Chapter 26

(A/N Koun family tittles for each royal is really messed up. Although I wrote that Hye gong was the 3rd Prince, he is actually not since deaths of many royals have caused the family tree in the royal family to be inaccurate. So more accurately, he is currently 4th in line, ignoring the women and dead)

Hye gong Koun, 4th in Line to the throne and member of the main Koun house, overlooked the sight of the prosperous Qī gè qiūtiān dì gǎngkǒu ( port of seven autumns). The port well known for its high value within the market and a popular entrepôt for traders from many different backgrounds.

"Your excellency, are you alright?" asked Tadao as he tucked his sachet away. He was actually quite anxious, knowing full well what would be expected the moment they made contact with any royal family member.

Sliding his fan opened, Hye gong nodded. " Do not worry, Tadao. I am just excited to return home."

'Ya right! As if I'll believe that lie!' , thought Tadao as he sweat dropped.

As they walked down the dock and into the bustling trade centre, they visibly heard a familiar voice calling out to them, " BIG BROTHER, HYE GONG!"

oh boy....

In the span of a second, Hye gong was hugged from the side by a white haired figure. A man with violet hair cut into a bob that framed his face ran forward. His fringe covered part of his ice blue eyes. He was very pale with slight pointed ears, and wore two plates of armour over his shoulder. Under them, was a black suit with gold embroidery, a cravat was tied by the neckline. He wore a pair of high heeled boots and held a sword by his side

Compared to the ordinary outfit of Koun, the stranger was an odd fellow. Wearing attire that would be commonly seen in the west.

"Master Ming Yao, please remove yourself from Prince Hye gong!" exclaimed the violet haired man in exasperation as he removed his master from Hye gong.

The man, known as Ming Yao had long white hair that framed his face, tucked behind a pair of fish fins that seemed to substitute for ears. Rouge lined his light blue eyes as he smiled. A mole could be seen under his left eye. His clothes, a simple blue hanfu with white accents and gold embroidery. A choker with a blue orb was secured on his neck and his fins were pierced with a pair of dangling earrings.

He gave an air of elegance.

"Sorry, sorry! Geez, Azuma don't be such a kill joy, no wonder women say you're such a bore despite looking like a doll., " Turning to face Hye gong, "It's just that you haven't been around in months and the house is boring without you.' Sliding his own fan opened, hiding the lower half of his face, " Besides a-er's health....."

No other words were exchanged as Hye gong hurriedly flagged a rickshaw, with the rest following behind.

(Timeskip)

Paying the respective rickshaw pullers, as the two aides looked almost warily at their masters. Sighing, they ran after them up the stairs of Haru no kyūden ( palace of spring).

Haru no kyūden, home to the 4th prince and his family. It was a beautiful palace, with its unique shade of blue and gables atop its roofs. A variety of flora were planted in and out of the palace, taking pride in its name as a palace of spring time. It had familiarity of a shogun's palace.

The guards standing by the main door were shocked at the sight of their master and a prince but quickly hid it, shouting at the top of their lungs, " HIS EXCELLENCIES, PRINCE HYE GONG AND PRINCE MING YAO!"

Hye gong in a rush quickly walked over to a room at the end of the hallway. Sliding open the shoji doors in such a rush, it startled the servants stationed nearby.

"A-ER! ARE YOU ALRIght..."

Sitting by a half moon table, drinking a cup of red tea, a young woman with black hair tied up in a bun and large doe eyes looked up in surprise. She wore a Green Cheong sam with intricate white peony patterns. Her lips were coloured red and her hair were held together by two wooden hair ornaments. A-er's ears were pierced with three sets of silver earrings, giving a modest touch.

"Dear? You're back!" Standing up with the support of her maids, A-er walks towards Ming Yao bowing, " Thank you for bringing back my husband."

'Huh?' Hye gong was in shock, what happened. One second, A-er was said to have worsened but she looked completely fine.

Bowing to his brother, Ming Yao apologised, " My sincerest apologies, but A-er begged me to not to tell you." His wife send him an apologetic smile before hugging him, " Its good to see you back."

"Prince Hye gong, isn't there a couple of people you're missing." said Tadao as he smiled. It was rare to see such a heartwarming moment especially in their family.

Hye gong knowing what to do, walks out of the room, hand in hand with A-er as they walked towards a garden. Trees of all shapes and sizes surrounded them as butterflies flew by, having received nectar from the flowers. In the middle, was a group of children. 3 with white hair and 1 with black. They were playing with a ball, taking turns to toss to one another.

The child with the black hair turned around, catching sight of the oncoming group. Their poker face broke out into a smile , excitedly speaking to the others before running ahead. Latching themselves to Hye gong.

"PAPA!"

The rest followed suit although they said ' uncle' instead.

"How are more adorable children doing while I was away." Hye gong said lovingly as he lifted the child in black hair, twirling them around.

The children looked more or less identical, with the only difference being the their hair colour and height. The children with white hairs all had the same traditional shoulder length hair cut with neat bangs, violet eyes in doe like shape. ( A/n see kimetsu no naiba, ubuyashiki sisters). They each wore the same purple kimonos, although the pattern and accessories were very different. Each of them, however seemed to have the same poker face, making them all identical, especially the two oldest.

Now the one in black was very much different, instead of white, their hair was black cut in the same style. their eyes were the same as his kimono, purple. There was a noticeable lack of any accessories either.

"Now, now don't fight." said A-er as she gently scolded the children.

"But auntie, it's been so long since uncle came back. Can he play with us, please!" pleaded the smallest as she attempted to persuade her aunt.

'You can play later. He needs to rest right now, remember. Brother Ming Yao, mr Azusa please help me in bringing in the children." instructed A-er to her in-laws as she held the hand of the youngest, walking back to the estate.

Azuma ushered the two eldest inside while Ming Yao walked over to his cousin, hands extended. The child refused, shaking their head as they latched tight onto their 'father'.

"Now now Yuuji, be good alright. I have presents for your cousins and you. If you don't behave, you won't get them soon." said Hye gong as he placed Yuuji in Ming Yao's arms.

The boy simply kept quiet as though contemplating before finally relenting.

As the children were finally sent back inside, Hye gong turned to Tadao, tone serious as he asked, " What did they sent?"

Tadao digging through his sleeve, pulled out a simple scroll, handing it to his master.