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“And then, the King decided to close his eyes.” Mei Nianqing read. “He sighed. He didn’t like what he had to do,” he continued, before being interrupted by the child sitting next to him.
“Why did he close his eyes? Why didn’t he do anything? He can do it, he is the king!” Xie Lian pouted, unhappy. He disagreed with the character, and crossed his arms. “He didn’t do well!”
The Guoshi smiled slightly and looked at the child. “Let me finish reading, and you’ll see what it will be, ok?” He waited for his approval, and when Xie Lian nodded, he continued.
He was able to read a whole paragraph but then, as the story continued, page by page, Xie Lian kept interrupting him. He was questioning every action, or proposing an alternative of what they could have done, or simply reacting. He was truly invested in the story, but it made it hard for the Guoshi to continue.
Mei Nianqing sighed and stopped reading. He looked at Xie Lian. “If you don’t like this book, I can find another one.” He closed it.
Xie Lian reached for it, “No! I like it very much. Don’t stop, Guoshi, I really want to know what the Prince is going to do! Please!” Xie Lian pouted a little and Mei Nianqing couldn’t help but smile, opening the book at the right page.
“Ok, but then listen, and you’ll see what the characters will do. Just be patient, it is also important to be patient.” He looked at the child that agreed with him.
When he was reading, he could see how attentive the little prince was, listening to him. It was impossible for Mei Nianqing to not enjoy these moments and his smile was genuine. So he continued to read slowly, now that Xie Lian said he would not interrupt him again.
It worked for a time. Mei Nianqing was able to read.
“But the King didn’t agree with the Prince’s plan. He had one, and he was sure it was going to work. But, he still–”
And then…–
“Why did the king not listen to him?” Xie Lian interrupted again. “He’s mean! The prince’s right!”
Mei Nianqing sighed. Without answering him, he continued what he was reading. “But he still decided to believe in him and let him do his plan.” He stopped again and let out another sigh. “You see, Your Highness, if you had let me finish my sentence without saying anything, you wouldn’t have said that.”
“Sorry Guoshi… continue, please, I’ll be good, I just really want to know!”
As Mei Nianqing continued to read, he could see the child being super attentive to each of his words. He was really invested and absolutely wanted to know. But even after many warnings, Xie Lian continued.
Guoshi was patient… he knew it was only because he liked the book he was reading. His patience still had its limits.
They ended the reading session on a cliffhanger.
Xie Lian wasn’t happy, “But no! You can’t stop now, I want to know what is going to happen, please Guoshi!” He crossed his arms and sulked. “Please, I’ll be good, I’ll stop for real, no more words. Please!”
“Tomorrow, if you finish your lessons. Now it is time to meditate and prepare to sleep, Little Highness.”
“But Guoshi!” Xie Lian didn’t pout for a long time, he knew he simply needed to be good and Guoshi would continue. “Ok! I’ll do it!” He stood up and turned to look at him, with a precious smile on his face. “Thank you, Guoshi!”
And then he left with a servant, leaving Mei Nianqing alone.
“Silly kid.” He laughed and smiled. “He’s going to make me grow older even faster.” A long sigh followed.
He closed the book and stood up, slowly walking to the exterior. The sun had settled down a moment ago and he could admire the star in the sky.
Another day, another year.. One after the others. Xie Lian was still a child, but he knew it wouldn't stay for long…
Xie Lian’s birthday was soon, in only a few days. He remembered seeing him when he was still a baby. Seeing him all grown-up now clearly didn’t help him to feel young.
* * *
And the following day started. Mei Nianqing woke up with the sun and prepared for the day. By the time he was done with his duties, he knew the crown prince was probably with his martial teacher. Of course it wasn’t him that showed him how to use a sword… First, he didn’t like it much, second, his pride would crumble if this child was better than him…It was too early for him to accept that, he still had his pride! In a few years, maybe, but not now.
As expected, Xie Lian was with him, so he continued to fulfill his duty to the crown. He reported to his Majesty the king and the Queen, and went back to his study.
After a moment, the crown prince arrived in his office with a servant. The day continued with his calligraphy lesson. After eating in the company of his mother, he went down to his study to finish some writing lessons.
It was only then that Xie Lian finished all of his duties and went to Guoshi, who was reading in the same room as him.
“Can we go read now? I finished every lesson you gave me, I trained this morning and I even organized the parchemin I had left!” Xie Lian smiled. “So we have time!”
“Don’t you have preparation to do with your mother the queen for your birthday? It’s in two days.”
Xie Lian pouted a bit, but then crossed his arms while looking at his guoshi. “She said tomorrow…” He looked up at this guoshi. “You said today if I finish all I had to do!”
Mei Nianqing wanted to say no, but looking at him, it was hard to resist. He was defeated, and sighed. “It is true that it is what I said. But not for long, then. Ok?” He couldn’t say no; he also couldn’t go back on his words.
He closed his book and invited His Little Highness to follow him to his own study.
They were walking side by side; Guoshi was a little lost in thoughts, thinking about his birthday in only two days. He then heard a surprised gasp from the prince. He totally didn’t expect him to start running away like that. Confused at first, the prince was already in front of him, almost out of sight.
“Your Highness! Don’t start running inside the palace like that!” Mei Nianqing couldn’t keep this kid calm for more than a few minutes. He sighed and accelerated his pace to reach him.
*”Of course, this child won’t stay in place… It’s a miracle I’m even able to keep him sitting when I’m reading… Damn child, making me run after you in the palace like that… “*
Xie Lian had started running because he had seen something further, and he got so excited he forgot he was with his Guoshi. He saw some lights, and red silk. Something that reminded him of a painting his mom showed him. It couldn't be right, be he had to see.
He had to confirm for himself. Without thinking, he started running until he arrived at the man he saw from further away.
“You look like His Majesty… Mama showed me a painting! I’m sure it’s you!!” Xie Lian was smiling, but also, his eyes were almost sparkling. “Is it truly you, Your Majesty?”
Jun Wu looked at the child at his feet and lowered himself on a knee to be about his height. “And you’re the crown prince of Xianle.” His smile was genuine, the excitement of the child was almost contagious. “I am. I descended to greet you, Your Highness. To meet you, for your birthday. ”
Xie Lian seemed hesitant; hesitant to be super happy as a child should be, or confused at this surprise. Of course, even young like him, he understood the emperor couldn’t descend simply to greet him. At the same time, this idea was so exciting that he could hardly contain his excitement . “Truly?! How did you know it was my birthday soon?”
The innocence of a child…
Jun Wu stretched out his hand, and Xie Lian looked at it, still hesitant to take it. “Of course I would know about the birthday of the crown prince of Xianle.”
It’s only then that they heard footsteps behind them and Xie Lian looked behind him, seeing his Guoshi. He directly hid behind Jun Wu, seeing how his master seemed angry. “I’m sorry, Guoshi… I just saw him and I got excited. It’s the Heavenly Emperor Jun Wu!”
Mei Nianqing wasn’t angry anymore, he was surprised and probably concerned. “Your Majesty The Heavenly Emperor?”
The clothes, the crown, it couldn’t be someone else; the child was right. Who wouldn’t know him? He saw countless paintings of him. But somehow, the atmosphere gave him the chills and he couldn’t identify why.
He flinched when Jun Wu raised, looking at him with his cold neutral gaze. He knew these eyes, he had seen them so often. He would never be able to forget these obsidian irises looking at him. Mei Nianqing clenched his fists.
“Yes I am. State Preceptor.” He simply lowered his chin, in respect to him, before raising it and looking him in the eyes.
This voice. Mei Nianqing gasped. There was no mistake. He couldn’t be mistaken at this point. He knew who that Heavenly emperor was.
Mei Nianqing’s tone hardened directly. “Why are you here?” It wasn’t as respectful as his previous words, but ironically he wasn’t more angry than confused.
Jun Wu saw his reaction and frowned. He took one step toward Mei Nianqing. “It is only normal, state preceptor.”
Jun Wu had recognized Mei Nianqing too, and he was equally confused. He couldn’t be sure before when he observed Xianle’s development. Now that he was in front of him, he had no doubt. His eyes were the same, and even if his appearance was different, he couldn’t mistake him from that close, and he would never forget his voice, nor these eyes.
He didn’t descend to meet the state preceptor; he was actually surprised. After so long, he was in front of him. Jun Wu took another step, still into that silent staring contest.
He snapped out of his trance when Xie Lian put himself between them. Jun Wu’s expression eased directly.
Trusting his Guoshi as much as he trusted his own parents, Xie Lian got excited. “Don’t be angry, Guoshi, it’s His Majesty!” He smiled and looked back at the emperor. “It is truly His Majesty Jun Wu! And he said he descended for my birthday,”
The tension in the air was already down, as if Xie Lian realized it and chose to deal with it in his own way.
Mei Nianqing knew who Jun Wu was, and Jun Wu recognized him directly.. But nothing could be done at this instant. He closed his eyes for a second to calm his mind and to calm his breathing. He had to remind himself that it was a bad memory and not the current situation.
He had to assume his position. “It is an honor to meet you in person, Your Majesty.” Mei Nianqing bowed and waited for a sign to stand up. “Why did you honor us with your presence, today?”
Jun Wu genuinely smiled. “Xianle is an important kingdom. Knowing it was the birthday of the crown prince, I descended to finally have the chance to meet him.”
Mei Nianqing frowned, but didn’t say anything more. He wasn’t reassured by the star of Xie Lian’s date of birth, and the emperor coming now… Nothing seemed like a good omen. It confirmed very well that he was interested in Xie Lian.
The child’s expression was full of admiration. “You truly came for me? For my birthday! That’s the best gift!”
Jun Wu put a knee on the ground, and opened his arms. He ignored Mei Nianqing and Xie Lian went in without any hesitation. The emperor then raised from the ground, holding the child against him. Carefully holding him, Jun Wu didn’t even look at Mei Nianqing, his eyes only on the child.
“So, Little Highness, what do you want to do?”
“Going to the armory! But I can’t go normally…” He pouted a little, sad that he couldn’t show Xianle’s sword collection to His Majesty. “Guoshi, mama and father said it’s too dangerous. So I can’t go.”
Hearing that, Jun Wu finally looked at Mei Nianqing, asking silently for the authorization.
Guoshi couldn’t refuse, so he nodded. The words left his mouth after much hesitation, “You’re with His Majesty, nothing can happen. You can go.” He then lowered his head and sighed.
When they passed by his side, he raised his head and looked right into Jun Wu’s eyes. The emperor smiled and passed him, adding nothing more.
Guoshi didn’t move directly. He had to close his eyes, and composed himself. Once done, he turned on his heels to follow them.
Xie Lian told him the direction and Jun Wu walked there, talking to the child that seemed like he couldn’t be happier. No child wouldn’t like to be in the arms of their idol. Who wouldn’t like to have their idol coming specially for you? Of course, Xie Lian was living one of the best moments of his life.
“So, why do you want to go to the armory, Little Highness?” Jun Wu asked, curious to know more about this child. Even if he observed him during his first years, he still couldn’t pretend to really know him, on a personal level yet.
The kid smiled, and laughed. “I always loved weapons! They’re cool, pretty, and have big stories! I wish to know more about it…” Xie Lian thought. “Plus, I started using them and I think they’re cool. And we have so many.”
“This is very true. I, too, enjoy weapons.” The emperor said, always smiling. It was interesting to see that they have the same interest. He always loved swords, so even if it was with a child, he was always happy to talk about it. “I am honored to be able to witness the imperial armory of Xianle.”
Xie Lian laughed. “Of course! And I am so happy to share it with you, Your Majesty!”
The discussion then continued, as they were walking. Jun Wu learned what was his favourite lesson, what he liked to do in his free time, and even what he liked the least in his lessons.
After some minutes, they finally arrive in front of the armory. Xie Lian was even more excited, now that they were here.
Jun Wu put the child down and turned to Mei Nianqing who was following. “Can you unlock the door, Preceptor?”
He tensed, but accepted. He passed by him and unlocked it. “Just be careful with him, Your Majesty.”
“Of course, what do you think I’ll do?” Jun Wu replied, in a cold tone.
Mei Nianqing didn’t answer, he simply looked at him, then at the child that seemed confused at the tone the two older men were using.
“Guoshi? Is everything okay? What is wrong? It’s okay if I can’t go…” He lowered his head, as if knew he did something wrong.
At this sight, the preceptor’s gaze softened. He put one knee on the ground and put his hand on the small shoulder of the kid. “No, no, everything’s fine. You’re allowed to go, it’s what you want and it is your birthday. Plus, His Majesty blessed us with his presence, just for you.” He patted his shoulder and got up. “You can go. and don’t ask me anymore, before I change my mind.”
The smile on the child’s lips was priceless. “Thank you, Guoshi! You’re the best!”
Guoshi smiled, and nodded to Jun Wu, giving him the silent approval that he could go and do what he wanted to do. Visit the armory and see Xianle's treasure.
His expression was complex. He knew him, but he couldn’t stop thinking about how soft they looked together. How natural it was to see Xie Lian in Jun Wu’s arms. He softened and genuinely smiled. He also rarely saw the crown prince that happy.
“Your Majesty!” Xie Lian took his hand and entered the room, so excited to show his treasure to someone.
When they opened the door, rays of sunlight entered the dark room and reflected on the blades. Jun Wu could see the imperial armory in its full glory. Everything was where it should be. The armory was as wealthy as the palace; the gold ornaments were truly shining under this sunlight.
Jun Wu couldn’t stop looking at it.. They were truly taking care of everything and making sure it was always at its best. Even if the emperor was following the child, he couldn’t stop a smile appearing on his lips. He truly loved that and even if himself had one, this one was different and really representative of Xianle as a kingdom; worth the sight.
“Your armory is truly breath-taking, Xianle.” Jun Wu said slowly.
He lit the chandelier so they could see, and was able to see every work of art present in this room. From ceremonial armors, to swords and lances… Everything was there.
With his hand holding Jun Wu’s, Xie Lian dragged the emperor inside. “I want to show you my favourite sword!”
Xie Lian was truly excited to show it to him. After all, he seemed interested in it; everyone liked to be able to share a common interest. Plus it was the emperor himself that was present for him! For his birthday in two days! Of course he was happy and he couldn’t stand in place.
Guoshi was teaching him how to keep his composure, and how to act like the crown prince he was; today was absolutely a failure on that part… But since Guoshi didn’t say anything, Xie Lian didn’t even bother.
Knowing exactly where to go, he dragged him and stopped in front of a stand, where a pretty sword was waiting.
“Oh, but I know this sword,” started Jun Wu. “It’s truly a pretty sword, but I am surprised to see that it’s your favourite.” He took the sword by the hilt and looked at it, in his hand. “It’s a masterpiece, from a renowned blacksmith hundreds of years ago. The blade is sharp, long, and truly precise.”
“You know about it?” Xie Lian was even more impressed. “You know about swords? How much? Do you like swords too? If you do, we have a lot!” The child got truly excited; for the first time, he could share his passion with someone.
Of course, even if the emperor could talk about swords all day, he still needed to contain his excitement. He put his hand on the top of Xie Lian’s hair and smiled. “I do like swords, I also have an armory like this one… but I could say that this one is impressive. Xianle possesses some rare gems that I haven’t seen in a long time.”
When the child raised his head and looked at him with stars in his eyes, Jun Wu continued. “This sword is simple, it doesn’t have any ornaments, it isn’t a ceremonial sword, but meant for war. It was deadly and its general was known for being a conqueror. A fine blade, indeed.” He put the sword back on his support. “You truly have a good eye for a good sword, Xianle.”
Xie Lian was truly impressed by his words. He wanted to know more about everything present in this armory. What a chance for him to find someone that wanted to talk about all the weapons they could see in this place.
With stars in his eyes, he looked at the sword he considered being his favourite. “Is it truly a good weapon? One day, I’ll be able to use it as well as this conqueror!” He crossed his arms, thinking. “Do you know more about this one?” Xie Lian was already showing another weapon.
Jun Wu looked at the lance behind them and smiled. “I do. It doesn’t bear a name, but it was the weapon of a lieutenant. Also a great lance, less known, but a fine weapon indeed.” His fingers slowly touched the metal.
“Do you think you know about all of them?” Xie Lian touched the wood on the lance, and looked up to meet Jun Wu’s eyes. “I want to know it all!”
Xie Lian then asked him for many more weapons, always drinking his words. He loved the weapon by themselves, but also loved to hear the story behind these swords. He never truly loved the lessons he had where he needed to listen without moving, but from the emperor, on his favourite subject, he was truly attentive and even in admiration.
“Can I have lessons like that all the time?” Xie Lian crossed his arms and pouted a little. “It’s much better than listening to my teacher talking about the history of the kingdom…”
“Is your teacher the State preceptor?” Jun Wu asked, curious.
“No, not for history. He teached me calligraphy, reading, cultivation and meditation, etiquette too. Not history and martial arts.” The child sighed. “I think he would be better than my teacher, but Father said he is the best in Xianle to teach me.”
Jun Wu ruffled Xie Lian’s hair gently. “It’s for the best, so you can enjoy moments like these.” His smile was genuine. Himself was surprised he was enjoying this moment that much. “Don’t you enjoy it? It’s different from your usual teachings.”
The child nodded and sighed. “This is true…”
It was the first time someone took the time to talk to him about the thing he loved the most. He loved reading stories with his Guoshi, and even liked to read parchemins by himself… but it was truly long and quite boring, when he could have someone to explain it to him!
His father was also too busy to ever take his free time with his son, and it wasn’t in the domain of knowledge of his mother. Even though his mother always seemed proud of him when he was showing her his new skills. When he was observing the older disciple, she was often with him.
For the crown prince, this time with the emperor was the best gift he could have. He kept smiling and showing all of his favourite stuff to the emperor. Plus, he was here for him and he felt he was truly listening and interested by what he was saying
Jun Wu was also smiling. He was truly enjoying this time in the armory. Seeing these weapons he hadn't seen in so many years in a good condition, and talking about them to a child that was listening was truly a gift. He appreciated that child more than he thought he would; he didn’t regret descending to spend time with him and meeting him in person.
But at the same time, he remembered the innocent stupid child he was himself, and he felt some rage inside of him. How can this child be so unconscious and innocent?
How could it be…?
This child was truly interesting and it was only confirming it. He understood with more clarity why he was that interested in him. It wasn’t only the star under which they were both born. It was more… It was the boy himself. It was like reading a story where you knew the end. He clenched his fists under frustration, his eyes were closed, his breath was calm.
XIe Lian was truly interesting… so interesting that it was also frustrating. Even irritating. Ungrateful.
He would love to see how this child would grow later on.
“Your Majesty? Is everything okay?” Xie Lian went in front of him, tilting his head on the side.
He opened his eyes and looked at him, unclenched his fists and smiled. Truly, the children's innocence was strong. He ruffled Xianle’s hair and smiled.
“Everything is ok, I just got lost in thought.” He looked at the child that was still worried. “What if we go test one sword together?”
Children were actually something else, and it was true that they had a sixth sense when something wasn’t right. One second they were worried about a feeling they got, and the second after, they were so excited and almost jumping, forgetting what just happened a second ago.
“I really can? Guoshi usually doesn't want…” Xie Lian looked in the direction of his Guoshi, still waiting at the entrance. “But I want to.”
Jun Wu smiled and looked in the same direction. “We’ll do it, we don’t need his authorization when I’m here with you. He’s strict with you, right?” He put a finger on his lips, as if it was a secret between them, and them alone.
Xie Lian laughed. “Yes!”
After choosing a sword, they passed by Mei Nianqing to go out, and he frowned. He was about to ask what they were doing, but looking at Jun Wu, he decided to not say a thing and to simply follow them.
His worries were reasonable! He knew Jun Wu, and he also had guessed his interests toward Xie Lian, which were confirmed today. But somehow, seeing them having a fun time in the armory together was heart-warming.
Guoshi stayed on the side, looking at them. Nothing seemed to be wrong. It was simply the emperor that was helping a child to hold a weapon. He crossed his arms and smiled, listening to the sound of their voices. And appreciating something he never thought he would be able to appreciate again.
Xie Lian was even more excited than before. He got to share his interest with someone first and he was allowed to do things he wasn’t normally.
Holding the sword, Jun Wu adjusted it in his hand, ensuring that his grip was strong. “It is a real sword, so it can be dangerous. Be sure to always hold it with good strength.” He looked at the child himself and he smiled.
With a stronger grip, he raised the sword slowly. He was focusing on his task, and kept following the emperor's direction. How to place his hand on the sword, how to position his feet to make sure his stand was strong, even how to roll his fingers around the hilt. He was still excited, but what was most exciting was that The Emperor of the Heavenly Court himself was showing him how to hold a sword.
Jun Wu continued, putting one hand on his elbow and the second on his wrist. “You’re holding it well?” Seeing the children ready, he continued. “Extend your arm.” As he was doing so, Jun Wu helped him, making sure everything was going well and smoothly. Even if the child had some martial skills, this sword was still heavy for him.
Jun Wu guided him in his movement, slowly teaching him how to use it and how this sword was an extension of his arm. Xie Lian was focused, but a smile was visible on his lips; he was having fun. He also took his time to show him some ways to do it, always followed by some explanations.
Mei Nianqing kept looking at them, but didn’t say a word. It was hard to smile in his mental state, but at the same time, it was so simple. He couldn’t help but feel some inner joy looking at Jun Wu teaching the child.
Guoshi was truly the best person to watch them, because he knew these two individuals well. His thoughts went back to Wuyong; thinking about the armory Jun Wu had. How passionate the crown prince of Wuyong was about all of these swords. Even now, there are some painful memories…
But even if it was painful, this moment was precious for him. A slight smile, his mind lost in the memories of Wuyong. A thousand years ago, he was looking at him, practicing with a sword, while reading—
“Guoshi!!” Xie Lian said, louder so he would get his attention. “It’s better than it was! His Majesty showed me so many good things!”
Mei Nianqing was a little confused; he was lost in the memories of the past and the child just brought him back. “It is, you’re progressing so fast, Your Highness. You’ll have to show it to your mother too.” He smiled, as he knew his mom was interested to see his son improving.
Then, the teaching continued for a time. Jun Wu showed different tricks and posture to Xie Lian while Guoshi watched. The child kept showing his new improvements to his Guoshi, as if he was waiting for approval. Each time, he was smiling and continued to follow the direction the best he could.
After their session, they went back together in the armory to put back the sword and spent more time inside. Xie Lian knew the emperor couldn’t stay forever but he was still ready to take as much time as possible with him.
It was truly a day he would never forget. When they got out of the armory, he knew it was over. He lowered his eyes and sighed, sad.. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I really loved it.” He looked at him. “It will be my best birthday ever!”
“You’re truly a gem of your time, Xianle.” The emperor put a knee on the ground to look at him. “Happy early birthday. I am glad I got to meet you in person. ”
He could see something familiar in that child, that reminded him of his foreign past. The innocence was clear, as expected of a child of his age. He knew he’d grown up to be a beautiful young prince.
Knowing they had to say their goodbye soon, Jun Wu opened his arms so the child would accept to be carried. They walked in front of Mei Nianqing.
“Your passion for the armory was truly inspiring.” Jun Wu simply said. “I enjoyed teaching you some of their stories.” It wasn’t a lie, he enjoyed that on a personal level.
“I love them a lot. So many stories, pretty, I love to look at them. Even if I don’t use them, I just love it.” He smiled. “I like to take care of them even if mama says it’s not me that needs to do it. I want them to be perfect.” He laughed slightly. “It’s with them that we can ascend!”
Jun Wu stopped walking and looked at the kid in his arms. “You know you can ascend in other ways? As a Civil god, or a master of elements too.” This child was truly interesting. He was still so innocent.
“Sure, but I want to be a Martial God! I want to protect everyone and save them all.” He crossed his arms, determined. “I want to be like you! As strong and powerful as you when I'm older.”
Mei Nianqing gasped silently and stopped moving. What he just said…?
Jun Wu closed his eyes, and smiled. “Of course you’ll be like me when you're older, Xianle.” He rested his hand on the top of his head, opening his eyes again and looking at the innocent smile. “You have a lot of work to do, but you have the potential.”
For a second, he was impressed to see the child’s innocence, and how precious it was. How this child was just like him when he was around his age.
But he was angry at the same time.
In these words, his gaze left the child to look at Mei Nianqing.
The Guoshi stopped breathing. He couldn’t say a thing, but he simply crossed his arms on his chest, trying to compose himself in front of them.
“As I see, you had a really good day with His Majesty.” Guoshi could simply imagine how it was for him. He then looked at the emperor with a respectful smile. “Are you staying for dinner? I’m sure His Majesty the King of Xianle would be honored to have you as a guest. I can order it right away.”
Jun Wu smiled, but Mei Nianqing could see how his smile looked fake. “I am honored, but I can get away for any longer. It was only a small surprise on his birthday.”
The crown prince was a little sad to know that the emperor would leave, but the memory will always be in his mind. He bowed and smiled with all his teeth when he got up. “Thank you so much Your Majesty! It was wonderful and I learned so much!I will look forward to meeting you again, In the Heavenly Court!”
Knowing that discours, Jun Wu lost his smile. He ruffled the head of the kid. “I look forward to it too, Your Highness.”
Feeling the tension in the air, Mei Nianqing changed the subject. “Your Highness, your mom is probably looking for you now, you should go meet her to eat. I’ll join later, I have some things to do.” He called a servant to bring the child to his mother.
Xie Lian left and didn’t stop waving at the emperor. “It was fantastic!” And eventually, he turned the corridor and got out of sight for the two men still present.
The tension transformed itself. It was from the fear to an unexplainable feeling he had. He swallowed hard and turned to face him.
Before he could say anything, he heard the distinctive voice of the emperor that made him shiver. “So, this is where you were.”
“I could say the same for you, Your Majesty.” He raised his head, so he could finally look him in the eyes. “Why did you descend? Was it truly only to meet him and babysit all day?”
Mei Nianqing heard a laugh. “Of course, what did you think? He is a child, I simply wanted to meet him, his birth is interesting. He has the potential to ascend, I can tell.”
As he was talking, he took a step forward and Mei Nianqing didn’t move. He stayed exactly at the same position. Jun Wu lifted his chin to force him to look into his eyes. He could feel his body shaking.
“Continue to do your great work, Preceptor. He likes you, he kept mentioning you today.”
He removed his hand and in a blink of the eyes, he disappeared.
Mei Nianqing couldn’t move for a good minute. Too much happened in a small amount of time. He needed to process it, and he needed time for that. He also knew he couldn’t make the queen wait any longer before going back.
He needed to avoid questions and suspicions. But most of all, he wouldn’t know how to answer and what to say.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
*Ways too many years later*
“He isn’t like me.” said the fallen emperor.
Mei Nianqing answered, “No, he isn’t, Your Highness,” closing his eyes.
“Me, being able to speak those words; being alive to say this is the proof by itself.” A genuine smile appeared on Jun Wu’s lips and he closed his eyes.
Mei Nianqing tightened his grip around his hand and looked at him and only him. Even if he couldn’t see his face, hidden by Xie Lian’s hat, he could feel him.