Lantern Wishes

[Third Prson's POV]

Lanterns are all over the academy. Today is an eventful day for the empire as people are preparing for it. The students as well were free to go home as they all prepare for their things beforehand as they all bid their farewell. As the day passes by the academy, Weicheng and Tae Hua's punishment for cleaning the quad and the place became harder for them as they always fight. This day is not an exemption.

Weicheng frown as she side-glanced Tae Hua's childish effort to slow their progress. The grounds are still in mess and they only have an hour before the academy closes today.

"You need to speed up so I can let both of you go," Master Pu said while watching the two.

After almost half an hour the two cleaned the grounds and gave the master keys to their teacher as they separated and went to their rooms to gather their things.

The academy sent the students home early in the morning because of the holiday. The whole empire already posted it yesterday that there would be a long ng weekend for the students, but he did not let go of Weicheng and Tae Hua as today is their last day for their punishment, both of them tried to stop bickering for the past two weeks and it was quite helpful for everyone's health.

Since the academy will close before lunch he will have to let go of them sooner to prepare.

Tomorrow is the Empress' 45th birthday and the whole empire will be celebrating it by waiting for the fireworks at exactly 12 midnight. The whole empire is designed with lanterns all over the market as well as the palace.

Pu saw Tae Hua leave the academy as he was taken by the waiting carriage. Weicheng and Laohu on the other hand are waiting for him at the entrance as they were also about to leave and return home.

He stopped midway when he was called by the minister of education Xu, the old minister gave him an invitation which he just looked at. The invitation had an Imperial Wax Seal which he already knew.

"The Empress cordially invited all academic masters to attend her event tonight at the Jade Hall, she was expecting us. You could also bring your family"

He was about to say no when the Minister said "she won't accept rejection" Master Pu took the invitation as he bid his farewell to the Minister.

When they reached their house, Mu Lin is already preparing food to celebrate later. She also gathered four lanterns for them later. He called for them for a while.

"The Empress requested for us to enter and join their celebration"

Weicheng just arches her brows as Laohu and Mulin side-glanced at her. "I want to have a peaceful weekend," she said not interested.

"Me too," said Laohu and Mu Lin, not even bothered.

"Empress is easy to please, but she's hard to be an enemy. At this stage, we need to build connections and trust inside"

Weicheng stops for an instant before leaving as she's contemplating the options. For sure the palace will be filled with masked people, filtered greetings, and political discourse she thought. But, her worst fear is to see the Queen of the North closed up. Her temperance may be long, but it's not the same for the person she loathes. She might kill her right there and then if given a chance or she would be loathing the whole night as if suffocating herself to death.

At 5 pm they already arrived at the main entrance, guided by their Master Pu, they were greeted by palace guards as they present the invitation, an announcement for their names was called as they let us inside the huge open ground.

Huge red lanterns are hanged all over the palace as several red silks are gathered around as a display. The carpet is well drawn out until the steps up to the throne. Tables and pillows are arranged aesthetically as they spread out to the huge open court.

People are already seated at their respected place when Prime Minister Cha greeted Master Pu, Cha Eun Jo followed through as they tap their shoulders for greetings. They split up as Master Cha was taken by the ministers to talk and the two by their friends from Academy. Whilst, Mu Lin needs to go to the infirmary to take care of the emergency aide first.

[weicheng's pov]

"You looked sophisticated outside the campus uniform," I said to Eun Jo which he just laughed, a moment later someone drops their hands on our shoulder as we saw Chou Xi entered the scene and run off to our place which we encircled at the far part of the court.

"South Grand Prince," we said in unison which he just grimaced.

"What are you going to do the whole weekend?" Chou Xi asked

"Sleep," Laohu said as he crossed his arms on his chest

"Affairs of the state are waiting for me at home" Eun Jo retracted as he was about to be exiled.

Everyone looked at me as I said "brothel" they all laughed as if I am joking. My face is still serious when their laughs stopped asking if I am serious.

"Ah," I said, I think they misunderstood me "no, not to play, I will have to talk to one of the people there since I created a scene before the exam."

"Ohhhhhh," they all said in unison.

I just shook my head and leave them as the first gong was heard, the sun is already setting and lamps are already lit up by now. I said my goodbye first as I saw the other end, which the throne is already lighting up.

I heard Laohu's murmur as he reached our seats. Everyone stood up to welcome the Imperial family.

The Gong was hit twice more when the three princes arrived accordingly and were seated at the bottom chairs across the throne.

First Prince Suk Jin

Second Prince Nu Lee

Third Prince Tae Hua

You can easily tell by their looks that they came from different mothers. The first prince looks really nice, he always wears light-colored clothing which enhances his aura and can be easily distinguished as he is smiling more than the two.

The second prince advances are his body is more prominent and his height is incomparable than the two, his eyebrows are arched as if he is always in a bad mood. And always had the nicest braid.

Well as for the last prince, they have a lot in common with his cousin, Ji Wok aside from their eyes. The last prince's eyes are the darkest, he can get you into oblivion by looking at them. An abyss. And he always wears black when not on campus. His raven hair, black orbs, and black silk robes are the prominent things he always has.

Another two gongs are heard as the Emperor and Empress sat on the throne. The empress' headdress which resembles power and status resembles the dragon throne of the Arghon. There is no single Imperial Crown, most Emperors and Empresses have had one made for their coronation. The Emperor or Empress does not typically wear this crown, as it is seen as a hindrance or quite heavy to wear on one's head. But, today is a special day.

The Empress' beauty is exquisite as she carefully sat at her throne as the event officially starts.

The moment people at the court took their seats, the gate opened for the prominent family's arrival. My eyes darted and I breathed. Laohu and Mu Lin sitting beside me held my hand as if they can stop my trembling hands.

"Greetings from the North Kingdom, The King Feng Su Cao, and his family"

My heart races as I heard their entrance. The North Kingdom Family approaches the carpet as they walk accordingly, the king of the north smiled at the crowd as he reached his glance where we sit as I arch my eyebrow and passed my glance at him to his behind as the announcement for the Queen of the North.

"Queen Yun Ni Xua and their only daughter, the Princess Feng Chin Xiao"

the moment she entered the carpet as she wears a grand fur cape, colored in ivory. Her headdress resembles the cold blood and ice of the north, my breath hitched as her eyes smiled and passed by me, I closed my eyes.

"Don't try to do anything now" I heard Master Pu said as I exhaled all the air building up inside my lungs.

The Princess wears a light blue flowery dress as she is the last to walk down the aisle, all eyes are on her, her beauty radiates the light of the lanterns and lamp posts. She really grew up well. She walks as if the people are waiting for her, walks that could take hundreds of years to reach the destination.

As soon as the North Kingdom family took the seat at the front where royal families and ministers are gathered, Prince Nu Lee offered the seat to assist the princess when she passed by at him. People suddenly whispered as he was rejected upfront.

I shook my head as I saw how wicked the Princess smiled until she reached Tae Hua who is busy laughing with his cousin Ji Wok and their best friend Qui Run. The three of them stopped as they were greeted by the Princess. But, she was disregarded by the three as they continued.

Feeling defeated she finds her seat and a fake smile appeared on her face.

"I bet Tae Hua and his friends do not like her, I heard they grew up together" Laohu said

The performances officially started to present to the empress.

I removed the hands of my cousins as I left the scene to get cold water. As I walked down past the crowd, I saw the side where the banquet food are, I took a glass to get some water. I can't stand this foolishness. When I saw the wine a sudden change of decision overflowed.

"How their small smiles break pieces inside of me" I hear the screams of pain and the cries of my tribe. All the blood that flowed because of the crime, we did not commit. I decided to get liquor than water. It will not help right now, water cannot calm all my nerves looking at Queen Yun. I imagined several attempts and ways to kill her.

I shook my head and was about to drink up straight from the bottle when a hand took it away from me, my eyes narrowed as the reflection behind suddenly halted me. I did not intend to face the person behind me as I tried getting another drink which he took again.

"You cannot be drunk in here, at this very occasion"

A mocking smile formed my face as I faced him.

His royal blue robe, his hazel eyes always remind me of Yun Clan, those facial features and eyes. I smirked and left him not wanting to hear anything from his mouth.

"You should think twice before deciding anything"

I heave a sigh as I turn my heels, not listening. He caught my arm as he turns me around, he held both of my arms so hard looking at my eyes. Seconds after, his grip loosens as he saw my unruffled face.

"Stop talking to me Yun Ji Wok" I finally said in a hard tone. He removed his hand as if it burned. I just stared at him.

"I-I'm so sorry," he said before he left me confused. My eyes suddenly felt the pain as I saw him running past as he was swallowed by the crowd. His apology won't heal my past, not even a slight of it. I just walked back with the glass of wine.

When I returned to the court, The court is hurrying as the Princess will present in front of the majesty as her gift.

"Please, let us all welcome the Princess of the North, Princess Feng Chin Xiao" Mu Lin took my hand as I sat in pain as the floor welcomed my butt cheeks, I looked at Mu Lin dissatisfied. As she said sorry. Our eyes darted at the middle part of the stairs where Princess Chin Xiao stands.

The Princess smiled as her flowery dress was changed to an armor robe. Her crown was changed to a more stable hairpin. Those hairpins are the Northern Kingdom's special handworks. I often see them when I'm around their market.

I frowned, what is she presenting? Mu Lin pulled me closer as she whispered. "Her posture is exquisite, but her face is too pale. Her blood flow is even erratic, she might have a sleeping disorder. Her lips are even dry, due to the weather."

My gaze diverted to Mu Lin who is analyzing the Princess' health. At this very point in time and hour, her medical instincts still running. I just shrugged as the Princess was able to take a Royal Bow and Arrow. My eyes narrowed when I saw some targets getting carried by guards.

Those Royal Bow and Arrows are gold, but it's lightweight, though the difficulty is hard, carrying it will be easy. It's like a next-level higher than normal.

Don't tell me she'll do an Archery performance?

As to answer my question, the Princess immediately form as she targeted the first which her gold arrows take turns as she swayed, her elegance can still be seen in her moves. I saw her left foot forward as she releases the arrow, it must be her signature move. She runs as she jumped and did a backflip as she landed exactly on the first step of the stairs and threw her last arrow. I shook my head, as I saw her left hand trembling, she put her bow at the back.

"You're still the best, Weicheng" Mu Lin said

"Weicheng's skills are superior" Laohu agreed. "of course, Cursed bows are beast"

She took all her arrows as she bowed her head. "My greetings for the Empress' 45th birthday"

Everyone clapped as her attendants carry her, Mu Lin was motioned to check her highness' hand for scratches inside the palace. Prince Nu Lee excused himself to follow the Princess at the back.

The event continued as the other influential families offered their gifts.

I saw Master Pu talking to General Niu, the father of Qui Run at the far side.

My eyes suddenly dart to Prince Suk Jin as he approached Laohu and me, we both greeted him with his smile as wide as always. "Are you enjoying the event?"

we both nodded to answer his highness as he laughed a little, suddenly Tae Hua emerged on his side and raised his eyebrows at me. "I would like to formally introduce you to my youngest brother here, I hope he's not bothering you in the academy"

I laughed so fake my mouth gonna burst open.

"Tae Hua, this is Master Dan's Nephews, Weicheng and Laohu" He offered his hand to Laohu and as he offered his hand to me, I just looked at it not interested "anyway, Weicheng topped the exams without any reviews and even got the ace for archery, I hope you learn from him"

he just gushed as he annoyingly said ok and left

Prince Suk Jin apologized for his behavior as he was called by the emperor and left.

After dinner, people gathered at the riverside to see the fireworks and to continue the countdown for the birthday of the Empress. The Emperor offered his hand to the Empress as they led us to the riverside. Several lilies are scattered on the water, lanterns are lighting it.

We saw the North royal family and other royal families at the front row as we decided to settle at the other side, my eyes darted at Ji Wok who's with Tae Hua and Qui Run. His eyes gazed at me as I was the one to remove it first and my eyes landed on Tae Hua who kept on smirking, as we stared for a second I just grimaced.

"10

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I felt like someone is staring at me, my eyes immediately landed on the King of the North, his face suddenly stunned the moment we locked eyes, as he immediately left my gaze. His eyes looked so familiar. I saw how he held the hand of the Princess as she smiled in return to her father. My smile faded as my hearing became inaudible. The fireworks started as my eyes lost in the process.

I'm feeling numb and the anguish flows inside of me at the sight of the people who ordered the assassination of my family and lied about the situation to save their dignity.

I held the necklace.

"Happy 45th Birthday, Empress Yun Li Xian! Long Live Imperial Family of Arghon!" the lanterns are being taken by everyone as they will individually write their wishes and light them up.

I left the riverside as I feel suffocated. I am not well as I can see how I plan on assassinating everyone here, blood will overflow as I can feel all the pain, their screams can be heard as they feel the helplessness. Raging fire and racing hearts.

I walk faster and was about to leave the palace, when I halted as I saw the sky filled with lanterns not just inside the palace, but as well as the whole kingdom, people outside and downtown probably lit their own to commemorate the event.

My eyes scanned the area.

I saw some lanterns on the way out, I took one and came back to the empty court still contemplating what to do with it. I sighed and lit up the only lantern I took and waited for it to reach the sky as I felt the tears came out. I cannot even write any wishes. I am too occupied by revenge.

I guess my wishes will not reach the heavens, as I wish for the doom of this Empire. And not anything other than that will make me satisfied in this lifetime. Only the death of them and the power being overthrown is what my heart truly desires.

As soon as I reached the gate, my heart started being steady again as I once again breathe.