The bonsai trees lined the perfect lawn in their wooden boxes. In the centre there was a pond as large as a small lake with flowering lily pads and a wooden bridge that crossed the middle so you could look down at the koi carp. The flower beds were a riot of May colour and even on close inspection they were weed-free. The grass was like a soft carpet, perfectly trimmed.
There are the dancing birds and the squirrels that dart. It is as if the song, the scurries and the subtle movements of flora are their voice, the song of the garden for those who listen with more than their ears.
To the left of the manor was a spiritual spring and to the right was a medicinal herb field, essential to making pills. There extremely rare plants there that could sell for a fortune but no one dares to casually steal it.
In a large room decorated lavishly sat a child, a teenager was by his side. On the table books were spread open, multiple pieces of text with cursive writing on them. Writing small notes.
"Do you understand what I taught you. It'll help when you try and create alliances with other countries. This concludes our 100th lesson together.
It was currently spring. The trees that line the avenue are clothed in pink and white blossom. To see the boughs that were so bereft in the snow become so beautifully adorned lifts my spirits. Their scent becomes diffuse in the warming breeze. Nian held his head high to savour it. When their petals rained down in a steady trickle a few weeks later.
Li Yifeng stared in awe at his imperial tutor. This man always seemed to look gorgeous in whatever he is doing from admiring flowers or eating. His heart couldn't help but want to jump out of his chest. His breathing hitched.
With his back turned to the little crown prince he said while catching a single petal,
The cherry blossoms:
Being ill, how many things
I remember about them
Scatter layer
by layer, eight-layered
cherry blossoms
Moon at twilight
a cluster of petals falling
from the cherry tree
cherry blossom petals
blown by the spring breeze against
the undried wall
(By Masaoka Shiki)
"If only the cherry blossoms will always be blooming. But all good thing must come to an end."
'If I made a garden for him would he stay with me while admiring the flowers and will it make him happy?'
Nian stared absentmindedly in the distant as he talked to his system.
'Hey System 000. How's my acting?'
[Amazing master! You sound very scholarly. Keep it up!]
Nian brough up the virtual like screen. Rereading the missions on it,
[Mission: The world of Wuqin Main Target: Li Liquin ]
[1. Make the crown prince someone worthy of the thrown (Gain the trust of the people)-5000 points]
[2. Stop the assassination of the current emperor-2500 points]
[3. Stop the war from occurring- 2750 points]
[4. Find a loyal lover for the emperor (optional)- 3000 points]
'For the last mission I could either make him go with his original lover but that isn't changing his fate. So what if I made gay for me. Wouldn't it be convenient."
[Um master. Is that really alright. What will the emperor think if his son is gay and can't find a heir?]
'You thought I didn't think of that. If I manage to stop his assassination and the war he will inevitably accept us. Plus the final decision goes to Empress Dowager which is now a good acquaintance of mine. I won't need to monitor another person to see if they are loyal or not. If I do all of this i'll end up getting all the points. Him becoming a suitable emperor is currently in progress. He is nearly 18, nearly ready for the succession of the thrown.'
[Master is so smart!]
'I wasn't made a CEO in my past life for nothing. Now I should get back to talking with Li.'
"Your highness I believe your mother would like for you to accompany you for a meal."
The minute that was said the expression on his face became sullen.
His mother never aided him when people were after his life so he wouldn't get the thrown. Only the man currently by his side was there for him at his darkest time
-------------
~Flashback~
The sound of multiple heels clicking against the marble floor could be heard, heavy breathing and screams of terror. Two small figures could be made out as they took a sharp turn. The older male squatted down urging the smaller one to hide in a small chest.
"Hide here, I'll be back for you." He whispered while stroking his hair lovingly to soothe the scared and wimpering male.
"What will happen to you then!"
The males doe like eyes widened with fat tears streaming down his face.
"Nothing. Promise me you won't come out until I come back for you or the coast is clear. I am your tutor and it's my responsibility to take care of you. Don't worry I an protect myself."
"Bu-"
"No buts. It's time I teach you a lesson."
"Now?!"
"You must learn to hide your fangs until you are strong enough to strike. So you must live."
By now the sound of clinking armour could be heard getting louder in their direction.
"Over there!"
"Stay still okay"
Nian closed the chest and dashed, looking behind him to see if they were chasing him
He ran through the maze like palace, winding ever passage he could find as the sky rumbled, and heavy rain bounced off the cobblestones. A storm smothered the already pitch black sky, greying the world around him. He was out in the open. Drops of rain beat against his skin like hammers.
The tutor wasn't at all fazed by it. His dainty slippers were caked in mud and the storm had battered his sliky locks of obsidian hair. But he tread onwards. Back in his world reality was harsh, people were greedy for money. But that was only human nature.
Now he was grateful for all the training he did, it could be put to use.
How did he get in this situation one might ask?
Well
.
.
.
The princes own mother sent assassins after him. Once the birth of Li his mother was neglected by the emperor who now only catered to her son. She was bitter with jealously and became blinded from it to not even be merciful to her own son.
It was currently the dead of night, the best time for assassins to strike. But it was able to cloak their faces. So they wouldn't realise they weren't actually chasing the prince as they had similar statures. There was no guards here as the consort had decided to send them 'coincidently' on duty elsewhere.
Nian passed and armour being displayed and staggered back. Unsheathing the blade. He quicky blocked the incoming attack. A loud 'clang' resounded throughout the empty hall but was masked by the thundering lightning. Flashes of light passed them, revealing the masked assassins for a second.
"Your not the prince! Where is he?!"
"Even if I knew I wouldn't tell the likes of you."
Multiple swords flew towards his direction, Nian quickly deflected one while dodging the other. The sound of metal hitting the marble could be heard.
"Quite skilled for a mere child."
Nian was already out of breath. His current body was much weaker then his last. But he still had a few tricks up his sleeve(literally).
He took out kunais from his sleeve and threw it into the direction of each assassin. Some had quick reflexes while others didn't expect it and were stabbed where a vital artery was and died on the spot.
'2 down 2 more to go'
A black silohette flashed from behind him and stabbed him in the shoulder. Blood flowed down his back. the sent of iron wafted through the air. Nianquickly turned around not hesitanting to plummet a sword into the assassins heart.
The body fell to the ground with a loud 'thud'. Nian fell to one knee using the sword to support his body.
From the corner of his eyes he noticed a small trembling figure.
It was Li Liquin!
He could not allow for him to die, he had barely even started the mission. His cat stilled needed him.
The assassin also seemed to notcie and quickly darted towards the princes direction.
Nian also dashed quickly pushing him out of the way, they both fell to the floor rolling onto the wet grass soaking their thin robes.
"I told you to stay hidden, it's to dangerous for you here."
"But I couldn't just leave you alone! What will I do if your gone!"
"I'll talk to you later."
Nian quickly averted his direction back to the assassin. He felt a tug on his sleeve. He sent a quick comforting smile. The sword he used before was left behind so he could save Li in time. Currently he was quite in the sticky situation.
'To dash back and retrieve the sword or not. If I did then he'd be left alone. System 000 is there anything you can do to help me.'
[Yes master. I can summon a sword that could easily kill the assassin but it would take up most of your beginning points. Are you sure you want to do it?]
'I can get the points back but I feel like I'll need them later on. I won't, I think I have a plan.'
Nian quickly told Li to run.
"Bu-"
"Go, can't you see I'm still standing go. I still have many lessons to teach you."
Li hesitated and ran with tears in his eyes.
"You have to come back safely!"
"I will..."
The assassin put a blade to Nian's throats, drawing trickles of blood that was washed away with the rain.
"No where to go now. Give me the prince and I might spare your life."
A smirk grew on Nian's lip.
"Your not the one to decide that."
"What do you mean-"
Nian twisted his wrist causing the dagger to drop, He swiftly picked it up diving the sharp blade into his stomach. A glint passed through his eyes.
"It was unfortunate you met me."
The assassin collapsed to the floor, blood flowing out of his body and mixing with the mud.
Nian turned away after cleaning the aftermath. He headed for his highnesses room to see him. In the room there was a large bump on the bed, slight trembling. Nian had cleaned himself of the blood. He approached the little mountain slowly peeling it back. The child sprawled out hugging Nian tightly while weeping loudly.
Nian stroked the child's hair comfortingly whispering sweet nothings and words of comfort.
"I'm here. It's going to be alright."
"Y-You kept y-your promise..."
"Yes I did. No one will hurt you as long as I'm here."
~Flashback End~
----------------------------
'He kept his promise..."
Nian turned around, the cherry blossom petals fluttering behind him. He luscious black hair gleamed in the sunlight. A dazzling and gentle smile forming on his face. His hand was extended.
"Shall we go now your highness?"
"Yes we shall my beloved tutor."
A broad smile appeared on the crown princes face as he grabbed that extended hand.