3.5

The sun is glaring towards the faint sky, sounds of the bird harmoniously encircled in the open air. On a rosewood bed, a figure of a young man sat down on the soft mattress. His slender fingers leisurely flipping through a book of poetry with keen enjoyment and attentive eyes.

His red lips pursed as it paused on a certain phrase. Slowly, his closed lips parted and recited the sentences who caught his eyes, a sweet giggle escape from his mouth, then his eyes turned cold with the highest degree of calmness.

Qiao Chen faintly narrowed his eyes when his sharp senses detected that something was running toward his door.

Suddenly, Qi Lan in servant clothing garbed in, with a pale and distorted face, tiredly panting, "Young master, the Emperor has summoned you to the hall!"

Unexpectedly, Qiao Chen showed a hideousness grinned while on the surface of his face still held a gentle countenance, his bare and white feet tilted and twisted on the quilt, showing its delicate shape while throwing the book on the side of the bed, "Why does the Emperor summon me?"

Qi Lan bite his lips and hesitantly answered the question, "This servant thinks that the Emperor has a new sparrow!"

Qi Lan knew that the Emperor greatly favored his young master. But according to the rumor, this new sparrow founded by the Emperor was a prince from the neighboring kingdom that possessed great beauty that no mortal can compare. His face can't help but to change into a completely different expression. It was no doubt that if his young master will lose the favor of his majesty, they will suffer a great lost.

Yet, Qiao Chen's face was still serene without a hint of panic, his bare feet step on the soft carpet and immediately lifted the red curtain covering his bed, giving a faint smile to the nervous servant, "Quickly, call all the servants and help this young master prepare."

Qi Lan nodded and instantly followed.

Qiao Chen already knew why the Emperor summoned him. The corner of the lips subconsciously lifted, and his eyes quietly curved into a beautiful arc.

This day was the arrival of Prince Wen Yang, the darling of fate.

In the Emperor's rules, once someone become a sparrow, the other sparrow will welcome the new one and will guide the latter to become a perfect sparrow. In the original plot, no one wants to teach the prince because of his ferocious nature, resulting for the Emperor to locked him in few days.

But during those time, Wen Yang will try to sneak into the palace and there he met the male protagonist, Yong An. Thus, their clandestine meetings continued. However, Qiao Chen's mission was to stop Yong An ascended into the throne and escape from the Emperor's palms. As for the fate of the Wen Yang, it is classified it was his main mission. Destroy his halo and his fate.

Ruthless, but it was needed.

A soft sound came out from his mouth unconsciously, he quickly regained his usual composure and elegantly followed the demand of his body.

He was dressed into a bamboo colored high collar robe with a white and silver patterns on the edge of his sleeves trample with his white belt printed with a sparrow design.

Every sparrow has a specific color, and green was the color bestowed by his majesty to Qiao Chen. Because the Emperor found his eyes very beautiful and enchanting. It was like a clear orbs that shine like the brightest star in the endless sky, pure and holy.

The maid tie his hair with a jade clip and the edges of his forehead was design with a flowery pin. His flawless face become even more transparent because of the chosen color.

After he was done, Qiao Chen quickly dismissed some of his servants and only choose a trusted maid to accompany him to the hall.

Qiao Chen then walks to the inner palace and was greeted by countless servants bowing and kneeling when he passed by. His face was always calm and tranquil, not anyone can distract him from anything. His graceful steps left a deep impact in every servant's heart as they once witness the beauty of the most favored sparrow.

Qiao Chen's name was not inferior compared to the princes. His reputation was infamous due to his majesty consistently pampering him and will always bring him in every banquet and events.

When he arrived in the hall, his fellow sparrow was also waiting and was dressed beautifully. They were no other expression aside from the calm and pacific countenance on their lifeless face. The door on the entrance of the palace was still closed, and several sparrows was waiting on the outside.

Qiao Chen went to his specific position and nodded to his sister, who had an unknown look on her face. In a couple of minutes, a luxurious carriage arrived in front of them. Instantly, the sparrow's faces filled with joy and expectancy when the handsome Emperor exited his carriage.

The Emperor gave a quick softened look on each of his sparrow and went to the center of the door.

"The Emperor and his sparrows has arrived!" A Eunuch announced.

Instantly, the huge door opened, revealing a palace hall filled with several people sitting and chatting comfortably. Suddenly, the noisy hall become calm and respectful.

The Emperor proudly passed by with a graceful and firm steps. His sparrow followed him from behind also giving the same proud look of the Emperor. The individuals seeing this can't help but to mask their disgust by a deferential face.

Hornless dragon shaped made from pure gold and exquisite framed chair stand firmly on the highest ground of the hall. Several tailored chair line up on his side, especially made for his sparrows. On the lower part, there were also several chairs placed and was filled with beautiful noble ladies and consorts. And the lowest part was where the princes currently sat.

Once the Emperor has taken his sit, the individuals who was standing slowly sat down and casually restrict their gesture.

"This banquet will serve as the partnership of the two kingdom!" The Emperor's firm voice deeply echoed on the hall while rising a wine glass given by the Eunuch.

The opposite side of his chair where an old man with a white hair gently responded with a toss, and a rehearsed smile, "Our kingdom will be honored."

The Emperor smirked and let out a deep laughed, "Don't worry, Shu Emperor, the war between our two nations will end by this negotiation."

The Emperor of Shu Kingdom clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, instantly, the minister beside him gave him a meaningful look, and he immediately masked the displeasure on his face.

"My eldest son will be at your care from now on."he smiled nicely, but his voice was quite different from his expression. He closed his eyes and then signalled the Eunuch to open the door.

Suddenly, the hall was stunned by what they saw.

A figure with a beautiful dressed elegantly walked with each of fierce step. His long hair was design perfectly matches with his current clothes. His whole demeanor screamed nobility and elegance as his deep ocean eyes traces the crowd.

His lips were in a very thin line as he bowed at the center of the hall, "This prince greets his majesty."

The Emperor's eyes harbored severe interest as it examine the overall features of the youth. The corner of his lips lifted, and his casual face revealed a lecherous gaze. There were no doubt that this prince was called the first beauty of the Shu kingdom. Now, becoming part of his sparrow. Certainly, it brought him immense joy.

"This Emperor will gladly accept our cooperation."he then signalled a few Eunuchs to add a chair in the line of his location.

Watching this kind of scenario, Qiao Chen's wicked smile emerge. Just like in the original plot, the Emperor will hold a great sexual frustration towards the darling of fate. He quietly observed all the person on the banquet and revealed a cunning face.

There were only five current concubines and consort that filled the harem. And the present Empress was not here because of a very confidential reason. And the princes present was only the eldest prince and the third prince.

The male protagonist this time was still not interested in the banquet and was busy helping common people.

Qiao Chen flipped his fan and covered his lower face. It was unknown what his mind was thinking.

The banquet continued with a joyous atmosphere. It was a deep in the night when the Emperor decided to let his sparrow retreated first.

Qiao Chen was walking in the peach blossom trees, keenly scrutinize the beautiful ambience. His slender fingers from time to time will touch the leaves that was about to fall and will crashed it into pieces, blowing away from his palms where the wind will carry unto unknown.

But underneath those peaceful face, Qiao Chen was attentively counting his steps.

Suddenly, he saw a young man also enjoying the same scenario.

His calm face showed a vigorous smile, gently headed to the youth, "Menxiang, I did not saw you at the banquet."

Bai Menxiang turned his head into Qiao Chen and displayed a sincere smile, "Chen-ge!"

Bai Menxiang was also one of the sparrow of the Emperor. But unlike them, Bai Menxiang was deeply obsessed and infatuated in his majesty. He was jealous of everyone who the Emperor spend time with and Wen Yang's greatest enemy in the original plot. Qiao Chen and Bai Menxiang don't have any conflict as Qiao Chen did not have any skin contact with the Emperor.

Bai Menxiang ran directly to Qiao Chen and shakes his shoulder happily, "Chen-ge, did his majesty said something to me?"his innocent face was very convincing.

There were two maids and two guards currently accompanying him.

Qiao Chen rubbed the hair of the youth shorter to him and responded, "His majesty was busy in the banquet, I did not hear that his majesty ask about Menxiang."

Suddenly, the innocent face of Menxiang turned furious and deadly, "Why does his majesty did not ask about Menxiang? Does his majesty don't like Menxiang anymore?"

The slender hands of Qiao Chen patted the head of the angry youth and displayed a sincere smile, "Menxiang is a very beautiful boy, how can his majesty ignore Menxiang?"

Bai Menxiang only pouted and look away. A face of a child throwing a tantrum.

Seeing this, Qiao Chen only chuckled and asked, "Why does Menxiang did not go to the banquet?"

Bai Menxiang's eyes flashed in deep light and his aura exudes heavy pressure. But he still did not respond.

Thus, Qiao Chen turned his eyes on the maid and giving a query gaze.

One of the maid gulped and step forward, "The young master was feeling ill and did not want to go to the banquet."

Qiao Chen nodded and returned his eyes on Bai Menxiang, seemingly worried, "Menxiang is sick?"

Finally, Bai Menxiang was willing to look at his eyes and smiled innocently, "Yes Chen-ge. However..."his pure eyes turned into a vigorous one and pulled the sword of the guard beside him and ruthlessly sliced the neck of the maid, smiling purely, "I did not remember to give you permission to answered Chen-gege's question."

A terrible sight greeted each of them. The remaining servants covered their mouth in horror, avoiding to utter any noise while looking at the head of the maid who had been cut off, rolling on the ground, dying without a second.

The blood splashed everywhere and even Qiao Chen's clothes were stained. The shaking maid beside him quickly pulled a clean cloth and wiped his dressed in a trembling hands. Qiao Chen only stared at Bai Menxiang calmly.

"I'm sorry Chen-gege. My servants does not know proper etiquette."he smiled and throw the sword back at the guard.

Qiao Chen also flashed a wicked smile and wipe the blood on Bai Menxiang's face, looking like a proud parent and said, "Menxiang is right. A worthless servant deserves to be punished. However..."his slender fingers directly choked at the juvenile's neck and glaring intensely, "You stained my clothes? Does that mean you also deserve to be punished?"

Bai Menxiang paled and panic, and immediately shred a tears, "Chen-ge I am wrong... I am sorry."

Thus, Qiao Chen retreated his hands and patted the head of the crying sparrow, "Menxiang is really a good boy. That's why his majesty always adore Menxiang."

"Really?"

"Yes. Howbeit..." Qiao Chen cold eyes emitted as he observed the already innocent eyes of the youth, his lips curved, and his poisonous eyes was hidden very deeply, "There is a new sparrow that will join us in later. He was very beautiful to the point that the Emperor...seems took fancy on him."

Rapidly, the credulous face of Bai Menxiang distorted and his pure black pupils severely exudes an anger.

"No! His majesty will always like me! How can he like someone else?!"

"Menxiang...you are still young. Even I, myself, can also lose the favor of his majesty once his majesty found someone much better."

"Does this someone better than Menxiang?!" The young sparrow gritted his teeth and glared at Qiao Chen's lips.

"He was a prince from the other country, very different from Menxiang's identity."

Qiao Chen smirked when he saw how Bai Menxiang's face turned ugly.

Bai Menxiang will always be furious when it will mention his past identity. He was different from other sparrow who was in the past a young master and a young miss from noble family. Bai Menxiang was only a son of a famous courtesan, who the Emperor took fancy at the past. Noticing the beautiful appearance of Bai Menxiang, the Emperor took an interest towards him, and he become a sparrow. But his past identity cannot be forgotten when it comes to this situation.

"But...the Emperor only took fancy to him. It was unknown how much those interest will stay...and besides, Menxiang was accompanying his majesty twice week isn't it? Other sparrow can only accompany his majesty once, Menxiang was always his majesty's favorite."

The distorted face of Bai Menxiang immediately turned lively once again and excitedly caress the hands of Qiao Chen, "Chen-gege is the best!"

Qiao Chen only nodded and pulled his hands back, a disgust was displayed in his eyes, but it seems like Bai Menxiang was so happy he did not find Qiao Chen's expression odd and was trapped in his fantasy.

"I will take my leave, Menxiang needs to changed clothes. His majesty won't like your messy appearance."

Bai Menxiang nodded happily, thus Qiao Chen started walking away.

When he was in the west side of the garden, Qiao Chen turned his head to his servants, "I will take a quick look. No need to accompany me."

The servants only nodded and was afraid to protest, when the situation earlier was still fresh on their mind.

Qiao Chen's smile in satisfaction as he started to walk forward.

The night was cold and freezing. His skin was glowing as it made a contact in the darkness, his hair flutters coordinately. Then his feet stopped at the huge tree in front of the west side lake.

"Your highness can now show his self."he spoke in the open air.

Suddenly, a big figure jumped out in his side. It was quick and precise, leaving some afterimage. Qiao Chen unconsciously stepped back but was pulled by the strange man.

The fourth prince dressed in black clothing narrowed his eyes and felt the coldness of the hands beneath his palms, "Are you hurt?"he asked suddenly.

Qiao Chen was startled and tried to pulled back his wrist. But the strength was too different, making him give up and sighed, "You already saw what happened earlier. No need to ask me."

Hearing this, Yong Guan's face turned furious and let go of the hands he was holding. His teeth were gritted as it glared directly on Qiao Chen's calm face, "Is killing innocent one normal for you?"

"A life without care is worthless, your highness."

"But killing just for that reason? Is it worth?"

Qiao Chen look away, and his eyes was lowered, making his long eyelashes lightly fluttered. His pale face showed a distinct glow as it embraced the darkness within the surrounding. "In this cycle of life, we only need to follow the rules and become merciless in order to continue to survive. His highness, for sure, already know this. Pity and mercy will only drag you down."his voice was gently and soothing, but the contents was hard and harsh, making Yong Guan startled and stunned.

His eyes keenly examine the every expression of the youth and asked with a hoarse voice, "Why choose me? What do you see in me?"

In the amidst of the darkness, two figures attentively detecting each other's face.

Qiao Chen let out a smile, "Maybe it was destined?"

Yong Guan frowned and was about to respond when a sharp object pierce in his shoulder. He had no time to dodge and was instantly filled with indescribable pain as his eyes widened. His vision becomes blurry, but his ears can still hear the words of the youth.

"I'm sorry...but for now...sleep...."