The Brother's Pact

ZI YIN AND FU TAI were filled with excitement as they walked through the grand halls of the Sun Ocean Palace sect, looking up in awe at the elaborate carvings on the walls and the gold-plated pillars that held up the ceiling. The throne room of the Sun Ocean Palace sect was a sight to behold. As one entered, they were met with a sense of awe and reverence. The room was vast, with high ceilings and intricately carved walls made of polished wood. A huge gold-plated throne sat at the far end of the room, where the Emperor presided over his court.

Beside him, a smaller throne was reserved for his beloved concubine, Gong Feiyan. The room was lit by an array of lanterns and candles, casting a warm glow that added to the room's magnificence. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, which accent the solemnity and grandeur of the space. Zi Yin stomach fluttered, his little eyes wild as he gazed up at them. This was the first time he had ever been in the presence of the Emperor and his concubine, Gong Feiyan.

Zi Yin was dumb struck with a sense of awe as he looked upon Emperor Gong Yutong, the ruler of the Sun Ocean Palace sect. Gong Yutong was dressed in the finest and most opulent attire, with a long, loose-fitting robe made of the best silk and adorned with intricate embroidery. The ornate buttons and clasps on his robe were made of precious metals and gemstones, emphasizing his high status within the palace.

General Zi Wang bowed low before Emperor Gong Yutong and said, "Your Majesty, I present to you my son, Zi Yin, he has come to study under your son, Gong Yijun."

Emperor Gong Yutong smiled warmly and looked down at the two young boys. "Zhen welcomes Zi Yin. We hope that you will learn much from my son, Gong Yijun."

Something in Gong Feiyan expression darkened at the mention of Gong Yijun, but she smiled politely and nodded. She was the first and only concubine of Gong Yutong, her son Gong Xiaolong set to inherit the throne from Gong Yutong when he died. The Emperor had only one other child from Gong Feiyan, and one from the Empress who died in giving birth to Gong Yijun.

Zi Yin's heart pounded against his chest as he snuck a peek of Gong Feiyan. She was dressed in extravagant luxurious clothing, with a hanfu made of the brightest silk and embroidered with intricate patterns. Her jewelry was made of precious metals and adorned with gemstones, and her hair was styled in an elegant updo, held in place by delicate hairpins and combs. But something about her expression seemed off, her eyes were clear but her lip curled at the mention of Gong Yijun.

Gong Feiyan, who sat beside the Emperor, looked at the boys with a gentle expression. "You are so young and yet so full of promise. It so rare to see in omegas these days. We wish you the very best in your studies."

Although neither acknowledged Fu Tai since he was a servant, they both bowed low, feeling a sense of reverence towards the Emperor and his concubine. Zi Wang lead them out of the throne room, all of them keeping their heads bowed until a eunuch took them to another room. Zi Yin's thoughts buzzed, he looked at Fu Tai who was equally awestruck.

"Don't wander off, I have business to attend to." Zi Wang told them. "Fu Tai, make sure Zi Yin meets Wangye on time in the imperial study room."

Fu Tai bowed and then grabbed Zi Yin arm, hauling off to their chambers to make sure Zi Yin didn't get into any trouble.

●

OVER THE NEXT FEW days, Zi Yin and Fu Tai got used to their life in the imperial palace. Things were much grander here and Zi Yin wasn't sure what to make of all the formalities. On the day he was supposed to meet the Wangye, Zi Yin dressed in study robes, then allowed on the eunuchs to take him to the study room. The room was filled with books and scrolls, and there was a large table in the center where they could work. A eunuch announced the prince's arrival and Zi Yin's eyes nearly fell out of his skull. The imperial prince's robes were disheveled and haphazardly thrown on, giving the impression of someone who didn't care about their appearance.

Gong Yijun was skinny and malnourished, his cheeks sunken and his eyes dull, his alpha scent sour. Zi Yin had expected someone grand and imposing, but instead, he found himself facing a pitiful sight. Why did he look like this? Zi Yin was puzzled and confused but kept his face neutral as he bowed and sat down beside Gong Yijun and opened his books. He could tell that Wangye was nervous, his hands twitching uncontrollably but Zi Yin lips dragged into a comforting smile.

"Hi, I'm Zi Yin," he said, bowing low before the Prince.

"G-G-G-Gong Yijun," the Prince stuttered, looking down at his feet.

Zi Yin could tell that Gong Yijun was uncomfortable. He knew that he had to do something to make the Prince feel at ease.

"Where do you want to start?"

"T-T-The b-b-b-b-b-b-beginning." Gong Yijun's entire face flushed bright red, and a few servants nearby snickered at him. Zi Yin was so confused by what was happening. Why did Gong Yijun look like this? And why did even the servants not treat the prince with respect? Zi Yin decided to ignore it, his little hands grabbing a scroll nearby.

"Let's start with something easy," he said, pulling out a book of basic characters. "Can you read these?"

Gong Yijun nodded, and together they worked their way through the book. It was like pulling teeth and Zi Yin almost had a headache by the time they passed through the first sentence. Gong Yijun was too nervous, he kept stammering over the simplest words and Zi Yin didn't know what kind of study partner he was supposed to be when the prince couldn't even study. Then he noticed Gong Yijun's eyes kept straying to one servant, he was tall and imposing, like a mountain. He barely spoke, but his eyes never strayed from Gong Yijun's as if he wanted to do something sinister to him.

Zi Yin's brow pulled, he knew of many plots to overthrow the crown since his father talked about it often. He leaned closer to Gong Yijun. "How about we clear the room? More privacy?"

"C-C-C-Clear the r-r-r-room!" Gong Yijun said mustering all his energy to seem fierce, but he really just looked like a beaten puppy. When all the servants left Gong Yijun's entire body relaxed instantly, his alphas scent not as sour as it was before. "T-T-T-T-Thank you."

Zi Yin's mouth tugged into a smile. "You're welcome. Now, why don't we try reciting some poetry together?"

Gong Yijun looked hesitant but agreed to give it a try. Zi Yin chose a famous poem and recited the first line with ease, "In the world of men, in the city of Ch'ang-an."

Gong Yijun took a deep breath and tried to repeat it, "In the w-w-world of m-m-men, in the c-c-city of Ch'ang-an."

Zi Yin smiled encouragingly, "Great job, let's try the next line."

They continued reciting the poem, but Gong Yijun struggled with almost every word, stammering and stuttering. He became more and more frustrated with himself.

"I c-c-c-c-can't do it," Gong Yijun said, his face flushing with embarrassment.

Zi Yin was determined to help him, "Yes, you can. Just take a deep breath and try again."

Gong Yijun took another deep breath and tried to recite the next line, but his stutter only grew worse. He couldn't get the words out, and he started to feel hopeless.

"I'll n-n-n-never be able to s-s-s-speak properly," Gong Yijun said, tears streaming down his face.

Zi Yin placed a comforting hand on Gong Yijun's shoulder, "Don't give up. It takes time and practice, but you can do it."

Gong Yijun shook his head, "No, I'm h-h-hopeless."

Zi Yin refused to let him give up, "You're not hopeless, and I'm not giving up on you. Let's keep practicing."

They practiced reciting poetry every day, and Zi Yin helped Gong Yijun with his breathing and speaking technique. It was a slow process, but Gong Yijun began to make progress. His stutter became less pronounced, and he could speak more fluently.

Zi Yin sat patiently in front of Gong Yijun, who was still struggling to form complete sentences due to his stuttering. He knew that the prince needed more than just exercises to improve his speech, he needed something to inspire him.

"Your Highness," Zi Yin said, "I have a poem that I think might help you."

Gong Yijun looked up at him with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

"It's called 'Lament of the Disabled Man' by Du Fu," Zi Yin continued. "It's a poem about someone who feels helpless and powerless, but he still finds the strength to persevere."

Zi Yin began reciting the poem slowly, enunciating each word clearly, and Gong Yijun followed along, repeating each line after him.

"O desolate is the world, and void of all that cheereth,

The way is hard and long, and no help cometh near it.

Amid the flowers of spring, I sigh for autumn's coming,

For now my life is spent, and every joy departed."

Gong Yijun stumbled over some of the words, but Zi Yin corrected and then said. "Wangye, remember what Du Fu says: 'In these dire straits, one must cling to the light, and never lose hope.'"

Gong Yijun nodded, and they continued reciting the poem together, each time with more confidence and fluency.

"T-T-The road to health and s-s-s-s-strength is hard to climb and dreary,

But w-w-with a steadfast heart, one may conquer and b-b-be cheery.

Though now we sorrow sore, we shall laugh w-w-w-when we have conquered,

And every ill we've borne, in triumph shall be honored."

Gong Yijun recited an entire stanza with minimal stuttering. Zi Yin nearly wept with joy.

"I d-d-did it!" he exclaimed.

Zi Yin beamed with pride, "Yes, you did. I knew you could."