A Flower Without Rain

Chapter 22

In the library of the Yuan Manor, Yuan Shan stood against a bookshelf, which was only one of the many in this room. Finished reading a novel by the name of Luna, he shut the book and placed it back on the shelf where it belonged. It was indeed a great book that told the story of a man who longed to know why he lost his memories. At the end, he remembered that the reason they were lost, was because he no longer walked the Earth and lingered on as a ghost. The purpose of him finding those memories were to find out how he died exactly, and knowing that despite his tragic death he was able to save his loved ones a from an unfortunate fate like his.

Walking around the library, he simply held a look of debate of what genre he should read next. As he passed the Yuan historical records, he stopped before walking back to that aisle. He always liked reading his clan's history from time to time as it was rather interesting. Sometimes, he even found certain events to be unreal, believing they couldn't be of this world.

Walking past the many records, Yuan Shan went deeper and deeper into the past. He wanted to read the very first record of his clan, one he has yet to touch and saved for the perfect moment. However, if he was being honest he didn't know what the perfect moment was. It was simply intuition.

Pulling the old book from the self, he could see just how worn it was. What he held, was nearly 3,000 years old!

Carefully, he flipped to the first page and from there he began. It spoke of the first Clan Leader, Yuan Hai, who served under the founders of the Four Kingdoms. He of course, like his descendants, held words like no other and devised scenarios they should follow or play out in order to succeed. Once the nation was established, he decided to stay in the Xie Kingdom along with the other Clan Leaders. It was an agreement they all made.

Turning to the next page, there were words from the first Clan Leader himself. In a low voice, he recited those words. "My blood shall help to keep this nation afloat as it is tied to it just like the others." This raised a brow on Yuan Shan as he wondered what it could be that his blood was tied to. He also wondered why there was nothing to explain those words as it seemed random.

Shutting the book gently, he placed it back where it belonged. The young man stood there for a moment, thinking about those words.

"Is it perhaps a sort of puzzle or a hidden message?.....Or is it just as it says?"

He wanted to know the truth behind those words.

"But what is it that his blood is tied to?" he muttered.

Pushing away those thoughts, he soon left the library to run some errands of his own. It was also as he left, that another followed behind with silent steps.

Despite his short break, Ru Mingyu was at the Peach Palace to pay a quick visit to his friend Lian Yu. Although it's been quite some time since his return, he hasn't got the chance to see her due to his change in position and reports to his father, Clan Leader Ru Yan.

Sitting on outside patio, he waited as the Crown Princess made her way there after setting aside the flowers she picked for the day.

"It's been a while hasn't it?" the young man smiled as she sat beside him.

Lian Yu chuckled, "More than a while. It felt like a hundred years." exaggerating his absence.

Ru Mingyu couldn't help but to laugh at her words. He really missed her.

"Why did your father send you to check on the borders?" she questioned.

He mumbled, "Mm....I don't know, my father said they are matters concerning the king so he can't specify." he was still curious to know the real reason.

The young woman gave a pleasing expression. "Was it hard?" speaking of the journey.

"Very much so. The Four Kingdoms is indeed as great as its name." he could still remember just how harsh the winds were against his skin when he crossed the barren grasslands.

Lian Yu simply smiled.

"But other than that, have you been doing alright since your move?" he wanted to know if she settled well.

"It's great actually but....something feels weird." she's been feeling this way for a while but tried not to think about it.

"What is it?"

She seemed to hesitate as it may sound bizarre. "I didn't really feel this when I was back in the Vermillion Palace or at home, but ever since I came here my body's been strange....." words trailing. "It's like my blood is in a rush, adrenaline. Almost as though something is coming." they were the same words Ru Mingyu spoke of to Yuan Shan. "I'm not sure if this is something to be wary of, but in a way I am fearful of whatever this could be."

He looked down to his lap before turning to look at her. "You don't need to fear anything," assuring her. "As long as the sun shines upon you, nothing will ever come your way."

The Crown Princess laughed, "You're starting to sound like Shan." his words reminded her of him.

Ru Mingyu was baffled, "I guess I am."

He soon left not too long after and returned to the Crown Prince's side.

Sitting alone as the Crown Prince awaited his personal guard, Xin Hua opened a note that was left tied at his door.

His brows pressed together upon reading it.

"Give up the Crown Princess."
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