Tales of the mystic love

#20 True identity!

Wang Shen, driven by an unwavering determination, pursued his ambitions with an unyielding spirit. His sole focus became his nephew - Wang Hong. However, his intentions were not to inflict harm or perpetrate evil; instead, he harbored a fervent desire to bestow everything upon him, with "everything" encapsulating the entire capital.
In the backdrop of a historic drama, a struggle for the throne unfolded, echoing the age-old narrative of power and legacy. The intrigue deepened as Wang Hong, seemingly disinterested in the throne, found himself entangled in his uncle's grand designs. Wang Shen, fueled by familial devotion, yearned to see Wang Hong ascend to the throne, offering him the kingdom on a silver platter.
The stage was set for a complex interplay of ambition and reluctant destiny. Wang Hong's true desires remained shrouded in mystery – a silent enigma veiled by his strategic silence. The question lingered in the air: Did Wang Hong secretly harbor the desire to inherit the throne, concealing his intentions beneath a veneer of apparent disinterest?
At the palace,
Princess Zhi was reading all the documents and correcting them for the festival that will be held . Yuze was standing beside her but he was secretly admiring her beauty. Yuze can read her like an open-book.
In the moments with Zhi, I've learned the way her feet tap when anxiety creeps in, a quiet signal only I catch. When hunger strikes, her whines turn into a sweet melody that tugs at my heart. Sour candies are her favorite, a taste as unique as the bond we share.
Her eyes speak volumes when confusion or sadness hits, and they always find mine for comfort. We laugh over candies, she teases me, and my heart hides a longing deeper than friendship. Zhi is more than a friend – she's my confidante, the one who knows my secrets.
As I navigate these unspoken feelings, my love for her stays hidden. Zhi, my princess, fills my life with joy, yet my identity keeps me in the shadows. I've decided to be there for her silently, guarding her happiness.
But deep down, I ache to let her know my feelings. Confessing feels like risking everything we have. So, I remain in the shadows, loving her quietly, hoping she might feel it too.
Yuze!! YUZE!!"
"HUH?" Yuze jumped, snapped out of his thoughts by the sudden shout.
"What were you thinking? I've been calling you forever. Everything okay?" Zhi asked, concern in her voice.
"What could go wrong? You're here with me! Just zoning out about work," Yuze replied.
"You trust me that much? I won't let you down, then," Zhi said with a grin.
That simple statement made Yuze's heart race, and his face turned as red as a tomato.
"Let's go, we need to check the items that have arrived for the ceremony. We have lots of work to do," Zhi said, leaving her room with Yuze following, smiling at her enthusiasm.
They split up for their tasks. Yuze, with a stack of papers, began writing invitation cards for the Prince or Princess the King had invited. Meanwhile, Zhi focused on preparing the list for decorating the common ground and planning the menu for the upcoming festivities.
Their shared commitment to the preparations created a sense of camaraderie, each immersed in their responsibilities for the grand event.
Wang Shen entered the King's room and inquired, "Brother, inviting people from other states? This sounds like a big ceremony."
"Yes, indeed. I want to show that I can handle matters, especially after the embezzlement issue. It's crucial that people know we caught the culprit, or they might see me as a weak King. Also, I'm considering finding a groom for Zhi. She's grown up," Wang Hongdi shared with a smile, his thoughts lingering on his daughter.
But Your Majesty, if all the state Princes and Princesses are coming, then all your three children should be present. What about the Second Prince...?" Wang Shen questioned, his words hanging in the air.
Wang Hongdi, who was initially smiling, furrowed his brows in anger at the mention of the Second Prince. "Hmph! I will send a servant to summon him on the day of the ceremony," he declared, rising from his chair and heading for a stroll in the garden to temper his frustration. Wang Shen, with a smirk, followed him, sensing the bitter tension in the situation.
At No. 26 shop,
Zhang Wei rushed in, clutching a scroll tightly. "Xiaobo, where is Xiaobo?" he shouted, addressing Ming at the counter.
Startled by the loud voice, Xiaobo emerged from his room, while Lian emerged from the store room carrying a box of weapons slated for disposal. "Wei brother! What's going on?" Lian inquired.
"Uh... Nothing, nothing. Just need a private chat with Xiao," Wei replied, swiftly pulling Xiaobo into his room before any questions could be asked, leaving a sense of suspense lingering in the air.
"What's wrong, Wei brother? Something troubling you?" Xiao asked with innocence in his eyes.
"Two things. Both could cause trouble for you. First news is this," Wei said, showing a scroll with the names of the Prince and Princess expected to attend.
"Princess Cui Jing! She's coming too," Xiaobo whispered in shock.
"What's your plan now?" Wei inquired.
"I think it's time. I can't hide it forever. I'll handle it discreetly. What's the second news?" Xiaobo asked.
"The King ordered your presence at the upcoming ceremony," Wei revealed.
Did he personally deliver the order?" Xiaobo asked.
"A servant brought the letter," Wei replied in a low voice, sadness evident.
Xiao gave a sad smile, shaking his head. "What was I expecting? Well, it's good. The imposter is doing well, living his life."
"He wishes to stay there forever. A total lazy brat," Wei commented.
"Don't say that. He's been confined there and hasn't complained. I'm grateful to him," Xiao defended.
"You are defending someone who is living the life of a Prince " Said Wei while raising his eyebrows.
"Who wouldn't be content with everything they want? I would complain; I don't like being caged. But everyone thinks differently. The ceremony will be troublesome. How will I handle Princess Cui Jing's matter?" Xiao pondered.
"Should I bring her here?" Wei suggested.
"No! That won't help us. She'll be furious! Don't even think about it. I'll talk to her first. But I'm worried about Lian," Xiao admitted.
"Lian? What about her?" Wei asked.
"Huh? She's a... Oh! Nothing. Nothing," Xiao abruptly stopped, realizing he nearly revealed Lian's true identity. Wei looked at him in confusion, but Xiao brushed it off.
"And I will reveal my true identity to the others today," declared Xiao.
"Do you think they'll accept it? Especially Ming?" asked Wei.
"I know he won't be thrilled to hear it. I've kept it from him until now, but there are many things he needs to know," Xiao explained.
Wei sighed, then nodded, patting Xiao on the shoulders to offer a bit of encouragement. Afterward, he headed to the palace to attend to some tasks.
Later, as Xiao prepared to share his secret, he couldn't shake the anticipation and nervousness that hung in the air. The weight of unveiling his true self to those closest to him felt like an impending storm. He came down and saw Lian and Ming doing work as well as teasing while laughing. Those two got really close in such a short time like brother and sister.
I have something to confess," Xiaobo started, but hesitated, nervously fiddling with his fingers.
Lian and Ming, both blinked in anticipation, their eyes fixed on Xiaobo.
"I've been keeping a secret from you. I am the Second Prince - Wang Xiaobo, legitimate younger son of Wang Hongdi and Wang Lui," he blurted out in one breath.
Ming burst into laughter, surprising Xiaobo, while Lian looked at him with a blank expression. "For real?" she asked amidst Ming's laughter.
Xiaobo, maintaining a stern face, nodded. Ming stopped laughing abruptly and shifted to a serious gaze, studying Xiaobo as if trying to unveil the truth behind his words.
"Why?" Ming uttered, disappointment evident on his face.
"Because it might have caused problems. You wouldn't have been as free with me, thinking I'm a Prince. I wanted us all to treat each other normally, like friends. I'm sorry. I promise this was the only thing I hid from you, and there won't be any more secrets from now on," Xiaobo explained, sincere in his apology.
"I understand," Ming responded, the disappointment lingering, "but it hurts, you know? We thought we knew everything about each other."
Lian, thoughtful, added, "Xiaobo, we've shared so much together. It's not about your title; it's about the trust we have in each other."
Xiaobo nodded, "I know it might be disappointing, but I trust you both enough to share this now."
Ming sighed, "I get it. It's just... unexpected."
"I understand that if you revealed your identity, we might have treated you differently, always wary. We wouldn't have become such good friends if we knew you were a Prince. I'm glad you trust us enough to share your secret," Lian said while giving a sweet smile.
I'm not angry with you, just a little disappointed that you didn't tell me, especially after eight years of knowing each other. But you'll have to pay for hiding it. I want egg noodles and pineapple-flavored candies the whole week, as much as I want. The bill will be on you," declared Ming, ending with a playful giggle.

Xiaobo nodded, smiling. "As long as you're not angry with me," he said.

Lian chimed in, "Well, I want strawberry cakes every day for a week then."
Ming laughed, "Okay, Xiaobo, you've got quite the tab to settle!"
Xiaobo, chuckling, replied, "Fair enough. I'll make sure you get your treats. Anything else you want to add to the list?" The atmosphere lightened with shared laughter, turning the moment into a blend of understanding and lightheartedness.
As laughter echoed in the room, Xiaobo's mind grappled with a troubling revelation that had been haunting him. He took a deep breath, contemplating the weight of an untold secret that lingered on the tip of his tongue. Xiaobo kept asking himself questions that came one after other.
But what will you still not be upset when I tell you that I kept you away from your family for all these eight years? That I told you a lie that you were an orphan. Will you still accept me as your best friend and a brother?