Fresh Embers of Love

Chapter 47

Fuzangloong drifted through his Father's private library at Zifangyun Palace, reading the labels on the many scrolls and books which filled the free standing shelves. This was the only room in the entire Palace that felt cramped, because Father had put so many shelves of books in here.

Last night was the first time he had slept at this palace overnight. He had expected to find Nuwa here, in her room, and was surprised to find it empty. Her bed didn't look like it had been slept in for a long time. He had expected to see Father here too, in this library, yet it was empty.

Something was going on, but he wasn't sure what it was. The Empress looked like she wanted to tell him, but she hadn't done it yet. Fuzang would have to wait her out. She will crack eventually.

He had thought it was odd when she showed up at Xuanji Palace yesterday morning. He found it even more odd when she invented an excuse for him to stay over here with her.

"Yanyou" she had said to his Uncle yesterday afternoon, before they left LuoXiang Palace, "Kun Ji did such a wonderful job redecorating her room. Fuzang liked it so much he wished he could sleep there! Can I borrow Kun Ji? I'd like her to redecorate his room at Xuanji Palace. You know how drab it is there. Kuanglu never had much interest in those sorts of things. I'll bet Kun Ji could liven up the place a bit, make it a more enjoyable place for him to live. What do you think?"

Uncle Yanyou had stared at her for a full minute, his facial expressions changing like he was talking, but no words were coming out. Stepmother's face was also indicating unexpressed words. They were having a private mental conversation again. Finally it stopped, and Uncle Yanyou spoke out loud.

"I don't see a problem with it" he said.

Fuzang cleared his throat. "Uhhhh, where am I supposed to sleep while Kun Ji is tearing apart my room?"

"You can come stay with me at Zifangyun Palace!" The Empress offered excitedly. "Let's go pack your things!"

He had tried to voice his objections, but was completely ignored. Soon he found himself going through all of his belongings, trying to make sure that he didn't leave behind anything that would embarrass him if Kun Ji saw it.

The thought of her going through his stuff made a tingling feeling go up his spine. He imagined her touching his bed, and began to breathe heavily. He shook his head, trying to normalize. He turned his attention to the books in front of him once more.

The tag on this scroll was labeled 'Baozhu'! He pulled it out of the stack, and then went to sit at his Father's desk, unrolling it.

'The Baozhu, the legendary flaming pearl, grants wishes to those who find it. There is always a cost associated with it. The last known possessor of the Baozhu was the Golden Dragon Taiwei. After he became Emperor of the Heavenly Realm, he hid it away again. He never divulged the location of it's hiding spot, but based on reports of mortal sightings of a golden dragon shortly after the Emperor's reign began, the location can be narrowed down to the mountains of the Central Coastal region of Nam Viet. This artifact is classified as dangerous. It should not be sought out.'

Fuzang sat back in the chair, stunned. It couldn't be this easy! His Father had known where the Baozhu was this whole time! He rubbed his eyes, and read the scroll again. He pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Then he began to laugh. He couldn't stop laughing for a long time.

The Empress came in to check on him. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"I'm just so happy!" Fuzang responded, making the scroll disappear with a wave of his hand.

She looked at him skeptically. "Is that what happy looks like?"

He nodded fervently. "Can we go by Doushuai Palace today?" he asked. "I want to drop off an assignment to Lord Lao."