Chapter 12

From now on I'll be sure to add a lot of fluff after all that anguish. Finally, some fluffy moments! But I have a lot more in store! ^ w ^ <3

Ying and Jiang entered the city with ease, the journey here was relatively smooth. Especially with their now staggering amount of strength. Ying was super jumpy and shaking with pure ecstasy that Jiang couldn't help finding the male to be adorable, like a cute little jumpy rabbit. One couldn't help but find the desire to want to pinch those rosy cheeks.

Although they had arrived at the capital Ying had no clue where his son was other then being in the hands of Wang who had unknown origins. It's been 5 years and the city seem to be prospering more then last time he visited. 

The first thing that was on Ying's agenda was to go back to his house where he lived with Bai just in case he was still there then go to restaurants to hear the latest gossip.

If that didn't work, he would ask around, although he was eager it's already been 5 years, waiting a little longer wouldn't heart. But his hand was itching to hug that small body. His body hadn't aged at all, it actually looked more youthful. 

His skin had no blemishes as all impurities were gone when he inherited his powers. He looked more beautiful then before if that was even possible. Even when wearing his bamboo hat one couldn't help but look in his direction. It made one want to rip off his hat and see what was beneath it. His figure alone made women envy him.

But no one dare to talk to him with the imposing figure of Jiang next to him although he was extremely handsome and eye catching. His red hair was striking and stood out accompanied by his handsomely face that seemed to be carved by God himself.

Ying stood in front of his humble him a rush of nostalgia hitting him. He could just imagine the figure of his son writing his name in the dirt then looking up at him with upturned doe like eyes as a wide smile formed on his face as if he were a ball of sunshine.

The door creaked open and everything was intact, just how he left it. There was not a speck of dust which made Ying wonder what happened while he was gone. It should have been dusty since no one should have been taking care of it.

Ying decided to go and ask a neighbour if he knew anything about this issue.

"Oh the house to the left of me. No one is allowed to enter it; a royal decree was sent which surprised me. It must be important. A cleaner goes there every two weeks to clean it although no one even lives there."

"Thank you so much for the information. Sorry to have troubled him."

Ying looked to his side where Jiang stood. He propped his head on his chin as he sipped some tea. His ears perked whenever he heard something interesting only to sigh realising it was some baseless rumour.

"I always he suspicions about that man who is caring for my child."

"What's his name?" Jiang cocked a brow in interest, someone who has the power to be able to have a royal decree made must have the approval of the emperor himself. And for it to be about only a house his rank must at least be an important official.

"Wang Wei." Jiang eyes widen in surprise for a moment before returning back to his stoic expression.

"That's the crown prince of this country."

The tea that Ying was drinking sprayed everywhere landing on poor Jiang. His eyes widened in surprise. He quickly took out a handkerchief and wiped Jiang's face gently apologising profusely.

"How did I not know. I must be some sort of idiot; it didn't occur to me at all. I just thought he was some nobleman. But even if I know who he is I can't just waltz into the palace saying, 'Hey I know the crown prince and he has my child.' No one is going to believe me." Ying slumped in his seat with a solemn look. A cute pout on his face although he was upset.

"I think I can help you."

Ying shot up and stared at him with hopeful eyes like a dog awaiting it's treat. Jiang softly chuckled and motioned Ying to move closer.

"I myself am a general and prince in another country. But to escape all the blood shed I fled. Although it would cause an uproar since I have been missing and wanted."

Ying sighed,

"I am desperate but that would be such a burden on you. It's to selfish, you wouldn't benefit from this. Especially after you painstakingly escaped, you might not get the chance to leave again-."

Jiang halted my words and shook his head as he stared at Ying affectionately. He had never felt such warmth from his own family like this, his mother who loved him dearly died at a young age and those memories were long forgotten. His heart felt as if it had been poured with honey. Warm and sweet.

"You taught me I should face my problems head on and I need to take responsibility as a prince of my kingdom."

"Bu-"

"It's fine. I luckily still have my families jade on me so we should be able to enter the palace."

Ying felt like crying, this man before was so selfless and threw away his freedom to help him. Ying swore in his heart if he needed anything in the future he would fulfill it with his best abilities.

"I am forever in your debt, you don't know how much this means to me and how important it is."

"Stop talking like that and smile. Now we have a child to see don't we."

Ying nodded as he grabbed Jiang's hand and led him along, his radiant smile couldn't be hidden, his platinum eyes turned in beautiful moon crescents that Jiang couldn't help but feel his heart beat accelerate.

He clutched his shirt where his hearty was situated. 'What is this feeling, it weird but not unpleasant. It must just be me imagining things. All I know is I want to be there for him and forever be by his side.' Jiang shook the thoughts away and looked to where his hand and Ying's hand which were intertwined. Small smile creeping onto his face and a dust of pink spreading onto his cheek.

Ying stands in front of the palace where the guards were situated. His jaw drops due to the sheer size of the place. Even from where he lived, he could still see it clearly in the distance. Ying clutched Jiang's hand tightened due to his nervousness.

His hand was sweaty and intertwine with his. His hand fixed perfectly in the others, his long and thin fingers, completing the space left in Jiang's.

Knowing there was something by his side his tense should relaxed a little as he took a deep breath and took a step forward. Swords immediately appeared in front of him but Ying didn't flinch at all. He was already used to danger after the intense trials. Jiang glared at the guards who shrinks back a little but still stood firm.

"You are not allowed into the palace unless on invitation or you can prove you are allowed in."

Jiang dug in his pocket and dug out a jade object and handed it to the guards so they could check it was authentic and not some phony. When they checked they apologised and moved aside to let the duo in.

Ying marvelled at the architecture of the castle, of course he had seen these places in magazines in the future but it wouldn't compare to seeing it in real life and pristine condition.

The sculptures in front of the palace had been made long ago by masters of the craft. They were set on pedestals amid the water of the fountains and the perfectly manicured hedges that looked like different animals.

The walls were a white stone that glistened in the summer sun and the roof was grey slate. It was as big as twenty of the ordinary houses of the town and employed a good number of the townsfolk as servants. Around the palace were the guards and that served the imperial family. The gardens were stunning,

The lake-side air was pungent with the fragrance of jasmine. Cherry blossom petals lay astray on top of the crystal-clear pond. There were koi fish which swam happily inside, they were huge and numerous. Each about as long as his arm.

He gazed across the wind-ruffed surface to the lily pads in bloom, their white or magenta petals catching the breeze.

The bonsai trees lined the perfect lawn in their wooden boxes. In the centre there was a pond as large as a small lake with flowering lily pads and a red sand wood bridge that crossed the middle so you could look down at the koi carp. The flower beds were a riot of May colour and even on close inspection they were weed-free.

Servants scampered around in a rush to get their task done.

With a warm smile plastered on his face Ying looked towards Jiang.

"Now what, are we just going to stand here or what." Ying chuckled looking fondly at the garden.

"The servants should have informed his majesty of my arrival and should be summoning us if my guess is correct."

"Well speak of the devil here they come. Are you some seer." They both chuckled at the stupid little joke.

A servant came walking their way with a courteous smile on their face.

"The imperial majesty would like to see the both of you. Allow me to lead the way."

Ying and Jiang looked at each other before nodding. Ying felt like a ball of nerves but could not contain his anticipation. Each step he took echoed in his ears, as if all his senses heightened.

Jiang placed a hand on Ying's shoulders causing him to jump in fright and surprise.

"Stop being so nervous. I'm here for you. Plus you won't your son seeing you as a scaredy cat after all these years~"

Ying pouts before smiling brightly.

"Thank you and I am not scared just a little jittery."

The duo stood in front of the humongous set of doors.

"Your majesty the youngest prince of Oshana has arrived with his companion."

"They may come in, stay outside."

Ying felt as if his heart would beat out of his chest, the large doors slowly creaked open revealing a handsome male on the throne with an elderly women next to him that still retained a youthful look yet had an imposing aura.

Jiang took the lead with Ying trailing not too far behind. He clasped his hand in respect, Ying followed suit.

"May his majesty live for a 1000 years."

Ying hadn't managed to take a good look at the people here and he dare not offend them as he lowered his head in respect.

.

,

,

,

"Mama?" The voice asked with anxiousness and unsure. There has a hidden excitement in the voice. His voice raising up an octave. Sounding as he were going to cry.

Ying's head immediately shot up at the familiar name and voice. Eyes widening as he looked at the child before him. He was now 10 years old and matured so much. A lot less baby fat but it was still there. So pinchable and cute. He had grown much taller, puberty seem to hit him a little to fats for Ying but that was the least of his worries.

The king just sat in silence confused along with the Queen dowager by his side who had raised the boy since he had been brough here. She saw him as her own grandson.

When the boy came here, he was a crying mess and refused to eat. Until the queen coaxed here to make his unknown mother proud. He sucked up his sorrow and worked extremely hard becoming a prodigy. He always remained calm and was distant after all that had happened. The queen knew not to pry as the boy was fragile and had been through a lot and could only turn to her son who brough the boy back.

Now in front of her was a stunning male that could be the downfall to kingdoms because of his beauty and the boy was calling him 'mama.'

Ying breathing became ragged as he tried to stop the tears that threatened to fall.

"Baby mama's back!"

"MAMA!"

The boy dashed and smiled brightly as tears ran down his face, it was a bright smile that no one even Wang hadn't seen in the five years he was under his care. Ying sprang up not even caring if the king was there. He broke into a run, it was as if time had slowed. There was joy and anxiousness in every step as if doubting whether it was real or a dream.

No one had the heart to step in not even the king's royal guards.

Ying scooped Bai up into a bear-hug. Littering kisses all over his face. Muttering sweet words.

"Mama back for good. Mama missed you so so much honey."

Ying hands folded Bai's back as the child melted into his form taking in the familiar warmth and smell he missed dearly. He clutched onto Ying's robe as if scared he would disappear right before his eyes.

Ying's body began to shake, crying for the missed time they would never make back, crying to release the tension of these five long years. He pulls his head back and wipes the tears falling down Bai's face.

"Stop crying baby. See I'm here."

"But you're also crying."

The pair of parent and child chuckled as they didn't break apart from the hug. They stared longingly into each others eyes. Bai stuffed his face into his mother's bosom. Although he was already so big Ying didn't find him heavy at all and still saw him as his sweet cute baby boy.

Ying ran his delicate hand through the head of black hair, as if he cannot quite believe his son was not part of an almost forgotten dream.

"Don't go, not again." Ying's mouth paints a soft smile and he nods once before folding Bai in his arms again. He was grinning from ear to ear.

As much as he did not want to interrupt their emotional reunion he had to. The king coughed and the duo looked at him. Bai was slightly glaring at the majesty causing Ying to chuckle.

Ying stood up and bowed his body more than 180 degrees still holding Bai tightly.

"Thank you so much for caring for my son for these five years I have been gone. I shall forever be in your debt."

"No need to thank me. I heard from my son how you saved him from a group of assassins and took care of him. This is nothing. Do you have anything you desire. If it is within my capabilities, I shall grant it."

"Then I want ........"

~To be continued~