Post by tln on Apr 27, 2007 12:04:43 GMT -5
CHAPTER 12
Ah Kwan saw his Mistress’ face turn pale and grabbed her before she was able to fall down. Seung Yi let out a small cry and was immediately at her Mistress’ side. The chatter in the Wu Tien Mun courtyard stopped and the crowd gave way for Ah Kwan to carry the Empress away into one of the bedrooms in the interior of the main Wu Tien Mun building. Seung Yi followed closely. Before he left with the Empress, Ah Kwan had ordered Ah Sing and Ah Lung to detain the two strangers. He was not sure what happened and why his Mistress fainted, but he knew it was related to the two strangers. He wanted them there when the Empress awoke.
When Ah Kwan placed the Empress down in the bed, he left immediately to assess the situation outside. He had to question the two strangers and also send a courier to inform the Emperor of the Empress’ condition. In the meanwhile, Seung Yi ordered the Wu Tien Mun servants to boil hot water and bring clean towels into the room. Seung Yi prepared fresh tea leaves and an herbal concoction for the Empress. Ah Choi stood guard outside the bedroom.
The hot water and clean towels were brought into the bedroom after a few minutes. Seung Yi dipped the clean towels in the hot water and squeezed them dry. She gently patted her Mistress’ forehead and neck with the moistened towels. She proceeded to wipe down her Mistress’ hands. She used another clean towel to pat her Mistress’ forehead again when Seung Yi saw her Mistress stir and mumble faintly. She quickly took a cup of tea and herbal concoction, and using a sthingyed, sthingyed the tea out and brought it to her Mistress’ mouth and soothingly asked her to take a sip. The Empress took a few sips and started to open her eyes.
“Kong Fung, Kong Fung,” cried out the Empress suddenly. The Empress jerked up in bed and was now awake, though still shaken. “Seung Yi, where is Kong Tai Hap? I saw Princess Lok Wan too. Where are they now?” insisted the Empress as she grabbed hold of Seung Yi’s sleeve. “And the children?”
“Your Royal Highness, please lay back and rest for a little while longer. Please do not be too alarmed,” said Seung Yi calmly. She recognized the names Kong Fung and Princess Lok Wan of course. Many years ago she first saw their pictures on the posters all around the Capitol. And Kong Tai Hap was the Emperor’s and Empress’ dear friend to whom Wu Tien Mun was dedicated. By now, she had assumed that the two strangers talking with the royal children were Kong Tai Hap and Princess Lok Wan. She was not certain, but it had to be. The sight of them had brought her Mistress to faint from shock.
“I will go check, Your Royal Highness. Ah Kwan has detained the two strangers outside. Now that you are awake, I will leave for a few minutes. Ah Choi is outside if you need anything,” said Seung Yi as she bowed to the Empress and left.
Fifteen minutes later Seung Yi returned and confirmed that the two strangers were in fact Kong Tai Hap and Princess Lok Wan. Seung Yi also mentioned that they were sitting and playing with the royal children in the Master’s bedroom, the room reserved and preserved in anticipation of Kong Tai Hap’s arrival one day. Sik Sik wanted to get up but still was not feeling well enough to stand yet. The full day’s event and the shock of seeing her long lost friends had taken a toll on her. Sik Sik willed her body to get up, but could not. She needed to rest some more and calm her nerves. Now that she knew Kong Fung and Lok Wan were here, she felt somewhat at peace. Seung Yi stood watch over her Mistress.
CHAPTER 13
“My greetings your Royal Highness,” said Ah Choi kneeling down as he saw the Emperor stride through the hallway a few hours later, with urgency and worry on his face. Hoi Cung Cung was close on the Emperor’s trail, but discretely waited outside the door.
“Get up,” the Emperor ordered. Li Sai Man immediately pushed open the bedroom door and impatiently walked up to Sik Sik’s bedside. Seung Yi quickly dropped to her knees, bowed her head and greeted the Emperor as he walked into the bedroom. As soon as the Emperor gave her permission to get up, Seung Yi stood up, curtsied and bowed before swiftly leaving the room. She closed the bedroom door immediately behind to give the Emperor and Empress some privacy.
When Sik Sik heard the murmur of interaction outside, she sat up in her bed. She saw Sai Man walk through and was so happy.
“Sik Sik, how are you?” said Sai Man anxiously as he came and sat down on the bed near Sik Sik. He took her in his arms and held her tightly. One hand pressed her head to his chest gently as though he was afraid of losing her, the other hand wrapped around her back securely. “You scared me and everybody here. I cannot live without you Sik Sik.”
“Sai Man, I saw Kong Fung and Lok Wan. It is them,” said Sik Sik as she slightly extracted herself from Sai Man’s firm hold. Sik Sik looked into his eyes and tears welled up.
“Sik Sik, do not cry please. I know. I spoke to them,” replied Sai Man.
“I want to see them, Sai Man. Will you help me please?” asked Sik Sik. “I am feeling better now. It is just the shock of seeing them, that’s all,” continued Sik Sik as she saw Sai Man’s hesitancy. He did not want her to get up yet if she was not feeling well. Sai Man melted with the longing look in Sik Sik’s eyes.
Sai Man gently released his hold on Sik Sik and helped her pull the covers back. He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and guided her with his other arm to stand up. He helped her rearranged her clothes and led her over the boudoir sitting area where she sat down in front of the mirror. As Sik Sik took the comb from the boudoir, Sai Man took the comb from her hands and proceeded to comb her hair. He was very gentle. Once done, Sik Sik said thank you with a smile on her face, her butterfly front teeth showing, and gave him a kiss on the cheeks. Sai Man lovingly smiled back and stood nearby as Sik Sik pinned her hair back with the tiny butterfly combs. Sai Man thought Sik Sik was beautiful in every way to him. The years have only enhanced her beauty and gracefulness.
Sik Sik turned away from the mirror and Sai Man came to help her stand up. Together they walked out the bedroom, with Sai Man holding Sik Sik close to his side. Outside, Seung Yi, Hoi Cung Cung, Ah Choi, Ah Kwan and a small army of guards waited patiently and stood guard. They all kneeled and greeted the Emperor and Empress before standing up at the Emperor’s command.
The Emperor and Empress walked towards the Master’s bedroom where Kong Fung, Lok Wan, and the children were staying, with the small entourage following closely. Ah Sing and Ah Lung were on guard outside the Master’s bedroom. They both kneeled in greetings to the Emperor and Empress. They stood up as the Emperor bade them to. Everyone was so relieved and happy to see their Empress okay. Ah Kwan announced the arrival of the Emperor and Empress before opening the door to the Master’s bedroom.
CHAPTER 14
“Greetings to your Royal Highnesses,” Kong Fung and Lok Wan kneeled and greeted in unison. Prince Wing Fung and Princess Ching Wan also kneeled and greeted their royal parents.
The Emperor quickly bade all to stand up, “Please . . . please get up,” as he came forward and helped Kong Fung to stand up.
Sik Sik saw Kong Fung and Lok Wan standing in the room and she was ecstatic. She could not believe her prayers were answered after all these years. Tien Ti was listening to her prayers after all. Tears of joy flowed as Sik Sik took a few steps over to Lok Wan and hugged her tightly.
“Lok Wan, I am so happy to see you. I do not know what to say,” said Sik Sik.
“Your Royal Highness, you have not changed much. You look even lovelier than I remembered,” said Lok Wan.
Sik Sik and Lok Wan slowly released each other. “And you, you look more radiant than ever Lok Wan. I miss you so, “ said Sik Sik.
She came over to Kong Fung who was standing quietly observing the interaction. “Kong Fung, you look about the same too, just a little thin, yet more distinguished.” She took a step closer and wrapped her arms around Kong Fung, relieved and so happy he was finally back.
Kong Fung held Sik Sik gently and thought how beautiful she looked and will always remain to him. He loved her still and will always. He would do anything for her, but the love had changed to one of nurturing and protection. He was now happily married to Lok Wan.
“I promised you we would always remain best of friends. Don’t you remember?” said Kong Fung. “That was what you asked of me?”
Kong Fung and Sik Sik released each other from the hold. Sik Sik placed one hand onto Kong Fung’s arm and said, “I do. I do. It is just we have been praying all these years that you and Lok Wan will return one day. We never gave up hope, but sometimes we never knew.”
Kong Fung smiled. Sik Sik walked back to Sai Man’s side and wrapped one arm around his waist from the back. Sai Man reached down and caressed Sik Sik’s face to wipe away her smeared tears. Though she was crying, Sai Man thought she looked the cutest.
“Lok Wan,” said Sai Man, “I had the pleasure of hearing about your happy news, but I do not think Sik Sik knows yet.”
Lok Wan gave her Yi Gor an impish grin and looked over at Kong Fung. She proceeded to share with Sik Sik her journey after she left the Imperial Court 12 years ago. She described the disguises she had to assume because all over town and in the villages there were pictures of her posted everywhere. She needed time to help her forget the pain of what had happened long ago. Lok Wan could not stay in the Imperial Palace because of the memories. She was also afraid Kong Fung would be angered at her too for what had happened. So, she chose to leave. She temporarily stayed in temples and helped with charity work while living there. She taught local village students some games and played with them. After a few years in each place, she moved from village to village. Two years ago, she finally met Kong Fung quite by accident. She was walking through a town when a vagrant accosted her and demanded money. She refused, whereupon he became belligerent. She used her martial arts to strike him away and took advantage of his stumble to run away. She was looking back as she ran and she ran right into Kong Fung. Lok Wan at first did not recognize Kong Fung because he was wearing a hat, but he recognized her. Together, they traveled for a year until one day Kong Fung proposed to her. Lok Wan accepted and the rest is history.
Sik Sik listened with rapture. When Lok Wan finished her story, Sik Sik sighed happily.
Sai Man took the opportunity to reiterate his happiness and gratefulness that his best friend and most cherished sister came back. He apologized again for all that he had done in the past to hurt them. There was silence, until Kong Fung spoke.
“Your Royal Highness, no need please. In the past 12 years, I have learned to understand and accept a lot. I have traveled far and wide. Everywhere I went I heard people talk of a great leader. They praise Emperor Li Sai Man and Empress Sik Sik in the most revered and loving words. They talk of your leadership in defending the country against foreign enemies, your steadfast will against corruption in the ranks, your righteousness in all matters. They speak of Empress Sik Sik as the model woman, the key behind your success. You love the people and the people love you. Who am I to hold past transgressions against you?” said Kong Fung.
“Kong Fung . . . , “ began Sai Man who was humbled by his friend’s words.
“No, please let me finish Your Royal Highness,” continued Kong Fung. “I was bitter, very bitter at first. Learning your best friend deceived you was the worse pain. However, Your Royal Highness kept your promise. Under your leadership, the people are happier, life more peaceful. You love and cherish Empress Sik Sik. Everywhere I go, from cities to bucolic villages, I hear and see what you have done for the country. I understand why you had to do what you did before the throne was yours. I forgave you a while ago. I met Lok Wan who was equally pained as I was. Through our travels we had learned so much more. Foremost, we learned to forgive. Time helped us. I realized there was someone out there who was just as hurt and lonely as I was. And I remembered how much Lok Wan cared for me. I did not accept her love back then and unconsciously blamed her for something she did not do. My love for Lok Wan changed. We have all changed and become better persons. The four of us. Let us look forward to the future, yes?”
Sai Man left Sik Sik’s side to go to his friend. He out his hand in friendship and Kong Fung grabbed it. Sik Sik came to Lok Wan’s side and stood quietly. Prince Wing Fung and Princess Chin Wan finally clamored over to their Mother’s side and smiled at their Mother and Aunt.
Kong Fung looked over at the Prince and Princess and smiled too. He realized what Li Sai Man and Sik Sik did for him. They honored him in so many ways . . . .
Kong Fung decided to rebuild Wu Tien Mun’s list of disciples. He will make Wu Tien Mun a well-known School of Martial Arts again. He will honor the memory of his Master. Lok Wan will help him. She will be by his side.
Together, the Emperor and Empress, Kong Tai Hap and Princess Lok Wan, and the two royal children, followed by the small entourage, walked out to the courtyard where the crowds of people were still waiting. When they came out, the crowds were still murmuring and speaking quietly among themselves. All this time, they waited patiently for news of their beloved Empress.
When Ah Kwan announced the arrival of the Emperor and Empress, the crowds cheered, “Long live the Emperor. Long live the Empress.”
THE END
Ah Kwan saw his Mistress’ face turn pale and grabbed her before she was able to fall down. Seung Yi let out a small cry and was immediately at her Mistress’ side. The chatter in the Wu Tien Mun courtyard stopped and the crowd gave way for Ah Kwan to carry the Empress away into one of the bedrooms in the interior of the main Wu Tien Mun building. Seung Yi followed closely. Before he left with the Empress, Ah Kwan had ordered Ah Sing and Ah Lung to detain the two strangers. He was not sure what happened and why his Mistress fainted, but he knew it was related to the two strangers. He wanted them there when the Empress awoke.
When Ah Kwan placed the Empress down in the bed, he left immediately to assess the situation outside. He had to question the two strangers and also send a courier to inform the Emperor of the Empress’ condition. In the meanwhile, Seung Yi ordered the Wu Tien Mun servants to boil hot water and bring clean towels into the room. Seung Yi prepared fresh tea leaves and an herbal concoction for the Empress. Ah Choi stood guard outside the bedroom.
The hot water and clean towels were brought into the bedroom after a few minutes. Seung Yi dipped the clean towels in the hot water and squeezed them dry. She gently patted her Mistress’ forehead and neck with the moistened towels. She proceeded to wipe down her Mistress’ hands. She used another clean towel to pat her Mistress’ forehead again when Seung Yi saw her Mistress stir and mumble faintly. She quickly took a cup of tea and herbal concoction, and using a sthingyed, sthingyed the tea out and brought it to her Mistress’ mouth and soothingly asked her to take a sip. The Empress took a few sips and started to open her eyes.
“Kong Fung, Kong Fung,” cried out the Empress suddenly. The Empress jerked up in bed and was now awake, though still shaken. “Seung Yi, where is Kong Tai Hap? I saw Princess Lok Wan too. Where are they now?” insisted the Empress as she grabbed hold of Seung Yi’s sleeve. “And the children?”
“Your Royal Highness, please lay back and rest for a little while longer. Please do not be too alarmed,” said Seung Yi calmly. She recognized the names Kong Fung and Princess Lok Wan of course. Many years ago she first saw their pictures on the posters all around the Capitol. And Kong Tai Hap was the Emperor’s and Empress’ dear friend to whom Wu Tien Mun was dedicated. By now, she had assumed that the two strangers talking with the royal children were Kong Tai Hap and Princess Lok Wan. She was not certain, but it had to be. The sight of them had brought her Mistress to faint from shock.
“I will go check, Your Royal Highness. Ah Kwan has detained the two strangers outside. Now that you are awake, I will leave for a few minutes. Ah Choi is outside if you need anything,” said Seung Yi as she bowed to the Empress and left.
Fifteen minutes later Seung Yi returned and confirmed that the two strangers were in fact Kong Tai Hap and Princess Lok Wan. Seung Yi also mentioned that they were sitting and playing with the royal children in the Master’s bedroom, the room reserved and preserved in anticipation of Kong Tai Hap’s arrival one day. Sik Sik wanted to get up but still was not feeling well enough to stand yet. The full day’s event and the shock of seeing her long lost friends had taken a toll on her. Sik Sik willed her body to get up, but could not. She needed to rest some more and calm her nerves. Now that she knew Kong Fung and Lok Wan were here, she felt somewhat at peace. Seung Yi stood watch over her Mistress.
CHAPTER 13
“My greetings your Royal Highness,” said Ah Choi kneeling down as he saw the Emperor stride through the hallway a few hours later, with urgency and worry on his face. Hoi Cung Cung was close on the Emperor’s trail, but discretely waited outside the door.
“Get up,” the Emperor ordered. Li Sai Man immediately pushed open the bedroom door and impatiently walked up to Sik Sik’s bedside. Seung Yi quickly dropped to her knees, bowed her head and greeted the Emperor as he walked into the bedroom. As soon as the Emperor gave her permission to get up, Seung Yi stood up, curtsied and bowed before swiftly leaving the room. She closed the bedroom door immediately behind to give the Emperor and Empress some privacy.
When Sik Sik heard the murmur of interaction outside, she sat up in her bed. She saw Sai Man walk through and was so happy.
“Sik Sik, how are you?” said Sai Man anxiously as he came and sat down on the bed near Sik Sik. He took her in his arms and held her tightly. One hand pressed her head to his chest gently as though he was afraid of losing her, the other hand wrapped around her back securely. “You scared me and everybody here. I cannot live without you Sik Sik.”
“Sai Man, I saw Kong Fung and Lok Wan. It is them,” said Sik Sik as she slightly extracted herself from Sai Man’s firm hold. Sik Sik looked into his eyes and tears welled up.
“Sik Sik, do not cry please. I know. I spoke to them,” replied Sai Man.
“I want to see them, Sai Man. Will you help me please?” asked Sik Sik. “I am feeling better now. It is just the shock of seeing them, that’s all,” continued Sik Sik as she saw Sai Man’s hesitancy. He did not want her to get up yet if she was not feeling well. Sai Man melted with the longing look in Sik Sik’s eyes.
Sai Man gently released his hold on Sik Sik and helped her pull the covers back. He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and guided her with his other arm to stand up. He helped her rearranged her clothes and led her over the boudoir sitting area where she sat down in front of the mirror. As Sik Sik took the comb from the boudoir, Sai Man took the comb from her hands and proceeded to comb her hair. He was very gentle. Once done, Sik Sik said thank you with a smile on her face, her butterfly front teeth showing, and gave him a kiss on the cheeks. Sai Man lovingly smiled back and stood nearby as Sik Sik pinned her hair back with the tiny butterfly combs. Sai Man thought Sik Sik was beautiful in every way to him. The years have only enhanced her beauty and gracefulness.
Sik Sik turned away from the mirror and Sai Man came to help her stand up. Together they walked out the bedroom, with Sai Man holding Sik Sik close to his side. Outside, Seung Yi, Hoi Cung Cung, Ah Choi, Ah Kwan and a small army of guards waited patiently and stood guard. They all kneeled and greeted the Emperor and Empress before standing up at the Emperor’s command.
The Emperor and Empress walked towards the Master’s bedroom where Kong Fung, Lok Wan, and the children were staying, with the small entourage following closely. Ah Sing and Ah Lung were on guard outside the Master’s bedroom. They both kneeled in greetings to the Emperor and Empress. They stood up as the Emperor bade them to. Everyone was so relieved and happy to see their Empress okay. Ah Kwan announced the arrival of the Emperor and Empress before opening the door to the Master’s bedroom.
CHAPTER 14
“Greetings to your Royal Highnesses,” Kong Fung and Lok Wan kneeled and greeted in unison. Prince Wing Fung and Princess Ching Wan also kneeled and greeted their royal parents.
The Emperor quickly bade all to stand up, “Please . . . please get up,” as he came forward and helped Kong Fung to stand up.
Sik Sik saw Kong Fung and Lok Wan standing in the room and she was ecstatic. She could not believe her prayers were answered after all these years. Tien Ti was listening to her prayers after all. Tears of joy flowed as Sik Sik took a few steps over to Lok Wan and hugged her tightly.
“Lok Wan, I am so happy to see you. I do not know what to say,” said Sik Sik.
“Your Royal Highness, you have not changed much. You look even lovelier than I remembered,” said Lok Wan.
Sik Sik and Lok Wan slowly released each other. “And you, you look more radiant than ever Lok Wan. I miss you so, “ said Sik Sik.
She came over to Kong Fung who was standing quietly observing the interaction. “Kong Fung, you look about the same too, just a little thin, yet more distinguished.” She took a step closer and wrapped her arms around Kong Fung, relieved and so happy he was finally back.
Kong Fung held Sik Sik gently and thought how beautiful she looked and will always remain to him. He loved her still and will always. He would do anything for her, but the love had changed to one of nurturing and protection. He was now happily married to Lok Wan.
“I promised you we would always remain best of friends. Don’t you remember?” said Kong Fung. “That was what you asked of me?”
Kong Fung and Sik Sik released each other from the hold. Sik Sik placed one hand onto Kong Fung’s arm and said, “I do. I do. It is just we have been praying all these years that you and Lok Wan will return one day. We never gave up hope, but sometimes we never knew.”
Kong Fung smiled. Sik Sik walked back to Sai Man’s side and wrapped one arm around his waist from the back. Sai Man reached down and caressed Sik Sik’s face to wipe away her smeared tears. Though she was crying, Sai Man thought she looked the cutest.
“Lok Wan,” said Sai Man, “I had the pleasure of hearing about your happy news, but I do not think Sik Sik knows yet.”
Lok Wan gave her Yi Gor an impish grin and looked over at Kong Fung. She proceeded to share with Sik Sik her journey after she left the Imperial Court 12 years ago. She described the disguises she had to assume because all over town and in the villages there were pictures of her posted everywhere. She needed time to help her forget the pain of what had happened long ago. Lok Wan could not stay in the Imperial Palace because of the memories. She was also afraid Kong Fung would be angered at her too for what had happened. So, she chose to leave. She temporarily stayed in temples and helped with charity work while living there. She taught local village students some games and played with them. After a few years in each place, she moved from village to village. Two years ago, she finally met Kong Fung quite by accident. She was walking through a town when a vagrant accosted her and demanded money. She refused, whereupon he became belligerent. She used her martial arts to strike him away and took advantage of his stumble to run away. She was looking back as she ran and she ran right into Kong Fung. Lok Wan at first did not recognize Kong Fung because he was wearing a hat, but he recognized her. Together, they traveled for a year until one day Kong Fung proposed to her. Lok Wan accepted and the rest is history.
Sik Sik listened with rapture. When Lok Wan finished her story, Sik Sik sighed happily.
Sai Man took the opportunity to reiterate his happiness and gratefulness that his best friend and most cherished sister came back. He apologized again for all that he had done in the past to hurt them. There was silence, until Kong Fung spoke.
“Your Royal Highness, no need please. In the past 12 years, I have learned to understand and accept a lot. I have traveled far and wide. Everywhere I went I heard people talk of a great leader. They praise Emperor Li Sai Man and Empress Sik Sik in the most revered and loving words. They talk of your leadership in defending the country against foreign enemies, your steadfast will against corruption in the ranks, your righteousness in all matters. They speak of Empress Sik Sik as the model woman, the key behind your success. You love the people and the people love you. Who am I to hold past transgressions against you?” said Kong Fung.
“Kong Fung . . . , “ began Sai Man who was humbled by his friend’s words.
“No, please let me finish Your Royal Highness,” continued Kong Fung. “I was bitter, very bitter at first. Learning your best friend deceived you was the worse pain. However, Your Royal Highness kept your promise. Under your leadership, the people are happier, life more peaceful. You love and cherish Empress Sik Sik. Everywhere I go, from cities to bucolic villages, I hear and see what you have done for the country. I understand why you had to do what you did before the throne was yours. I forgave you a while ago. I met Lok Wan who was equally pained as I was. Through our travels we had learned so much more. Foremost, we learned to forgive. Time helped us. I realized there was someone out there who was just as hurt and lonely as I was. And I remembered how much Lok Wan cared for me. I did not accept her love back then and unconsciously blamed her for something she did not do. My love for Lok Wan changed. We have all changed and become better persons. The four of us. Let us look forward to the future, yes?”
Sai Man left Sik Sik’s side to go to his friend. He out his hand in friendship and Kong Fung grabbed it. Sik Sik came to Lok Wan’s side and stood quietly. Prince Wing Fung and Princess Chin Wan finally clamored over to their Mother’s side and smiled at their Mother and Aunt.
Kong Fung looked over at the Prince and Princess and smiled too. He realized what Li Sai Man and Sik Sik did for him. They honored him in so many ways . . . .
Kong Fung decided to rebuild Wu Tien Mun’s list of disciples. He will make Wu Tien Mun a well-known School of Martial Arts again. He will honor the memory of his Master. Lok Wan will help him. She will be by his side.
Together, the Emperor and Empress, Kong Tai Hap and Princess Lok Wan, and the two royal children, followed by the small entourage, walked out to the courtyard where the crowds of people were still waiting. When they came out, the crowds were still murmuring and speaking quietly among themselves. All this time, they waited patiently for news of their beloved Empress.
When Ah Kwan announced the arrival of the Emperor and Empress, the crowds cheered, “Long live the Emperor. Long live the Empress.”
THE END