The cart lurched violently over a stone, the jolt traveled straight through the wooden planks and into the girl's spine. Her eyes snapped open, she saw nothing except darkness. The inside of the caravan smelled of damp straw, sweat, and the stale air stung her throat.
Her wrists were bound behind her back and the rope bit into her skin each time the cart jolted. She lay still and the voices outside drifted in. "Once we pass through Qinghe and reach Yun port the buyers will be waiting." A gruff voice called out.
"Those rich bastards pay double for girls with good faces." Another low, guttural voice chimed in and a burst of laughter followed.
The girl's lashes lowered again, she shook her head trying to recall her memories but her mind was strangely empty. She did not remember who she was or where she had come from at all, there was only a dull ache behind her temples which was accompanied by the faint sound of the wheels grinding against the road.
Her fingers shifted slightly against the rope and she felt the knot was rough and carelessly tied. Whoever tied it had not expected a petite girl like her to undo them. The girl twisted her wrist, the fibers scraping across her skin. She twisted again and the rope loosened a fraction.
Outside the cart one of the kidnappers talked gaudily with another, a loud spit could be heard and hooves stamped against the frozen earth. No one noticed the girl's faint movement within the straw. She continued working at the knot, her fingers were numb from the cold and red from the friction but they moved quickly, pulling one strand loose, then another.
After a few tugs the rope slipped free from her wrists. Then she pulled her arms forward and stared at her hands as though they belonged to someone else.
Then the cart jolted heavily again and one of the traffickers cursed. "Stop here. Let the horses rest." He called out exasperated.
The wheels came to a halt, lantern light seeped faintly through the gaps in the wooden boards. Then the girl moved without hesitation. She pushed aside the rough canvas flap covering the rear of the cart and dropped to the ground.
Cold air rushed against her, causing her dark hair to cling to her face. She simply stood there, her eyes scanning the surroundings quickly. The night sky stretched above her, black and endless.
Then a man shouted, "Hey!" Boots struck the dirt and she sprinted. Her bare feet struck the frozen earth hard causing a sting to travel up her leg and mountain debris dug beneath her skin as she darted toward the dark hills rising beyond the road.
"Catch her! Don't let the goods get away!" One of the burly kidnappers yelled, taking longer faster strides to close the gap between him and the girl.
They were large men with thick arms and crooked blades hanging from their belts. One of them carried a short hooked blade which was stained dark along the edge.
The girl ran across the rocky slope without slowing, the loose stones slid underfoot and her body adjusted instinctively. She moved lightly across the uneven ground, weaving between jagged rocks as though she had done it many times before. However, she had no recollection of it at all.
A hand grabbed her shoulder, she twisted her body sharply. The movement came to her naturally, faster than her thinking and her elbow drove backward into the man's throat. A choked sound escaped him, before he could recover she seized his wrist, twisted it hard, and drove her knee into his ribs. Something inside him cracked and the man collapsed with a painful howl.
The second trafficker lunged forward, muttering curses under his breath, his blade flashed under the moonlight as he swung it. The girl stepped sideways and the knife sliced through empty air.
Her hand shot out and caught his sleeve. She pulled hard, pulling him forward off-balance. His body slammed against a rock and the blade slipped from his fingers.
She snatched it before it touched the ground and the weapon felt strangely familiar in her hand. The weight of it and its balance.
The man staggered upright again. "You little– " His speech was cut in half by a wet gasp. The blade had dug between his ribs, warm blood splashed across her sleeve and landed on her face in speckles and the man folded in half at her feet.
The third trafficker slowed, his face twisted with disbelief at the girl infront of him and the bodies of his fellow men on the floor. "You're done for, you wench!" He shouted as he drew a long sword from his belt. The girl did not wait; she propelled forward, he swung wildly, she ducked under the strike and drove the stolen blade upward. He had managed to slice her shoulder leaving a deep gash, making the girl let out a pained grunt.
She quickly ducked under the subsequent knife swing and stuck her blade in the man's thigh. He screamed in pain, dropping to his knee, and she took advantage of this temporary falter to pierce the knife into his chest. The steel dug into his flesh and the man's body jerked, his knife dropped uselessly to the ground and silence returned to the hillside.
The girl stood very still, blood dripped slowly from the blade in her hand and her wound on her shoulder. She grabbed her shoulder, applying pressure to slow the bleeding. She stared at the 3 piles of bodies she had killed all by herself with perplexed confusion.
She wiped the blade clean against one of the men's cloaks and placed it securely in her robes. Then she turned and continued running with one hand on her wound. The hills stretched endlessly, tree branches clawed at her and cold wind cut through the torn sleeves of her robe.
Her hand drifted subconsciously to her chest, beneath her torn collar, a cold jade pressed against her skin. Her fingers closed around it. The jade was cool and smooth, carved into the faint shape of a moon with delicate indentations running on its surface. It read Xi Yue. 'Could that be my name?' She thought to herself.
She didn't know why it mattered but as her hand held on to it, a strange calm washed over her. She tightened her grip, continuing forward towards the village that had come into her view.
Far to the south, along the road leading to the capital, dust rose beneath the hooves of several horses. Riders moved in a tight formation and black banners hung from their saddles with the emblem of a raven spreading its wings.
Civilians gathered along the roadside as the procession passed. Their expressions were far from welcoming, most of them whispered angrily or threw angry looks at Li Zhen while the rest simply stared dubiously. Hatred filled the streets.
At the center of the formation rode a man clad in armor. Li Zhen, Crown Prince of Ming. His posture remained perfectly straight in the saddle and the armor plates covering his shoulders gleamed faintly beneath the pale afternoon sun. A long sword rested at his waist and his steady expression revealed nothing.
The crowd grew thicker as they neared the outer districts of the capital. Word had spread quickly. "Look," someone murmured loudly. "That's him."
"The butcher prince." Called one of the spectators.
"Village killer." Another voice spat as if the words were poison.
"My cousin lived in that village. They said barely anyone survived." One of the civilians remarked loudly to his companion.
The murmurs grew louder and anger washed through the crowd like a rising storm. A stone suddenly flew through the air, it landed with a thud on the ground near Li Zhen's horse. Several of the Raven banner guards immediately retracted their swords in defense.
Li Zhen raised his hand, and they sheathed their swords again. He turned his head, slowly fixing his gaze on the direction the stone had come from. His eyes landed on the culprit and he narrowed them slightly.
The man who had thrown it froze where he stood, lowering his head slightly. That single look from Li Zhen had swallowed all the courage he had gathered, his face drained of colour and without wasting another second he turned and pushed through the crowd, fleeing as quickly as possible.
The surrounding onlookers fell silent. Li Zhen simply looked forward again and the procession continued toward the capital gates. The capital city of Ming rose proudly against the horizon, high walls of grey stone encircled the vast city like a fortress. The towering gates stood open, guarded by rows of imperial soldiers clad in bright armor.
Inside, wide streets stretched toward the palace district at the city's heart, carriages rattled through and merchants called out their fares boisterously along the streets. However when Li Zhen entered the main street with his raven banner guards, conversations dimmed and people stepped aside with their eyes following the riders in an uneasy silence.
At the far end of the avenue, the imperial palace overtook the skyline, it's roofs curved upward like the wings of a golden phoenix, rows of vermilion pillars lined the great halls and lanterns swayed gently beneath the eaves.
Li Zhen dismounted at the palace entrance and a court guard hurried forward. "The court is already in session, Your Highness Crown Prince" he said, bowing deeply. "His Majesty commands the Crown Prince to present himself immediately."
Li Zhen gave a slight nod and he walked through the palace gates with long fast strides. Inside the main court hall, ministers already stood in orderly rows, the vast chamber smelled faintly of incense and the afternoon sunlight filtered through the high windows, illuminating the polished stone floor.
At the far end of the hall rose the dragon throne, upon it sat Emperor Mingyuan. His robes were magnificent, woven with golden threads that shimmered in the light. However the man within them appeared diminished. His shoulders were narrow, his face was pale and faint lines of exhaustion were visible beneath his eyes.
The court eunuch's voice rang out suddenly. "The Crown Prince arrives!" Li Zhen stepped inside, immediately the entire hall performed the formal salute.
Ministers knelt in perfect rows. "Long live the Emperor. Ten thousand years. Ten thousand years." Their voices echoed through the chamber.
Li Zhen remained standing alongside the Fourth Prince, "This son greets Father Emperor." Li Zhen said as he stepped forward and bowed deeply.
Emperor Mingyuan stared down at him, for several moments not saying a word, his expression hardened. "You dare return!" He shouted, his voice was thin but extremely sharp with anger.
Li Zhen's face remained unchanged, "This son received the imperial summons, Father Emperor." Murmurs rippled through the court, officials leaned toward one another, sleeves lifted as they whispered behind their hands. Their eyes drifted back and forth between the tall man standing in the center of the hall and the emperor who was seething with rage.
An official stepped forward from the left row of ministers, he wore the deep crimson robes reserved for the highest rank of civil officials and his beard was carefully trimmed with silver strands at the edges. Prime Minister Qi Song, brother of the Empress. His gaze lingered briefly on Li Zhen before he bowed toward the dragon throne.
"This minister greets Your Majesty." He said in a firm voice, he didn't bother to hide the smug arrogance in his tone. Emperor Mingyuan leaned back into his throne, even from a distance it was easy to see the lines of fatigue pressing against his features.
"Your Majesty," Qi Song continued calmly, "the matter is already clear, the massacre at Longqiao Village has caused outrage throughout the kingdom. The people demand justice."
His sleeve lifted slightly as he gestured toward the hall. "Hundreds of villagers wiped out in a single day. Homes and livestock flooded. The few survivors left all claimed the attackers wore the Raven banner army emblem and carried the crown prince's badge."
The hall grew quieter. Li Zhen's expression stayed still, a hint of cool anger brewing in his features. His eyes moved slightly, narrowing on Qi Song. The temperature in the room seemed to drop beneath his stare. Qi Song held his gaze firmly refusing to break contact first.
Prince Li Rui stepped forward then and he bowed respectfully toward the throne. He spoke and his voice carried just enough sorrow to sound sincere. "Father Emperor," Li Rui said, bowing deeper, "such actions stain the dignity of the imperial family. Even if the Crown Prince claims innocence, the people will not accept it."
Emperor Mingyuan's hands gripped the arms of the throne, his breathing grew heavier and his knuckles turned pale. Across the hall entered the general of the imperial army, Shen Kuang, his badge struck softly against the hilt of his sword as he walked forward and he settled into a deep bow infront of the emperor.
The sudden entrance drew every eye in the hall. "This general requests permission to speak."
Emperor Mingyuan nodded faintly. "Speak."
Shen Kuang straightened. "Your Majesty," he said firmly, "I have fought beside the Crown Prince for several years, I have watched him grow and I've seen him lead soldiers into battles. He is loyal and filial. He would never mindlessly slaughter civilians without reason."
He looked at Li Zhen briefly and sent him a small nod of greeting.The younger man returned it with a similar nod of acknowledgment before turning his gaze back to the front.
"Crown Prince Li Zhen has defended the borders for years often putting his own life at risk. The Raven Banner Army follows him with unwavering loyalty for throne and kingdom, perhaps spies infiltrated and are framing the crown prince. We should open a thorough investigation before reaching a verdict."
Prime Minister Qi's expression twisted into annoyance at the general's words. "The investigation has already been conducted," he retorted smoothly. "All the survivors confirmed that the soldiers wore the Raven banner emblem and carried the Crown Prince's seal when issuing the order."
General Shen's brow furrowed exasperated, "That proves nothing absolutely nothing!"
The prime minister's smile thinned slightly, anger spreading across his prideful face, "you are making bold claims general." He turned again toward the throne, "Your Majesty, the general's loyalty is admirable, however the evidence remains before us."
Prince Li Rui spoke again, "Even if the truth remains uncertain, the damage has been done. The entire capital speaks of the bloodshed committed in the Crown Prince's name." His gaze landed on Li Zhen and a faint, smug smile flickered at the corner of his mouth.
Emperor Mingyuan suddenly coughed, the sound echoed harshly through the hall. An eunuch hurried forward with a silk cloth but the emperor waved him away irritably. His eyes fell upon Li Zhen once more, he stared at him intently, Li zhen held his father's gaze coolly. Then finally the emperor spoke, "The Crown Prince has brought shame upon the empire."
The hall fell silent, Li Zhen's expression remained perfectly calm. Emperor Mingyuan lifted a trembling hand, "From this day forward," he declared, "Li Zhen is stripped of his title as Crown Prince." Gasps spread throughout the hall.
"Furthermore," the emperor continued slowly, "he shall be exiled to the frontier region of Qinghe to reflect on his bloodshed. Without my imperial permission he may never return to the capital."
The decision settled over the hall like falling snow, Li Zhen bowed again. "This son accepts the decree." His voice remained steady but carried a glacial undertone.
Emperor Mingyuan concluded the court meeting and left the court hall supported by his two eunuchs. The wide train of his dragon robe dragged softly against the floor behind him. His pace was slow and after several dozen paces he would pause beside a carved pillar to catch his breath.
At his side joined an elderly court advisor, his beard hung long and white against his dark robe. They walked in a comfortable silence while the advisor glanced at the emperor occasionally.
Mingyuan's back seemed smaller than it had during the meeting. The advisor lowered his gaze before speaking, "the Crown Prince accepted the decree without a word, Your Imperial Majesty." He stated quietly, keeping his head lowered.
Mingyuan did not answer and they continued walking. A draft slipped through the corridor again, the lantern flames wavered and cast brief shadows across the emperor's face. His cheekbones looked sharper in the flickering light.
"The court will begin asking you about the succession in tomorrow's meeting, Your Majesty." The emperor stopped, not abruptly, just a slight pause.
The silk of his sleeve settled slowly, "succession," Mingyuan repeated, his voice frail.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The advisor continued, softening his tone even more, "the ministers will wish to ensure the stability of the imperial throne before rumors begin circulating outside the palace, Your Majesty."
"The court worries too much," he murmured, his irritability evident in his tone. The advisor fell silent. They passed beneath an archway painted with vibrant cranes.
"Earlier this year," the advisor said breaking the silence, "a tribute envoy arrived from Yanxi, Your Majesty" The emperor's brow shifted faintly.
"Yanxi?"
"They brought rare medicines,Your Majesty" the advisor continued. "Pearl powders, spirit herbs, mountain ginseng." The emperor gave a quiet hum.
"Tribute envoys always bring something." He replied, uninterested.
"They also brought stories, Your Majesty." The advisor continued walking beside him. "The Yanxi Emperor appeared at a banquet personally. The envoy described him as tall, with black hair unmarked by grey." Mingyuan's steps slowed.
"Many rulers keep their hair dyed." He retorted.
"This servant thought the same." The advisor's fingers brushed lightly against the jade bead at his belt. "But the envoy insisted his skin also held no wrinkles. Even under the palace torches."
The emperor released a short breath that might have been amusement. "Court envoys exaggerate."
"Yes." They walked another several paces, the advisor spoke again, his voice lower now. "There is an old record in the imperial archives, Your Majesty." Mingyuan did not seem interested at all.
"What record." He asked.
"The Lingxue tribe." The advisor continued carefully. "A tribe said to live in the mountains between Yanxi and the western valleys." He folded his hands within his sleeves. "Most historians dismiss the account as myth," the lantern ahead flickered again. "However, Your Majesty," the advisor added quietly, "the record claims their blood possessed unusual properties."
Mingyuan's breathing seemed heavier in the silence that followed. The advisor did not look at him, he simply continued speaking as though reciting an old text. "All injuries closed and illnesses healed quickly when their blood was ingested." His voice turned into a whisper, "some accounts mention emperors seeking them out for immortality."
They reached the end of the corridor, Mingyuan finally stopped. The movement was slight, but the eunuchs carrying lanterns halted instantly. Then he spoke, "those records," he said with quiet interest, "where are they kept."
The advisor bowed deeply, "in the western archive hall, Your Majesty." Mingyuan's fingers rested lightly against the jade ring on his thumb.
The ring turned slowly once, "bring them to my study tomorrow." The advisor's head lowered further in a bow
"Yes, Your Majesty."