The Black Emperor's Runaway Bride

Fallen Plum Blossoms Petal

The rainy days finally stopped. Zhou Zi Shu came out of his room to start his daily routine. The past few days of the storm, he spent his day reading and painting. He also sent a letter to Jiu Xiao, but the Crown Prince did not reply to his letter yet. He heard that Prince Jiu Xiao was tasked as the main leader in helping the flood victims. His brother must be busy with his work.

People said after a stormy day passed, the air will be the freshest and the sky will be the most beautiful. He never saw a rainbow in his life. He read it was the result of the sunray hitting fine water droplets in the sky creating a beautiful mirage consisting of seven beautiful colors. He silently hoped he was fortunate enough to see one. He woke up early, as usual, to meditate near the lake.

Zhou Zi Shu was worried about his pet, A-Han, as he was unable to feed him. A Han usually feeds on the algae in the pond. The red koi survived if he didn't feed him for a few days, but it has been a week. Zhou Zi Shu fears that his pet will be hungry.

"A Han...I come to see you. I brought some lettuce and corn for you. It's your favorite!" he went around the lake to find his little red koi. He tried calling A Han a few times but the little fish was absent from his usual playing spot.

Suddenly he saw a flash of red scales near where the lotus flowers were located. He immediately ran and jumped into the cold lake. There, he saw his red koi lifeless, floating on the surface, both eyes white.

His heart sank, he jumped into the lake and then scooped A Han's little body, bringing the red koi to the lakeshore. His fear became reality. He loses his only companion. The storm caused the lake water to overflow and its oxygen level to decrease. A little red koi will not be able to survive that.

He held the small fish near his heart. Is it his fault for letting A Han remain in the lake? If he had followed his wish, putting the red koi in a small glass jar and took the fish to accompany him. Will A-Han still be alive today?

In heavy steps, he brought A-Han near his barren Plum Blossom tree, putting the fish near the tree root. He dug a small hole without caring about all the soil dirtying his white sleeves. In tears, he put A Han inside and buried the fish. His small source of happiness was now gone.

"Dearest A-Han, your presence in my life will not be forgotten. May your soul be reborn as my friend in the next life. This life has been cruel for both of us. I hope in the next life, we can be happy" Zhou Zi Shu sent his last wish for A Han. He closed his eyes while he prayed.

From afar, everything that happened was being watched by the Head Eunuch. He came to Four Season Manor to bring the Thirteenth Prince to Palace Court to receive the Yellow Emperor's Imperial Edict. However, he saw that Prince Zhou Zi Shu was busy, anxiously searching for something around the lake. He continued to watch.

The poor Prince has been neglected since childhood. He was there, the day the Yellow Emperor found baby Zhou Zi Shu. He always thought the baby was a miracle. Even until now, Prince Zhou Zi Shu managed to survive despite all odds.

A guard accompanying him wanted to interrupt when the prince jumped into the lake but the Head Eunuch stopped him. He was biding a perfect time to interrupt the Prince. The perfect time arrived when the prince finished burying his fish.

"Pardon this humble servant for interrupting you, Your Highness. I am the Yellow Emperor's Head Eunuch Li Zhu Er." The grieving prince who kneeled beside the Plum Blossom tree turns his head. A beautiful face in tears, widening his almond eyes, stared at Li Zhu Er and two guards behind him.

"I never expected our Thirteenth Prince to be so beautiful. What a feast" The Head Eunuch heard one of the palace guards whispering to his friend. The other also nodded along while staring at the Thirteenth Prince with a lecherous gaze.