Destinies : Connected by Fate✔️

Chapter 34

*Empress Rouhu's chamber*

"Ah-Xiang!" The Empress rushes towards the young girl and embraces her possessively. "I missed you, my child. How have you been?"

YiYang coughs and clears his throat, trying to attract his mother's attention, "Who would believe that I am your son. You are pouring all your love onto her, mother. Please, leave some for me too."

The graying lady leaves an exasperated breath, "Can a mother ever run out of love for her children? Silly child," her eyes drat towards the doors, "Where is Ah-Huang?"

"With father. He has something to discuss with him." YiYang takes his mother's hand in his, "Have you been having nightmares again?"

It was an open secret that YiHuang was not Rouhu's son; thus, the Empress replies sincerely, "Maybe I am being punished for showing favoritism towards YiYang." She glances at Li Xiang, "Ah-Xiang, how is your brother?"

The young lady purses her lips, "I don't know if I should answer, your highness. It might worry you unnecessarily."

"Has Li Kun still not returned?" It's YiYang who enquiries. His doubt that the Emperor had done something to his best friend solidifies but not wanting to worry Li Xiang and his mother, he keeps it to himself.

"Not yet." The young lady replies in a small voice and steals a glance at YiYang. "I am sure I am worrying unnecessarily. After all, who would dare to  keep the General's son against his will." She adds, trying to make light of the situation. It works; the Empress relaxes and nods, "You are right." She pauses and addresses her son, "Ah-Yang, could you wait outside for a few? I need to discuss some private matters with Ah-Xiang."

Once the crown prince leaves, the Empress and Li Xiang get busy discussing the nightmares. The General's daughter had specialized in internal force maintenance and rejuvenation. Over the years, she had helped the older lady deal with the destabilization of the force. It has been occurring more often due to the nightmares.

Barely moments after he has stepped outside, YiYang's mind link activates. 'Brother, the wormhole will stabilize within two hours. Father restrained me when I asked permission to leave. I didn't tell him anything about Zhang. He has the charm. He wants to use Professor Kwan as leverage to get me to cooperate. I am afraid that he will send for you as well. I am sure The Third is close by. Zhang must have realized that he would have to prepone the mission. Go to him for me. He must have left-'

The transmission cuts off abruptly, scaring YiYang, 'Did father do something to Ah-Huang?' Rhythmic footfalls interrupt his thoughts, and he ducks behind the wide ornate pillar. He watches the guards announce themselves and enter his mother's chamber. 'So Ah-Huang was right.' He concludes and immediately mounts his sword and leaves for GuHai.

YiYang knows that his signal would be tracked, and camouflaging it would only anger his father and suspect him as well. Just before leaving the Palace gates, he beckons a guard and whispers, "Go to the Emperor and tell him in secret that something came up and I had to make an urgent trip to GuHai."

The word GuHai makes the guard quirk his brow. But he holds his tongue. After all, what the crown prince does is none of his business.

"Tell him that I will be back shortly, alright?" YiYang presses on, "Tell him that I tried to contact him but couldn't reach him." He looks over his shoulder and wonders aloud, "I think he must be in the observation tower. Go quickly!"

After covering his tracks, the crown prince exits the Palace gates.

*****