The Heavenly Palace. Throne Room. Afternoon.
Four young men entered the grand hall. They were the Princes of the Light Realm.
"Greetings, Father," they said in unison, bowing deeply.
"Stand up," King Gù Tiānhé commanded.
"Thank you, Father."
"I have called you here because I want you to attend Han Yuan's Succession Ceremony in the Dark Realm."
"Han Yuan? The one who escaped prison?" the Second Prince, Gù Hóngyì, asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Yes."
"But Father, the Light and Dark Realms are constantly at war," the Fourth Prince, Gù Zǐxīng, said hesitantly. "Never have we been involved in their political matters. I'm afraid attending this time..."
"...People from the Dark Realm will think we have conceded," the Fifth Prince, Gù Ruìlín, finished the thought. "Even if they have Han Yuan, we are not afraid of them."
The King stared at them coldly. The younger princes looked down, terrified they had misspoken.
"Crown Prince," the King said, directing his full attention to his eldest son. "What do you think about this matter?"
The Crown Prince, Gù Xuānyè, stepped forward, his expression smooth and calculated. "Father is wise. I don't think Father will send us to the Dark Realm for nothing. There must be a big plan that will benefit the Light Realm."
The King laughed loudly. "Hahaha! Indeed, you know me well. You surely deserve your title as the Crown Prince."
The other sons looked down, hiding their envy and jealousy.
"Indeed, there is something," the King continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. "There will be a Mystery Game played. And the reward will be the Stars Map of the Realms."
The princes were shocked. The legendary map? Minds began to race, plots began to form.
"Father, I have a suggestion," the Second Prince, Gù Hóngyì, said.
"Say it."
"Han Yuan is really powerful. We don't really know what he is planning. Additionally, we have locked him in our Cold Prison since birth. I'm afraid he might hold a grudge against the Light Realm."
The King nodded slowly. "Then what do you suggest we do?"
"I think we should seek help from the Third Prince, Gù Míng."
The room went silent. The others looked at Gù Hóngyì with caution.
"Gù Míng is the only one who can rival Han Yuan," Gù Hóngyì clarified. "With him around, I don't think the Dark Realm will dare to do anything to us."
"Great," the King agreed instantly. "Find him. From now on, he shall be granted the title Lord Yùhéng. You are dismissed."
"Thank you, Father."
The Dark Realm Palace.
Gù Míng closed the door to Yáo Jǐng's room after delivering her meal. In his arms, he held Xiangling, gently petting her fur.
He returned to his own chambers and stopped.
Han Yuan was there, sleeping on his bed.
He did not look well. His face was pale, his breathing shallow. The Frost Mark had appeared on his neck again, glowing with a painful, icy light.
Gù Míng gently placed Xiangling on a cushion near the bed. The rabbit was already fast asleep.
"It must be too painful," Gù Míng whispered. "I must act fast."
He took a clean cloth from the chest of his robe and sat by the bed. Gently, carefully, he wiped the cold sweat from Han Yuan's forehead.
Han Yuan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze hazy.
"A-Ming..." he whispered softly.
Gù Míng looked at him, his expression unreadable, then turned away to rinse the cloth.
Han Yuan reached out, took Gù Míng's hand, and held it tightly. His eyes closed again, and he fell into a deep, exhausted slumber, still holding onto Gù Míng.
The Heavenly Palace. The Second Prince's Room.
Gù Hóngyì stood by the window, carefully trimming a potted plant with golden shears.
His guard fell to his knees. "Please forgive me, Your Highness. The Third Prince is really hard to find. Even after asking around, it seems like no one knows his whereabouts."
Gù Hóngyì paused.
Snip.
He cut a perfect, blooming flower off the stem.
He walked over to his guard, his face impassive. "Alright. You may leave."
The guard scrambled out, relieved.
Gù Hóngyì looked towards the shadows outside his room. "You. Enter."
An old man in a black cloak stepped inside, bowing low. "Greetings, Your Majesty."
The Second Prince smiled, a slow realization spreading across his face as he recognized the identity of the Black Robed Elder.
The Succession Ceremony Day.
The Dark Palace was transformed.
Black and gold banners hung from the obsidian walls. The air was filled with the sound of drums and flutes. Dancers moved like smoke in the center of the great hall. Tables groaned under the weight of exotic wines and meats.
The atmosphere was tense.
People from the Dark Realm sat on one side, people from the Light Realm on the other. Old enemies glared at each other over goblets of wine. Those who knew each other from previous battles exchanged silent nods.
Han Yuan, dressed in magnificent ceremonial robes of black silk embroidered with silver dragons, strode into Gù Míng's room.
"A-Ming?"
The room was empty.
Only Xiangling was there, sitting on the cushion.
"Xiangling? Where is my A-Ming?" Han Yuan asked, a flicker of panic in his eyes.
"He left," Xiangling replied. "He said he wanted to do something."
"What is it that he is so mysterious about?"
"I also don't know." Xiangling looked at him seriously. "But you... don't forget what you promised me on Gù Míng's birthday."
Han Yuan's face softened. "Don't worry. I will definitely keep my promise. A-Ming values you so much, I can't afford to make you angry."
He grabbed Xiangling and lifted her up.
"What are you doing? Put me down!" she demanded, kicking her legs.
"I'm not letting you miss such an important ceremony," Han Yuan said, carrying her out. "Let's go look for Gù Míng. Without him present, I don't feel like becoming a King."