WangXian Forever Book 10

Chapter 80: Assurance

The Emperor fixes his gaze upon his son eagerly, but his eyes are shrewd.

"Baba, Cloud Recesses is lovely, but my place is by your side. I wish to accompany you back to our home, in Chang'An." Prince Wu replies steadily.

To his credit, his eyes are fierce, and his voice doesn't waver. He presses his lips together tightly after he's spoken to ensure full control. Then, he eases his fingers out from Li XiWang's grasp, folding both hands in his lap neatly.

"A-Wu, please speak freely. I won't make you stay here, but can we not bare our hearts when we are among friends?" The Emperor sounds kind for the first time. "If there was nothing pressing upon you, no duty, no obligations, and if you were as free as the birds we feed in the mornings, then tell me truthfully, would you like to stay here?"

"When one comes of age, one must let go of childish pursuits. I know what I must do," Prince Wu says obstinately, sticking to his resolve.

"Then you are merely proving my point. A-Wu, please come here." The Emperor holds open his arms and waits.

Prince Wu stands up shakily and goes to him, and the Emperor hugs him tightly.

"A-Wu, you are the light of my life. I look at you and think that every single sacrifice I might have made in my life is worth it so that I could look upon your fair face. It is just you and I now, and I urge you to please listen to me. You spoke of the duty of children, well, I must warn you about a father's duty as well. I know your heart, and it wants to stay here. And that is perfectly acceptable because I will have strong support when we return to Chang'An." The Emperor strokes his son's hair, kissing the crown of his head.

"What do you mean, Baba?" The Prince leans back in his arms, watching him back with a matching intensity.

To Wei Ying, even if he is only twelve years old, there is a maturity in his countenance, in the way he carries himself. This boy, the second child of His Highness, is as different from his older brother as chalk and cheese. His loyalty to his father is untainted and true, and one day, he will make a great leader.

But that is in the future.

"I have asked Tang Pei and Hao Bai to become my trusted advisors going forth from here. Tang Pei has already proven his loyalty to me and the Royal seat, and he has vowed to continue doing that. Hao Bai said in exchange for being able to visit the Royal cemetery, she too, will sit by my side and use her considerable experience and knowledge for the good of the empire. I will also hire a trusted taster as soon as we return, so as to avoid a repeat of my past experience. Do you believe me now, my child?" He gently pushes away a lock of hair from the young boy's face carefully, holding his son as if he were something precious.

"But Baba, will it really be alright?"

"Yes, Haizi. I've still got a few good years in me yet, and I should use them to further your education." The Emperor smiles. "Besides, you can come and visit me whenever you feel lonely, or you are missing me."

"Well then, Baba, I would like to stay."

The words are barely out of his mouth, and then the Emperor is hugging his son just as tightly, and Li XiWang can't help herself because she's clapping with excitement.

Fresh tea is poured for everyone and then Wei Ying nods towards the Emperor.

"There's a technique, a skill that has been cultivated to speak to those who have passed away. Hao Bai wished to make use of this, but now I'm wondering if you, Your Highness, would also like to spend some time with Cheng MaoJi? If we're summoning his spirit anyway, perhaps you also can lighten your heart."

"Hm. I would like that."

************

One last meal is shared in Cloud Recesses with the Cheng family, and the Emperor and his staff members.

Then in the Great Hall, Uncle Qiren and a few elders, and XiChen with Jiang Cheng, gather around those leaving.

"This time, it really will be in and out. We will be back by the evening," Wei Ying laughs, thinking about his innocent words when all of this started, a few months back. He could not have been more wrong.

"Thank you for your hospitality," the Emperor bows towards Uncle Qiren and the Elders, and XiChen. "Your home provided a sanctuary, an oasis against the desert at a time when we were in most need. If there is anything I can give you, anything within my power, you only have to say." He bows low.

They bow back, telling him it's not necessary.

"Our clan has precepts that outline helping those in need. You are most welcome," XiChen replies, bowing back. "And it is our honour to serve you, the patriarch of our lands." He hands over a box to the Emperor, simple but expensive, made from the wood of a certain type of pine tree only growing high up in the mountains native to Gusu. "This box holds charmed talismans that may only be activated by you. If you need to see us, or if you are missing your son, then all you have to do is burn a single one, and we will know. It is easy to forget that the paths we walk on are wide enough for two."

"I will remember that." The Emperor takes his hands and gives them a warm squeeze.

"Are we ready to leave, Your Highness?" Tang Pei asks him, joining him after packing up all of their belongings.

"Yes. I am most anxious to return home." The Emperor has no sooner said that than suddenly, Healer Fei pops up out of nowhere and gives him a package of herbs.

"Your medicine. And if you run out, please let us know," Healer Fei gives one of his rare smiles.

Wei Ying coughs behind his hand. "*favouritism!* cough!"

Hao Bai pats his head, laughing. "I am also looking forward to going home. And getting my staff back."

"Oh yeah, I'd forgotten about them!" Wei Ying grins, thinking about Hui Gai and Zago, and calling for them in his head.

Their arrival is immediate, and Hui Gai hugs Wei Ying and Lan Zhan straight away.

Wei Ying explains the situation, and they promise to collect all the people who previously worked for the Cheng family and in the Royal Palace, returning all to their homes. The responsibility of actually keeping them on or not did not concern anyone except those that were paying their wages, so Wei Ying wisely said nothing.

One last wave, and then they're back in Chang'An.