Jae-in POV:
Huo Jae-su, the young master of Huo Military house, one that has connections on both the political and military side. Though he is station at the border all his life, I believe brother have strong connection powers in the Capital, just like father.
Not only that, he knows who is suitable to engage for my plan, he might also be the only one that can help me to escape from here.
'Maybe I should start writing a letter to hint to him about my intention to leave the palace... but, how can I do that without Xuan Di knowing?'
I pause for awhile as I rest my chin on the tip of the brush.
As my thoughts flow through the words I write in the letter, I finished by drawing a flowery pendant at the bottom right side of the letter.
This is our secret code since young, whenever we need one another's help to cover up our mistake or wanting to sneak out of Huo house to play.
Smiling as I am contented with this plan, I hand over the letter to Yu-ji to send to my brother.
'With that, I just need to wait for Brother's response, meanwhile should I train myself up? After all, this plan will be dangerous and bound to involve fighting and stamina to escape.'
*** ***
[Study Chamber Palace]
Xuan Di, with the serious and dictatorial aura that is born within him, look through every single official submission by his subjects. Taking a sip from the tea prepared, he continue on with his mundane work.
"Your Imperial Majesty, I have something to inform." Eunuch Gao spoke carefully as he entered the study chamber palace.
"Speak."
"I received news that Empress Jae has ordered her Palace lady, Yu-ji, to send a letter to her brother. Do you want to look through the letter before we proceed to send out?"
Xuan Di's hands paused for a moment before he continue on with his writings, yet if you look closely, he looks distracted by the news.
"Read it."
Eunuch Gao carefully peel open the seal and unravel the folded handwritten letter.
"Dear Beloved Brother,
How are you doing? Is father's well-being well taken care of ever since I left Huo House?
It has been years since I last wrote a letter to you and I apologize if you blame me for that.
As it's winter now, I came across a scenery that triggered my nostalgic childhood memories shared with you.
A frozen pond with icy snow trees, a scenery filled with pure white snow and I recalled how we practised sword martial art along the river near our house.
I believed at that time, I only started practising sword martial art for a month and till now, I can't forget the hardship received from you and father.
Despite me missing the moments I had back at home, I would like to let you know that I am doing fine at the palace.
Do take good care of yourself and also say my greetings to father as soon as you see this letter.
With love,
Jae-in"
Silence filled the study chamber, Eunuch Gao stood upright after he finishes reading the letter and waited for Xuan Di's further instruction.
"Proceed to send the letter."