Your only five,” He said laughing a bit. “I’m five years old and I can kick anyone’s butt!” I exclaimed.
A small smile appeared on my face as I thought about the happy memories of my childhood before I was tainted with sins. I wish I could have been better. I wish I never killed my best friend’s father but I cannot change what I have already done. It was my greatest regret in my life.
It was around noon when I arrived at the Imperial Harem. It’s where the emperor picks his new concubine which I find disgusting. I got off my horse and tied it up on a pole with all the other horses. I walked inside and was stopped by a few guards since I had a sword at my side.
“Get out of my way, I’m trying to earn a few yuans by working here,” I said through gritted teeth. “Hand over your sword and we will let you through,” A man that was 6′2 said. He wore traditional guards armor. I tossed him my sword and said angrily, “Watch it with your life or it will be your life that is ended!” “I am so sorry your majesty I will deal with this witch,” A young woman said as she bowed her head to Zhang Yu. “No, it’s alright, ma’am what’s your name?” He asked me. “Li Xiu Ying,” I said calmly. I watched as his eyes widen.
