Yuan Song woke early, his mind already focused on the day's first priority: receiving the latest report from the Yuwen household.
While waiting, he occupied himself with a variety of activities. He delved into fascinating accounts of ancient dynasties, his laughter echoing through the room as he read amusing anecdotes and poignant stories from classic Wei empire diaries. His emotional responses were intense—he laughed heartily, and tears welled up as he absorbed the historical narratives.
In between these moments, Yuan Song wrote fervently about his aspirations and plans for when he would one day become the future king. His journal became a canvas for his dreams and ambitions, reflecting his deep commitment to the future of Wei and the legacy he hoped to build.
Yuan Song's days followed a disciplined schedule, reflecting his commitment to becoming the future king of Wei.
In the afternoons, he dedicated time to royal hunting, a routine he maintained twice a week to hone his skills and connect with the traditions of the realm. This was followed by rigorous royal sparring sessions, where he practiced martial arts to enhance his combat abilities and strengthen his arms. Additionally, he engaged in royal bodybuilding to prepare his physique for the demands of leadership and royal wuxia swordsmanship to perfect his swordplay.
Apart from these, Yuan Song also embraced other disciplines, including fencing and chess. In the absence of his mentor Yuwen Yue, he began studying the intricacies of the "eyes of God," a term he used to describe his covert surveillance operations. He utilized his father's resources discreetly to advance his understanding and application of these techniques, often involving Princess Chun'er in his clandestine efforts.
As night fell, Yuan Song meticulously documented his thoughts and daily experiences in his diary. He wrote about his reflections on Xinger, his hopes and dreams for their future, and his plans for if she were still alive—despite the lack of a confirmed body.
With a cold, commanding presence, Yuan Song summoned his servant. "Any reports arrived from the vision lab yet?" he inquired.
To safeguard his interests and manage sensitive information discreetly, Yuan Song developed a series of code names. His rebranding of the "eyes of God" to the "vision lab" was a strategic move to operate with greater autonomy and avoid unnecessary explanations to his father. He meticulously assigned these code names to critical resources, military camps, and key personalities, ensuring that his plans and operations remained secure.
(It emphasizes Yuan Song's structured routine, his strategic use of resources, and his covert operations, all while maintaining a focus on his personal ambitions and meticulous planning.)
In his quiet moments, Yuan Song was meticulously preparing himself to be a wise and capable ruler, vowing daily to avoid his father's mistakes. His self-promised chant echoed in his mind: he would be hands-on with every decision, yet unrelenting towards Yanbei. The personal losses of his sister, the brutal aftermath of his decapitated arm, and the torment inflicted by Prince Yan Xun on Xinger and Yuwen Yue haunted him relentlessly, even in his dreams.
"Anything yet?" Yuan Song's voice cut through the stillness, his impatience evident in his stern attitude.
Before he could receive a response, an unexpected visitor arrived without prior notice.
"How is my little brother doing?" The cheerful tone of Yuan Che, the 7th Prince, filled the room.
Yuan Song, taken aback, quickly cleared his desk of documents and other materials. "Nothing much, just the usual routine," he replied, maintaining a bland expression while trying to mask his surprise.
"Looks like I'm disturbing a busy prince or something?" Yuan Che remarked, noting the clutter and sudden shift in atmosphere.
Yuan Song, seeking to shift the conversation, responded with a smile, "If I am indeed busy, what brings my charming brother to the palace unannounced?"
Yuan Che's eyes softened at the sight of his brother's smile. "I came to deliver urgent news."
Yuan Song's playful grin quickly faded as he inquired, "What's so crucial that it warrants immediate attention from the Emperor?"
"It's about Prince Yan Xun and the Princess of Liang state. We need to discuss this in the Glass Hall," Yuan Che said, his tone turning serious.
The mention of Yanbei sparked a fierce change in Yuan Song's expression. His face darkened with a noticeable rage.
"What's new about Yanbei and Liang State?" Yuan Song demanded, his voice cold and edged with fury.
"It's a matter for the Emperor," Yuan Che said firmly. "Let's head to the Glass Hall."
"Understood. I'll be there," Yuan Song replied tersely.
As Yuan Che departed, he couldn't help but notice his brother's drastic mood shift upon hearing Yan Xun's name. Yuan Song's expression had turned grim, almost as if he were ready to exact vengeance.
Left alone, Yuan Song clenched his left hand into a fist, slamming it against his royal table in frustration. He then retreated to his secret room—a haven of strategic importance. Inside, maps, hidden fortresses, and blueprints of vital resources and battle points were meticulously organized. He reviewed plans for the Wei valve, Shen Jin Gong rules, and strategic military locations, including armories and supply storages.
Without Yuwen Yue's guidance and with his brother Yuan Che occupied at the Xiaoqi camp, Yuan Song had no choice but to rely solely on his own expertise and preparation.
(The focus on Yuan Song's strategic acumen and the emotional weight of his duties, while also illustrating his deep-seated commitment to becoming a just and formidable ruler.)
Yuan Song's fury simmered beneath the surface as he thought of breaking Yanbei's hold. His anger was not only fueled by past grievances but also by the recent developments involving the Liang state. Although Liang had been a strategic ally initially, their shifting loyalties posed a significant threat. The Liang state had been instrumental in aiding the Wei empire's economic growth, but their tendency to withdraw support when it no longer served their interests made them a precarious ally.
The Liang state's strategy focused on economic leverage rather than military reinforcement. They were known for their reluctance to engage in military conflicts or contribute troops, preferring instead to shift their allegiance based on which side offered the most favorable economic terms.
As the Great Summer Emperor entered the Glass Hall, all heads bowed in respect. The maidservants, neatly dressed in their casual palace attire, prepared to serve tea as the Emperor took his seat on the throne-like chair, flanked by his sons—the 7th Prince Yuan Che on the left and the 13th Crown Prince Yuan Song on the right.
The Emperor began the royal conference with his customary composure. "Yuan Che, we have limited time today. What brings you here?"
"I have come to inform the Emperor that Liang and Yanbei are planning to strengthen their alliance through a marriage proposal between Prince Yan Xun and Princess Xiao Yu," Yuan Che reported in a low, formal tone.
Yuan Song's expression darkened, his brows knitting together in concern. The Emperor, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow, signaling the maidservants to serve calming tea. The servants provided tea to the royal sons, waiting for the Emperor's reaction.
"I can hardly contain my joy for their union!" the Emperor remarked sarcastically. "After all, Yan Xun is overdue for marriage, and it will finally put an end to his absurd fantasies about his dead wild kitten."
He took a deliberate sip from his jade and silver tea cup, his gaze drifting into the distance as he contemplated the implications of the news, masking his true feelings with a veneer of jest.
"This cannot be allowed to happen," Yuan Song interjected sharply, his voice laced with frustration. "If Yanbei and Liang unite, they will become a formidable force against Wei."
Yuan Che regarded his brother thoughtfully before adding, "I suspect that Yan Xun's ambition to be declared king of Yanbei, coupled with the marriage to Princess Xiao Yu, could significantly influence Liang. Despite being the half-sister of Prince Xiao Ce, Princess Xiao Yu leads Liang's elite spies. Her intelligence network would be a tremendous asset to Yan Xun."
Yuan Song's anger was real, his knuckles whitening as he clenched his fists. The political and strategic ramifications of this alliance threatened the stability and future of the Wei empire. The room was filled with tension as the two princes and the Emperor weighed their next moves, each contemplating the potential consequences of this new alliance.
(This is the intensity of the political stakes and the characters' emotions, focusing on the strategic implications of the proposed alliance between Yanbei and Liang.)
Yuan Song replied: "I have a plan."His mind was already spinning with plans when he proposed a rather audacious strategy.
"Yuan Che, why don't you get involved and challenge their proposal?" Yuan Song suggested. "You've always been one of the most sought-after bachelors. Use your charm to woo Princess Xiao Yu, making her believe in true romance. If we can win her favor, we might sway the alliance."
The Emperor, normally composed and distant, erupted into laughter at Yuan Song's unconventional suggestion. The sound was more like that of a father enjoying a jest than a ruler discussing state matters.
Yuan Che, equally amused, couldn't resist teasing his brother. "Instead of nominating me, why don't you take the chance yourself? Are you still penning diaries about your ghost love?"
The remark made Yuan Song's face flush with irritation. The Emperor, curious about the identity of this so-called "ghost love," whispered aloud, though his voice was clearly heard by Yuan Song and Yuan Che. "Who could this lucky girl be? And why is she a ghost? Did she die?"
Yuan Song's irritation turned into a defensive pout. "She's not a ghost! She's alive!" He snapped, trying to mask his vexation with childish indignation.
Yuan Che chuckled and replied, "If she's alive, then she should be marrying you, not some phantom!"
The banter between the brothers lightened the atmosphere, transforming the royal conference into a rare, heartwarming exchange of familial humor. The Emperor, missing his daughter Chun'er, felt a pang of nostalgia but found solace in the jovial moment with his sons.
The next morning, as Yuan Che departed for Xiaoqi camp, he left Yuan Song a note with his conditions:
Little Brother, 13th Prince of Wei,
揭示你的幽灵之爱. 把她介绍给我. 在我面前向她求婚.
(translated:Little Brother, 13th Prince of Wei,Reveal the name of your ghost love. Do not forget to introduce her to me so I would believe she is not a ghost (lol). You will propose to her in front of me.)
Yuan Che, with the mischievous spirit of a teenager, had a good laugh while writing the note. His guards exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what had stirred their usually serious prince to such amusement.
Back in the palace, Yuan Song received a puzzling report from the Yuwen household. The paper snow was blank, devoid of any information. His frustration surged, and he considered taking drastic measures to confront the grandmaster of the Eyes of God.
Determined to solve the mystery of the blank paper, Yuan Song decided to investigate further. He snuck into the Emperor's office, where he found an array of intriguing tools and materials—various jade stamps, a pitch-black ink, a small blade, and a miniature bonsai garden with a spring of water.
Curiosity led him to observe as the Emperor entered, carrying a document. The Emperor carefully dipped the blade into the steaming water of the bonsai garden, then into the pitch-black ink. He made a small cut on his wrist, letting three drops of blood fall into the ink, and then cleaned his wound. After anointing it with a small amount of balm from a celadon canister, he stirred the ink and stamped it with the heaviest jade seal.
Yuan Song, hidden behind a golden palace post, watched in awe and intrigue. The process seemed to be a method for revealing hidden information or possibly encrypting documents with a personal touch—a secret the Emperor kept from most.
As the Emperor finished and left the office, Yuan Song emerged, determined to learn more about the palace's hidden methods and the significance of the secretive ink and stamps. This new discovery could prove crucial in navigating the complex political landscape and addressing the challenges posed by the alliances and his own personal vendettas.
Yuan Song's discovery in the Emperor's office left him both awestruck and deeply intrigued. The meticulous process of using blood to seal documents hinted at secrets beyond the ordinary. The black seal, an artifact rarely used, carried an air of mystery and gravity. He pondered the possible implications of this seal, especially in light of recent developments concerning Yanbei and Liang State.
As Yuan Song made his way out of the imperial office, he forced himself to adopt a casual pose. His mind, however, was racing with questions. The black seal's connection to the Shen Jin Gong and the ashes of Cheng Guang Temple was particularly troubling. The thought that the Emperor might have a hidden agenda or a secret imperial decree related to these entities intrigued him.
Determined to uncover the truth, Yuan Song decided to follow a methodical approach to his investigation. His first step was to understand the significance of the black seal. Here's how he planned to proceed:
1. Consult Historical Records
Yuan Song knew that the black seal must have a historical significance. He planned to delve into ancient records and texts, especially those concerning the Wei Empire's past. These records might provide clues about the seal's use and its historical context.
2. Speak to Trusted Advisors
He intended to consult a select few trusted advisors and scholars within the palace who might have knowledge about the black seal or the secret practices of the Wei Empire. Discreet inquiries would help him gather information without raising suspicion.
3. Investigate the Shen Jin Gong and Cheng Guang Temple
Understanding the connection between the black seal and the Shen Jin Gong or Cheng Guang Temple was crucial. Yuan Song planned to investigate these locations discreetly. He knew that Shen Jin Gong was a repository of knowledge and power, and Cheng Guang Temple had historical importance that might tie into the Emperor's secret activities.
4. Monitor the Emperor's Actions
Yuan Song resolved to keep a close watch on the Emperor's actions and any changes in palace activities. The Emperor's sudden use of the black seal could indicate a shift in policy or a significant plan in motion.
5. Gather Intelligence from the Yuwen Household
Given that the Yuwen household had been a source of both information and intrigue, Yuan Song considered probing further into their operations. The black seal's mention might be tied to their activities, and understanding their role could reveal more about the Emperor's plans.
As Yuan Song left the palace grounds, he maintained a facade of normalcy. He engaged in routine activities—training, studying, and interacting with court officials—while secretly pursuing his investigation. His outward calm masked a storm of curiosity and determination.
The Secret Behind the Black Seal
The black seal, steeped in history and shrouded in secrecy, was a tool used in the most critical and confidential matters of the empire. It symbolized a connection to the deepest, most guarded secrets and decisions. The use of blood in its process indicated a commitment to authenticity and a binding of the decree to the Emperor's lineage.
Yuan Song's pursuit of the truth was not just about uncovering secrets but also about understanding the depth of his father's strategies and the future of the Wei Empire. With each step, he would navigate the treacherous waters of court politics, uncovering layers of intrigue that would shape his future role as a ruler.
As he continued his covert investigation, Yuan Song remained focused on his ultimate goal: to ensure the stability and prosperity of the Wei Empire while securing his own position and addressing the threats posed by Yanbei and Liang State.