The harsh sound of a whip brutally tearing flesh echoed loudly in the room.
The red drops of blood from his son's body spilling onto the floor didn't affect him the least. The emperor only cared for one thing. "Khan Bojing, I dare you to repeat what you just said."
Khan Bojing met his father's terrifying gaze with unyielding eyes. He was unwilling to speak what his father wanted to hear.
Never would he compromise. This was the only way to get what he wanted.
His lips pressed together in pain, but his voice was steady and clear when he spoke. "Father, I wish to take Biya as my wife."
Khan Yingjie was angered beyond words. He had raised a fool of a son!
The emperor's grip on the whip in his hand tightened until his vein popped. Fire burned in his eyes that narrowed dangerously. "Truly? You're willing to go so far for one woman? Is one woman worth more than a whole nation in your eyes?"
Khan Bojing fell onto his knees, ignoring the wounds on his body. "Father, you know yourself the lonesome life of a mage and you know the high pressures of ruling a kingdom. No matter what it comes to, I plead that you allow her the freedom to choose. If Biya makes the decision herself, then I can make myself accept it."
"Bojing, you've disappointed me greatly. You're begging me to allow a woman to decide your future? I'm your father, I'll choose what's best for you!" The emperor looked away hopelessly. He couldn't believe who his son had turned into.
"Khan Bojing, you are the only hope of our nation. You are the chosen one to lead us to a better, brighter future. How can I allow you to ruin your potential so easily? Yue Biya is not the worse candidate, but it's also because of her lineage that's the biggest obstacle. My son, can't you let this woman go?"
"You both are still young. She has yet to embrace her true calling and you've yet to step up and accept the role of a crown prince. Hundreds of thousands are awaiting your presence, my son."
Khan Bojing looked up from his kneeling position, more serious than he had ever been. "Father, I am well aware of who I am. If you are willing to trust me, then I can show you what I'm capable of."
The whip in his hand dropped onto the floor as Khan Yingjie took two steps forward. The words he's been waiting all his life, he finally heard it today. "Bojing, do you know what you've just said?"
Khan Bojing solemnly nodded. "Father, if you can promise Biya as my empress, then I can promise you I won't let you down."
His father's eyes deepened in satisfaction. "If you can do as you promised, then I can overlook whoever you choose to wed."
---
Late in the night, Khan Bojing's figure limped away from the emperor's private quarters with the old scars of his heart reopened.
Only when Khan Bojing was the only option left did he become important.
He was thrown away with his mother, deemed worthless until there was no one else. No question of his opinion, no question of his willingness-- he was taken away from his mother forcibly.
With one word from his father, he returned to the palace to fulfill the obligations of a prince. Every now and then, he would sneak out to visit his mother and stepfather.
He kept his public figure on the low, refusing to show his face. As best he could, he tried to live a normal life, ignoring the royal blood calling out to him. In his own ways, he committed small acts of rebellion to keep himself going.
Khan Bojing was a man of his words. If he made a vow, he would fulfill it. From tomorrow onwards, he will present himself as the capable crown prince the nation had been waiting for. He could no longer prolong his responsibilities.
In this life, he couldn't be reborn. He couldn't choose which parents to have, which roles to play. Whatever comes his way, he'd have to deal with it one by one.
As long as he had the freedom to choose the person he loved, he was willing to be flexible with other small factors.
Love, it was a strange thing. His father loved his mother for a while, then had a change of heart. His mother, although alive and well, lived like a dead person ever since. Until forever, she would always be known by everyone as the late empress.
From the age of ten, Khan Bojing swore to himself he would never do what his father had done to his mother. He would never destroy the person he loved.
He would stay by her side. He would hold her and protect her.
With his life, if he must.
---
Early in the morning, Li Wei was up and running through the streets with Song Yishan. The wind felt refreshing against her skin.
After the make out with Khan Bojing yesterday, she felt great. With a couple words from him, her insecurities disappeared.
She had never been better. The man she loves loves her back. If things continue at this pace, perhaps soon, she'll be seeing little Bohai.
"Hehe," Li Wei giggled to herself quietly as she came to a stop by the seashore.
She silently enjoyed indulging in her imagination until Song Yishan came towards her. Only then did she bring herself back to reality.
"Big sister, look over there." He pointed to the distance.
On the horizon, where the sky and sea met, a large ship sailed majestically. Everyone near the docks couldn't help but turned to take a glimpse.
Song Yishan grinned at Li Wei and pulled her towards the area in which passengers would come down.
Soon, Aunt Rin, Hui, and San'er emerged from the crowd. Li Wei excitedly ran over, her arms opened wide.
Li Fahrin laughed, her head tilting backwards as she accepted the hug of the little girl. "I trust you've been well?"
"En, it's pretty good here." Li Wei blushed slightly as Khan Bojing's face came to mind.
His long lashes. His closed eyes.
His lips on her lips. His skin on her skin.
"Too much fun around here lately?" Li Fahrin teased.
"Aunt Rin, there's lots of things to see in Hai'an. How about I take you around tomorrow?" Li Wei quickly changed the subject and pulled her aunt towards the busy market place.
Li Fahrin easily agreed, "Sounds good to me."
"Ladies and gentlemen, this way please. The carriages are waiting for us." Song Yishan politely guided the group towards the two carriages of the Yue.
"Nice, this young boy here knows how to treat people well." Li Fahrin praised the well mannered Song Yishan.
In return, he slightly blushed in embarrassment and quietly said, "En, big sister's friends are my friends."
Li Wei was about to follow the others up the carriage when a commotion nearby stopped her. On the main market street, hundreds of soldiers marched in two straight lines, creating a clearing in the center. A gold chariot led by four mighty white horses driven by Ye Dequan strode down the street.
The large group of soldiers patrolling behind the chariot didn't faze her and neither did the hundreds of carriages. The crowd that suddenly grew endless didn't faze her. The almost deafening cheers didn't faze her.
What struck her in place was the man on the main seat. The man dressed in golden robes with a dignified smile.
The man who was just on her mind. Khan Bojing, today was the day he revealed himself to the world.
Last night, after leaving, something must've occurred between him and his father. Khan Bojing had struck a deal with the emperor.
Li Wei stood far away, watching him who felt so familiar but distant at the same time.
For a second, it almost seemed as if Khan Bojing's eyes met hers across the distance. His head tilted slightly to the side in amusement and his lips curved up.
His dazzling smile, his kind eyes, his carefree hand waving in the air-- who wasn't awestruck with this humble prince?
Girls gazed shyly, boys looked with curiosity, women smiled in admiration, and men stood proudly in support.
The long awaited crown prince had arrived.
And for sure, he would not disappoint those who waited patiently.