After the death of Young Master Liam and the marriage of Lady Cindy, the Lei Clan kept to themselves.  Even the new flower pants son-in-law, was no longer seen out and about in the city, being a flower pants.  It is said that after getting married into the Lei Clan, Prime Minister Lei and his new wife, Lady Cindy had change his flower pants ways.  Little did everyone know that he was forbidden to leave the Lei Estate.  He has been locked in Cindy's courtyard, unable to leave and have been under constant watch to make sure he doesn't sneak out.  

On their wedding night, Cindy had insisted not to take off her clothes and for them to consummate their marriage with her dress on.  She told him she was modest and shy.  But his flower pants ways, wanted what he wanted, which is to strip her of all her clothing and take his pleasure from her.  

After  pinning her down, he penetrates her forcefully as he rips her dress and veil off of her.  Her cries of pain could be hear with his cry of horror, as the woman underneath him looked as if her skin had been peeled off and there were blisters all over her face and body.  The youthful woman who was suppose to be 18 years old, looked 30 years old.  

Since that night, he could not touch or even look at his wife.  He slept on the floor by the bed and felt wronged.  Although it was his idea to marry the Youngest Miss of the Lei Clan so the Prime Minister would pay his debts, he felt like they cheated him.  

Since then they refused to let him leave, blocking his exits and kept watch over him every single moment of the day.  

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By the end of the fourth month, all the inns in town were fully booked as they started receiving guests from the other countries in preparations of the Phantom Mirage Tournament.  The already busy city became even more full as the streets filled with martial artist, teachers, and elders from different countries.  The start of the tournament was to be held in a week where King Nao would hold a banquet welcoming every martial artist, teacher, elder and delegate representing their country.  

The banquet was meant to be enjoyed by everyone, but it was also a place for everyone to take a look at their opponents and judge themselves where their skills lie with the other countries.  

Takeshi had been busy helping King Nao with the tournament for the past two months.  He helped King Nao with the preparations for banquet and the tournament while going throught the security as well.  He held meetings with King Nao, the city General, and the palace General to ensure nothing went wrong during the month long tournament and celebrations.  More soldiers were brought in to the city and outside of the city to ensure they had enough people to keep the order of the city and stop any fighting should there be one.  More soldiers were also posted at the royal palace to ensure the security of the royal family.  

The safety of King Nao was at the top of Takeshi's concern and went over his security detail with King Nao and the head of his Shadow Guard over several days, planning and practicing escape routes and procedures should anything happen.  Since Takeshi was planning to participate in the tournament, he too would be going into the Phantom Mirage, so he wouldn't be by King Nao's side for a week.

"Stop worrying so much."  King Nao said as they went through the escape plans again.  "I have been fine with you gone for eleven years, I shall be fine for a week."  

"I cannot help but worry King Brother."  Takeshi said as he leaned back in his seat.  "You are my only family and I can't help it that I worry.  I will bring Lihua with me to the Phantom Mirage, so at least she'll be by my side so I won't worry so much."  

"Why are you even taking her?  That place is dangerous."  Nao said in confusion.  

"Even if it is dangerous, she wishes to see it before the end of her time comes."  Takeshi tells him.  "She says that she's going to die anyway, whether it be now or later. Death has already knocked on her door, why not die knowing she lived to the fullest.  And seeing what is behind the Phantom Mirage, she would not die with regrets. At least, that's what she tells me." 

"I am sorry brother."  Nao said solemnly.  

"At least she'll have me by her side, so the time in Phantom Mirage will not be so dangerous."  Takeshi said looking a bit sad as he looks into his tea.  

"Everything should be fine."  Nao said.  "We have plans and counter measures in place should anything happen."  

Takeshi nods.  "You're right."