"The cycle of this prophecy will start again after 500 years."
~
It was a prosperous year for the royal family. The palace of the Western Luo Province were full of laughter and happiness. The people outside of villages lived in harmony with each other and kids running around on streets were a norm too.
King Wang was a great King and wanted his sons to take over the throne. He wanted someone worthy, someone who is responsible. When he finally chose one of his sons, he was proud of him.
King Wang was obsessed with astrologies and fortune telling and he even consulted one of them. Many people thought he was crazy but all in all, he was a good king who unified the countries.
On one winter evening, King Wang went into the temple to consult with one of the fortune tellers because his time was short.
"Tell me, what will my future kingdom be like?"
The fortune teller closed his eyes and started to mumble.
"Your Majesty, a dark cloud will soon come. A man like no other will create chaos in your kingdom. A tyrant king, an evil being will soon appear." The fortune teller looked at King Wang with an emotionless facial expression.
"It's not my son, right?" King Wang was desperate for more answers.
"Your Majesty, this prophecy cycles every 500 years. The prophecy had chosen someone from your son's line to be the next King." The fortune teller shook his head in disappointment.
"This cannot be." King Wang clenched his fist and lowered his head.
"Your Majesty, if you'd like. I've hidden the prophecy in a box. Keep it safe. Do not open it. This is a pandora box. When it's locked, it is safe and the prophecy will be delayed. When it's unlocked, nothing can stop it." The fortune teller wrote a talisman and hidden it in a small box.
The King took it and held it dear to his chest.
"Thank you, thank you." The King took it and hidden it in a safe place.
It was the summer, King Wang finally passed away. The whole city mourned. It was a natural death. His sons all bowed at his tomb and paid their respect. White ribbons were hung everywhere and incense were burnt.
The Queen paid her respect and cried her heart out. Her health declined after his death.
"Your highness, your husband was a great man. He will go to heaven. His spirit will always be with you." One mistress said.
"I want to die with him. How can he leave me?" Everyone's head were lowered and were unable to answer her.
"Mother, if you die, how about us?" One of her son went over to her side.
"My son, Ming'er. Your father said to let you be the next one on the throne. You must study hard. Make him very proud of you. I believe in you. I won't die. I promise." Ming'er smiled and hugged her.
"Mother, I promise you and father that I will be a great king."
~
Five hundred years later in the Province of Western Luo.
"Uwahh, Uwahh.." A baby boy was born in the royal palace. It was a warm evening when baby Li Jun was born.
"Your highness, it's a boy!" The nurses and all of the palace were overjoyed.The Queen was overjoyed as well but her face showed exhaustion and was very pale.
"Bring him to me." She said weakly.
The nurse nodded and gently placed the baby boy beside her.
"Your highness, he looks just like you. I bet he will be as handsome as your husband." She was full of happiness.
"I only wish that he will grow strong and be happy. By the way, where is the King?" She asked.
The door opened just as she said, "Dear, I'm sorry I came late. I needed to handle some palace matters. Was everything okay? How is our son?" He held her hand tenderly.
"Our baby is here. Look at him, he has your nose and mouth." She smiled.
"Do you have a name in mind, my King?" She asked.
"Li Jun. I'll name him, Li Jun. He will be my successor." The King said.
"That's a good name. Li Jun, please grow up strong and be happy." The queen caressed Li Jun's chubby face and smiled.
"My Queen, thank you." The King kissed her on the lips and told her to rest.
"Take good care of our son and my wife." The nurses bowed and the King nodded.
"Please take care of Li Jun for me." She signalled a nurse and she took Li Jun to another room and started to nurse him.
As Li Jun grew up, he was adored by many palace maids and palace guards. He was bright and adorable. Most of all, he got the King's handsome face.
The future looked bright for him as everyone said. But they haven't noticed that the pandora box will be opened soon.
~