Meng Yi's POV
Grandmother introduced me to Li Xiaoye as my fiancé. My fiancé! The word alone was enough to make me feel a bit awkward, and I could feel my face warming up. There she stood, blushing furiously, looking shy but adorable. At least I hadn't been rude when I first met her in the garden—thank goodness. Not the ideal first impression, but it could've been much worse.
Unbeknownst to me, Li Xiaoye had already formed a positive impression of me, though her shyness kept her from saying so. I could tell she was still a bit embarrassed, but perhaps this would change with time.
Empress Dowager Zhao Liying's POV
I observed my grandson, Meng Yi, with pride. He has a good heart, but I wasn't sure how well he and Li Xiaoye would get along. Li Xiaoye, from what I've seen, is a quiet, shy girl, while Meng Yi has always been more talkative and expressive. But they seem well-suited. He would need a capable and loving empress by his side when he eventually took the throne. However, this is the imperial palace, and the reality is that Meng Yi will need to take concubines someday. I must prepare Li Xiaoye for that future.
I do not wish for her to endure the same suffering I did during my younger years. I'll guide her to become the empress Meng Yi deserves—one who is capable, wise, and able to navigate the complicated life of the palace.
I've noticed that Meng Yi has been spending a lot of time with Victor lately, which is good. Victor is quiet and prefers solitude, but when he's around Meng Yi, he becomes more open. It's as if they're brothers, just like the emperor and William. Meng Yi has a special quality about him, a warmth that draws people in and makes them feel at ease. He's unlike the other princes and princesses, many of whom were taught by their mothers to scheme and survive in the harsh realities of the palace.
I had once supported the first prince and queen, only to protect Meng Yi from any conflict. But when the emperor discovered their corruption and executed them, I was secretly relieved. It allowed Meng Tian to solidify his power, and more importantly, it kept Meng Yi safe. I've never involved myself in palace politics—I've seen firsthand how treacherous it can be. The emperor's wrath is not something I wish to provoke.
As for Li Xiaoye, I can see that she wants to speak to Meng Yi, but her shyness holds her back. She's determined, though, and I have no doubt she'll soon gather the courage to talk to him more. For now, I'll do my part in helping her navigate this new chapter of her life.
Time Skip – Two Years Later
Victor's Age: 7
Victor's POV
Two years have passed, and life in the Meng Dynasty has seen many changes. William, always the entrepreneur, started a new glassworks business in Bamboo Village, which has become a hub of craftsmanship. His success is remarkable—he's now one of the wealthiest men in the dynasty and has plans to branch into carriage manufacturing, catering to all classes of society.
As for Emperor Meng Tian, he's completed several monumental projects. The new paved roads and bridges have transformed trade across the region. Stone and cement structures now fortify our borders, protecting the dynasty from outside threats. Water conservation efforts have also taken root, with artificial lakes being constructed to combat future droughts.
Bamboo Village, with its hot springs and exquisite cuisine, has gained fame. The government has placed restrictions to preserve its heritage, refusing to sell land to outsiders. The entire dynasty is flourishing under Meng Tian's leadership, and the people's happiness is reflected on their faces.
Meng Yi's relationship with Li Xiaoye has also blossomed. She was shy at first, but now she talks to him with ease. Their friendship has grown naturally, and though they are still young, it's clear that a bond is forming between them.
As for me? I've been keeping busy. I often come up with ideas for new technologies or improvements, which William later implements. He calls me a genius, but I don't see it that way—I've simply adapted what I know from my previous life's world. My system gives me access to information, but it has limitations. I won't be making any drastic changes to history.
One thing I've done is keep memories. My system has a camera function, which I've used to record moments—particularly of my mother, Victoria. I don't want to lose those memories over time, so I've saved them in carefully labeled folders, sorted by year.
On the vampire front, I've discovered that by performing a second blood ceremony, I can grant a shadow vampire the anti-aging ability of a true vampire. I plan to do this for Emperor Meng Tian in 10 years when he retires, as well as for his 1,000 shadow vampire soldiers. This gift of longevity will serve the dynasty well.
Why wait 10 years? By then, Meng Yi will be 16, a suitable age to take the throne. He has already begun his sword training under one of Meng Tian's elite shadow vampires, and he will be a force to be reckoned with by the time he comes of age.
Meng Yi resisted the training at first—it was grueling. But after seeing his father in action during a hunt, he realized how much strength his father possessed. That was all the motivation Meng Yi needed. He is determined to surpass his father one day, and his commitment to his training has only grown.
But an unexpected event occurred last month—Meng Yi's mutant gene activated during a sparring session. None of us were prepared for it. Even I, with all my knowledge, was taken aback. Meng Yi's mutation grants him control over water, which he can summon from the air or any nearby source.
During a particularly intense fight, his anger triggered the mutation, and water began swirling around him. It was an incredible sight, though the exertion caused him to pass out. When he awoke, we explained what had happened, and Meng Tian couldn't have been prouder. The emperor had once considered turning Meng Yi into a shadow vampire, but with his new mutant abilities, he no longer sees the need.
Meng Yi's power is still growing, but as of now, he can manipulate up to 500 liters of water within a kilometer's radius. His control lasts about 10 minutes, but it will likely increase with time. He's also developed poison resistance, a useful trait for the future emperor.
Meng Yi is overjoyed. His hope of surpassing his father now seems within reach. He trains relentlessly, mastering both his sword skills and his newfound abilities, though the latter remains a closely guarded secret. Even Li Xiaoye remains unaware, for now.
Author's Note:
Children are so simple, yet their futures hold great potential. Thank you for reading, and I'll see you next time!