Chapter Nine: The Discussion

A week after arriving at the Wood Elf pirates’ stronghold, Su Yunyan realized that Sun Li, the skilled warrior, had already been thoroughly charmed by her naïve twin sister. Feeling that the timing was right, she believed that such a strong foundation of affection would make any future cooperation much easier. She watched Sun Li and Lulu interact—clearly, they enjoyed each other’s company.

It was a bright, sunny noon. Sun Li and Su Lulu, as usual, sat together, chatting happily.

“Lulu, tell me, what kind of man would your sister fall in love with at first sight? Give me an example,” Sun Li asked, smiling as he gazed into Su Lulu’s eyes.

Over the past few days, Lulu had grown accustomed to Sun Li frequently mentioning her sister. Innocent as she was, she thought Sun Li was simply interested in learning more about her because they got along so well.

“We carry a lot of hatred,” Lulu replied. “My sister never says it aloud, but I can feel how tired she is inside. She once told me that if there were a general who had never lost a battle and who sympathized with the plight of the wood elves, she would do everything possible to win his heart, so that he could help the wood elves drive out the colonizers and give our suffering people a safe home. I still remember how red her face was when she said that—heehee.” Once again, Lulu revealed an embarrassing secret about her sister, clearly enjoying the moment herself.

“Lulu! Sun Li! What are you two talking about, hmm?” As the two wayward youths shared secrets, a discordant voice rang out behind them, freezing the once harmonious atmosphere. Lulu jumped in fright, while Sun Li looked as awkward as someone caught peeking at a girl bathing.

Su Yunyan, of course, dared not do anything to Sun Li, nor could she. So, Sun Li was treated to a rather affectionate display—a kneading contest, so to speak. The agitated and embarrassed Su Yunyan scolded Lulu thoroughly in front of Sun Li, making his eyes widen in surprise. Occasionally, some less-than-harmonious sounds drifted over:

“Oh, sister, Lulu was wrong! Ah, not there, sister! Please, I won’t do it again, let me go, oh dear, I can’t take it anymore!” The specifics need not be described in detail.

An hour later, Lulu stood obediently behind Su Yunyan, her face bright red. Surely, this lesson would leave a lasting impression on the adorable little girl, though whether it would reform her was uncertain. Sun Li felt the punishment might not have its intended effect.

Su Yunyan looked with satisfaction at her well-behaved sister, then turned to see Sun Li with a half-smile on his face. Instantly, her blush crept from her cheeks down to her neck. She felt she was in no state to discuss any business with Sun Li today, lest he completely gain the upper hand.

After a brief exchange, Su Yunyan grabbed her equally red-faced sister and fled, leaving Sun Li smacking his lips and thinking, “These twin sisters are truly interesting. Looks like the days ahead will be quite enjoyable.”

Returning to her quarters, Su Yunyan composed herself and coaxed from Lulu the details of Sun Li’s various actions over the past week. Satisfied after hearing everything, she nodded to herself. It seemed that opposites do attract: her hopelessly innocent sister had managed to win the heart of this eccentric knight. Or rather, in a short time, Lulu and Sun Li had sparked true affection—even if Lulu remained oblivious, Sun Li was essentially hers now. Next, it was time to get down to business and negotiate. She was determined to seize Sun Li as her banner, unite all the wood elves in Mexico, and, with the support of a knight of his caliber, finally turn the tide. Then, the scattered resistance of the wood elves could be reorganized; without such unity, they would never defeat the colonizer army.

The next morning, Sun Li did not seek out the lovable Princess Lulu for their usual heart-to-heart. Instead, dressed formally, he went to Su Yunyan’s door. As he knocked, Su Yunyan was already waiting for him. Clearly, the time for serious business had come. The strong-willed Princess Yunyan seemed very pleased with the results of her beauty strategy, looking at him with confidence. Who knows what Lulu would think if she learned her sister had bartered her away? Judging by Lulu’s fearful attitude toward her sister, she must have been bullied since childhood.

“Beautiful Miss Yunyan, you wanted to see me yesterday, didn’t you? See how diligent I am—I’ve come to volunteer for duty first thing in the morning,” Sun Li said, smiling as always.

“Ahem, there’s no need to mention yesterday. Sir Sun Li, I trust you now understand the current situation of the wood elves. I wonder if we are qualified to cooperate with you?” Su Yunyan dared not get too close to Sun Li; otherwise, this thick-skinned warrior would surely take advantage. Better to keep some distance—once her sister married him, things would be easier.

“Of course. I, Sun Li, am an upright man; once I give my word, it’s as good as law. Tell me, beautiful lady, how shall we cooperate?” Sun Li replied with a look of noble righteousness, as if he were truly ready to sacrifice himself for Su Yunyan.

Su Yunyan looked him up and down but saw no resemblance to an upright hero. Still, since he agreed, let him play whatever role he liked.

“I hope you can openly support me and help me unite all the wood elf factions in Mexico. It’s simple: just accompany me to meet the leaders of the other groups, display your battle aura, and declare your intent to drive out the English. I believe all the wood elves will follow your command.

It’s not that we wood elves don’t want a strict organization, but when we first formed one, our leader failed to achieve any victories. Moreover, gathering the wood elf army made us vulnerable to the English—over time, we split up and fought on our own. But with your support, I believe we could defeat the more than ten thousand English colonial troops in Mexico. I’ve heard of the glorious exploits of the Sacred Knights, who faced thirty thousand English troops in the Funipo region. A lone knight means little on the battlefield, but a knight with a loyal army is a decisive force!” Su Yunyan looked at Sun Li with hope.

“I can agree to all these terms. But let me ask—what do I gain from this?” Sun Li replied, squinting and smiling at Su Yunyan.