In the month when the dragon stood majestically, the golden throne of the Celestial Empire was reduced to ashes in a civil war among the royal bloodlines vying for the throne.
Blood and chaos buried the throne, and swords and weapons were scattered across the battlefield, for all those who had held it had perished.
With the arrival of spring, the fourth prince led an army of several thousand to ascend the throne, ending the massacre and turmoil that had nearly destroyed the empire.
_______
The horses galloped through the mildly dense forest, their hooves pounding the ground, before finally coming to a stop in a clearing.
Two men sat on horseback, one in a magnificent royal robe, the other in simple yet noble attire.
The nobleman sighed, turned his horse to face the other, and smiled. "We part ways here," he said.
The royal member, reluctant to part, asked sadly, "Where are you going now?"
"I will travel far to the East," the nobleman said, pointing east.
"Why don't you stay in the capital? I can arrange…"
"No need. The court has never been our concern, but if you need my help, I'm always here," the nobleman said, earning a smile from the royal member.
"Farewell, brother. I look forward to seeing you again," the nobleman said, turning his horse and galloping away.
"Yu Jian, remember, if you encounter any trouble, you can rely on me. You are always welcome back. Let's keep in touch, okay!" the royal member called after the departing nobleman, who waved without turning back.
Only after the noble had completely disappeared did the royal member turn his horses around and return to the direction they had come from.
Decades later…
Hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor, accompanied by the call of a name.
"Mo Lin!"
A young man was organizing scrolls and books on the library shelves when his name was called.
He looked up, his gaze shifting from the books he was examining to the door that had opened at the same time.
Standing outside was another young man dressed similarly, beaming with joy, though panting. "Mo Lin, I finally found you!"
"Hao Rong, what made you happy today?" Molin greeted him with a smile.
Hao Rong caught his breath, straightened up, and said, "The results are in, come quick, people are starting to gather." He walked over to Molin and took his hand.
"But I haven't finished what the elder asked me to do," Mo Lin said, being dragged along.
"Yes, yes, I heard you. You can do it later. Let's go." Hao Rong stripped the remaining scrolls from Molin, threw them on the table, and then dragged him out of the library.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard, students gathered around the bulletin board, which was neatly covered with stacks of papers arranged in rows and columns.
"Excuse me, make way, haven't you seen your grades yet?" Hao Rong said, squeezing through the crowd with Mo Lin.
They were now standing in front of the grade board checking their results.
"Look, look! You got first place! You truly are a genius!" Hao Rong exclaimed excitedly.
"I came in second. When my dad hears this, at least I'll shut him up." With that, he and Mo Lin moved away from the billboards and crowds, walking along the path on the terrace.
Mo Lin walked steadily with his hands behind his back; Hao Rong strolled leisurely with his hands behind his head, the spring breeze gently caressing their faces.
"Now that the exams are over and the results are in, what are your plans next?" Hao Rong asked.
"The imperial examinations are about to begin," Mo Lin replied, understanding the implication. "You want to enter the court? Why?" Hao Rong asked.
Mo Lin didn't answer, only smiled. He knew his friend wouldn't answer, so he didn't press further.
He continued, "With your talent and ability, I believe promotion will be easy for you. I salute you, Mr. Mo Lin." As he spoke, he imitated the gesture of a commoner bowing to a high-ranking official.
Mo Lin, caught off guard, reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him from bowing a second time.
"Ah, don't do this, don't do this," Morin said.
"Please remember me, your humble servant, in your glorious days," said Hao Rong.
"I heard you, I heard you. Stand up straight," Morin urged him to stop.
"I'll listen to you," Hao Rong said with a smile. Mo Lin sighed, turned and left, leaving Hao Rong alone to tease him.
"Hey, wait!" Hao Rong chased after Mo Lin, who had quickened his pace.
Molin and Hao Rong crossed an intersection and entered another open corridor. Halfway through, they saw a teacher walking briskly, his attention elsewhere, so he didn't notice them.
"Elder Huang!" Hao Rong called softly, waving his hand to pull their teacher back from his thoughts.
Elder Huang paused to see who called him. On knowing who it was, he walked over to them.
Hao Rong and Mo Lin also stepped forward to greet him.
"Mo Lin" Elder Huang said, a proud smile on his face like a teacher looking at his proud student.
Mo Lin bowed respectfully, while the forgotten Hao Rong pouted, revealing a half-joking expression.
"Elder Huang. At this moment, the way you look at Mo Lin is like looking at your precious jewel. I feel a little overwhelmed by your intense love."
"You! You rascal!" The elder was so angry he almost choked up. He grabbed Hao Rong's head with one hand and started hitting it repeatedly with his fingers. Hao Rong screamed in pain.
"Your mouth keeps spouting nonsense." Elder Huang wanted to give him another beating, but Hao Rong dodged each time.
Mo Lin watched the two bicker, swaying incessantly, a smile spreading across his face. This situation had existed since before they even began their studies.
"Forget it, if I waste any more time on you, I'll start to doubt my own mental state." Elder Huang sighed, then turned to face Mo Lin, as if remembering something.
"Ah, I almost forgot," Elder Huang said, pulling an envelope from his sleeve and handing it to him. "This is for you." Mo Lin opened the envelope, took the letter, and began to read. Hao Rong leaned closer to peek.
"Lord Xui… isn't that your father?" Hao Rong said, his eyes still fixed on the letter.
He heard Mo Lin sigh. Mo Lin began folding the letter, his tightly furrowed brows relaxing as he looked up at a curious Elder Huang.
Mo Lin stepped forward and bowed. "Elder Huang, may I leave early?" Mo Lin asked.
"Ah, yes, you may, but why?" Elder Huang asked. "I've been summoned back…to the manor," he replied, nodding in understanding.
Mo Lin then turned his gaze to Hao Rong, a pang of sadness in his heart. Their planned walk had fallen through, and he was leaving Hao Rong.
He could only softly call his name, unable to utter a single word. "Hao Rong."
"Go on, we'll meet in the capital later," Hao Rong comforted him, and Mo Lin nodded.
"I'll take my leave now," Mo Lin said, bowing to Elder Huang again.
Then he nodded slightly to Hao Rong, who nodded in return, and turned to leave.
"I'll escort you," Hao Rong said, already turning but Elder Huang grabbed Hao Rong by the back collar and pulled him back as soon as he took a step.
"Where do you think you're going? I have some things I need you to take care of," the elder said.
'Save me' Hao Rong silently mouthed at Mo Lin who looked at him with a helpless smile.
"Have a safe journey, child," the old man said, looking at Mo Lin, then pulled Hao Rong towards another passageway.
"Don't forget to send a letter when you get to the capital!" Hao Rong shouted as he was being pulled away,
"Hey, old man, slow down, or I'll fall!"
"Ah, who are you calling old man?" Mo Lin watched them leave, shaking his head with a smile. Soon, their voices and figures disappeared, leaving only silence. Only then did he turn and leave.