A letter(2)

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King Zhang received a letter, delivered by a messenger from Wisteria, bearing the seal of Ruler Zhou Keung

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King Zhang received a letter, delivered by a messenger from Wisteria, bearing the seal of Ruler Zhou Keung. As he carefully broke the wax seal and unfolded the parchment, his eyes scanned the words written in elegant calligraphy. The letter revealed that the elusive man whom the king had been relentlessly searching for had sought refuge within the borders of Zhou Keung's empire.

Filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension, King decided to embark on a journey to Wisteria, determined to personally bring the assassin to justice. As he arrived in the magnificent kingdom, he was greeted with great honor and respect by the Emperor himself. However, King Zhang's initial astonishment quickly transformed into a sense of unease as he learned of Zhou Keung's unexpected proposition.

In a private audience with Ruler Zhou Keung, the Emperor expressed his desire for the third princess of King Zhang's realm to become his empress. He envisioned a mutually beneficial alliance between their kingdoms, strengthened by this sacred union. The proposition left King Zhang torn between his duty to secure justice and his concern for the well-being of his beloved daughter.

Deep within his heart, King Zhang knew that the third princess was still in the bloom of her youth, and the weight of such responsibility should not burden her tender shoulders. He hesitated, carefully considering the delicate balance between political alliances and the welfare of his family.

Though aware of the potential benefits that an alliance with Wisteria could bring to his kingdom, King Zhang could not bear the thought of sacrificing his daughter's happiness and freedom for the sake of political gain. He firmly believed that she deserved a chance to experience life, to grow, and to choose her own path.

With determination etched on his face, King Zhang respectfully declined Emperor Zhou Keung's proposition. He explained his reservations, emphasizing the youth and innocence of the third princess, and his unwavering commitment to safeguarding her future. Though disappointed, the Emperor understood the king's concerns and admired his devotion to his family.

The emperor, proposed a compromise that would grant the young princess time to grow and mature. Zhou Keung suggested waiting for a period of three years, after which the king would send his daughter to become the empress of Wisteria.

The king found solace in the proposed delay, recognizing the emperor's willingness to respect the princess's youth and grant her time for personal development. They reached an agreement that, if after three years, the princess felt ready and willing to accept her destiny as empress, she would embark on her journey to Wisteria.

With the matter of the alliance temporarily settled, the king turned his attention back to the mission at hand. He knew that time was of the essence, and he was determined to confront the person who had conspired to kill him.

Fu Qian stood before the king, a twisted smirk on his face when asked about his motives for wanting to kill the ruler. He let out an evil laugh and replied, "There is no reason, Your Majesty. I simply hate you for my wretched childhood".

He went on to recount his early years, explaining that when he was not even two months old, he was sent away to his mother's parents' house. They had no desire to raise him, so he was subsequently sent to a village where a nanny was assigned to care for him. For ten long years, he lived a life devoid of love or happiness, feeling like a walking corpse.

Finally, at the age of eleven, Fu Qian was brought back to the palace, only to be subjected to relentless bullying by the king's son. It became a cruel routine, an unending cycle of torment that further fueled his hatred. As he witnessed the luxuries and comforts enjoyed by the king's son, his bitterness grew even more intense. He couldn't help but contrast his own miserable existence with the prince's life of privilege and ease.

He continued, bitterness lacing his words, "While the king's son lived a life of luxury and comfort, I suffered in silence. I couldn't bear the sight of anyone in this palace, not even my own mother, who had never looked back at me. She only cared about power and used me as a pawn".

Moved by Fu Qian's tale of neglect and mistreatment, the king contemplated his own actions and wondered about the paths he could have chosen. He pondered the question: If given a second chance, would he have lived differently?

A sense of compassion washed over the king's heart. Rather than condemning Fu Qian to a harsh punishment, he made a decision that surprised everyone in the court. "Fu Qian," he announced, "you shall be sent to prison for a period of two years. During this time, you will have the opportunity to reflect and grow as an individual. If you show genuine development in your character, you will be granted your freedom and allowed to live as a commoner in the very village where you were raised."

Fu Qian's eyes widened with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude. The king's unexpected mercy was a glimmer of hope in his desolate existence. Determined to seize this chance for redemption, he vowed to transform himself into a better person.

As he was escorted to the prison, Fu Qian's mind churned with a whirlwind of emotions. He felt a mixture of gratitude for the king's decision and apprehension about the challenges that awaited him. It was a stark contrast to the bitterness that had consumed him for so long.

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