Time: 10:00 PM, 15th Day of the 3rd Month, Year 1745
Location: Imperial City, Realm of Qing
Jian Yu sat in his dimly lit room, surrounded by stacks of novels. His favorite, "The Prince's Ascension," lay open on his lap. The flickering candlelight danced across the pages.
As he read the final page, a strange, tingling sensation began to envelop him. It started in his fingertips, spreading up his arms, and then throughout his body. The sensation intensified, like a gentle hum.
Suddenly, Jian's vision blurred, replaced by swirling colors – shimmering silvers, deep blues, and vibrant golds. The colors coalesced into an ethereal mist.
An ethereal voice whispered, "Jian Yu, transmigration initiated." The voice echoed in Jian's mind.
Jian's consciousness expanded, as if his soul was being pulled from his physical body. He felt weightless.
The transmigration process unfolded like a dream. Jian's essence traversed realms.
He saw visions of ancient Qing, its majestic landscapes, and imperial architecture.
When clarity returned, Jian found himself standing amidst a bustling market.
Vendors hawked their wares, and horse-drawn carriages rattled down cobblestone streets.
Jian struggled to comprehend his new reality.
He wandered through the market.
As Jian navigated through the crowded alleys, he stumbled upon a small, unassuming tea house. The sign above the door read "Moonlit Serenity." Intrigued, Jian stepped inside.
Inside, the tea house was serene and peaceful, a stark contrast to the bustling market. Soft lanterns cast warm glows, and the scent of jasmine tea filled the air.
Jian approached the counter, where a graceful woman with piercing green eyes greeted him.
"Welcome, traveler," she said, her voice melodious. "I am Mei. What brings you to Moonlit Serenity?"
Jian hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I...I'm just exploring the city."
Mei's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You're not from around here, are you?"
Jian shook his head.
Mei poured Jian a cup of steaming tea. "This is Dragon's Breath, a rare blend. It will calm your mind and soothe your soul."
As Jian sipped the tea, he felt its calming effects spread through his body. His mind cleared, and his senses heightened.
Mei watched him with an knowing gaze. "The tea is working. Your aura is stabilizing."
Jian's eyes narrowed. "My aura?"
Mei smiled enigmatically. "You have an unusual energy about you, traveler. One that could attract...attention."
Before Jian could inquire further, the tea house's door slid open. A tall, brooding figure entered.
"Ah, Liang," Mei said, her voice measured. "Welcome."
Liang Zheng, the Crown Prince, stood before Jian, his piercing gaze scrutinizing.
As Liang Zheng entered, the air thickened with tension. Mei's expression turned guarded.
"Your Highness," Mei said, bowing gracefully.
Liang Zheng's gaze lingered on Jian before shifting to Mei. "I've been searching for you, Mei. We have unfinished business."
Mei's eyes flashed with warning. "Not here, Your Highness. Not now."
Liang Zheng's jaw clenched, but he nodded curtly. "Very well. I'll wait."
He turned to Jian, his eyes narrowing. "And who might you be?"
Jian bowed, trying to conceal his turmoil. "I'm Jian Yu, a traveler."
Liang Zheng's gaze probed Jian's face. "A traveler, or a refugee?"
Jian hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
Mei intervened, her voice smooth. "Jian is a weary traveler seeking refuge, Your Highness. I offered him hospitality."
Liang Zheng's eyes lingered on Jian before nodding. "Very well. I'll let it pass...for now."
After Liang Zheng said, "I'll let it pass...for now," the air remained tense.
Mei broke the silence, her voice measured. "Thank you, Your Highness. Please, join me for a cup of tea."
Liang Zheng nodded, his gaze still fixed on Jian.
As Mei poured the tea, Jian sensed an undercurrent of tension.
Liang Zheng's eyes never left Jian's face. "Tell me, Jian Yu, what brings you to Imperial City?"
Jian hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
Mei intervened, her voice smooth. "Jian is seeking refuge, Your Highness. He's weary from his travels."
Liang Zheng's gaze narrowed. "Refuge? From what?"
Jian's heart pounded. He couldn't reveal his true identity or purpose.
"I...I fled a family feud," Jian said, trying to sound convincing.
Liang Zheng's eyes searched Jian's face, as if seeking truth.
Suddenly, a commotion outside interrupted them.
Guards shouted, and horses' hooves pounded the cobblestone streets.
"What's happening?" Liang Zheng demanded.
A guard rushed in, bowing. "Your Highness, an imperial messenger has arrived with urgent news."
Liang Zheng's expression darkened. "I'll attend to it."
He turned to Jian. "Our conversation is far from over."
With that, Liang Zheng departed, leaving Jian feeling uneasy.
Mei's eyes locked onto Jian's. "Be cautious, Jian Yu. The Crown Prince is not one to trifled with."
Jian nodded, his mind racing.
_-_-_-_-_-_