Sharing a Pavilion With You
Chapter 168: Reunited with Bai Li

"Miss Mei," one of a pair of Empire scouts bowed his head respectfully in her direction, and she knew this must be one of Bai Li’s men. They all knew her on sight.

"Good afternoon Sir," she replied. "This is my fifth brother, Mei Sunren," she introduced Fifth to them.

"Young Master Mei," the men now bowed to Fifth. "Your matter must be urgent to ride all the way out here to meet us before our return to the capital. All of your brothers are already here of course."

"It is an urgent matter," Fifth agreed. "Please take my sister and I to Commander Bai immediately."

"Yes Sir!" the men turned their horses and lead the way back to the main body of troops, Meili and Fifth cantering close behind them.

The minutes that passed felt both short and long to Meili, as they rode northwards until the long trail of men, horses and supplies came into sight up ahead.

The troops looked much more bedraggled than when they left, though by the sounds of the singing that wafted towards them on the breeze, the soldiers were in good spirits.

Some of the men she could see were injured, others now wore dented armour and filthy uniforms, the flags that fluttered above them were somewhat tattered, and the faces she saw were all dirty, but they were wreathed in the smiles of victors.

Meili wished she didn’t come bearing bad news. This army deserved a well-earned rest and a return to their families, not more fighting.

Finally, about five horses from the front, she spotted Bai Li, riding alongside his Lieutenant, Ju Rong and surrounded by his Assault Commanders and Sergeants.

A wonderful feeling of relief and joy mixed together surged through Meili at the sight of Li’s handsome, serious face.

Bai Li spotted his love within seconds of Meili finding him in the crowd of men. The look of surprise on his face was priceless.

His mouth dropped open, and even from such a distance she was able to read the expressions that chased across his face, moving from unconcealed delight to see her, followed by concern as to why she was there.

He spurred Rishi forward, Ju Rong following his Commander, a few beats behind him.

When he reached the little group, Bai Li dismounted and Meili followed suit.

The two ran to each other, not caring who saw, and Bai Li pulled her to his chest.

"Meili," he whispered into her hair, "I’ve missed you night and day".

"I’ve missed you too, Li," she whispered to him, looking up into his brown-black eyes adoringly.

He was staring hungrily at her like a man who had been half-starved, his eyes flitting across her face like he was recommitting its contours to his memory. His fingers involuntarily stroked across her soft cheek, making sure she was real.

"So much has happened since you left," her voice was choked with emotion.

"What on earth are you doing out here?" he asked her. "Did you and Fifth ride out here alone just to see me and your brothers?" there was a hint of disapproval in his voice. "With the conflict with the Mongols it’s still far too dangerous for you to travel the countryside with just your brother for protection."

"I know Li, I know. I would never have come out here if it wasn’t of critical importance. I carry a message for you from the Emperor. Where can we talk that’s private?"

She peeped out from his arms to see what seemed like a thousand soldiers staring blatantly at them, laughter and fond looks on their faces as they watched their Commander with his beautiful, brave woman.

"Lieutenant Ju, post guards around us and call for Mei Renlong to join us," Bai Li ordered.

"Sir!" Ju Rong saluted his Lord. "You, you, you, you and you," he selected five soldiers to act as guards before sending a messenger to fetch Mei Renlong from where he travelled deeper in the winding column with the other Mei brothers.

Bai Li gently guided Meili by the hand, leading her to a nearby field where his soldiers swiftly arranged a simple setup with a table and chairs. The men then positioned themselves in a square formation around their Commander and his guests, maintaining enough distance to ensure their conversation remained private.

Mei Sunren, Meili and the Commander took their seats.

"Prince Haoran has rebelled," Meili told Bai Li, and his face blanched at the unexpected news.

"Is the Emperor still alive?" he asked, eyebrows lowered, eyes narrowed.

"I don’t know," she said sorrowfully. "He asked me to leave him and come here to tell you you must storm the capital and overthrow Prince Haoran’s forces to ensure the Crown Prince secures the Dragon Throne. When I left, he was about to start a duel with Prince Haoran. But they had the advantage, Bai Li. The courtyard was filled with the prince’s men and the Emperor only had a handful of eunuchs and maids with him. I have a letter for you from our Lord."

She withdrew the precious missive from her sleeve and handed it reverentially across to Bai Li.

He quickly broke open the Emperor’s seal and smoothed out the parchment.

"Commander Bai,

My eldest son has rebelled and lead a private army into the capital, storming the Forbidden City. If you are receiving this letter, my life is in grave danger, and I may already have ascended to the Heavens.

I have instructed the Crown Prince to defend the Palace and sent half the troops under General Meng to hold up Haoran’s army.

Without the army you are leading back to the capital, as you well know, the position is dire.

Bring the army back to Nanjing as fast as you can. My lawful heir, the Crown Prince, Zhu Yicai, is to inherit the Dragon Throne if I am no longer alive or am incapacitated and unable to rule.

Prince Haoran is to be demoted to a commoner and exiled, should he survive.

Your job is to ensure the Crown Prince is crowned as the Emperor.

By order of the Emperor."