Favored 2

The heavens grew dark, as if the very fabric of the sky had been torn asunder. Thunder boomed, shaking the foundations of the imperial palace, while the rain lashed down with unrelenting ferocity. Within the dungeon of punishment, Shu Shu endured the cruel lash, his cries echoing through the cold, dank corridors as his body was battered and bruised.

In the tranquil confines of Shu Yan's chambers, Empress Mei sat with her son, gently stroking his raven tresses as they gazed into a polished silver mirror.

"Does the chill of the evening air penetrate your robes, Shu Yan?" Empress Mei inquired, her voice as melodious as a gentle breeze.

"I am not cold, Honorable Mother," Shu Yan replied, his voice steady and resolute.

Empress Mei's countenance was a mask of serene composure. "You must never forget, Shu Yan, that as long as I draw breath, no harm shall befall you."

Shu Yan's gaze was unwavering, his eyes burning with an unyielding determination. "I am aware of your benevolence, Mother."

Empress Mei's expression turned grave, her voice taking on a solemn tone. "What fate awaits those born without the blessing of the celestial arts?"

Shu Yan's smile was a thin, calculating line. "They are cast aside, reminded of their inferior station in the natural order."

Empress Mei's eyes shone with a fierce pride, her voice dripping with admiration. "You possess a keen intellect, Shu Yan. When you ascend to the Dragon Throne, show no quarter. The heavenly symbol appeared in the heavens as a portent of your greatness, and the lotus bracelet adorns your wrist as a symbol of your divine mandate. You are destined for greatness."

Shu Yan's smile grew, his eyes flashing with an unholy light. "You are correct, Mother. I am destined for greatness, and I shall stop at nothing to achieve it."

Empress Mei's laughter was a low, throaty sound, as she gently placed Shu Yan's head against her chest. Shu Yan's smile twisted, his eyes burning with a malevolent intensity.

"The time of reckoning draws near, Shu Shu," Shu Yan thought to himself, his mental voice dripping with malice. "I shall ensure that your existence is reduced to a living hell... for I am the chosen one."

The guards dragged Shu Shu from the dungeon, casting him into the rain-soaked courtyard. Shu Shu's body, battered and bruised, cried out in agony as the rain washed away the blood.

"The Emperor decrees that you shall remain beneath the rain-soaked sky," one of the guards sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Thus shall you learn the folly of daring to challenge the authority of Shu Yan."

The guard spat beside Shu Shu and departed, leaving Shu Shu alone in the pouring rain. Shu Shu's eyes blazed with hatred and pain as he sat on the muddy ground, his body racked with sobs.

Lady Jing arrived with a retinue of maids, hastening to Shu Shu's side. She gasped at the sight of his battered form, her eyes welling with tears.

"Oh, Shu Shu... what cruelties have been visited upon you?" Lady Jing exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "You are an innocent, a victim of circumstance."

Shu Shu turned to Lady Jing, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"My lady, why have you come here?" Shu Shu asked, his voice weak. "If my father discovers your presence, he will unleash his wrath upon you."

Lady Jing's countenance was a mask of determination. "I fear not the consequences, Shu Shu. You are innocent, and I shall not stand idly by while you suffer."

Lady Jing gently lifted Shu Shu into her arms, cradling him as a mother would her child. Shu Shu whimpered, tears streaming down Lady Jing's face as she bore him into the palace.

"Prepare a restorative tea and bring nourishment," Lady Jing ordered, her voice firm but gentle. "Prepare his bed and summon the imperial physician."

The maids bowed and dispersed, eager to obey Lady Jing's commands.

Lady Jing sat vigilantly beside Shu Shu, her eyes watching over him as he slumbered, his fragile form swathed in silken blankets. The physician had tended to his wounds, and a nourishing meal had been laid before him, but now, as the moon cast its silvery glow through the lattice windows, Shu Shu's exhausted body had surrendered to sleep.

Lady Jing's thoughts wandered, pondering whether Empress Mei or the Emperor would deign to visit Shu Shu, to inquire after his well-being. But she dismissed the notion, knowing them to be enamored with Shu Yan, their favored son. In their eyes, Shu Shu was but a mere afterthought, a forgotten soul.

Yet, as Lady Jing gazed upon Shu Shu's peaceful countenance, her heart swelled with a fierce devotion. Though she had no child of her own, she vowed to cherish and protect Shu Shu as if he were her own flesh and blood. She would shield him from harm, even if it meant sacrificing her own life.

"They may all despise you, Shu Shu," Lady Jing whispered, her voice a gentle promise, "but I swear to you, I shall never abandon you. From this day forward, you are a part of me, my own flesh and blood. I shall stand by your side, through trials and tribulations, and defend you with every fiber of my being."