The Black Emperor's Runaway Bride

The Black Emperor's Kunze Bride

During the day, the Four Seasons Manor bustled with many people. The red lanterns were hung in every corner. All curtains were changed to red. Each lantern, the windows, the doors, and every corner were decorated with the red Shuangxi symbol.

Zhou Zi Shu's manor inner hall was filled with multiple boxes containing his dowry gifts. All the gifts were chosen by Empress Li herself. It was sent yesterday with Zhou Zi Shu's wedding outfit. The beautiful red wedding dress was hung in his main dressing room.

Zhou Zi Shu's shelf bed was covered with a new red linen sheet. Beautiful red curtains with phoenix motifs and embroidered linen tassels were hung. A plate of dried longan, lotus seeds, red dates, persimmons, and pomegranate leaves were scattered on the bed.

However as the night came, the manor turned silent devoid of people apart from its owner. All the maids and attendants left the manor as the Kunze Prince requested. The said prince was indulging himself drunk, in a constant state of despair.

No one even knew the depth of sorrow Zhou Zi Shu held in his heart. He should be the happiest bride but he became the most pitiful one. Every night was spent crying and drinking, making himself drunk to forget all the anguish in his heart.

The Crown Prince Jiu Xiao had just arrived in the capital after completing his task in monitoring the flood relief to the refugees. Zhou Zi Shu's marriage was set in stone in his absence. His guard Han Ying came to send his report regarding the Thirteenth Prince.

The Thirteenth Prince's behavior reached the Crown Prince's attention. It was expected, he knew his brother was a carefree prince and valued freedom. Marrying him into another country was the same as binding him forever.

"Han Ying, it's time for me to meet him."

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The pale yellow moon shone brightly, reminding Zhou Zi Shu the time had come. He would meet his fated mate the next day. The vast empty sky reflecting his heart. The silence of the night echoed. Another flask of wine became his company under the plum blossoms tree.

"A-Shu...I am sorry, I was late " Jiu Xiao entered Zhou Zi Shu's inner courtyard. Han Ying was waiting outside. Guarding the door.

In his drunken state, Zhou Zi Shu thought he was dreaming. This is not the first time he imagined Jiu Xiao came and brought him away from everything. He was reaching his hand to touch Jiu Xiao. Afraid that his hallucination would disappear.

"You will leave me too..just like my mother and A-Han" Zhou Zi Shu cried. Jiu Xiao immediately hugged Zhou Zi Shu to comfort his younger brother.

"I promise you A-Shu. I will never leave you. My duty delayed my plan to meet you earlier" He wiped his brother's tears with his sleeves.

"My pretty A-Shu looks so pale and thin. Did you eat properly?" He reprimanded the Kunze while holding his hands. Zhou Zi Shu looked thinner than when he last saw him.

"Jiu Xiao, I was poisoned" Zhou Zi Shu cannot bear hiding the truth. He hoped Jiu Xiao could stop Prince Jin's evil plan. Jiu Xiao's eyes widened.

"Who dared poison you A-Shu? Let me kill him!" Jiu was seething in anger. Someone dared to poison a royal family member. He was reaching for his sword but Zhou Zi Shu stopped him.

"That person claimed he was our cousin Jiu Xiao, he called himself Prince Jin. He plans to kill the Black Emperor and put the blame on Imperial Father."

"That bastard! I will kill him, I swear" his grip on the sword tightened.

"Please Jiu Xiao, don't dirty your hands with his blood. Please...I just want to leave the palace." Zhou Zi Shu begged his brother.