FENG YU JIU TIAN [VOLUME ONE]

Chapter Seventeen

Notes: Be aware that nobles, royalty tend to refer to themselves as a third person.

With Fan Jia's An Xun procession quickly looming the palace doors, Feng Ming and Rong Tian rushed back to their chambers, exchanging their riding garments for their official court clothing. The security had forwarded word that the important guest was making his way through the capital.

"Open the gates!"

A chorus of sounding bells and beating drums welcomed the guests. The court officials led by Feng Ming were all lined up in the front courtyard, standing before the main section of the palace and all ready to greet their special visitors from afar.

The strangers were dressed in the attire of traditional to their country, each were wearing an iconic black cloak. One of the arrivals took the lead, walking in front with his chin up and dignified. On top of his head was a glistening gold crown, needless to say this had to be the notorious An Xun.

"Good to see you Prince An He," An Xun slowly paced towards Feng Ming, offering the slightest of bows, a gesture that was very gentlemanly.

"An He is most delighted to see his Royal Uncle." Feng Ming reciprocated the manners. Although this man had married into another country, he was still capable of enforcing his blood inheritance.

In Feng Ming's imagination, he had expected to be confronted by a treacherous looking scoundrel instead he was pleasantly surprised at how handsome An Xun appeared. There was definitely a similarity between 'his' uncle and the Regent King. However, An Xun's skin was pale, and in an overall assessment he was slightly androgynous. Regardless, he was actually quite an attractive man.

"Uncle has journeyed for so long, An He had to personally welcome your honourable presence, else it would be a complete shame." Feng Ming was basically biting his tongue as he picked his words. The unnatural pattern of speech was giving him a headache.

An Xun's eyes glazed over his nephew, sizing him up as a smile drew across his lips.

"Many years have pasts since I've last seen you now the Prince is all grown up. Uncle is very relieved. Uncle has resided in Fan Jia for countless years and has not had the opportunity to visit your father, which I hope to make amend during this visit. Recently, I have heard rumours entailing my Royal brother's condition. I've heard horrible news that his condition is growing dimmer, An Xun felt restless thus immediately rushed days and nights on end to return to brother's side."

Raising his hand he signalled a servant behind him, moving to her master she produced a small shiny box.

Taking the box into his hands, he opened the container and revealed the content had been delicately wrapped in layer and layers of intricate and beautiful linen. Indicating the content was something rare and exceptional.

"This here is the secret treasure of Fan Jia, the Spirit of the Snake a preserved gallbladder that has been aged over a millennium. It has unspoken powers, capable of reversing a desperate situation. An Xun has personally arrived to Xi Rei with this gift and wishes to help your father's illness. Dearest Prince if you could kindly lead the way to where my good brother rests."

An Xun lifted his hand ushering the Prince to take the lead, with such a stunning speech and grand display of his loving intentions how was Feng Ming supposed to decline the invitation? He needed a quick fix to cover the truth that the King of Xi Rei had long taken his last breath, and it was impossible to take him to see the living being.

Feng Ming's eyes darted around desperately, catching Rong Wang's attention who immediately inserted, "The good King of Fan Jia has travelled endlessly, how did you managed to get here? We only received word of your approach to the city."