In the windswept desert, the air carries the stench of blood mixed with the sands now stained a stark crimson. As the sun sets, the aftermath of battle is etched into the scorched earth, with the moans of the wounded and the cries of horses lingering in the air. The distant city walls are still shrouded in smoke, and the battered gates are marked by the ferocity of the combat, with bodies hanging in mid-air as a grim testament to defeat.
The city itself appears as a ruin, its streets once bustling now barely recognizable amidst the destruction. Charred bodies, indiscriminate of age or gender, are strewn across every corner, marked only by the hoofprints of warhorses. The city's flags, once a deep cobalt, have been violently replaced with crimson.
On the cobalt stone city walls rests a general's blood-stained helmet, surrounded by soldiers kneeling in homage, paying their respects to the fallen leader.
A man slowly makes his way through the crowd, pausing to gaze at the blood-soaked armor pierced by a spear, his touch gentle. In his other hand, he holds a military token emblazoned with the character "Lin", which he solemnly returns to an officer beside him.
Nineteen years later, in the capital of ChengSang nation, rumors abound of the emperor's rage at his physicians' failure to cure the empress's strange illness, speculated to be divine retribution for past deeds.
"Hush—TianZhong Festival is tomorrow, and the streets are full of soldiers distributing owl soup. Careful, or such words might cost you your life if the officials hear them."
"Everyone knows our emperor has never gotten over the battle in the Northern Deserts."
"It's odd, isn't it? General LinYuan, once the emperor's study companion and so loyal to the royal family, why would he launch an unauthorized military action in the north?"
"It was all because of a woman, they say. Driven by unrequited love for Princess LanShi, he made a grave mistake while drunk."
"Indeed, if not for that incident, the position of Crown Prince might not have gone to XiaoRui's son."
"Even without that affair, our ChengSang nation would never have fallen under the control of Northern blood."
The next morning, in a secluded street of the city, vendors energetically hawk their wares. Smoke wafts from the houses, carrying the light fragrance of mugwort. The narrow lanes are bustling with men hauling carts, yet they still take time to greet a local cleaning reeds at the doorstep. Children chase each other through the alleys, their laughter mingling with the plumes of comforting domestic smoke.
Deep within the alleyways, a thatched gate swings open, revealing a tall, slender figure stepping out. His ancient jade-colored robe flutters in the gentle breeze, his delicate fingers neatly arranging a stray lock of hair. A simple wooden hairpin adorns his topknot, and a paper umbrella rests in a bamboo basket on his back. His narrow, deep-set eyes smile at the distant sound of children playing.
"Doctor Li, heading out to find someone again?" A robust voice calls out, belonging to a middle-aged man with a shoulder pole, his face creased with a smile.
"Uncle Lin, just running some errands," LiLuoning responds with a polite bow, his voice calm.
"Ah, you've been searching for so long with no news, haven't you? Maybe it's time to let go. Aunt Lin has already prepared this year's Mulan soup, and she'll distribute it to the neighbors later. You don't need to buy it yourself. I'll help her with the preparations after I deliver this rice," Uncle Lin says, not pausing for long as he quickly moves on.
LiLuoning's eyes gently crinkle with a soft smile as he shakes his head in resignation and walks in the opposite direction. Along the way, he is warmly greeted by the familiar faces of the neighborhood, a testament to his well-known presence.
On the bustling main street of ChengSangKing's capital, the scene is lively with an abundance of people. The citizens, packed tightly, crane their necks in unison, their attention drawn in one direction, captivated by the unfolding spectacle.
The deep resonating gongs of copper announce the arrival of a grand procession, winding its way through the heart of ChengSangKing's capital. The streets, already cramped, swell further with excited citizens who jostle for a view of the spectacle. Soldiers at the forefront clear the way for a line of eight majestic horses carrying the Dragon Flags, signifying the imperial presence.
Following close behind are thirty-two attendants, each exuding elegance in their attire. Enclosed by numerous royal guards, a richly adorned carriage draped in golden red with sapphire tassels sways to the rhythm of the horses. Peacock feathers on large fans flash brilliantly, and a smaller carriage, surrounded by a handful of maids and eunuchs, follows, guarded by a particularly anxious young eunuch.
As per tradition, the royal family ventures to JingYuan Temple every TianZhong Festival to pray and spend the night. The entire city buzzes with the excitement of potentially glimpsing the royal procession.
LiLuoning manages to extract himself from the crowd, pausing in an alley to observe the regal procession pass by, which stirs memories of past encounters. Overheard amidst the crowd's cheers and chatter is skepticism about the Empress XiaoRui's health and her ability to participate in such public displays despite her illness.
Suddenly, a patch of clouds obscures the sun, and a light rain begins to fall, leading LiLuoning to unfurl his prepared paper umbrella. Meanwhile, in a nearby pharmacy, a young man of about sixteen or seventeen, dressed in fine clothes, is carefully protecting a few packets of medicine from the rain. As he hurries toward LiLuoning, focused on the sheltering carriage in the distance, he collides with him.
"Careful!" LiLuoning calls out as he catches the young man's arm, preventing a fall. As he lifts the umbrella, he takes in the young man's gaunt face, and an unexpected sense of recognition passes between them, leaving LiLuoning momentarily breathless with surprise.
"These eyes!"
Startled by the collision, the young man hastily bowed deeply and then hurried towards the royal carriage, leaving LiLuoning alone in stunned silence. By the time LiLuoning collected his thoughts, the young man had already disappeared into the crowd.
At the same moment, the bead bracelet on LiLuoning's wrist reacted, one bead glowing with a brilliant golden light. "The Sea Tree Jade Bead responded to him?"
Meanwhile, the young man had silently merged with the entourage and climbed into the back of the imperial carriage, drawing in the hanging ribbons from the carriage window and gently tampering with the interior wall.
Noticing the movement inside the carriage, a eunuch glanced up and realized the window ribbons had been retracted, understanding that someone had returned.
"My dear prince, you're back!" Seeing the figure inside, the eunuch's tension eased, and he bowed repeatedly to the carriage.
As a hand reached out from inside the carriage, gesturing, the eunuch approached. "Duoduo, come here. I've brought you some soothing medicine for your sleep issues," said a voice from within.
"Thank you, my lord," the chief steward Duoduo replied, accepting the medicine with gratitude, then added, "Master, for such small errands, let the servants handle them next time. Besides, there are plenty of physicians and pharmacists in the palace. There's no need for you to go yourself. My heart nearly leapt out while you were gone."
"That can't be helped; it's for my mother's care. I must do it myself. No one noticed my absence, did they?" the young man in the carriage inquired.
"No, my lord, no one noticed. And you are indeed filial; the Empress would be most pleased if she knew," Duoduo flattered.
"Let's keep this between us for now. I'll surprise her when everything is ready. You know to keep this a secret, right?" he instructed sharply.
"Yes, yes, I spoke out of turn. I will keep your secret, my prince."
As they spoke, the royal procession arrived at JingYuan Temple, slowing to a stop. The abbot came forward to greet them, leading the royal family into the temple for the evening's rituals.
After distributing the Mulan soup packets to his neighbors, LiLuoning finds himself walking home as night approaches. Traditionally, TianZhong Festival did not involve a curfew, but since a devastating battle nineteen years prior, when the Red Kirin cavalry and General Lin fell in the Northern Deserts, the emperor decreed a night curfew each festival to honor the fallen souls.
As he walks, LiLuoning is consumed by thoughts of the young man he encountered earlier. He replays their brief interaction in slow motion—the moment the paper umbrella was raised, the sound of the rain, and the faint breaths they shared. The unique color of the young man's eyes, his quivering lashes, and the faint mole under his eye become vivid in his recollection. Suddenly, the image of the young man merges perfectly with another face in his mind, making it hard to distinguish between the two.
LiLuoning wonders, "Why did the Sea Tree Jade Bead, dormant for so many years, react to him? What connection does this person have with my apprentice?"
Recalling how the young man stealthily climbed into the royal carriage and his opulent attire, LiLuoning suspects, "Could he be from the palace?"
Lost in thought, he stops as he passes a posted imperial edict, pausing to read it under the dim light of his lantern, his eyes deepening in contemplation.
Inside JingYuan Temple, under the flickering candlelight, Crown Prince JY was deeply engrossed in carving an intricately designed wooden box. The dark, rich agarwood was being sculpted into an elegant scene featuring a peony and a crane—a symbol of regality and grace. His delicate craftsmanship was evident in every detail, embodying effort and patience.
With a final gentle brush to clear the lingering sawdust, JY examined his creation with satisfaction, appreciating its beauty and practicality. "The medical texts mention that placing certain herbs within agarwood near one's sleeping area can alleviate symptoms. This box, with its openwork design, not only facilitates the medicinal efficacy but also honors my mother's fondness for peonies," he murmured to himself.
He carefully placed a small pouch of herbs inside the box, ensuring that the fit was perfect. By the light of the dim candles, the pale scars on his fingers were visible—marks of his dedication. He meticulously polished and inspected the box repeatedly, making sure every corner was flawless.
Just then, a voice from outside interrupted his focus. "Your Highness, it's getting late. You should rest now; we have an early start back to the palace tomorrow."
"Ah, yes, understood," JY responded. He packed away his tools, blew out the candles, and clutched the wooden box close to his chest like a treasured keepsake. A soft smile played on his lips as he settled into his bed, finding comfort in his craftsmanship.
Days later, in the empress's chamber, a sudden crash shattered the silence. The sound of objects hitting the floor caused the eunuchs outside to tremble in fear.
"ChengSangJY! Is this what befits the Crown Prince of ChengSang Nation? Engaging in crafts suited to commoners!" the empress scolded harshly as she coughed. "Never have I seen such dedication in your studies! These trifles are as unworthy as rotten wood... You distract yourself with frivolities—out of my sight!"
"Empress, please, calm your temper. It's not good for your health," pleaded a court lady, rushing to assist her.
In the center of the chamber, JY stood silently, his eyes downcast, expression unreadable as if accustomed to such rebukes. He glanced briefly at the broken box and scattered herbs before performing a kowtow and leaving the room quietly.
"I should have anticipated this outcome," JY thought bitterly as he exited. "What truly matters in her eyes?"
Chief Steward Duo, having overheard the commotion, was momentarily at a loss but hurried to meet JY as he emerged from the chamber.
"Master, what should we do now?" Duo asked, following behind as JY walked away, his demeanor showing a mix of concern and resignation.
"Your Highness..." The young eunuch hesitated, about to intervene, but Chief Steward Duo stopped him with a gesture and whispered instructions for calming tea and a light dinner to be prepared. He also ordered that news of the day's events be sent to ShangGuanCY at the Upper Court Residence. "I'll handle things here; the rest of you may leave."
The eunuchs and maids bowed and dispersed, leaving Duo alone beside the lotus pond, watching Crown Prince JY lost in thought. This wasn't the first time Duo had stood by as the prince retreated to the quiet of the garden after a rebuke from the empress.
Since he began serving JY, such incidents had become all too common. Each time the empress cooled her heart towards him, JY withdrew, sharing his feelings with no one, seeking solace in solitude. The next day, he would return to his usual genial and affectionate demeanor. Known for his kindness and empathy, the prince was also deeply sensitive and fragile at heart.
The emperor, preoccupied with state affairs, had delegated all matters of JY's upbringing to the Empress XiaoRui. Her control extended over every aspect of his life, from what he ate and wore to how he should sit and walk. Despite adhering to her strictures, JY never seemed to meet her expectations. Still, he tirelessly sought her approval, believing deeply in the righteousness of her guidance as his mother.
As the young prince sat silently by the lotus pond, the Chief Steward's presence a quiet reassurance of support, JY pondered the stark disconnect between his efforts and his mother's harsh responses. With each attempt to draw closer, the emotional chasm seemed only to widen, leaving him to wonder painfully if his mother truly despised him.
The early morning court session was a cacophony of voices, more resembling a marketplace than a dignified assembly. Emperor ChengSangKing, unable to bear the noise any longer, sternly called for silence. The clamor ceased immediately.
Rubbing his temples in frustration, ChengSangKing demanded an explanation for the commotion. ShangGuanCY, with a polite bow and a gentle wave of his fan, explained that the issue concerned the previous day's owl soup, rumored to be poisoned. This news caused an immediate uproar among the courtiers.
ChengSangKing was furious, questioning how such boldness could occur under his reign. ShangGuanCY calmly clarified that the soup was distributed by civil and military officials to the populace and that if poisoning was intended, the target was unclear, as it affected both commoners and officials' families alike.
Amidst this, an authoritative voice from the crowd, belonging to a senior official, supported the handling of the situation by ShangGuanCY's family but was met with skepticism from another faction in the court, suggesting no rewards should be issued until the issue was thoroughly resolved.
The debate intensified, revealing underlying tensions and rivalries within the court, particularly between the ShangGuan family and other influential groups. The discussion hinted at deeper political games, where loyalty and service could potentially be manipulated for personal gain.