Hsien Lian was used to his name being yelled. He was used to his name being yelled at by many different people. Not necessarily in a bad way, but in a way. The palace was a beautiful blue color as Hsien Lian walked down the long halls. Hsien Lian was rarely here, usually he was out in the capital. Talking to the poorest and the richest with the same tone, same vocabulary. Kind and respectful.
However, today was a little different. He had just got back from a small school he had made. It wasn't just him, oh god no. There were many different people from the Han Dynasty. Many different citizens. Hsien Lian was just in charge of the mission. Lui Che had yelled at him a week ago. So after three days of traveling, he was back at the palace. Ready to hear what the emperor wanted from him.
Hsien Lian walked into the room where Lui Che's throne was. There the emperor sat, looking down at a scroll. Lui Che was always doing something similar. Looking down and reading something. Not that Hsien Lian minded, he looked up to Lui Che for so many different reasons. That was one of his reasons.
Hsien Lian slowly walked into the room, stepping into Lui Che's eyesight. He quickly bowed, holding the bent position for a moment before raising himself. "You wanted to see me?" Hsien Lian asked, smiling kindly.
Lui Che nodded, humming. "Yes, I did. How is school going?" Lui Che asked, authority and wisness in his words. Hsien Lian smiled proudly. "Very well, Emperor. At this point, we will have people to work and play in the facility." Hsien Lian informed. Lui Che hummed, slowly standing from his throne. He walked over to the prince, placing a knowing hand on his shoulder.
"How are the flowers doing? Are they blooming greatly?" Hsien Lian clicked his tongue. "The lotus petals are in bloom this season, but besides that, the others are doing tremendously well. Especially for the prior heavy winter season." Lui Che softly nodded. "Stay here for the night. You can go out tomorrow. I want you here though." He let go of Hsien Lian's shoulder, stepping back. Hsien Lian was somewhat confused by the instruction, but he nodded.
Lui Che had a grim look on his face, like some died. "Is something wrong?" Hsien Lian wouldn't use such words with the emperor. He wouldn't use those words with most. Lui Che smiled and shook his head. "Of course not, everything is fine. I simply just want the Prince of the Han Dynasty to stay at the palace. You have been gone for months." Hsien Lian nodded, smiling.
"Of course."
Hsien Lian did as the emperor had told him, going straight to his bedroom. He opened the door, different shades of blue welcoming him. Hsien Lian sighed, walking over to his bed. He would get some rest, a small nap wouldn't hurt. Hsien Lian laid down, scooting himself under the blankets. He lightly shut his eyes, drifting off to sleep.
It was a dream. At least, that's what Hsien Lian thought.
He stood in the Han Dynasty palace. However, instead of his normal white and gold hanfu, it was switched out with a white and blue one. A dao hung at his side, very different from the one he normally owned. The wind blew a light breeze, soft winds calmly floating. Hsien Lian looked around. No one was around. No chatter. The entire city was empty.
A young man stood in front of Hsien Lian. A white and gold embroidered hanfu on. Different collared flowers and dragons were embroidered onto the columns and sides. He seemed young, with a sharp jaw and calm eyes. His hair half way pulled into a ponytail. He stared at Hsien Lian with a proud smile. He bowed, Hsien Lian quickly bowed back.
"Welcome, Your Highness." The man greeted me sincerely. Hsien Lian lifted his head from the bow, frowning. He didn't recognise this person. He knew everyone of the Han Dynasty, both young and old. He should know who this man was. The man unfolded his bamboo fan, fluttering it slightly. "If I may, what is your name?" Hsien Lian asked kindly. The man smiled.
"Tao Wu, King of the Gods."
The real god? Why would he be here? To see Hsien Lian of all people. "I have been watching you, Hsien Lian. Watching you for a very long time. I saw all of the great things you did to help your people. All of the sacrifices you had to give up. I must say, it was very impressive." Tao Wu complimented. Hsien LIan smiled and bowed. "Thank you, sir."
Tao Wu hums, walking closer to Hsien Lian. "I have come to inform you personally of something important to every god." Tao Wu started. Hsien Lian started getting slightly worried. What would that mean? Will he get killed? "I would like to offer you something." Hsien Lian hesitantly nodded.
"I am offering you the key to being a god. One of Heaven's Deities."
Tao Wu opens his hand, a yellow glow floating around his hand before a vase floats slightly above it. Lotus flowers were painted on the edge of the sleeves, curling to the tips of the wrist. "You're offering me- what?" Hsein Lian was in disbelief. He had never thought that he would be more than a human. Not that he minded such a thing. He loved being here. Loved helping people, making them smile. He loved it here. But, he could help more if he was a god, couldn't he?
Tao Wu held his hand out, showing Hsien Lian the vase. "Will you take the offer?" Tao Wu asked wisely. Hsien Lian was hesitant, very, very hesitant. He loved the citizens of the Han Dynasty. Loved everyone. He would leave them if he became one of Heaven's Deities. "Will I still be able to help my citizens?" Hsien Lian asked hesitantly. Tao Wu smiled and nodded his head.
"You would be able to help everyone." Hsien Lian's decision still wasn't exact, nor was it perfect. He thought for a moment, before nodding. "Okay. He whispered. Tao Wu nodded with a smile. "Perfect." He said, handing Hsien Lian the vase. It was lighter than air, shockingly, and colder than ice.
"Drop it." Tao Wu instructed. Hsien Lian didn't, however. "Wha- drop it? Why?" Hsien Lian asked worriedly. He didn't want to break such a beautiful vase. It would shatter into many different pieces. Hsien Lian didn't want that. "To be one of Heaven's Deities, you must break the vase." Tao Wu explained. Hsien Lian nodded and did as he was told, dropping the small vase onto the dirt pathway.
A small blue light floated from the shattered pieces, the now broken vase's floral design deserted. The blue light, with a mind of its own, floated gracefully towards him, the frozen touch of the porcelain creation gone. It circled the prince's head, no crown at the top of it. "What would you like to do?" Tao Wu asked patiently. Hsien Lian thought for a moment. Was it an animal? Was this elegant being living?
"Xiu."