5 Arc 1.2: Emperor's Beloved Tutor
Nian and his father sat in the carriage that was furnished extravagantly so the ride would be comfortable. There were occasional bumps here and there but overall it was nice. The sunlight shown threw the windows as the curtain fluttered in the breeze. The horses neighed as the carriage coachmen whipped the stallion.
Nian heaved a sigh as he looked out of the window into the busy streets. He wasn't sure what to do in this current situation. It was uncomfortably quiet. Nian isn't sure how to strike a conversation. Every time he talked to his previous father it was only about business, nothing else.
So he didn't know what to say, he never really had leisurely conversations that were for fun. Although he always desired to feel the love of another, one that was from a close family member. Not expecting anything in return. You should remember was Nian was rich and people got close to him for only his wealth or looks.
A heavy silence settled over them, thicker then the uneasy tension in the atmosphere. So tense you could cut it with a knife. Unsettled eyes glanced unceremoniously around and tried to avoid catching other glances that passed by. Nian shifted uncomfortably in his seat and grasped his sweaty, nervous hands. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
Why couldn't he just talk like before. It was just a few words, but it was as if an invisible force was stopping him from talking. Why couldn't he be the fearless and brave CEO from before. An aspirated sigh left his pearly lips.
Wu Chou seemed to have noticed his discomfort. "Are you alright son? Are you nervous or anything? Don't worry I'll be with you all the way. If you don't want to be a tutor I can request for the emperor to not allow you to do it. You do know you can tell me anything right?" A worries expression was plastered on the defined older males face.
"I'm alright father. Thank you for the concern." A small smile slowly crept on the others face. Nian also couldn't help but smile, someone was genuinely worried about him. Even though he was in someone else's body. He couldn't help but feel fuzzy inside.
The carriage soon arrived at the emperor's palace. As he looked at the scenery his eyes widened and his mouth agape. It was simply a beautiful sight. The intricate design on the doors, the pavement, the walls and even the roofs were expertly built.
Nian had seen the older version if the building as it was a relic and a monument many people eould visist in the future. But it can't compare to the present look. Petals slowly drifted to the ground as if time had slowed. A pink petal fell onto his small hand. His nostrils were filled with the smell of a light smell of food.
The two males sauntered towards the large doors. The sound of loud chattering could be heard behind it. Nian wondered why there was such a commotion for him to only become a tutor and caretaker. Wait apparently it was the prince's introduction to the other nobles.
He must feel quite pressured. Maybe that's why Nian needed to guide the little one, so he doesn't go astray and has someone to back him up.
The large exquisitely detailed red sandwood doors swung open revealing the two. All noises previously ceased in a matter of seconds. Nian wasn't too nervous as he has talked to many big bosses throughout his life. His robes trailed behind him as he walked straight, an intimidating aura surrounded him. One filled with courage and fearlessness.
Immediately when he arrives before the emperor and empress, he kowtows, showing his respects. His eyebrows scrunch together as he says his formalities. Nian already knew the customs of ancient Chinese, not only that but many other skills that might not even be needed. They all had been hammered into him at a young age.
"May the Emperor and Empress live for 1000 years. I pay my respects to your highnesses." His unwavering and stern voice reverberated throughout the dead quiet hall. Someone whispers could be heard throughout the crowd.
The generals son was known to be a coward before, but here he was talking with a fearless face. It seem to add to his charm.
"Greetings to you Mo and general. Please arise." The two of them stood up from their crouching position and walked towards their designated spot. The emperor continued his speech.
"All of you must know why we have all gathered here. I thank you all for coming. Today is a day to be remembered. Meet my son Li Yingfeng will formally be introduced as the first prince." Louds sounds of appaluses could be heard as people yelled "All hail the crown prince."
Nian's eyes met with a pair of deep ruby red ones. It was the villain, Li Yingfeng. Nian couldn't help but be nervous but his heart seem to melt. The child was so cute although he seemed extremely fighteneted as all eyes were on him. He seemed to be only about 8 years old. While Nian was 14 years old.
The child had beautiful luscious black locks that ran down his pale and cute chubby face. His small pink lips were in a pout and his small legs were shaking. The child was visibly shaking as he clung to the hem of his robes. All eyes seemed to be on him.
The poor boy seemed to be on the verge of crying or pee himself. Nian couldn't help but want to coax the child. Showering the little one with love and affection, something he hardly received. The black-haired male had the urge to squeeze those cheeks. Where were all these immature thoughts coming from, it's as if his previous personality never existed.
With that done a decree was given to Nian.
"Do you Mo Chou agree to tutor my son and become his care giver. If so, please pledge your loyalty." A pair of stern blood red eyes looked at the calm male, one leaving no room for indecision and defiance.
"I pledge my loyalty. If I dare defy or betray you may lightning strike me." A few gasps could be heard, only those who put their full trust would ever put their life at stake. The emperor seemed satisfied at the response as a small smile crept onto his face.
Nian gratefully accepted the parchment paper which felt like silk. A royal stamp was marked on it, as an authentication that the emperor had signed it himself. He felt a pair of watery red eyes on him. He sent a glance to the new crown prince before bowing once again and standing up.
"Good good, I should leave you with my son so you two children can get to know with each other, Do not fear with being strict with him if he misbehaves. Do a punishment that seems fit. But do remember you are being watched." With that the two were dismissed.
The duo walked in awkward silence as they made their way to the private garden of the crown prince. Nian couldn't help but pet the smaller child. He ruffled the bed of fluffy hair, running it through his delicate slim fingers.
"Nice to meet you your highness. I hope we get along from now on. I shall be with you from today onwards. If you behave well you will be rewarded. If you have any problems feel free to consult to me." The child remained silent but nodded timidly. Nian was always into cute things and Li was a prime example. To be honest he didn't want the child to grow. But alas reality is cruel.
The two leisurely strolled through the gorgeous garden. The lake-side air was pungent with the fragrance of jasmine. This was no natural basin filled with melt water, but the luxury addition to a formal garden by an earl with both copious leisure time and money. Nian walked over to the small miniature pond and stepped closer to the edge and crouched down.
From six feet up the surface was an opaque green, but just was clear enough to see the plants and life below the surface. Koi fish swam bellow the murky surface. They were huge and numerous, each about as long as his arm. He gazed across the wind-ruffed surface to the lily pads in bloom, their white or magenta petals catching the breeze. He inhaled slowly. Peace.
Nian plucked off a dandelion from a nearby the ground and placed it into Li's hair. A gentle smile went across his face as he neatened the hair in place giving it a kiss full of affection. Flowers are such beautiful plants with special meaning.
"This gorgeous flower is called a Dandelion. Do you know what it means?" Nian asked softly, Li Yifeng shook his head shyly as he touched the flower in his hair gently.
"As simple and common this plant is it still holds it's own unique beauty. Sometimes simplicity is the best. Remember to never over complicate things. Whenever you do remember this flower. It stands for wishes coming true. The dozens of seeds released by each flower head represent fertility and abundance.
The seeds' journey illustrates a time of clothing the past and a symbol of hope for starting something new. Not only that peace, warmth of home and unity. Which I'm sure you'll find all of this one day. See all of this comes from a flower. This is today's lesson. Remember it well. Now shall we leave. Your parents must be worried."
The child now acquired a newfound admiration for the older male. His large beady eyes looked up at the gorgeous male. His long jet-black hair swayed gently in the wind. The field of Dandellions that, each were swaying slowly in the gentle breeze. Li held that larger one's hand in his smaller one squeezing it tightly.
The figure of the two slowly disappeared into the distance as they headed back into the crowded hall.
This is how Nian met Li Yifeng. But it was far from over.
'Am I gonna be gay for him. Maybe?'
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