Morning in the Yang Kingdom, a seven-year-old boy ran playfully through the northern forest, where towering trees swayed gently under the breeze. The light filtered through thick branches, casting scattered shadows across the forest floor. The boy, wearing a fox-shaped mask, darted between the trees with boundless energy.
"Young Master, please don't run so fast! I can't keep up!"
The voice belonged to his chubbier attendant, Zhao Tian, three years older but considerably less agile. His round cheeks flushed from exertion as he struggled to keep pace.
"Zhao Tian, you should exercise more," the boy teased without slowing down.
Eventually, the masked boy stopped beneath a massive ancient tree, its twisted roots curling above the ground like sleeping serpents. Gasping for air, Zhao Tian stumbled to his side.
"Young Master, we shouldn't be here. This is too far from the palace grounds," Zhao Tian warned breathlessly.
Ignoring the plea, the boy gazed up at the ancient tree, awe flickering in his eyes. "Zhao Tian, look at this tree. It's much bigger than the others. Did Father plant it?"
"No, Young Master. This tree's been here since before the royal family filled the northern area with trees," Zhao Tian replied proudly, straightening up.
"Really?"
"Yes! My uncle told me."
"You sure know a lot," the boy remarked with a sidelong glance.
"Of course! My uncle said that to serve a royal—"
"Yeah, yeah. I appreciate your effort," the boy cut him off, clearly uninterested.
Zhao Tian sighed. "Young Master, let's go back. Even though it's morning, this forest gives me chills."
"What are you afraid of? I'm here."
"But the guards might—"
"Be quiet."
The boy circled the giant tree while Zhao Tian plopped down nearby, still catching his breath. Minutes passed before Zhao Tian stood up, brushing dirt from his clothes.
"Young Master, the royal family gathering is about to start. We need to go," Zhao Tian pleaded again.
"You go if you want. I'm not going."
Zhao Tian groaned. "Sigh… Young Master..." Resigned, he trudged away toward the palace, leaving the boy alone.
The boy ran his fingers across the rough bark, muttering, "Why does this tree feel strange?"
A sudden voice shattered the silence.
"YOUNG MASTER!"
Without needing to turn, the boy knew who it was.
Before he could react, a man scooped him up into his arms.
"UNCLE, PUT ME DOWN!"
"The gathering is about to start. What are you doing here?" Mo Liang-Feng, the boy's spirited uncle, scolded as he carried him back toward the palace.
"I was just playing," the boy replied, struggling in his uncle's grip.
"Playing? Zhao Tian said you refused to attend the gathering. Is that true?"
The boy shot a glare at Zhao Tian, who sheepishly followed behind.
"You."
"Don't blame him," Liang-Feng intervened cheerfully. "Let me tell you—based on your young and handsome uncle's extensive experience—"
"What nonsense are you talking about?" the boy interrupted with a deadpan expression.
"Listen. This gathering is important. You're the only child of the Lord. It's time to learn responsibility."
Zhao Tian shifted nervously. "Young Master, I just thought—"
"Did you run all the way from the northern area to the palace just to tell my uncle?"
"Yes, Young Master."
"How foolish."
Zhao Tian smiled awkwardly, looking at his swollen feet.
Liang-Feng chuckled. "When I saw him limping toward me like a wounded animal, I thought he was a demon. You're lucky to have such a loyal attendant."
"It's his own fault," the boy muttered.
"You little—" Liang-Feng raised his hand as if to flick the boy's forehead, but Zhao Tian quickly intervened.
"It's fine, sir!"
Back at the palace, Liang-Feng set the boy down, who immediately called for a servant and strode toward the garden, ignoring Zhao Tian completely.
A servant approached Zhao Tian. "The Young Master ordered your legs to be treated."
Liang-Feng ruffled Zhao Tian's hair. "Come on, I'll carry you."
"No, no! I wouldn't dare!" Zhao Tian protested.
"Your legs are swollen. Don't make my nephew feel guilty." Without waiting, Liang-Feng lifted the boy onto his back.
As they headed to the physician, Liang-Feng whispered, "Even though my nephew acts indifferent, he does care. You'll get used to him."
Zhao Tian nodded silently.
Meanwhile, the boy prepared for the gathering. When a servant reached to remove his mask, he turned away.
"Can't I just keep this on?"
"With respect, Young Master, it's not allowed."
"Fine." He relented as the mask was removed.
At the gathering, murmurs filled the hall as the guests awaited the Young Master.
"Where is he? Did he run off again?" Liang-Feng grumbled.
A voice suddenly announced, "Young Master Bei Xiao-Ri has arrived."
All eyes turned toward the boy walking confidently into the hall, expression proud and aloof.
"Is that his face?"
"Finally, we get to see him."
"He's not as bad as the rumors say."
"And so young, too."
Xiao-Ri sat beside his parents, earning a whisper from Liang-Feng.
"I thought you'd run off again."
"If you want, I can do so now," Xiao-Ri replied slyly.
"Ei, no, no! Stay here."
Xiao-Ri smirked but remained seated.
As the gathering commenced, Xiao-Ri leaned toward his uncle.
"Uncle, this is boring."
His mother overheard. "A-Ri."
Xiao-Ri pouted but stayed silent.
"Endure it. You'll get used to it," Liang-Feng advised.
The grand royal hall brimmed with nobility, yet Bei Xiao-Ri found none of it remotely interesting. He sat stiffly, fingers drumming on the polished table, his sharp gaze betraying his boredom. The gathering had dragged on for what felt like an eternity.
"Uncle," Xiao-Ri whispered, breaking the monotonous silence.
"Hm?" Mo Liang-Feng, casually sipping from a cup of wine, turned to his nephew.
"Earlier, in the northern forest, I saw a massive tree—much larger than the others."
"Oh?" Liang-Feng raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That tree, huh?"
"Yes. Do you know anything about it?"
Liang-Feng chuckled lightly. "That old thing's been around longer than I can remember. When your father filled the northern area with trees, it was already standing tall. A year later, you were born. If I had to guess, that tree is probably one year older than you."
Xiao-Ri frowned skeptically. "One year older? That tree looks ancient—like it's been there for a thousand years!"
"Haha! One day, A-Ri, you'll see things others cannot. Then you'll understand." Liang-Feng's smile turned mysterious. "But yes, you're right—it's probably been there for over a thousand years. What lies within it... well, who knows?"
Xiao-Ri narrowed his eyes. "Why do you always speak in riddles?"
Liang-Feng shrugged. "Keeps things interesting. Now focus on the meeting—unless my handsome face is too captivating for you."
"Nonsense," Xiao-Ri muttered, turning away.
Just then, a young girl in a pale blue gown approached, bowing elegantly before the royal family.
"Greetings to the Queen, the Young Master, and the royal family," she said softly.
"Ei, such polite manners! Little girl, what's your name?" Liang-Feng asked, clearly delighted.
"Zhang Yao-Shi," she answered confidently.
"Ah, Commander Zhang's daughter," Liang-Feng mused. "He did mention having a daughter, though I didn't expect to see you here."
"Thank you for remembering me, Lord," Yao-Shi said politely.
"You're about the same age as our Young Master, aren't you?"
"Yes, Lord."
"Good, good! Be sure to get along well," Liang-Feng encouraged with a smile.
"Of course, Lord," Yao-Shi agreed before gracefully returning to her seat.
Liang-Feng leaned closer to Xiao-Ri. "Ei, A-Xiao, make friends with that girl."
"For what purpose?" Xiao-Ri asked flatly.
"Connections, A-Ri! You'll thank me someday."
Xiao-Ri gave his uncle a withering stare.
---
Later that day, Xiao-Ri and Zhao Tian found themselves in town, seated at a modest inn.
"Waiter, two jars of wine, please," Xiao-Ri ordered casually.
The waiter bowed. "Right away, Young Master. Anything else?"
"No, just the wine."
Zhao Tian frowned. "My Lord, why buy wine here when the palace has plenty?"
Xiao-Ri smirked. "Zhao Tian, I've brought you outside the palace countless times, yet you still question me? Are you doubting my judgment?"
"Of course not," Zhao Tian muttered, "but isn't it improper for an 18-year-old Young Master to buy wine himself?"
Xiao-Ri chuckled. "I had my first drink at 16."
"What?!" Zhao Tian exclaimed, nearly choking on air.
Xiao-Ri sighed dramatically. "Why so shocked? My uncle forced me back then. It wasn't bad."
"Ah, Lord Mo Liang-Feng... I should've guessed," Zhao Tian muttered.
The waiter returned with the wine. "Here you go, gentlemen."
"Thank you," Zhao Tian said, though his gaze remained wary as Xiao-Ri took a hearty sip.
"My Lord," Zhao Tian ventured hesitantly, "why did we leave the palace today?"
Xiao-Ri leaned back, swirling the wine lazily. "Zhao Tian, how long have you known my uncle?"
"Since you were four, I think. That was when I first met you and Lord Mo Liang-Feng."
"So it's been 14 years. My uncle once told me something," Xiao-Ri said thoughtfully.
Flashback
Nine-year-old Xiao-Ri walked through the bustling streets of town, hand-in-hand with his uncle during a lively festival.
"A-Xiao," Liang-Feng called out.
"What?"
"You should stop wearing that mask. It's a waste of the royal family's handsomeness," Liang-Feng teased.
"I like being mysterious," Xiao-Ri retorted.
Liang-Feng laughed, ruffling his hair. "Mysterious? You just look silly."
Xiao-Ri pouted but soon spotted a candy vendor. "Uncle, let's buy that!"
Liang-Feng grinned. "Alright, alright."
After buying the candy, Liang-Feng spoke again. "A-Ri, let me show you the whole city."
"Ei, no, it's too cold at night," Xiao-Ri protested.
"Nonsense! The cold is just an illusion."
Before Xiao-Ri could object further, Liang-Feng swept him up and soared to the rooftops.
From the high vantage point, Xiao-Ri gasped. "I didn't know the city looked like this."
Liang-Feng smiled. "A-Xiao, remember this—when you're older, don't just stay cooped up in the palace. Explore the world while you're young."
"Tch, you sound like an old man," Xiao-Ri teased.
"Ei, I am old!" Liang-Feng laughed.
End Flashback
"So that's why you brought me out today?" Zhao Tian asked skeptically.
"Exactly," Xiao-Ri replied, taking another sip of wine.
Their conversation was interrupted by a group of men at a nearby table.
"Have you heard about the Banana Spirit?" one of them whispered.
"Banana Spirit? What nonsense is that?"
"I'm serious! Near the waterfall in the Shui Mountains, locals have seen it."
"You're drunk."
"No, I swear! They say it appears at night when the wind blows through the trees."
Zhao Tian raised an eyebrow at Xiao-Ri.
Xiao-Ri stood abruptly. "Let's go."
Zhao Tian sighed, placing money on the table before following his enigmatic master into the bustling streets.