Chapter 2 Chapter One

Fifteen years later, the fate of the Scottish House of Fey rests in the hands of Lord Shingley West.There are 922 men, women and children in the clan, and most of them urgently hope and need Lacey's protection. The current situation of the Fei family is dire.The manic old lord Lu Lang committed suicide last year.Shocked and outraged by his cowardly behavior, the people are still unable to speak publicly about it.No one among the younger generation has succeeded in winning leadership, indeed no one wants to take over a lordship tainted by suicide.They believed that only a lunatic would commit suicide, the crime of eternal life.

The two elders of the clan, Feiodi and Lu Sibang, volunteered to lead the clan temporarily.The twenty-year territorial war with the three neighbors in the east, west and east became more intense after the death of the old lord, because the enemy knew that they had no leader and took advantage of it to loot.Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures, so after obtaining the consent of the tribe, Aodi and Spont decided to discuss with Lord Xinleixi at the annual spring celebration.Spring Celebration seems like the perfect time to make the request, as clans will have to put aside their differences and reunite as a family during the two full weeks of the event.It's a time for renewed friendships, friendly rivalries and marriage alliances.My father, who has a young girl in my family, is busy fending off unsatisfactory suitors, while actively looking for a wife and son-in-law.Most people find it an exhilarating time.

Since Xin's territory borders on Fei's territory to the south, Leixi deduced that the leader of Fei's wanted to discuss the possibility of forming an alliance with him, but those two old men had other plans.They want to combine the two clans into one through marriage, and are even willing to give up their surnames and become members of the Xin clan, as long as Leixi promises to treat every member of the Fei clan equally as a natural born Xin clan member. Representatives from both sides held talks in Shinresi's spacious tent.Lacey's captain, Ji Ting, and two other trusted generals, Anton and Fallon, were also present.Lacey's younger brother, Xin Michael, fidgeted in the dark waiting for his brother to allow him to return to the celebration venue.The little boy, who had already been scolded for interrupting the meeting, hung his head in embarrassment and shame.

Lu Sibang, who has sharp eyes, hoarse voice, and loves to sing a different tune, stepped forward to explain the reason why the Fei family sought to merge.Although our soldiers are young and strong, they lack training to protect our women and children.We need your strength to stop the enemy from aggression so that we can live a peaceful life. Feoti, who had made great achievements in battle in his youth and became a legend in the Highlands, sat on a chair and nodded in Michael's direction.Lord, before we continue, you should perhaps listen to your brother's request and let him do what he has to do.Small children often slip secrets inadvertently, and I don't want it to be known until you accept or reject the merger.

Lacey turned to her brother.What do you want, Michael? Michael was still terrified of his older brother because he had only met Lacey twice growing up.After Lacey received warrior training, she has been living in the Mai family's territory as a special envoy, and her father was called back to the Xin family's territory before his death.The brothers were strangers; Lacie, though not very good at dealing with children, was determined to improve the situation as soon as possible. I want to go fishing with my new friend.Michael lowered his head and stammered.If you have no objection, lord.

Look me in the eye when talking.Lacey ordered. Michael immediately looked up and repeated.Please let the lord allow me to go fishing with my new friend. Lacey saw fear in his brother's eyes and wondered how long it would take him to get used to having him by his side.Michael was still grieving the loss of his father, and Lacey knew that his brother felt abandoned.The child didn't remember his mother, she died when he was one year old, and losing his father, who had been dependent on him since he was a child, was a great blow to him when he was young.Lacey hoped that with time and patience, Michael would learn to trust him and even remember how to smile again.

Don't go near the falls, come back before the sun goes down.Lacey ordered gently. I'll be back before the sun goes down.Mike agreed.can I go now? Can.Lacey replied, watching angrily as his brother tripped and knocked his chair over in his haste.Michael, did you forget something? The boy was in a daze, until Lacey nodded to the guest, and he hurried over to bow.Allow me to leave first. Odyssey and Spong nodded and watched the boy burst out of the tent with a smile on their faces. That child is just like you when you were a child, lord.Spong said.He will also be a good fighter in the future.

That's right.Audi agrees.He'd be a brilliant leader too, if he was properly trained, but I couldn't help noticing how much he feared his brother.How could this be, lord? Lacey didn't think it was disobedient, because the old man was telling the truth.To him, I was like a stranger, but in time he would learn to trust me. Believe that you will not leave him?Audi asked. Yes.He replied, realizing how strong the old man's insight was. I remember your father's decision to remarry more than ten years after your mother's death.Spong said.I thought he was too old and stereotyped for married life, but he seemed content.Have you ever met his second wife Colleen?

I went to their wedding.He said.She was much younger than her father, who was so sure he would die before her that he wanted to be sure she would be well cared for. He asked you to do that?Audi asked with a smile. I am his son.Lacey replied.If he asks, I'll do it. Aodi turned to Sibang and said: Lord Xin will never leave him dead. Lacey felt they were wasting too much time talking about personal matters and decided to get down to business.You said you hope to get my protection, but wouldn't you be able to get it by forming an alliance? Your soldiers have to patrol our borders day and night, Otti said.Sooner or later they will get bored, but not when the land is yours.

That's right.Spong eagerly agrees.If the land is owned by the Xin, you will protect it no matter the cost.We had him stop abruptly because Lacey approached to pour them a drink and he was so surprised that he forgot what he was about to say.You, the lord, pour wine for us, do you know the power you have?he asked in bewilderment. Lacey smiled.You are not only my guests, but also my elders.It's my duty to pour wine for you. His words made the two old men deeply honored.I am very glad that Yadai has a son who has the same heart as him.Audi applauds. Lacey nodded back and brought the conversation back to the point again.You say if I own your land I will protect it no matter the cost?

Yes.Otti said.We have fertile farmland, fish-rich lakes, and mountains full of sheep in return for merging with each other. The rich products are the reason why we are constantly attacked by neighbors such as Kang, Han and Bao.All they want is our lands, our lakes and our women, and they don't care if the rest of us live or die. Lacey listened impassively to their impassioned speeches.With his head down and his hands behind his back, he paced around the tent. Lord, I have a few questions.Ji Ting asked. go ahead.Lacey to his captain of guards. Ji Ting turned to Odi.How many soldiers does the Fei family have? Nearly two hundred, but lack of training.Audie replied.We also have over a hundred men of training age.They all have the spirit of warriors, and you can train them to be as brave as Lord Bubodydi's soldiers, Lord. But don't need to be as ruthless as they are.Spong speaks. Lacey laughed.Yes, Burdie's soldiers were ruthless.His smile disappeared.You know, even though Birdy and I often disagree, we are good friends who are like brothers.I'm not going to get mad at you for saying bad things about him, because I know Boddy would be glad you thought he was heartless. You are all trained by Lord Maien, right?Spong asked. Yes, I see Ian as a friend and a brother.Lacey said. Odi smiled.Maien's way of ruling is wise and wise, Bubodydi is strict punishment, and Lord Lacey is fair and just.We all know you are merciful, please show us mercy now. I have only been the lord for half a year, how do you know what kind of leader I am?Lacey asked. Look at your generals, Sibang nodded.Ji Ting, Anton, and Faron led the Xin family when your father was sick, but you did not replace the original generals like the others after you succeeded, and replaced them with people who were loyal to you. Are you implying that we have second thoughts about the lord?Ji Ting blurted out. dare not.Spong said.I'm just saying that other lords will try to weed out competitors out of lack of confidence.Lord, you are a testament to your magnanimity by keeping them in their positions. Lacey was noncommittal about the old man's argument.I said that my time as lord is not long, and there are still many issues within Clan Xin that I must resolve.I'm not sure if it's right now We cannot wait any longer, lord.The Bao family has declared war on us, and it is rumored that the Han family intends to form an alliance with them.If this is the case, the Fei family is bound to be wiped out. Are your soldiers willing to serve Lacey?Ji Ting asked. willing.Spong said firmly. all?Ji Ting asked.Does anyone have an objection? After exchanging glances with Spong, Otti said: Only a few people objected.We voted on the merger four months ago, and everyone in the clan, male and female, voted. You let women vote?Ji Ting asked in disbelief. Odyssey smiled.Yes, to be fair, because the merger affects our women too.Nor would it have occurred to us to include women had it not been for the insistence of the late lord's granddaughter, Fei Meixin. She is a very straightforward woman.Spong said, but the look in his eyes showed that he didn't see that as a shortcoming. Since it was voted on four months ago, why was this demanded of Lacey until now?Ji Ting asked. Actually we voted twice.Audi explained.For the first time, the Pros won by a narrow margin.Such an important decision cannot be rushed, so we voted again after giving everyone a period of time to consider. Many who opposed the merger voted for it on the second vote.Spong said. How many soldiers still opposed the merger at the second vote?Lacey asked. Sixty-two of them, all young, led by a stubborn young man named Jos.Audie replied. Will opponents obey your decision?Lacey asked. Yes, but very reluctantly.As long as you can convince Ruos, everyone else is fine.There is an easy way to win their loyalty. what way? Marry Fei Meixin, Sibang blurted out.Marriage unites the two races. What if I choose not to marry Meixin? I'd still beg for a merge.Two weeks ago we had a newly married young couple who were killed for getting too close to the border.Our clan needs your protection. There are many children in our clan who are about the same age as your brother.Aodi said emotionally. Lacey couldn't do nothing.He knew that the Bao clan would kill old and weak women and children in order to occupy more land. Ji Ting knew his lord well and already guessed how he would answer.Lacey, will you take this matter to the clan for a vote before answering them? No, he replied.This matter cannot be discussed publicly. Ji Ting held back his frustration.But you will think carefully before making a decision, right? Knowing that the captain of the guard wanted to discuss privately, Lei Xi nodded to Ji Ting, and then said to Fei's representative: Two, I will answer you in three hours, is that okay? Otti nodded and stood up, but Spong took his arm.You forgot to tell him about the game.He said. what match?Ji Ting asked. Odi blushed.For the sake of the pride of Fei's soldiers, we think you will agree to participate in a series of competitions.We can't win, but losing the game will make it easier for us to give up our original surname. Ji Ting took a step forward.What if you win? Then the Xin clan gave up their surnames.You shall be the lord of Fi's, Lacey, and whoever defeats you shall be the captain of the guard. Ji Ting was furious, but Lacey's reaction was just the opposite.The request was so absurd that he wanted to laugh.He forced himself to say without changing his face: My captain of the guard is in front of you, and your proposal is a great insult to him. But, lord, we just want to say Otti. Lacey interrupted him.Your proposal is ridiculous.Our last names are sacred.If I decide to merge, Fei's soldiers can fight for the military rank below my captain of the guard.Fei's soldiers who performed outstandingly against Xin's soldiers will be personally trained by Ji Ting. Odi nodded.If you have no objection, we will come back for your reply in three hours. May God guide you in this important decision.Spong said, following his friend out of the tent. They actually have the face to put forward a lot of conditions when they ask for something.Ji Ting said angrily. What do you think, Anton?Lei Xi asked Ji Ting's lieutenant general. I'm against mergers and people who are willing to drop their last names make me sick. I'm feeling it too.Fallon agreed.Otti and Spong are so despicable. No, they are just two old foxes who care about their people.I had long expected that they would come to me, and I had given it much thought.Tell me, Ji Ting, do you agree with the merger?Lacey said. I know you agree.he answered.Your heart is too soft, lord. I know, Ji Ting, but do you have the heart to die? Ji Ting shook his head.But I'm worried about the dissidents in Joss, and I'm worried about our soldiers Lacey patted Ji Ting on the shoulder.The boat will be straight when it reaches the bridge, so don't worry about it.Myanne and Julie arrived yesterday afternoon and I haven't had a chance to speak to them yet.We go to them. There is one more urgent matter that needs your attention first.Ji Ting said. Lacey told the others to back down, and then said to Ji Ting: I can tell from your smile that it doesn't matter. It matters to your loyal soldier Taunton.You'd better sit down, lord, because Taunton wants to marry Corikit. Lacey felt very tired.How many people are there in total so far? Ji Ting laughed.There were seven of them, including me, but Taunton swears there were already eight. Lacey sat down and stretched her legs.Does Laiqi know that someone is proposing again? Don't know yet, but I took it upon myself to call her here.She's waiting outside, and you're finally meeting your thorn in the flesh.After Ji Ting finished speaking, he couldn't help laughing. Lacey shook her head.You know, Ji Ting, I always thought I beat you fairly in the duel for the lordship. Ji Ting's face immediately became serious.But you did beat me fairly. Are you sure you didn't deliberately release water because you didn't want to deal with Ke Leiqi? Ji Ting laughed again.Maybe there is!I admit I love seeing her because she's a stunning beauty.But she has a strong and straightforward temperament, as stubborn as the Buchners.Now I'm glad she turned me down, because I don't want to have such a difficult woman as a wife. Why did my successor, the descendant of the lord, refuse three marriage proposals but never even meet her face? I remember telling you that I gave her permission to go to Cornvas to help relatives with their newborn babies, and they came to the festivities. If you told me, then I probably forgot.I just remember her sending back the same reply every time. I have a hunch she'll say the same today, and Taunton will join the rapidly growing ranks of heartbreakers. It's all because my father promised her father to let her choose her husband freely.It seems inconceivable to me that she alone should decide her future. You have no choice, you must keep your father's word.Reki's father was a great warrior, and he forced your father to make this promise on his deathbed.I wonder if he knew his daughter could be so stubborn. Leixi stood up and suggested that Ji Ting call Leiqi in.Don't laugh, this matter is very important to Taunton, we must handle it carefully.Who knows?She might agree to his marriage proposal this time. Yes, it will rain red again!Ji Ting stopped at the door.Ever had a woman turn your head? That question annoyed Lacey.No. Then you better be mentally prepared. Lacey almost forgot to breathe when Coraqui walked into the tent a moment later.She was an unbelievably beautiful young woman, with bright eyes, fair skin, a slim figure, and long, honey-colored curly hair.Lacey is surprised that only eight people have proposed to her so far. She took a knee and smiled charmingly.Hello, Lord Lacey. He nodded in return.We meet at last, Claire.I broke the hearts of several good men for you, but I don't know why they want to marry such a stubborn woman one after another.Now I understand why. Her smile disappeared.But we met. He shook his head.I promise you, if there is, I will remember it. But we did meet.she insisted.You came home to attend a relative's wedding, and my parents brought me to the wedding too.I decided to swim in the lake behind the canyon, and you picked me up from the water. Why did I pick you up? Because I'm drowning. can't you swimJi Ting asked. I didn't think I would. She smiles again.To Lacey's surprise, his heart began to beat faster.This doesn't seem like the reaction he should have, because he's not a young man who just fell in love, and it's not like he hasn't seen a beautiful woman before.It was her smile that made him behave strangely.He decided to see if Ji Ting had a similar reaction to her when he could stop himself from staring at her. If you can't swim, why go to the lake?Ji Ting asked in bewilderment. She shrugged.Swimming doesn't look too difficult, I thought it would come naturally after I got into the water, but I was wrong. You are so brave.Ji Ting said. Not bold, but stupid.she said, and turned to Lacey.I understand why you don't remember, it was years ago.I look very different now than I did then, but I'm not stubborn at all, really, my lord. You should have married long ago.Lacey said.It seems to me that you are deliberately trying to be awkward.Those who court you are all good fighters. I believe they are good men. Lacey took a step toward her.She took a step back immediately, knowing what was going to happen next, so she wanted to get closer to the tent exit so she could escape quickly. Lacey noticed her glancing back toward the exit, guessing she might be estimating the distance to freedom.He tried to look serious, but her panic made him want to laugh.Was marriage really that repulsive to her? Now another soldier proposes to you.He said.His name is Taunton, do you know him? She shook her head.do not know. He's a good guy, Reki, and he'll treat you well. Why does he want to marry me? Since Lacey hadn't talked to Taunton himself, he turned to Ji Ting and asked: Did he tell you why? The captain of the guard nodded.He wants you. Lacey could hear reservations in his hesitant tone.Tell him what he said.he ordered. Ji Ting frowned to hide his embarrassment.All right.Corregie, Taunton swears he loves you.He cherishes your beautiful face, and worships every inch of land you walk as a testimony to God, and those words were spoken by him. Lacey couldn't help smiling, but Reki didn't find it funny at all.She tried to hide her humiliation, knowing her lord would not understand.How could he understand?He is a man, so it is impossible to know what is on her mind. How can this be?she asked.We didn't even know each other and he swore to love me? Taunton was a good man, Ji Ting said.I believe he is telling the truth. He is clearly obsessed with you.Lacey added.Would you like to take a moment to consider his proposal?If you sit down with him and talk, maybe you don't want.she blurted out.I don't want to sit down and talk to him, and I don't need time to think about it.I want to answer him now.Please tell Taunton that I thank him for his proposal, but I don't want to marry him.She also rejected the previous eight suitors with the same words. Why?Lacey asked angrily. I don't love him. What does love have to do with a proposal?You can learn to love him after marriage. Unless it's a man I love, I'd rather not marry.She took another step back. I cannot fathom such an absurd belief.Lacey said to Ji Ting. I don't know how she could have such a strange idea.Ji Ting replied. Reki is angry at them for ignoring her existence and talking about her openly and disrespectfully.But she tried to control her temper, because Lacey was her lord, and she must maintain the respect due to the lord. Do you want to think about it again?Lacey asked. Reki shook her head.I don't want to marry him.she repeated. Reki, you are so stubborn. Repeated criticism hurt her self-esteem and she could no longer keep silent.Within ten minutes of meeting, I have already been criticized by you as stubborn, awkward and stubborn.If there is no other insult, I want to quit. Her outburst startled Lacey in a tone that no woman had ever dared to speak to him before.Her behavior bordered on rude, but he couldn't blame her because he did say those insulting things to her. You must not speak to your lord with such disrespect, Ji Ting chided.What you said just now will shock your father under the nine springs. She looked down, but Lacey saw tears in her eyes.Don't bring her father into this. But, lord, she should at least apologize to you. Why?I didn't mean to, but I did insult her and I should apologize for that. She looked up suddenly.You apologize to me? Yes. She smiled brightly.Well I must apologize for my non-cooperation.She bowed, turned and ran out of the tent. Ji Ting frowned at her back.Difficult woman.I pity the man who marries her because he's going to have a tough fight to fight. Lacey laughed.But that would be an exhilarating uphill battle. Ji Ting was greatly surprised.Are you interested in pursuing A cry interrupted him, and he turned to the tent door just as a young soldier ran in.He's Fianmi's son Allen, and he looks like he's just seen his dad's ghost. Lord, come quickly.There was a terrible accident over there at the falls.he said breathlessly.Oh my brother!your brother When Allen's next words came, Lacey had already rushed out. Michael is dead.