The Mongol Empire, under the leadership of Genghis Khan and later his successors, was a relentless force that had already begun its sweep across Asia. The Jin Dynasty, despite its once formidable military and defences, was struggling against internal strife and external threats. I knew from history that by 1232, the Mongols would besiege and capture the Jin capital of Kaifeng, marking a significant blow to the dynasty.
The realization was chilling. Here I was, caught in the tides of history, in a place and time that would soon be consumed by chaos and conflict. I realised the calmness I was experiencing around me, was just the calm before the storm.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the rising panic. I needed to think clearly. There had to be a reason for my presence here, something I was meant to do or understand. Indeed I didn't even know what problems were waiting for me quietly in the darkness of the future, but I knew if I was not wrong, the world I was seeing was going to be struck hard by the Mongols just two years later.
It was a feeling that wasn't shaking off my worries. If that butler was telling the truth that I was a prince here, I was sure I might be killed. After all, I had read about many kingdoms that ended with all their heirs to the throne murdered ruthlessly. I stood up, seized by confusion, and unknowingly started walking across the room.
As I moved past the silver-edged mirror, I happened to see my reflection for a fraction of a second. I felt something wrong. I immediately got back in front of the mirror, and what I saw there, was something much more bizarre to believe, in the wake of all the things that had happened to me then. Captured in my thoughts, I hadn't realized that the 'me' I was, wasn't 'me' now.
My familiar, ashen face was gone. Instead, a youthful, cheerful face stared back at me, with long, greyish strands of hair caressing my cheeks.
Caught off guard by the aura of my own appearance, I found myself captivated by my eyes, which resembled those of a lead actor in a Chinese drama. It was uncanny and surreal at the same time.
But that wasn't the only startling factor here. My entire physical appearance and body had transformed in such a way that even I, myself became envious of my new look. My skin seemed flawless, my features refined and regal, exuding a confidence and poise I had never known before.
Confused by my appearance and structure, I pondered my situation; still, my mind was in such a mess that it couldn't provide a proper answer. So, after thinking for almost an hour, I decided to stop overthinking and at least get a full understanding of my situation here.
I took a deep breath and again focused on what I knew. I was a prince in the Jin Dynasty, at a time of looming danger with the Mongol Empire on the horizon. My appearance was, though unfamiliar to me, it was yet regal, suggesting I had status and influence. But my mind still asked the question of what it meant for my role in this unfolding drama.
One of the many bad things I realized soon enough was that, since I was in the 13th century, I had to go out and talk with others if I was interested in getting some information about this foreign world without the Internet. Determined to gather information, I decided to explore my surroundings and learn more about my new identity.
But before going out into this world, I needed some clothes to put on my ridiculously buffed-up half-naked body. Searching for something suitable, I scanned the room and noticed an ornately carved wooden trunk in the corner. Curious, I opened it and found a selection of fine clothes.
As I stepped out of my quarters, the sight that greeted me took my breath away. The cherry blossom trees were in full bloom, their delicate pink petals carpeting the ground and filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. The scene immediately captured my eyes, soul, and mind, offering a moment of tranquillity amidst the chaos of my thoughts.
Spring was in its prime—a mild fragrance of flowers filled the air, wafting through the courtyard like a gentle breeze. The vibrant colors of the blossoms created a breathtaking tapestry of pinks and whites, set against the clear blue sky. For a second, I stood there frozen like a rock, cherishing the moment and allowing myself to be swept away by the sheer beauty of it all.
It was as if time had slowed down, and the worries that had plagued my mind faded into the background. At that moment, I felt a connection to this ancient world that was both foreign and familiar.
But as I was left intoxicated by this moment, I barely noticed that a group of pretty maidservants had gathered in the corridor where I was standing, all of them now staring at me with expressions ranging from amusement to bewilderment.
"Well, I guess I'm a sight to behold," I thought, trying to keep a straight face. I quickly glanced down at my attire, hoping I hadn't put anything on backward. Thankfully, everything seemed to be in order—except for maybe my dazed expression.
One of the maids giggled, whispering something to her companion. I couldn't help but smile at the situation. Here I was, a supposed prince, standing awestruck by cherry blossoms like it was my first time outside.
"Good morning, ladies," I stammered, trying to sound princely despite my nervousness becoming clear on my face. "I was just, uh, appreciating the blossoms."
The maids exchanged glances, and one of them, with a mischievous smile, replied, "The blossoms are indeed beautiful, my lord, but so is seeing you up and about. It's not every day we find you here, looking like you've seen a dream."
I chuckled nervously, feeling the awkwardness in my limbs. "Yes, well, sometimes one must pause to admire the simple things," I said, attempting a grandiose gesture toward the blossoms to deflect from my shyness.
With that, I made a hasty yet hopefully dignified exit, trying not to trip over my own feet. As I walked away, I heard more giggles and whispers behind me, and I couldn't help but grin sheepishly.
Perhaps this new life wouldn't be so bad after all, if it came with moments like these. These were pretty beautiful women, after all.
As I strolled through the courtyard, the soft petals of the cherry blossoms floated down like gentle confetti, their delicate dance echoing the lightness I felt in my chest. I realized that navigating this new reality might require more than just historical knowledge—it demanded embracing the unexpected and finding my reason to exist here in these simple, unexpected moments.
After all, "The Past was present, now."