Terminology:

　　鹿鼎记 (The story of the Deer and the Cauldron) – a metaphor for inner China and the Chinese Empire. A story written in 1969 by Jin Yong, the protagonist of the story is called Wei Xiao Bao (韋小寶, an extremely lazy, illiterate whose redeeming points is his witty and cunning brain. He is a complete n.o.body born to a prost.i.tute and after a chain of events he finds himself posing as a eunuch where by sheer luck he becomes the most trusted to the Emperor. I a.s.sume that he had in possession the dagger that was mentioned in chapter 1 of Volume 2.  

　　无双 (Wu Shuang) Unparalleled – I was frustrated when I had to decide what name I had to give this stupid sword because in Chinese, the characters mean more like there is no twin or double. So I ended up picking ‘unparalleled’ instead of ‘Matchless’ sounds more cla.s.sy right?

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　　Early next morning Feng Ming and his entourage were due to set off, Chiu Lan and the other girls had risen with the sun and entered Feng Ming’s chambers to a.s.sist him into his travelling garments.

　　The case of the Crowned Prince being sent on a diplomatic mission was a grave matter. Naturally, there was an emphasis to uphold presentation and etiquette. Needless to say, this included the extensive amount of   clothing and personal adornments Feng Ming had to wear.  

　　The inner robes, outer coat, boots, cloak, jade pendants…

　　Feng Ming had stood like a store mannequin for over two hours when Chiu Lan frantically made last minute adjustments to his completed attire.  

　　“It is ready now.” Chiu Yue stepped back to double check the collective efforts of the maids. She smiled and said, “What Country has a more attractive Crown Prince than Xi Rei?”

　　Unfortunately, the Crown Prince wasn’t smitten with the compliment. The heavy gold crown that rested upon his head was starting to give him a migraine, internally wis.h.i.+ng that someone would put him out of his misery.  Everything about this ‘trip’ and the added burden of the official clothing made him feel uncomfortable. 

　　The matter of travelling to Fan Jia was tormenting him. There was the whole aspect of mindlessly heading towards an ‘adventure’ where he might meet his doom. Although his impending death was weighing heavily on his mind, Feng Ming couldn’t help but to feel the kick of excitement pus.h.i.+ng through.

　　Chiu Xing had grown accustomed to the Crown Prince over the past months, and knew that Feng Ming was good natured and kind so she purposely teased him knowing there wouldn’t be any dire repercussions.

　　“If the Regent King sees our Prince, I wonder what praises he will say.” She giggled.

　　“Let alone Rong w.a.n.g, it is very likely the Third Princess of Fan Jia will be smitten with our Prince once she lays her eyes on him.”

　　The maids continued to chatter whilst Feng Ming was occupied with his thoughts.

　　“Why hasn’t Rong w.a.n.g come by?” Chiu Xing asked.

　　“Yesterday, Rong w.a.n.g sent a messenger to forward that he was busy, and could not personally see our Prince before his journey.” Chiu Lan replied.

　　 “I refuse to believe it, our Crown Prince is leaving for abroad and the Rong w.a.n.g does not want to see our precious Prince off?” Chiu Yue interjected.

　　Feng Ming snorted at the mention of the two words – Rong w.a.n.g.  

　　Suddenly, a rush of footsteps heading towards the Prince’s chambers could be heard, the antic.i.p.ation of his visitors sent Feng Ming’s heart racing.

　　As the footsteps slowed down, he could distinguish two sets of feet heading his way.

　　Once the visitors made way into the Prince’s halls, they loudly announced themselves.

　　“Greetings your highness!”

　　“Respects to your highness!”

　　Quenching his hopes, the visitors were actually General Tong and Official Xia, both men presented themselves in formal attire and had been meticulously dressed for the occasion. 

　　“So it was you two…”Feng Ming resigned. 

　　He wasn’t in a mood to admire their clothing, seeing it wasn’t Rong w.a.n.g, his complexion darkened a few folds. His once excited eyes now a black void.

　　General Tong bowed and spoke, “Rong w.a.n.g has ordered the two of us to a.s.sist your journey. Your humble servant have prepared five thousand elite troops to protect Your Highness, General Tong will ensure Your Highness will have a safe and pleasant journey. 

　　“Under the command of Rong w.a.n.g, Official Xia will be by your Highness’s side to attend to your health. Naturally, a stockpile of herbal medicines and ingredients have been prepared for the journey in case of any contingencies.” 

　　Feng Ming had fought to suppress the urge, but he couldn’t keep his mouth shut any longer so he quickly asked, “And Rong w.a.n.g?”

　　“Rong w.a.n.g is burdened with political affairs, incapable of sparing any time, he has ordered the two of us to relay his greetings and well wishes for the Prince’s success. But…”

　　“But what?” An irritated Feng Ming pressed.

　　General Tong then reached from behind him and brandished a sword, and with both hands offered it to the Prince.

　　“The King has bequeathed this sword to your possession.”

　　Feng Ming resentfully whisked his face away from the parting gift.

　　“Humph! What am I meant to do with a worn out c.r.a.ppy sword?” Feng Ming was p.i.s.sed at the pathetic gift the Regent King had sent in his absence. He turned to Chiu Lan, instructing her, “Take that out and feed it to the dogs!”  

　　Trying not to laugh at her master’s request, Chiu Lan covered her laugh and in a small voice whispered, “His Royal Highness, it is impossible to feed this item to the dogs.”

　　Behind Feng Ming, a series of m.u.f.fled laughs was coming from his maids. Upon hearing their amus.e.m.e.nt

　　Feng Ming quickly reflected on what had left his mouth. His face burned with embarra.s.sment. 

　　Chiu Xing leaned closer to her master and quietly advised him, “If His Royal Highness is dying to see Rong w.a.n.g, shall I send a request by a messenger?” 

　　“Who wants to see him? No one is allowed to go anywhere!” he replied with scorn.