Blood Bonds And Golden Ties

Chapter 5: Where To Start?

[Shi Han Jun]
In a dim corner of the imperial palace, a young man knelt. His head was bowed. He wore a white robe with long black hair flowing down his back. Around him, was overturned furniture of wooden tables, chairs, and dusty cabinets. Cobwebs clung onto the furniture accompanied with layers of dust. Curtains fell forlorn and faded in the room. The wind howled ferociously. The room creaked as gusts of wind battered it. Indeed, the cracks in the room allowed wind to pass through, and allowed spiles of snow to make their homes in the room.

The figure didn't seem to notice. His eyes were drawn to a piece of wood that stood vertically. On it, a vertical name was written: 岳阳. The figure had a tin basin in front of him. At the present, he put a piece of paper in it and let the paper catch fire. "Huang Hou Yue Yang, it's been 24 years since you passed away. Except for me, everyone has moved on, but I will never forget your kindness. You tried to stand up for me when no one would. Rest assured. I will find your son, and I will restore him to his rightful place." He slipped another piece of paper into the metal basin. He sat a while longer before he stood up and headed out.

By now the worst of the snow storm had passed and was replaced by soft falling of snow. He carefully made his way back to his quarters, careful to not let anyone see him. When he reached his quarters, he quickly opened the doors and slipped in. The warmth comforted him. Before he could move further into his room, he heard footsteps and glanced up. It was his loyal servant, Wei Mian Feng.

Upon seeing him, Mian Feng frowned. "You went to see her again, didn't you?"

The man merely replied, "Mmm."

"You know that your father would punish you severely if he found out you still went to see her and remember her."

"And so what? She saved me when I was younger. This is the least I can do. If it weren't for me..." his voice trailed off. After a minute, he said, "Anyway, why are you here?"

"I have found news of a boy who has a lotus petal on his arm. But..."

"But what?"

"It seems as if he acidently burned himself."

"What do you mean?"

"The reports say that there was a scar on top of the lotus petal, so it looks deformed."

"Hmmm," Han Jun said. "Do you know where he was spotted?"

"He was spotted in the small town at the other side of the mountain range. In the small town where a lot of refugees are coming through."

"I know, take your leave," Han Jun said as he was taking off his coat. Seeing that Mian Feng didn't do as ordered, he asked, "You have anything else you want to say?"

"Oh, Third Prince, the Emperor wants to meet you," Mian Feng said as he held up his arms, made his fingertips touch, and bowed again.

It's so late already. What urgent matter has caused Father to summon me? Han Jun wondered. "Did Fu Huang say anything else?"

"Nothing, Third Prince. But I'm guessing it was really important because he met with Bai Li just now."

Han Jun sighed. "If that's the case, I had better get ready. Tell him I'm on my way," he said as he stood up.

"Yes Third Prince," Mian Feng said as he exited the room.

Father wants to see me? What important matter does he have that he must meet me now? Han Jun wondered. Quickly changing to other clothing, he put on an extra black fur coat and strode to the mirror. He patted his sleeves. I should be warm enough. It was winter all year round and especially at night, the temperatures would drop below freezing.