After almost killing one of the kingdoms best soldiers Lian quickly excused himself and ran towards the garden. While enjoying the view in the garden Lian was called to the Physician Headquarters.
There he was told to retell the medicine needed for Hua Tian's concoction. After the prescription the physicians noticed that some of the medicinal herbs mentioned were not available and it would take days before a trader can pass through their Empire.
"Young prince, we don't have this 4 types of medicinal herbs", one physician delivered the news. "Oh, don't worry I will go look for them in the forest", Lian said.
"Huh, but do you you know where to find them because we don't", the physician replied. "Of course I know where to find them", Lian replied with a smile.
After the small talk Lian took a trip into the forest. The black and white hanfu was in contrast with the green surronding making him look like a mystical being.
While looking for the herbs he didn't notice that he went deeper into the forest eventually crossing the Empire's boaders into the Zhen Empire's boarders.
Due to his love for nature Lian would occationally sit down and enjoy the scenery before him. He finally found the fourth herb and was about to turn around when suddenly a group of people attacked him.
"Now who the fuck are these people", Lian thought. Lian fought off all of the people before him but one of them was hiding behind a tree with a poisoned dagger.
Lian let his guard down as he thought he finished them all and the person hiding dashed towards him.
Luckily a man arrived there in time to save him. "Never let your guard down", the masked figure adviced. Lian being curious stood before the man and tried to take off his mask but his hand was slapped away.
"Why are you so mean... I just want to see your face", Lian pouted. "Anyways thank you and who the hell are you?!", Lian could not believe that he could meet someone this deep in the forest.
"Who am I?... you're in my forest, my Empire and you have the nerve to ask me that?", the masked figure replied coldly. "Your forest?", Lian took a look around and covered his mouth in shock.
Lian blinked a few times and quickly apologized. "I seem to be lost... can you please help me go back to Emperor Li Zhao's Empire", Lian looked at the masked figure with pouted lips.
"Follow me", the masked figure replied coldly. "How the hell did a guy get such a soothing voice", Lian sighed in his mind. The masked figure just stood tall and straight leading the way.
"We have arrived and be careful next time", the masked figure said coldly. "Yes Yes, I got it", Lian waved his slim hands. After Lian thanked the masked figure the two parted ways.
"I wounder who that was... anyways atleast he brought me back", Lian said to himself. Lian went to deliver the herbs to the physicians after which he went to the training area.
"Greetings young prince, Hua Tian was the one to welcome Lian. After knowing that Lian was the one who treated him Hua Tian changed his way of thinking.
"Just call me Lian when we're in training", Lian noticed a change in Hua Tian's behaviour so he said this. He thought Hua Tian was a good person hence it would be good if they could be friends.
"O-kay", Hua Tian was a little bit shocked. Hua Tian led Lian to the General's office. "Young prince, it would seem that the Empress requires your presence". With that General Xiang lead Lian to Empress Bai Zhao's palace.
"Do you know why the Empress needs to see me?", Lian asked the general along the way. "She has caught on to all your deeds and how you went into that forbidden forest... 'sigh' but I wonder who told her", General Xiang touched his chin.
"Don't worry I know who told her but not to worry as this doesn't scare me not in the least", Lian said. General Xiang told Lian to stay strong as they entered the Empress's palace.