The Sixth Prince's Palace – Eagle's Haven
The gentle strains of a guzheng echoed through the grand hall of the Sixth Prince's palace, its melodic notes crafting an atmosphere both tranquil and majestic. Servants moved with practiced silence, topping off goblets and fine-tuning the arrangement of dishes on the long, polished tables. The seven princes and the Empress occupied their seats of honor, savoring the feast that symbolized their enduring success.
The Second Prince, Zhang Jianyu (whose name means "resilient and brave"), raised his cup high, his voice resonant. "To us, the rulers of the Seven Sects of Earth! May our legacy endure for generations!"
"To the Seven Sects!" the others chorused, their goblets meeting in a symphony of ambition and indulgence.
Leaning back in his chair, Zhang Weihao, the Sixth Prince (his name meaning "great and noble"), wore a smug grin. "If Father could see us now, he'd finally know who his rightful heirs are."
The Empress nodded slightly, her approval subtle but clear. "Your father's dream came to life because of my guidance. Never forget where your strength comes from."
Before anyone could reply, the hall's doors flew open, and General Zhao entered in haste, his armor clattering loudly. Dropping to one knee before the Empress and the princes, his face was ashen.
"Your Majesties," he said, his voice strained. "I bring urgent news."
The room grew still. Even the guzheng player froze, her hands poised midair.
"Speak," the Empress commanded, her gaze sharp as a blade.
"The golden jar…the one containing Zhang Yixuan's soul…has been tampered with... it's empty."
The sound of a goblet hitting the floor shattered the silence. The Fourth Prince, Zhang Tianfeng (whose name means "heavenly peak"), stared, his expression a mix of disbelief and shock.
"Empty? That's impossible!" cried the Fifth Prince, Zhang Ruiliang (meaning "auspicious brightness"), leaping to his feet. "That jar was sealed with the strongest talismans! Who could have broken it?"
The First Prince, Zhang Haoran (whose name means "vast and noble"), frowned deeply, his tone calm but somber. "How it was broken is irrelevant. The real question is whether the soul is free…or if it's perished as intended."
Zhang Yunqi, the Third Prince (whose name means "cloud rider"), leaned forward, his voice a menacing hiss. "If his soul is free, we all know what it means."
The brothers exchanged uneasy glances. Zhang Weihao remained seated, his smirk replaced by a calculating expression.
"And what if it is free?" he said at last, his voice cool. "We've grown stronger over eighteen years. Even if he's back, he doesn't stand a chance against us."
The Empress's hand struck the table with force, silencing the room. "Don't be foolish," she snapped. "Zhang Yixuan may have been a boy when he died, but if his soul survived, it's filled with vengeance. That kind of power cannot be underestimated."
Zhang Jianyu broke the tension, speaking carefully. "We need to find out who tampered with the jar and why. If he's reincarnated, we must deal with him before he regains strength."
The Empress nodded. "General Zhao, double the guards. Search the surrounding areas, and bring in sorcerers to examine the jar. We cannot leave anything to chance."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The general bowed and exited swiftly.
Zhang Haoran turned to the Empress, his face grim. "What if he's after revenge? We're the ones who..."
"Enough," the Empress cut him off, her voice icy. "This is not the place for such talk. Focus on eliminating any threats."
Inside the Sixth Prince's Mansion
In a quieter wing of the expansive palace, Lady Shen Lihua sat alone in her chamber, the faint music from the feast barely audible. Her delicate fingers traced the embroidery on her sleeve as her mind drifted far from the present.
She barely flinched when a maid entered, bowing deeply. "My lady, urgent news from the hall."
"What is it?" Lihua asked, her tone composed.
"The golden jar containing Zhang Yixuan's soul….it's been found empty."
Lihua's breath hitched, though she maintained her calm facade. "Empty? Are you certain?"
"Yes, my lady. The general announced it at the feast. The Empress and princes are deeply concerned."
"You may go," Lihua said evenly.
As the maid departed, closing the door behind her, Lihua's composed mask shattered. She gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles white.
"Yixuan..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Memories surged forth: his laughter, his kind eyes, the promises they'd made as children. He was her betrothed, her love, the center of her world….until he was murdered by those now feasting in celebration.
Forced into marriage with the Sixth Prince, she had endured years of cruelty and silence, mourning Yixuan while hiding her grief.
But now, if it were true…if Yixuan had returned...
"If you are back," she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion, "may the heavens grant you the strength to reclaim what was stolen."
Her tears turned to resolve. She would wait and watch, but when the moment came, she would act without hesitation.
Back in the Hall
The feast continued, but the tension was palpable. The princes whispered among themselves, their earlier unity eroded by suspicion.
Zhang Tianfeng leaned closer to Zhang Lingyun, the Seventh Prince (whose name means "soaring dragon cloud"), speaking in hushed tones. "If he comes for us, we can't rely on the Empress. We must prepare our defenses."
Lingyun nodded solemnly. "We should strengthen our forces. If he's reincarnated, he won't be the same boy we killed. He'll be far more dangerous."
The Empress, watching from her seat, observed her sons' whispered exchanges with narrowed eyes. Their bonds were fragile, their ambitions ever-present.
"Remember this," she said, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "If Zhang Yixuan has returned, he will destroy us one by one. Only by standing united can we survive."
Zhang Weihao smirked as he raised his goblet. "Let him come. I'll remind him why we rule the Seven Sects."
The Empress's gaze hardened. "Your arrogance will destroy you."
As the feast carried on, unease lingered. In the palace's shadows, alliances formed and secrets brewed, while far away, Zhang Yixuan's soul burned with vengeance, preparing for the inevitable storm.