Captive

During the siege of Wuzhou, Hu Yanjun King Jiang Heng was stationed at the center of the army. His attention was drawn entirely to an enemy general: clad in black armor and a red robe, wielding a long spear, he charged through a sea of troops as if there were no one there, killing with every ten steps and leaving countless heads in his wake. Only then did Jiang Heng realize that this man was Huo Chengjun, the rebel general whose name was known throughout the court and capital. Pointing at him, Jiang Heng said, "No one is to kill him. I want him."

The battle of Wuzhou ended in a narrow draw, and Huo Chengjun led the rebels in retreat.

Months later, the rebels were weakened. Jiang Heng carefully laid a plan and used ten times their numbers to surround Huo Chengjun's remaining forces at Liyang Slope, capturing him. Under pressure from the entire court, who demanded that he kill Huo Chengjun if he would not surrender, Jiang Heng managed to spare his life and imprisoned him in his residence. He kept him caged like a hawk for four months, yet Huo Chengjun still managed to escape.

Two years later, Jiang Heng went to the northern frontier as the Hu Yanjun King to discuss a marriage alliance. While crossing Qianzhang Slope, he was ambushed by bandits, whose leader was none other than Huo Chengjun. Jiang Heng asked him, "Have you come for revenge?"

Huo Chengjun replied, "I've fought a hundred battles, yet I was captured by Your Highness alone. I haven't forgotten that humiliation for a single day. Your Highness must be mine, as repayment."

The Jiang imperial house had endured for hundreds of years. Its kings had died, but none had ever been taken prisoner alive. Jiang Heng sneered. "Maybe in your next life." Then he leapt from Qianzhang Slope.

Jiang Heng didn't die. When she saw Huo Chengjun again, she realized that this once valiant warrior of the realm might not have long to live.

Theme: They find their way to each other