Steam rose from the water below, spreading outward, looking as if the whole courtyard itself was filled with clouds. Beneath the thick vapour lay a pool of hot water, and soon bubbles formed as Li Chen rose from the water. Brushing back the hair that was dropping down on his face, he leaned against a side of the pool, his mind wandering.
Since coming to this world, he rarely had any dreams that weren't incomprehensible. One time, he dreamed of his life on the blue planet, if he didn't come here, which was a nightmare. Crumbling nations, he, as a powerless mortal, was cast into war as cannon fodder, as soldiers died in waves after waves. His life here won't be much different, if not more cumbersome.
Till now, he has lived a decent life under the protection of the imperial family. Though he maintained a calm, composed and talented profile, he always had one doubt threatening to tear apart his peace. That is, if he had aptitude for cultivation, even if it is negligible, at least he can enter the path, but if he did not have any, that's terrible.
His dream was based on his preconceived notion of the world of cultivation he read about in novels like Spiritual Roots, one Element being called heavenly, which is desired and the five elements being trash. He didn't even know if this world had spiritual roots or how they measured aptitude. As for the protagonist, they really gave him that impression, snatching women here and there, for their harem trope. As for their cultivation, after only a few years they can reach to the heights where others would have taken ten thousand years, really ridiculous.
Enough about them, he was now excited and was in a happy mood. He has taken the first step. Does that mean he has an aptitude for cultivation? Even if he does not, he can just travel this world and taste the popular foods while keeping an eye on any opportunity to cultivate without aptitude, thereby not living in vain.
As they say, 'The great way has fifty, heaven manifests forty-nine, and the man escapes with the one'. Heaven always leaves a way out; if not, then what - a big question mark. It truly is his inner demon; just thinking about it infuriates him. Many philosophical questions that did not have any answers on earth can be realised here. Who created this world, and how do they exist without collapsing? The laws upon which this world was built? What comes after death? Many theories existed on earth, which he can glance at now after he achieves great success. To die without knowing many questions that haunted him and the metaphysics of this world is truly infuriating, but there's nothing he can do except give his all.
'The man chasing the horizon runs himself to death. The man walking toward it arrives,' he thought. He did not notice the presence of another person who was looking at him from a distance.
"Big brother, what are you thinking?" he asked.
Snapping back to reality reminded himself, 'to give up what is close by to seek what is far away'.
"Nothing, just wondering what to eat today?" he replied.
"Ah, I thought you were worrying about today's initiation. Don't worry, among all brothers and sisters, you are the most intelligent and talented one. Even the imperial father is full of praise. If you don't have aptitude, no one else will," he said, looking proud, beating his chest full of confidence.
'Aptitude does not have anything to do with your talents, do you not understand that rule?' Li Chen thought, outwardly replying, "Yes, yes, yes, as you say so shall it be".
This prince is Li Yan, his younger brother, Consort Hua's son. When his mother was thrown into the cold palace by Noble Consort Huang Ping, Li Yan was adopted by her. Although Consort Hua was later released, she now spends most of her time in seclusion, rarely meeting anyone. This brother of his is probably his replacement, if he were to die or leave the palace to seek cultivation. Who knows what his mother said to the emperor to punish Consort Hua while also adopting him?
Shaking his head, he stood up as he placed his hands on the fine hemp cloth that was hanging on the decorative silk screen that was placed in front of the pathway to screen away the gazes of onlookers. He wore neat clothes that were placed on a rock nearby. Adjusting his belt, he spoke, "Let's go".
He is quite close to this particular brother. They are almost the same age; you can say they grew up together. Although he found him annoying at the beginning, always pestering him now, he finds him rather cute and silly. As a middle-aged person, he felt like a responsible adult. He taught him many things, the essentials of survival, of the palace affairs and the human heart. His muddy brain just can't understand anything.
Maybe that's the reason his mother chose this brother. Probably to make him a puppet king. But for that to happen, the king must die before her, who knows how she's trying to kill the emperor.
They made their way through the imperial gates. If one is not familiar, they could easily get lost. As they moved through, they saw a bunch of maids preparing festivities and ritual items.
"Oh, look who it is? One of the four great talents fourteenth prince, and his servant boy sixteenth prince," sneered the twelfth prince, waving his pristine white fan, pointing at them.
"I heard it's his mother who coerced his majesty into giving him his title", spoke the 12th prince's study companion to this prince's ear, but it wasn't discreet, deliberately provoking him.
Li Chen continued his way, thinking, 'Another fool, doesn't he know walls have ears, or is it that he doesn't fear his mother?'
Infuriated, the prince shouted, "Let's see how he can continue to be arrogant after I step into cultivation. Just wait to be crushed beneath my feet", stomping his way forward with big strides, leaving him behind.
'Hah, his mother probably compared him with me. Scolding him using my name, 'Comparison is indeed the thief of joy'', he shook his head. He didn't want to showcase his talents either, but unfortunately, while practising them. His mother noticed him, and of course, he was put to use. He can't just hide his lifebound skills, which he enjoyed.
They finally arrived at a 45 mu* outer court, and on the higher ground, where many seats were arranged, and at the center three luxurious seats were arranged. There sat the emperor, empress to his right, noble consort Huang Ping to his left.
His chair was placed beside the crown prince, its meaning apparent.
They performed a salutation as he spoke with a resolute voice, "Son greets imperial father, May the Mandate of Heaven remain eternal, and may Your Majesty's virtue calm the storms of the world."
The emperor's gaze lowered as if measuring him posed a question, the atmosphere tense.
"Eternal?" the Emperor repeated. "Heaven grants, and Heaven takes. Tell me if Heaven is angered, what holds the Mandate?"
A faint murmur rippled at the back of the high ground where ministers were seated, behind the prince's seats.
Li Chen faced the question as if he were already two steps ahead, but a thought lingered 'Heavens are angry? At us mortals rather than cultivators? Do they even view us as people? Is it true, or is it just a test?'
"Not just praying but rather manifesting the virtue", he replied.
The Emperor's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Oh, elaborate for us to listen to."
"In times of flood, grain must reach the people before the court. In times of drought, the Emperor must blame himself before blaming Heaven. If the people are fed, clothed, and unafraid… then even if thunder roars, Heaven's anger will find no root."
He paused, choosing his next words carefully.
"History shows us this. When rulers sought only to appease the heavens with rituals, they fell. But those who governed with benevolence… even calamities could not shake their reign. For Heaven listens not only to incense but to the hearts of the people."
The ground fell completely silent now. The emperor stroked the armrest of his golden throne.
"Then tell me," he said, voice deep, "if disaster strikes despite virtue… what then? Has Heaven abandoned us, or have we misunderstood it?"
"It reminds the ruler to reflect, the court to correct, and the people to endure. Heaven does not abandon lightly, but it does test deeply. Only those who respond with humility, not defiance, can continue to bear the Mandate."
Some ministers lowered their heads, unwilling to be caught on its edge. In recent years, calamities had not been few, and whispers, though never spoken aloud, had begun to spread like a wildfire in the court. Few ministers seemed to know the real cause.
"If disaster comes despite virtue," he said slowly, "then it is not punishment—but reminder."
"Reminder of what?"
"To pay the debts of yesteryear."
The words drifted through the hall like falling ash.
The words landed like a hidden blade unsheathed. The prince continued, as if the gazes of everyone present were not trying to discern every inch of him. His every expression, his bodily movement, the frequency at which he speaks, and the pauses are all being noted.
"When misfortune lingers, it is not always the fault of the present alone… but perhaps the echo of what was left unresolved."
A few older ministers stiffened at that.
The Emperor's gaze sharpened—just for a fleeting moment. Li Chen did not know what he had brushed against, but the entire hall turned solemn and ugly.
"Heaven does not abandon lightly—but neither does it forget lightly. If storms persist, then it is a call not only to govern well today, but to examine the roots buried in yesterday."
The hall grew colder. Even the incense seemed heavier.
"For those who bear the Mandate," the prince said, "to inherit the throne is not only to inherit glory but also consequence."
"And if a ruler fails to discern those roots?" he asked, voice lower now.
Li Chen met his gaze, calm without noticing the emperor's lowered voice.
"Then he will mistake warning for misfortune… and correction for suffering."
A faint tremor passed through the gathered court.
"And if he fails still?" the Emperor pressed.
The prince paused—but only for a breath.
"Then Heaven will not wait forever."
The answer came softer this time, yet it struck deeper.
"It may endure through generations," he continued, "allowing chances to amend what was broken… but if no one turns back—then the Mandate will quietly pass to another, as it always has."
A sharp intake of breath echoed somewhere behind the rows of officials.
Yet Li Chen bowed again, without hesitation.
"But as long as Your Majesty governs with righteousness," he added, voice steady, "each day is a step away from disorder, not toward it. For even if there were past failings, it is present virtue that determines whether Heaven's gaze softens—or hardens."
Silence. Long. Heavy. Suffocating.
The Emperor did not speak immediately. His fingers, resting upon the jade armrest, had stilled entirely.
"…You speak of past and present as though they were threads in one loom," he finally said.
"They are, Father Emperor," the prince replied. "What is woven cannot be undone—, but it can still be continued differently."
Another pause. Then, slowly—
The Emperor exhaled.
"…You speak boldly and with wisdom beyond years."
"Because I trust in Your Majesty's virtue," the prince answered.
"Rise," he said at last. "Stand beside me for the rites."
Then, to the gathered court: "From this day forth, you will be the deputy heir apparent, aiding and correcting the crown prince," The emperor decreed, inviting few smiles and many jealous, hateful glances.
Noble consort Huang Ping smiled, looking at him with motherly love. Li Chen felt his skin crawl as if insects writhed beneath his flesh, as if she did not orchestrate this.
Li Chen already suspected this; his luxurious abode, his seat being arranged beside the crown prince. The meaning was not lost on anyone. His position was already decided, and this was meant to be a little test, who knew it would spiral this way?
He calmly took his seat amidst the silent murmurs and a few discerning glances.
"Let the rites begin", spoke the noble consort Huang Ping, showcasing her heaven-reaching hands in the court.
1 mu* = 717.6 sq ft.