"Lights out!" The command echoed throughout the palace as it was followed by a resounding trumpet. The moon was overhead, shinning so brightly illuminating the dark roofs of the visible red-brick palaces of Wu Kingdom. No soul was supposed to be seen wandering aimlessly on the sacred premises, except the soldiers standing on guard and servants waiting in front of the two specific closed thick doors. The sprawling, extravagant imperial palace was at the centre surrounded by many other small palaces that had yet to extinguish the lamps and candles as per the usual curfew. The emperor's sleeping quarters was the only exception, still brimming with unrestrained light and lit with fragrant candles to aid during the passionate night. One could see intimate movements depicted from within the room, through the vevelt curtains which covered the screens. A pair of silhouettes tumbled and spun around as if they were dancing to some exciting rhythmic tune. Some time in between the guards stan
Feeling suffocated to an extent that his eyes started to burn, he slipped out of the room and lept on a peach tree close to the palace. He sat on one of the top trunks looking at the few stars in the sky. The darkness seemed to embrace his loneliness."When will he come to me?" He murmured softly with a tear cascading on his cheek. He could feel his heart aching with a prickly feel. His mind went back to the events that had occurred a few moments ago. Disrupting his peace of mind. And also adding a lot of turmoil that's difficult to tame. "I'm losing hope." He could hear his own voice sounding very hoarse. And his throat feeling very dry. When he felt his eyes watery and blurry, he turned away from the sparkly stars above that appeared as if they were mocking him. He burrowed his head on top of his legs. At first, he believed that time would change everything but he was soon proved wrong when the man he loved continued to sleep around. He felt very dejected and depressed but there
"Xian! Come take a look!" Rushan called for his friend who at the time was staring at the food being sold nearby. There was some grilled meat, some bread and biscuits baked beautifully, roasted corn cob, anything that was sweet and delicious was displayed for the customers to see. He could not contain himself but imagine the monarch going about trying everything as he urged him to try as well. "...." He turned to look to the one who had called him. His gaze landed on the sword in his hands. It was just a normal sword. But he knew the prince thought otherwise. "Should I buy it? I am going to gift it to Imperial brother." Lui Xian didn't have to answer before Rushan purchased it. After a while wandering about and taking a mount of things in an expensive sac, the two started to make their way back to the palace. They were on their horses riding at a steady pace. For some reason, the two didn't want to get back early for they knew that on their arrival they would see preparations for t
"Ouch..." Lui Xian was awakened by an intense paining on his abdomen. He struggled to sit up and then slowly supported himself on the dirty ground and then leaned his back on a tree. His right hand moved downwards, getting closer to the wound which he clutched at with great force. He immediately surveyed his surroundings in the pitch darkness. He wondered if his eyes were still alright for he could see nothing and he could only feel the chilly wind whispering beside his ears. He felt itchy all over from the mosquito bites that were imprinted on his body. He extended his hands to reach for something on the ground, only to come in contact with some clay and a hard surface. He spread his palm and started feeling around trying to find some hope. Then he rasply murmured, "where am l?" He got no answer instead he heard his distorted voice reverberating in the night, seeming as if he was being asked the same question. The lonely man wanted nothing but to be asleep in his quiet quarters.
Inside the shop, the woman sat beside Lui Xian her eyes gawking at his face. "He is very good-looking. I wonder if our child is going to look like him."Hexiu whispered lowly as she poked at his cheeks feeling quite happy with herself. She fancied the man. He had everything she had ever admired in a man. Well, in many men. She likes a well-built body like his. And also handsome looks like his. Why wouldn't she, she is a widow after all. After her husband died she vowed to relish various sexy guys in order to lessen her agony. Lui Xian was deeply unconscious and was oblivious to what was happening. He was lying on a mat and was covered with a quilt that rested just above his waist. His upper muscular body was exposed giving a full picture of the wound that was dripping with some blood, some flesh was exposed giving a frightful feeling.He had little drops of sweat trailing down his forehead that already had several frowning lines. His skin was pale and his lips had some cracks and w
"Elder Sister, he regained consciousness!" Lui Xian brought his hands up to cover his ears from the shrieking voice right beside him. He looked up to see a little girl putting away a dish almost full of peeled potatoes. She turned and also stared back at him smiling at the man who had been sleeping for a whole week. "How do you feel? Should I call for the doctor?" The little girl asked attempting to rise but she was pushed down by a hand which moved quite faster than lightning. She had known that the man knew martial arts after all her Elder Brother often took her along on his many voyages. Also the sword and bloody appearance were very familiar in her memories. "I'm okay. Is there any adult around? I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude." Lui Xian asked in a hoarse voice. He felt that it was weird to be talking to a toddler about his health. It made him feel as if he was burdening her at such a young age. "There is no need. We are very happy that you ended up here." Hexiu
Sensing someone's presence watching him from behind, Lui Xian swiftly stood up and turned around. His face was cold. His eyes devoid of any emotion, as he stared at the other with a heated gaze. He scrutinized the appearance of the other person who was also giving the same stare. Feng Shao was a metre away from the other. He displayed a disappointed look as if he had come across with the last person he wanted to see. He wished to turn around and pretend not to have seen him. But it was too late. They had already made eye contact. "Did you hear what I just said?" Those were the first words Lui Xian asked, not even passing a single greeting. He didn't mind that it was his first time meeting him. And that he was kinda rude to the other man. Instead he hoped that the other would brush off what he had just heard and be on his way."Yes. I heard everything." Unfortunately Feng Shao didn't get the hint.Lui Xian lowered his head while he clutched the smooth material of his clothes desperat
"We are not selling this house. Young man maybe you've got the wrong address." Old Feng spoke whilst sitting on a stool under the tree. He supported his back on the trunk and looked up at Lui Xian. "No Granpa I have been told to come here. Lady Hexiu mentioned that she had found a room for me to stay." He responded while making his way to greet him. "You mean Lan're sent you here. Come sit. Xiao Feng, prepare some tea. We have a guest."Lui Xian took his seat beside the old man and started chatting with one another. They talked of trivial matters such as state affairs and silly gossips. They were getting along very well."You!" His attention was drawn away by that remark. He felt that the voice was very familiar. And so he raised his head to look at the disdainful man he had met not too long ago."What are you doing here? Oh, you are following me." Lui Xian stupidly accused standing up as well to look at the other man. The accused could only frown with disdain feeling his head aching
It has been a few months after their marriage, the couples were living quite a fruitful life. It was peaceful and the days were enjoyable. Feng Shao continued offering consultations to everyone in the valley, he also went into the forest and other places in search of various herbs. Sometimes he would stay at home and spend some quality time with his husband. The two would play around. Either just cuddling and flirting under a cherry tree or sparring with each other. Although everytime Lui Xian would go easy on him. Feng Shao on other occasions he would play a few pieces of his own songs on his zither. The others would listen with a smile. And the villagers would sometimes join them. Some would even beg him to learn. And Dong Dong would be amongst these people. Feeling proud of him. Rushan on the other hand, he would be occupied in his paintings. He loved investing most of his time playing with colours and smelling the ink on the parchment paper. He would sometimes add poems once he
Rushan beamed with happiness, altogether with excitement knowing that he had a chance to get him. He hurriedly got onto his feet and strode to the doors, eager to see him again. "Thank you brother." He waved at the emperor and disappeared before the monarch could say anything in return. He just watched his little brother with a small smile on his lips. He took a sip of his tea, savouring the exquisite taste. Once done, he looked into space as if he was in deep thought. The prince on the other hand was running around the palace path ways, heading to the training area where he assumed he would find him training. Some refreshing breeze graced his cheeks and made his hair dance along with the moving air. The scenery all around him appeared to be surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms fluttering and emitting a mesmerizing scent. It did not take time for him to reach the training grounds. Various soldiers were busy clushing with wooden swords against one another. Others were engaged in
The following day, the prince got up as early before the rooster crowed. He had black circles around his eyes. His orbs looked very depressed. He was so unkempt. His personal servants were so shocked and embarrased. They prayed secretly in their hearts, begging the heavens so that there hasn't been a single soul that had seen this or else their prince's image would forever be ruined. They got flustered and started running about like headless chickens before the head maid calmed them down and ordered the others to bring warm water from the kitchen and also to prepare for his highness's clothes. In the mean time, she greeted the prince and politely urged him to go behind the screen where there was a beautiful pond with beautiful flowers scattered skillfully on top. She helped undress him and left him with pants on before guiding him into the pond.All the while Rushan was feeling tired and very sleepy. He listened to whatever she was saying so to get her to go away. He didn't want to d
"Well then Qi Han, come and inform me when he returns.""Yes, Your Highness." Qi Han answered respectfully. He watched as Rushan turned and walked away, going back to his palace. The little minister then turned back giving the room where Lanzhu lived a last glance before going on his way. On the other side, Rushan rested in his office and waited patiently, while thinking of things he was going to say to him. He had done this many times but he never seemed to get tired of it. Just the thought of telling him how he felt filled his tummy with butterflies. After a moment, then he felt sad for some reason. His mind having wild guesses like: 'Maybe the letter wasn't meant for me.'"Does he like someone else?""No, no. If that is the case I will never be able to accept it."The Night approached very fast and Rushan takes a nap and dreams of him again. He couldn't help but smile in his dream. Just the thought of being kissed by those juicy lips sent him into the clouds. He wished to never
Shiny charcoal hair flowed gently past his eyes, flattering with the wafting breeze making the scene look breathtaking. The rays highlighted the beautifully styled hair. The shimmering emerald robe he was wearing enhanced his graceful figure. And also the gentle but cold temperament.Rushan just couldn't get enough while looking at it. His light blue eyes wandered a lot more on the gorgeous designs, then the coarse and shiny hair before they shifted on to the good-looking face. The thirsty prince took in the unfamiliar distinct features. It appeared as if he was drinking an exquisite juice just by looking at them. Especially the white fair skin and scarlet eyes he had never seen before. It was rare to find anyone with this eye colour in Wu Kingdom. Even when he went on his voyages, he had never come across such a trait. This made his interest pick up.He couldn't move his eyes away, so he chose to look to his heart's content. His rosy full lips didn't escape his scrutiny as well. Rus
There he found an outlet for his troublesome woes. Lui Xian listened and felt amused by his dear friend's antics. He felt like he was watching himself when he had just realized that he had fallen for the monarch.But it was very different for his friend. He had never met the person at all. All he could hold onto was the emotional bond he had achieved through heartfelt words on an ordinary parchment paper. Lui Xian however, never judged his dear companion, for he knew how hard it was to be in a fruitless love. One had to hold onto the hope that perhaps one day he will see my love. One had to dream of a life together, longing and yearning to acquire their coveted wish. He watched as Rushan told him how eager he was to find the person who wrote to him. He had searched and searched everywhere in the Kingdom until he almost lost hope. That is until he stumbled upon a piece of writing when he had visited his Imperial brother. On that fateful day, the prince was low spirited and was in no
After the adventurous wedding night, Feng Shao woke up feeling sore all over. His body was littered with vivid love bites and scratch marks. His eyes were shining brightly knowing that he was now Lui Xian's husband. He looked down beside him to see Lui Xian still asleep with a set of his own marks on his chest. The white-haired male stretched his hand and grabbed a handful of his spouse's jet-black hair strands, feeling the soothing texture. His warm eyes landed on his glowing face which was being softened by the morning glow. When he had looked enough, Feng Shao leaned on him and stole a very quick kiss on his lips before getting off the bed and rushing to take a bath behind the screen. Behind the two meter white board decorated with magnificent scenic paintings, which was shielding him from prying gazes, some purple garments were hung in one corner. And there was a wooden tub situated in between the board and the wall. It was filled with cold water with rose petals floating on top a
"Ruo?...Ruo.." 'Where have I heard this name before?' Feng Shao contemplated in his mind. When he was still living in his hometown his father used to have a visitor with the name Ruo. Everytime on his visit this man would always bring him a sweet and would also throw him up in the air and and play with him. Now that he thought about it, it should be someone related to Lui Xian. Feng Shao told his lover everything he knew. The other only listened and also continued with his story. The two talked till morning. Dong Dong was the one who came over to them and cut their story short.The three regrouped with the others and accompanied Rushan to Wu Capital. Of course Feng Shao and Lui Xian bade goodbye to their friends and remained in the capital. Rushan and the others proceeded to enter the palace. He met his nephew and spent a week together with him. They played together, had the royal artist paint a painting of them. After all was done he promised his nephew to visit him again and then l
When they returned to the restaurant, everyone in their group could see a change in Feng Shao's mood. He had gotten more relaxed and back to normal. A smile couldn't leave his face. He was more sticky to Lui Xian. Whilst the others were sitting on the table, he was on his lover's lap being fed a spoon full of chicken stew and a sip of light wine. Rushan and Lanzhu had an idea of what had taken place a few years back in this town. They had also followed their friend and had witnessed everything that just happened. Seeing them happy also made them feel good.The group left the restaurant and booked a few rooms to spend the night. Feng Shao and Lui Xian took Dong Dong and made their way to their room. Dong Dong watched his Daddy crying and felt speechless. It was his first time seeing him like this. Unlike Lui Xian who had gotten used to this, for this little guy it was quite a shock. He couldn't find a reason as to what made him cry. He seemed to remember him letting down his third cup