Portrait of General Tong…I’m sure there’s one of official Xia somewhere I’ll add that later.

　　 Updated map of FYJT

　　Lin Dan is in Navy blue. 

　　Winter scenery stretched across the land, unfortunately for Feng Ming the group travelled along the major highways of Rou Yan hence all that was in sight were barren mountains and the sporadic rice fields. Even as a tourist the sight became dull and repet.i.tive.

　　Three days had pa.s.sed since they set off, Feng Ming had been cooped alone inside his personal carriage and he was at edge of losing his mind, being surrounded by four walls wasn’t doing much for his sanity.

　　Sticking his head out the window, he spotted General Tong who appeared awe-inspiring as he rode alongside the motocade, spurring his well train horse back and forth as he inspected and oversaw the party.

　　“General Tong!” Feng Ming shouted from his perch.

　　His loyal servant immediately urged his horse towards the Prince’s carriage to subserviently answer his call.

　　“What is Your Highness’s orders?”

　　“How many days till we arrive?”

　　“Not long my Prince, within five to six days we will be out of Ruo Yan’s territory and crossing the boundary of Fan Jia. Eleven more days, we shall reach Fan Jia’s capital city.”

　　Feng Ming lamented his disappointment, “It’s going to take that long?”

　　“The pace and progress we have made so far is extremely good, although Fan Jia and Xi Rei appear close in terms of proximity. In comparison, travelling to the remote country of Lin Dan takes up to three full months!”

　　Feng Ming grumbled, and diverted his attention to General Tong’s magnificent steed. A mischievous smile stretched across his lips.

　　“General Tong, your horse…”

　　“His Royal Highness, I am under King Rong’s strict orders. Our journey is exposed to danger, to prevent any incidences under no condition is the Crowned Prince permitted to ride a horse. I, Tong Jian Min absolutely will no dare to disobey King Rong’s command.”

　　The general’s grave tone squashed any hope in Feng Ming, the Prince resigned dejected with his head down casted as he returned to the prison like sanctuary of his carriage.

　　If I’d known earlier I wouldn’t have agreed to this trip, 

　　I will either get beaten to death by Fan Jia’s third Princess or if I am lucky bore myself to death before I get there.

　　It was quite the struggle to occupy his brain till nightfall, when evening finally set in the travelers stopped at a clearing, pitching up tents to spend the night.

　　Feng Ming was in a hurry to leave his cell, jumping out of his carriage and seeking the warmth of his tent.

　　Chiu Lan and the two other maids followed behind, and busied themselves with helping Feng Ming prepare his bedding.

　　Whilst amidst in her duties, Chiu Xing suddenly let slip, “I wonder how Lie Er is doing?”

　　Chiu Yue giggled and replied, “What’s this? Is this why you’ve been peeking out of the window every day? Did you want to catch a glimpse of him?”

　　Chiu Lan contributed to the friendly banter aimed at Chiu Xing, “Don’t blame her, it’s Lie Er’s fault for being born to be so attractive.”

　　“Bah!” Chiu Xing spat, her reddened face betraying her as she retaliated, “Who says that he is attractive? I certainly didn’t! When it comes to appearances, our Prince is winning in that department!”

　　The said Prince was slowly taking off the clothing items he could manage, starting with the m.u.f.fler around his neck, hearing his servants ridiculing one another made him laugh. With a straight face he contributed asking Chiu Xing, “If you want to see Lie Er so badly, perhaps I shall summon him here.”

　　Chiu Lan clapped gleefully, “That’s great. I shall inform him that he has been summoned by the Prince.”

　　Within minutes, the maid was back bringing the young man to the small group. Lie Er had already changed into a servant’s attire. He presented himself in front of Feng Ming and made his respects before enquiring, “What do you desire your Highness?”

　　“Nothing in particular, I just wanted to see how you are going, it’s been several days are you getting accustomed to this environment?” As he spoke Feng Ming studied the youth in front of him, the longer he looked the more he felt that something was out of place.

　　Chiu Yue also gasped, scurrying over to take a closer inspection before clicking her tongue, “Why do you look so thin?” she was genuinely concerned.

　　Chiu Lan concurred with the remark, “When I first saw him, I thought he looked much thinner than when he joined us. His eyes are hollowed with dark bags and his eyes are red. When I asked him about it, he refused to give me an answer.”

　　Hearing his maid’s comments, Feng Ming frowned, “Are you unwell, why didn’t you say anything?”

　　Lie Er kept still and did not say a word.

　　Chiu Xing approached her master and leaned towards his ear to whisper, “Prince should ask whether he is being bullied by the other chamberlains.”

　　Feng Ming wasn’t familiar with matters concerning the pecking order of attendants, he asked with much suspicion, “Is there someone here that has been bullying you? Who is it?”

　　Lie Er offered the Prince a forced smile, shaking his head in denial, “I am from Ruo Yan as well as being a male slave it is only right that they bully someone like I.”

　　“b.a.s.t.a.r.ds!” Feng Ming leaped onto his feet and stomped around infuriated “I will teach them a lesson!”

　　 Although Chiu Lan was tender in years, she was amazingly wise. She quickly s.n.a.t.c.hed Feng Ming’s sleeve and advised him otherwise.

　　“Prince, these attendants that serve you are all gifts from n.o.ble families of Xi Rei, if you impose punishment on these individuals, the n.o.bles are likely to find out and be offended. Additionally, there is another resolve to the problem. If Prince permits Lie Er to sit in another carriage wouldn’t it be better?”

　　“That’s right. We still have to travel quite a distance so it would be inappropriate to punish anyone anyway. I’ll deal with them when we return to Xi Rei.”