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Inner Sanctum Nobility
- Local time
- Tomorrow 1:17 AM
- Messages
- 130
- Age
- 28
- Pronouns
- he / they.
The sun had set behind the mountains. Slowly but surely, the esteemed Kingdom of Xia was being embraced by the dark veil of nighttime. The full moon shining above thousands of heads, as the Emperor's Generals took their seats and soldiers lined up where they had been appointed. Emperor Yi Lan entered the banquet hall moments later, causing men and women to stand immediately, then bow deeply. " Bixia. " they greeted in sync, all eyes raising to catch a glimpse of his Majesty's visage. The banquet hall fell silent. Not only out of respect, but also out of shock. Next to Yi Lan wasn't his wife, the Empress, but that youthful Geji everyone had witnessed dancing during the Emperor's birthday celebration the previous week.
Yichen seemed nervous. More nervous than usual, with all those scrutinising eyes pinned upon him. He shouldn't be there. He knew he shouldn't be there. But he couldn't turn down the invitation, when his Majesty himself had requested that Yichen escorted him this time. A dainty hand squeezed the Emperor's arm as they walked towards the front of the hall, where the Royal Family sat. They ascended a few steps and settled down. Yi Lan had motioned towards the Empress' usual seat, allowing Yichen to take her place, temporarily. Men and women looked at each other ; some murmured about this being entirely inappropriate.
A simple Geji ? In the Empress' appointed seat ? Had his Majesty lost his mind ?
But nobody dared to speak up. It wasn't their place to question the Emperor's decisions. Yichen himself felt uncomfortable with this arrangement, stealing glances at the man beside him and shrinking away from the crowd slightly. The Empress had already threatened him countless times for simply being in her husband's presence. If she ever found out β and she probably would β that Yichen had been given her seat during the Emperor's latest banquet, Yichen wasn't sure what she would do to him β¦ He had no backbone to stand up to anyone. Let alone, to the Empress herself. He would sooner disappear, than face her wrath heads on. But his Majesty had reassured him that he had everything under control.
The banquet proceeded without disruptions. Everyone ate and drank to their hearts' content. But Yichen sat there, poking at his food with his chopsticks, far too anxious to actually eat. When the Emperor demanded silence to speak, the Geji turned to look at him, as he announced that night's entertainment for the rich and powerful ; a treasure hunt in the ruins just outside the city. Naturally, the strongest of men stood up and requested to participate, wishing to earn his Majesty's favour. Everyone seemed excited to see those grown men fighting to the death over supposed treasures, for the entertainment of others.
Suddenly, Yichen's soft voice echoed through the noise and everyone fell silent, their gazes pinned upon the Geji, some looking incredulous at what they were hearing.
" Bixia. Allow me to participate as well. "
After a moment of silence, some men began to laugh and Yichen felt his face growing hot in embarrassment. A General pointed out how a simple performer, who was made of glass, had no chance at winning such a competition and against trained soldiers or Generals. But Yichen wasn't backing down. With his brows furrowing, he turned to the Emperor, awaiting for his response. Yi Lan seemed sceptical about this. Yichen was no fighter and he would be pitched against men who could crush him or snap him in half. Yichen knew that all too well, but he was determined. Perhaps, if he won this competition, people would finally respect him and not shun him for having the Emperor's affections.
Yi Lan chuckled in amusement. " Very well. If you're sure. " he agreed, then motioned at one of his Generals to hand him his sword, which was quickly offered to Yichen. " Use it if necessary. Cut anyone down, if they get in your way. Go in there and win. "
β β β β
Yichen stood at the entrance of the forest, the sword given to him tied on his waist. He had changed clothing, as per the emperor's advice. His Hanfu was far too elegant and far too restrictive to wear on a treasure hunt. Now he was wearing pants and boots, that would make movement easier for Yichen, despite his inexperience in the field. His long, brown hair was tied in a ponytail, so as not to get in his eyes.
Two soldiers approached him, smirking cheekily. Yichen just glanced in their direction, then focused on the dark paths of the forest, silently calculating which one would be easier to follow and which one was less likely to be crowded and force him into unnecessary violence. The two men, younger than Yichen, looked down at the Geji, before the taller of the two spoke. " Give up, pretty dove. This treasure hunt is for soldiers. What do you think a pretty face with no skills can do if you run across another contestant ? You may have the Emperor's favour because you're pretty, but the rest of us don't think you're any special. "
Yichen's lips pursed. " Thank you for the advice, gentlemen, but I think I'll manage. "
As soon as the horn sounded, signaling the competition's beginning, Yichen was the first to move. Dashing into the forest and disappearing into the darkness. He ran for what felt like eternity, the scenery barely changing. He made sure to weave between trees and around bushes to ensure nobody could follow him. Occasionally, he heard yelling or swords clashing, but he paid them no mind. Only when a blade was swung in his direction did Yichen react, dodging elegantly. Almost as if he was dancing on stage. He unsheathed the sword he was given, holding it with both hands as a tall man came into view.
" Didn't think you'd dodge that so easily. Good job, pretty boy. " the man chuckled. He stepped into the clearing, allowing the moonlight to illuminate his face. He was middle aged, probably in his 50's. And three times Yichen's size. Yet the look in his eyes held no malice. He held his sword out. " But I'm afraid I'll have to stop you here. I plan on finding the treasure first. "
Yichen released a breath he didn't know he had been holding.
" General Jiyan. " Yichen spoke, still holding onto his sword. " Please, let me through. "
" I'm afraid I can't do that, little Geji. Only the winner shall receive glory, and I wish to be the sole winner tonight. "
Yichen knew that negotiating was futile, so he made the first move. Swinging his blade in the direction of the General, who blocked with ease. The two men exchanged blows for several minutes, the sound of blades clashing echoing through the vicinity. Yichen knew he wasn't going to win, so he had to find a way to escape. He saw the perfect chance, when the two soldiers from earlier came running, swinging their blades carelessly towards both Yichen and Jiyan. The General switched gears instantly, focusing on fighting off the soldiers who were properly trained. Yichen took a step back. Then another. And another. When he was certain nobody would notice him, he darted off into the trees, making his way straight for the ruins.
The treasure wasn't hard to find β although, it was hardly a treasure by traditional standards. On top of a large, stony, table-like surface sat an old scimitar, which Yichen recognised as the previous Emperor's trusted blade. Before anyone could approach, he grabbed its hilt and ran back into the trees.
β β β β
He was the first to emerge from the forest, holding the scimitar up for everyone to see. Men and women stood there, stunned. Having not expected the young and helpless Geji to pull off such a stunt, successfully. The Emperor gazed at Yichen, offering a nod of approval.
Yichen seemed nervous. More nervous than usual, with all those scrutinising eyes pinned upon him. He shouldn't be there. He knew he shouldn't be there. But he couldn't turn down the invitation, when his Majesty himself had requested that Yichen escorted him this time. A dainty hand squeezed the Emperor's arm as they walked towards the front of the hall, where the Royal Family sat. They ascended a few steps and settled down. Yi Lan had motioned towards the Empress' usual seat, allowing Yichen to take her place, temporarily. Men and women looked at each other ; some murmured about this being entirely inappropriate.
A simple Geji ? In the Empress' appointed seat ? Had his Majesty lost his mind ?
But nobody dared to speak up. It wasn't their place to question the Emperor's decisions. Yichen himself felt uncomfortable with this arrangement, stealing glances at the man beside him and shrinking away from the crowd slightly. The Empress had already threatened him countless times for simply being in her husband's presence. If she ever found out β and she probably would β that Yichen had been given her seat during the Emperor's latest banquet, Yichen wasn't sure what she would do to him β¦ He had no backbone to stand up to anyone. Let alone, to the Empress herself. He would sooner disappear, than face her wrath heads on. But his Majesty had reassured him that he had everything under control.
The banquet proceeded without disruptions. Everyone ate and drank to their hearts' content. But Yichen sat there, poking at his food with his chopsticks, far too anxious to actually eat. When the Emperor demanded silence to speak, the Geji turned to look at him, as he announced that night's entertainment for the rich and powerful ; a treasure hunt in the ruins just outside the city. Naturally, the strongest of men stood up and requested to participate, wishing to earn his Majesty's favour. Everyone seemed excited to see those grown men fighting to the death over supposed treasures, for the entertainment of others.
Suddenly, Yichen's soft voice echoed through the noise and everyone fell silent, their gazes pinned upon the Geji, some looking incredulous at what they were hearing.
" Bixia. Allow me to participate as well. "
After a moment of silence, some men began to laugh and Yichen felt his face growing hot in embarrassment. A General pointed out how a simple performer, who was made of glass, had no chance at winning such a competition and against trained soldiers or Generals. But Yichen wasn't backing down. With his brows furrowing, he turned to the Emperor, awaiting for his response. Yi Lan seemed sceptical about this. Yichen was no fighter and he would be pitched against men who could crush him or snap him in half. Yichen knew that all too well, but he was determined. Perhaps, if he won this competition, people would finally respect him and not shun him for having the Emperor's affections.
Yi Lan chuckled in amusement. " Very well. If you're sure. " he agreed, then motioned at one of his Generals to hand him his sword, which was quickly offered to Yichen. " Use it if necessary. Cut anyone down, if they get in your way. Go in there and win. "
β β β β
Yichen stood at the entrance of the forest, the sword given to him tied on his waist. He had changed clothing, as per the emperor's advice. His Hanfu was far too elegant and far too restrictive to wear on a treasure hunt. Now he was wearing pants and boots, that would make movement easier for Yichen, despite his inexperience in the field. His long, brown hair was tied in a ponytail, so as not to get in his eyes.
Two soldiers approached him, smirking cheekily. Yichen just glanced in their direction, then focused on the dark paths of the forest, silently calculating which one would be easier to follow and which one was less likely to be crowded and force him into unnecessary violence. The two men, younger than Yichen, looked down at the Geji, before the taller of the two spoke. " Give up, pretty dove. This treasure hunt is for soldiers. What do you think a pretty face with no skills can do if you run across another contestant ? You may have the Emperor's favour because you're pretty, but the rest of us don't think you're any special. "
Yichen's lips pursed. " Thank you for the advice, gentlemen, but I think I'll manage. "
As soon as the horn sounded, signaling the competition's beginning, Yichen was the first to move. Dashing into the forest and disappearing into the darkness. He ran for what felt like eternity, the scenery barely changing. He made sure to weave between trees and around bushes to ensure nobody could follow him. Occasionally, he heard yelling or swords clashing, but he paid them no mind. Only when a blade was swung in his direction did Yichen react, dodging elegantly. Almost as if he was dancing on stage. He unsheathed the sword he was given, holding it with both hands as a tall man came into view.
" Didn't think you'd dodge that so easily. Good job, pretty boy. " the man chuckled. He stepped into the clearing, allowing the moonlight to illuminate his face. He was middle aged, probably in his 50's. And three times Yichen's size. Yet the look in his eyes held no malice. He held his sword out. " But I'm afraid I'll have to stop you here. I plan on finding the treasure first. "
Yichen released a breath he didn't know he had been holding.
" General Jiyan. " Yichen spoke, still holding onto his sword. " Please, let me through. "
" I'm afraid I can't do that, little Geji. Only the winner shall receive glory, and I wish to be the sole winner tonight. "
Yichen knew that negotiating was futile, so he made the first move. Swinging his blade in the direction of the General, who blocked with ease. The two men exchanged blows for several minutes, the sound of blades clashing echoing through the vicinity. Yichen knew he wasn't going to win, so he had to find a way to escape. He saw the perfect chance, when the two soldiers from earlier came running, swinging their blades carelessly towards both Yichen and Jiyan. The General switched gears instantly, focusing on fighting off the soldiers who were properly trained. Yichen took a step back. Then another. And another. When he was certain nobody would notice him, he darted off into the trees, making his way straight for the ruins.
The treasure wasn't hard to find β although, it was hardly a treasure by traditional standards. On top of a large, stony, table-like surface sat an old scimitar, which Yichen recognised as the previous Emperor's trusted blade. Before anyone could approach, he grabbed its hilt and ran back into the trees.
β β β β
He was the first to emerge from the forest, holding the scimitar up for everyone to see. Men and women stood there, stunned. Having not expected the young and helpless Geji to pull off such a stunt, successfully. The Emperor gazed at Yichen, offering a nod of approval.