Across 300 Years, I Love You

A boy genius!

23 March 1745

[Fuk'anggan's POV]

Today is the 5th Birthday of the 5th Prince of the Emperor Qianlong of the Great Qing dynasty of China. Dignitaries and officials wanting to make use of this opportunity to gain favors from the Emperor, lined the entire main hall of the Noble Consort Yu's residence with rare gifts and tributes.

Showing great promise of talent at a young age, the 5th Prince has already mastered the basics of Math calculations, Calligraphy and Astronomy. All the other capable Princes in all of the history of the Great Qing would master these skills at 7 years of age. The 5th prince is speculated to be the favourite son for the Emperor is well known to be a lover of great talent.

Coming from a family of Generals, I was instructed by father to enter the palace today, to be introduced to the 5th Prince as his study companion and martial arts sparring partner since the Emperor has instructed father by way of an imperial edict to be his personal martial arts tutor. Father's position as the Chief Grand Counsellor further cemented the speculations of the 5th Prince's status as the hot favourite.

" A boy genius!" exclaimed one of the bootlicking court officials. " Your Noble Consort must be so proud of the Prince"

" It is mainly due to the great fortune of His Majesty" Noble Consort Yu replied stoically.

" A thousand blessings, Noble Consort Yu", father kneeled on one knee, breaking the awkward conversation. " I present to you, my son, Fuk'anggan."

Taking the cue from father, I got onto my knees and greeted the Noble Consort with the appropriate formal manner that I was taught by my private tutors with regards to the correct way of addressing royalty - especially for the first time. It is always better to be overly polite which would be viewed positively than to be seen as rude.

" Right on time, Fuheng, you may rise."

With delight and a sigh of relief, she signalled for her maid servants to serve us seats and tea as a gesture of welcome while she dismissed the rest of the court officials.

After waiting for Noble Consort Yu to take her seat and for Father to take his seat, I served my tea to Father after the servants served tea to the Noble Consort before taking my assigned seat. With that small gesture, Noble Consort Yu nodded in agreement with Father that I would make a fine companion to the 5th Prince.

"My! What a polite young man. Come closer and let me take a good look at you"

That was the sentence that cemented the deal with the arrangement of my position as a royal companion. Father glanced at me approvingly, nodding for me to go nearer forward, towards the Noble Consort with a formal bow. I knew that I had lived up to Father's expectations and gained the favor of the Noble Consort.

[Yong qi's POV]

The moment I saw K'anggan, we instantly clicked. Nothing can be a greater gift than to have a friend that you know is going to be genuine. It is a refreshing escape from the fake niceties and superficial curry favouring of ambitious officials towards those who are perceived as hot favourites of the Emperor.

Standing at 2 inches taller and 2 years older than me, I grinned at him when I saw through his eyes, shining of earnestness. Further tightening his already thin lips, K'anggan broke into a sheepish grin.

"FuK'anggan" he clasped his hand in the form of formal courtesy.

" Hide and seek?" I asked.

"Yeah, just as I was thinking" he replied. "I know a perfect place."

"The Southern Imperial Garden!" both of us said at the same time. " The last to make it there is a horse!"

As we broke into a fit of laughter, I threw a pebble at him and bolted towards the walkway that leads to the Southern Imperial Garden.