General Wei Wuxian of Qishan Kingdom was a force to be reckoned with in a battlefield. Yet, his omega sighed like a lovestruck maiden at the sight of the cold Emperor from the opposing side kneeling in front of him, albeit inappropriate for his status. At this rate, he would immediately say yes to whatever the Alpha asked him.

Hm? What was he saying again?

"It's an honor to finally be your betrothed, General Wei."

What?

His confusion was drown in the cheers that had suddenly broke out all around him. Swords were thrown aside as people congratulated the new couple.

They were still in the middle of a war, right?

5 years ago

A powerful kick from behind left Wei Wuxian stunned momentarily on the training ground before he swiftly dodged another kick and landed on his wobbly feet. His spooked visage made his attacker's smirk widened. Not one to stay on defence at the face of an obvious 'enemy', Wei Wuxian threw his offender a bright grin and dashed forward with his faithful sword, Suibian, in hand. His opponent stood rather carelessly, but his sharp eyes followed the other's every move.

The moment Wei Wuxian was inches away from attacking, the other man raised his hands readily in defence only to be slightly surprised when the grinning boy stopped suddenly and spun around while creating a small dust barrier in his wake. His opponent merely called upon a gust to clear the air, expecting the boy to launch another dirty trick, only to find the boy nowhere to be seen.

"Over here!" was the cry heard from behind the man. He spun around and raised his sword to clash with Suibian. The older smirked.

"Are you expecting to win with that same, boring trick?"

Wei Wuxian's grin seemed to widen even more, looking weirdly crooked at the edges. The man raised a brow and suddenly felt a push from behind. His stance faltered in his shock and fell through the ground into a perfectly disguised hole with Wei Wuxian in his arms. Shifting his body slightly, the man landed gracefully at the bottom of the hole. When he looked down, hundreds of talisman bursted in his arms and scattered all around him. He heard a boisterous laugh echoed throughout the hole.

"I win, Dage!" Wei Wuxian gushed once the older man was out of his trap. "I win! You will keep your promise, right?!"

"I went easy on you." Wei Wuxian deflated instantly. The older man continued, "You can go outside only for a day. Bring at least five royal guards. Disguise yourself and-"

The boy cheered and bounced happily on his feet, ignoring his brother's long lecture. Just like a little rabbit, thought the older with a shake of his head. He then fished around his long sleeve and produced a black wooden box. The younger stopped hopping around to curiously inspect the box. The box's polished black surface was smooth and seemingly sparkling under the glare of the afternoon light. The Qishan Kingdom's sigil was carved beautifully in gold, glinting invitingly as if calling him to look closer. Before he could question what was inside the box, his Dage already placed it into his arms.

"Open it," commanded the older. Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes at the command and proceeded to gingerly open the box with a click. His bright silver eyes shined even brighter upon seeing the content. He carefully lifted the beautiful black dizi and admired how it fitted perfectly between his fingers.

"Congratulations on your 17th birthday, Wuxian."

The younger looked up to his brother in awe. Before he could express his overwhelming gratitude, however, a servant hurriedly approach them and bowed deeply.

"This humble servant greets First Prince Wen Xu and Third Prince Wei Wuxian."

The so-called First Prince's jaw tightened. "What is it?"

The servant bowed impossibly deeper. His clasped hands trembled. Wei Wuxian pitied him for a second before his eyes widened in horror on what the servant said next,

"The Third Prince's presence was required immediately by His Majesty King Wen Ruohan."