An older eunuch announced the arrival of the Qinghai Queen. Despite the empire being secure, its walls have ears. Upon hearing about the crown prince and his location, the Qinghai Queen went to Prince Ra Zheng's palace.
The Qinghai Queen is responsible for the crown prince being taken away by his mother. She also controlled the empire while the Qinghai King isolated himself in his palace, never returning to work after a scandal. The King lost his son, who was the heir to the throne.
In response to false information from the Qinghai Queen, the Qinghai King sent spies to destroy the Xie household. This attack, which resulted in the deaths of innocent people, was triggered by false news that claimed the Xie family had kidnapped the King's son. Among the victims was the King's first love, Lady Yueshen.
Overcome by guilt and repeated failures, and following the destruction of the Chu Jing kingdom and the death of his brother, King Chu Teng Gao, the kingdom fell into a deep slumber during the longest, darkest night.
Without the moon kingdom, the sun empire remained in a prolonged nightmare, unable to see daylight for years.
The King abandoned his duties and temporarily handed over power to the Qinghai Queen.
Since then, the King lived a life of indulgence and neglect in the Qinghai harem, consumed by drunkenness and guilt. He lost all motivation to return to his duties. Rumors spread that the Qinghai Queen had enchanted the King and sabotaged his plans to take control of the empire.
Driven by jealousy of Lady Yueshen, the Queen believed that if she couldn't win the King's heart, she would at least seize control of the kingdom.
While Prince Zheng, Yuwen Yue, and their companions were enjoying each other's company, the Queen arrived, interrupting their moment.
The old Eunuch announced her presence, startling everyone except Yuwen Yue and Prince Zheng.
As the Queen entered, dressed in a royal black silk robe with gold-threaded flowers, her presence was commanding. Her hair was pitch black, adorned with a gold hairpin, and her skin was like jade.
She walked gracefully, almost as if she were floating.
The band of brothers, along with Prince Zheng, Yuwen Yue, and all the servants at the banquet, immediately knelt and bowed their heads, awaiting the Queen's words.
The Queen entered with a blend of warmth and sternness, her elegance contrasting with her cold, mysterious gaze, which she directed at Yuwen Yue.
She immediately recognized the crown prince from his stature and noted the Poe Yue Jian sword at Yuwen Yue's waist. The Queen approached the banquet table and took the seat in the middle, where Prince Zheng had been sitting.
Prince Zheng and Yuwen Yue then sat down facing each other.
The room was tense and silent until the Queen spoke, saying, "Everyone, let's continue the banquet." Her words broke the silence, allowing everyone to breathe again.
Noticing the band of brothers remaining still, she instructed, "Arise, Crown Prince's knights, and show them their duties under the Crown Prince Yueshen's palace."
The older Eunuch bowed to the Queen and led the band of brothers out of the banquet hall to the Crown Prince's palace.
With a graceful gesture, the Queen signaled a royal servant, who brought her a jade goblet of wine. She drank elegantly and then placed the goblet on the table.
Turning to Prince Zheng, she said, "Prince Zheng, I understand a family member has arrived today. Could you please introduce me to your little brother?"
Prince Zheng responded, "Queen, this is Ra Yue, the seventh son of King Ra and the crowned prince of the Qinghai Empire."
Yuwen Yue seemed at a loss for words, but when Prince Ra Zheng nudged him under the table, Yuwen Yue understood and said, "It's an honor and pleasure to meet the Qinghai Queen."
Yuwen Yue was confused, wondering if he had just implied he was the crown prince or if he had acknowledged it. Prince Zheng, secretly amused, broke the awkward silence.
"Queen Zhejue, how should we announce the arrival of the Qinghai crown prince and his knights to the empire?" Prince Zheng asked, correcting himself, "I mean, his band of brothers, as Ra Yue calls them."
The Queen responded, "The crown prince will stay in the assigned palace. We will discuss further details after I meet with the King."
The Queen glanced at Yuwen Yue, who was focused on the table, seeming unsure of how to respond. He needed to make a decision quickly. His plan for a short visit might extend a few more days as he continued to play the role of "Ra Yue" to his advantage.
Yuwen Yue realized that staying longer could help him gather information about the Chu Jing Kingdom, use Qinghai's resources to infiltrate the Moon Kingdom, uncover its secrets, and rescue his captive brothers.
He focused on the positive, knowing his brothers were still alive and that much of the responsibility to save them rested on his shoulders. He replied, "Yes, Your Majesty Queen, thank you for your favor and kindness."
The Queen was secretly pleased as she planned how to control the crown prince, though she knew little about his strengths and weaknesses due to the King's secrecy.
She stood and excused herself from the banquet, moving gracefully out of the hall with her eunuchs and servants following her.
Prince Zheng and Yuwen Yue also left the banquet hall. Prince Zheng instructed his eunuch to show Yuwen Yue to his new residence at the Crown Prince Palace and assigned some maidens to be his servants.
Yuwen Yue requested, "Prince Ra Zheng, I do not want maidservants. I only wish to have Zuo Zong from my band of brothers."
Prince Zheng agreed, "Your wish is granted."
He then called for another servant to prepare clothing according to Qinghai's dress code and arrange for someone to teach them the local customs.
"Very well," said the servant.
"Thank You, Prince Ra Zheng," said Yuwen Yue and the Eunuch led their way to the crown prince palace. On their way, they met the 6th prince of Qinghai, cold burgundy eyes, fiery aura, jade-like skin, who is also looking like a god. The Eunuch bowed to the 6th Prince.
He was also accompanied by his eunuchs and servants. He stopped and remarked, "The crown prince has indeed arrived. Despite the weather, he tries to match my divine appearance, even dressed in disguise, with the Poe Yue Jian sword at his side."
The 6th Prince judged Yuwen Yue harshly, noting his inferior appearance and attire, and looked down on him for not adhering to Qinghai's dress code.
Yuwen Yue is a bit annoyed but on his usual calm as the sea stature even if dressed so poorly was his capital in all of his journeys, he cannot be brought down with just one look.
The more rugged he is, the better his appearance was, it radiates and exudes the full confidence of charm, elegance, cold-heartedness he replied: "When you are a weapon, and weapons do not weep, they just kill."
The 6th Prince was taken aback by Yuwen Yue's response. He hesitated, trying to understand the meaning behind Yuwen Yue's words.
Yuwen Yue, feeling disrespected, ignored the 6th Prince's judgment. He stood tall and refused to let any comments about his attire affect him.
Yuwen Yue adopted a more refined and commanding nature, surpassing even his half-brother, the 6th Prince Zhun, in his aristocratic presence.
The 6th Prince's attempts to belittle Yuwen Yue were futile. There was no arrogance from Yuwen Yue, only a calm resolve.
As they continued walking, the 6th Prince remained stuck like a rock where he met Yuwen Yue.
Yuwen Yue then stopped walked a few steps, and his eunuchs and servants did the same. He approached the 6th Prince and whispered in his ear,"If you must look down on me, don't stare. It's not just about my sword; it's who I am that matters."
The 6th Prince's eyes burned with anger as he clenched his fists tightly, unable to move or speak, as if paralyzed.
He forced a smile and said, "Very well, brother. The weather is yours for today!" His tone hinted at a lingering rivalry.
Yuwen Yue, maintaining his calm and cold demeanor, responded with a smile, "It will be mine not just today, but tomorrow and the day after. You won't have any days to yourself, as everything belongs to me."
With that, Yuwen Yue walked away, ending the conversation so arrogantly.
The old eunuch, though sneering, was clearly impressed with Yuwen Yue. He thought to himself, "No wonder he's the crown prince. He knows how to handle power and still looks majestic even after a confrontation. Remarkable!"
As Yuwen Yue and his entourage arrived at the palace, he noticed servants cleaning and uncovering white curtains on the fixtures and furniture.
The old eunuch then led Yuwen Yue to the western side of the palace, where Yuwen Yue saw a massive gold curtain with long tassels at each end.
The old eunuch said, "Your Highness, if I open the curtains, you'll enjoy the view of Qinghai's sky mirror." He then pulled back the curtain to reveal a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Crown Prince Hall overlooking a stunning lake.
Everyone was amazed, and Yuwen Yue walked over to inspect the view. He took a deep breath, taking in the perfect scene.
The lake mirrored the sky above, and swans floated gracefully on the water while black goshawks soared freely.
The shore was adorned with a bed of flowers, and in the distance, a small kingdom could be seen, adding to the skyline's vivid, mysterious charm.
As Yuwen Yue walked around his new palace, he asked, "Will I wake up every day to this incredible view?"
The old eunuch looked anxious, worried that Yuwen Yue might not appreciate the view, which was considered the best in the entire Qinghai palace.
"If you don't like it, Your Highness, we can close the curtains or lock the glass walls," the old eunuch offered.
Yuwen Yue noticed a switch for the iron windows outside the glass walls and asked, "Is this the switch to block the view?"
The old eunuch bowed and said, "Yes, Your Highness. You have sharp observations."
Yuwen Yue dismissed the praise and said, "You will also teach me more about the empire, correct?"
"Anything you wish to know, Your Highness, your servant will answer."
"Good. Tell me about the secrets of this palace," Yuwen Yue instructed.
"Would you like to hear about its history or what is happening now?"
"I prefer to hear the history from the beginning," Yuwen Yue replied.
The old eunuch glanced at Yuwen Yue's sword and said, "Your Highness, that sword you carry is central to the Qinghai Empire. Without it, people might turn against each other, and the empire could fall into chaos."
Yuwen Yue, raising his voice slightly, replied coldly, "I've heard many stories about this sword, but to me, in the West where I come from, it's just a household sword—nothing more, nothing less."
The old eunuch responded, "In the Qinghai Empire, the Poe Yue Jian sword symbolizes life and death, power and weakness, peace and chaos."
"Alright, that's enough for now. We can discuss this more tomorrow. I need some rest, so you may leave," Yuwen Yue said.
He then sat on the luxurious dragon carpet, preparing to meditate while facing the west. He asked the old eunuch to leave the view of the sunset as the sun began to set on the horizon.
The old eunuch bowed and said, "Your Highness, I will return later with your dinner and to introduce your garments and weaponry hall."
Yuwen Yue was deep in meditation.
Once the eunuchs left and the remaining servants finished their tasks, the palace started to come alive. For the first time in a while, the servant girls lit the incense burner in the mini-throne room. The plum blossom fragrance filled the palace, reaching Yuwen Yue's meditation space and reminding him of his Yuwen household, where fresh plum blossoms were his favorite scent.
After an hour, as the sun set, Yuwen Yue emerged from his palace and called his Yuwen Parrot, which was nearby. The parrot landed on his arm as the palace guards watched.
Yuwen Yue also asked one of the male servants to bring his brother Zuo and the rest of his band of brothers, as well as cold warriors to replace the Qinghai guards assigned to his palace.
"Master, how do I look?"
Zuo arrived dressed in the Qinghai code of dress suitable for the crown prince's convoy, while the rest of Yuwen Yue's group wore dark blue capes with iron shoulder caps and well-designed breastplates. They were armed with spears, swords, and bows—prepared for battle rather than their usual simple attire.
Yuwen Yue, seated at his grand desk in the crown prince's office, was testing various inks and brushes. He asked Zuo, "Do you want to scout the palace?"
Zuo sensed the seriousness in Yuwen Yue's tone and replied, "I will scout the palace at dawn, Master. Do you have any specific instructions?"
Yuwen Yue explained, "We're not here to live comfortably. We need to use this opportunity to search for our brothers. Understood?"
Zuo asked, "Aren't you going to stay here? You are the crown prince of Qinghai."
Yuwen Yue responded, "I've heard the stories, so I'm not surprised. Without the sword, I would be just an ordinary person."
He then mentioned the lady who had given him the Poe Yue Jian sword and taken half of their cavalry. Reflecting on past events, he recalled receiving the Canhong sword and a blank letter from his Aunt Tai Furen on his 12th birthday. Using a special powder, he revealed that the letter described the empire and the Poe Yue Jian sword, suggesting he would one day find his path.
Yuwen Yue said, "I didn't understand it at the time, but now I realize it was about me. She also gave me old maps, including one of the crown prince's palace. I studied and memorized them, hiding them in a book given to me by my grandmother."
Zuo responded with surprise, "Whoa!"
Zuo, visibly stunned by Yuwen Yue's revelations, asked, "Can I ask you something personal?"
Yuwen Yue looked at him, "What is it?"
Zuo, serious, said, "Do you think you can stay here longer? The empire is suffering from issues like slavery and injustice. People believe that once their crown prince returns with his sword, everything will be set right and peace will be restored."
Yuwen Yue remained silent, contemplating Zuo's point. He had grown up with these stories but had never considered himself the central figure in them.
If he were to stay, he might need to reunite with his real father, the King, and claim his place as the heir to the throne. However, this idea troubled him deeply. He was conflicted about facing his biological father, especially knowing the King's actions against his mother's household, the Xie family.
Yuwen Yue also wondered how he could return to the Western Empire to search for his sister, Xinger, if he was bound to manage the Eastern Kingdom.
These questions weighed heavily on him, with no clear answers in sight. Only time would reveal what Yuwen Yue would ultimately decide.
With a sword, a palace, an heir to the throne, and a mysterious moon kingdom, Yuwen Yue faced many challenges. His responsibilities now extended beyond his band of brothers to include the entire Qinghai Kingdom.
Shaking off his deep thoughts, Yuwen Yue suddenly addressed Zuo, "By the way, you look terrible in that suit," with a slight, teasing smile.
Zuo grinned slyly and replied, "Don't you appreciate the look?"
Yuwen Yue, still not looking up from his desk, said with a smile, "You cut your hair just for this? I guess I'll have to work hard, my brother."
Zuo laughed and said, "It is my duty and honor to serve the crown prince of Qinghai, who also happens to be my Master brother. I swear to serve you from this day forward."
The Yuwen Parrot interrupted, squawking, "Master brother, master brother, the crown prince, Qinghai, Qinghai."
Yuwen Yue, still focused on his desk, said coldly, "Zuo, it seems I'm destined to follow my mother's story. The Cinderella of the tale. I have no choice but to share this fate with my father."
Zuo, returning to his usual demeanor, replied, "If this is your path, so be it. I'm still committed to serving you, the crown prince and Master brother, as I vowed on that mountain cliff."
He tapped his left chest, knelt, and bowed his head to Yuwen Yue. Yuwen Yue thought of Yue Qi but quickly returned to the present moment.
Yuwen Yue, maintaining his calm demeanor, looked at Zuo and, reflecting on their past, finally said, "Very well. Whatever this Cinderella story brings, we will face it together."
Zuo stood up happily, and the Yuwen Parrot chirped, "Master brother, Master brother, Master brother."
Yuwen Yue said: "Tomorrow bring me some interesting pieces of information and find out who is the secret spy of Prince Ra Zheng, I heard he has never been found by anyone or has been seen by others. I need his background and maybe he will be useful to the Qinghai's crown prince too and to guide you Zuo."
Zuo replied: "A spy spying another spy?"
Yuwen Yue said: "Why not?" and he continued:
"We need extra hands, it is not easy to breach the middle kingdom, and I will be very much involved in Princely affairs starting from now. That means I won't be able to move the way I was before but you will be my eyes, and the secret spy should be your ally."
Another servant knocked in the door and announced outside the door that the old Eunuch arrived carrying Yuwen Yue's garments.
Yuwen Yue dismissed Zuo but told him to let all of the band of brothers to replace Qinghai guards assigned in his palace. All of a sudden a change of command and post happened at the same time, making Yuwen Yue more relieved now that his cold warriors, staff and spy brothers were in charge of his safety and protection.
It was like more of commissioning them instantly, and without any hesitation, his band of brothers accepted and played their roles as the crown prince convoy.
There are still a lot of things to discuss but it will be done later said by Yuwen Yue, and they were dismissed.
Yuwen Yue a little bit hesitant to let them come in as the servants were waiting for his words: "You may come in, and You are dismissed," he said to Zuo.
Almost at the same time, they bowed as one entering and one leaving. Zuo saw the crown prince garments and it matched all their battle gear suits, and some expensive light clothes fit for a prince was presented.
The old Eunuch seemed to be busy carrying the important garment and more servants on his back carrying all of his royal garments he said: "Your Highness, we will need to try-on this garment on you and you need a warm bath. This way please."
Yuwen Yue said: "I am sort of hungry can I eat first?"
The old eunuch did not have any choice but to say: "Yes your Highness" and it means they will watch him eat first carrying all of his heavy prince garments before he takes the warm pool at and takes the royal bath.
The old Eunuch cannot help himself but roll his eyes as he thinks the crown prince is not natural to make him obey his request and instructions.
Yuwen Yue said in a cold voice and smiled with ridicule: "Fine are you going to wait for me carrying all those stuff?"
"Yes your Highness," said the old Eunuch and Yuwen Yue gave him a hint of joyful muse it seems like fun on the crown prince but not to the old Eunuch.
Yuwen Yue walked to his royal banquet table, and the kitchen maids serve him food to eat. He is not already used to this kind of life, so at times he asks for the maid to give him and let him serve himself, other times he just also let the maids serve his food.
When he started to eat, another maid came in and halted it, she said: "Your Highness, I am assigned to be the crown prince royal food taster, if there is any poison on it, it may save your Highness from dying."
Yuwen Yue thought about it as second and did not respond because he is the former master of the eyes of God, he was trained on how to know if the food is poisoned or not.
Yuwen Yue in a cold stare and cold voice said: "You should have done it the first time I came and dine with Prince Ra Zheng."
"Spare my life, your Highness," said the maid, then in deep sadness she added.
"If you do not let me do my duty I will be dead by tomorrow morning."
Yuwen Yue is not a master who just obeys with what others say. He believes in this Yuwen household code of expressions: "Slaves obeys."
Yuwen Yue felt everything was like being controlled from the outside and that he needs to abide, he coldly and angrily said: "Then you be dead by tomorrow, if I am not the crown prince when the sun rises."
The maid did not taste the food.
All it means, Yuwen Yue will not obey the maid nor be weakly controlled by anyone.
Yuwen Yue had been turning on and off his aristocratic facade to make the Qinghai servants understand he is not just a naive crown prince but he knows everything about his palace, who is in control now and he will never bow to anyone unless someone is in danger, not even in danger unless it involves his Xinger.
The last time he checked was at the frozen lake that cost him his life and his precious bodyguard Yue Qi.
Yuwen Yue, with his usual indifference, addressed the maid's tearful plea:"From now on, you won't be a pawn used to save others. Your life is your own, but you'll stay here and observe your master."
His voice, though cold and detached, held an underlying softness.
As he continued his meal, Yuwen Yue inspected the jade bowls and golden chopsticks, demonstrating his skill with a flourish of his chopsticks. The kitchen servants, taken by his display, clapped in admiration. Yuwen Yue, unaffected by their praise, remained focused on his meal.
The old eunuch observed this scene with a mix of amazement and approval. Yuwen Yue's demonstration was not just a show of skill but a strategic move to assert his authority. He wanted to establish clearly who was in charge, showcasing the strong values of his Yuwen household, where a master's leadership was unwavering and their orders unchallenged.
Despite the many changes unfolding around him, Yuwen Yue understood the importance of maintaining his dominance and ensuring that his values of discipline and command were respected. His band of brothers, who had sworn their allegiance to him, stood by him, ready to follow his lead and support his newfound role as Qinghai's crown prince.