Erica_Felix_8330

In the majestic Qing dynasty, twin princes are born to the imperial family, but fate deals them vastly different hands. Shu Shu, the prince without magic, is cast aside and treated as an outcast, while his twin brother is celebrated and beloved by all.

As Shu Shu navigates the treacherous landscape of palace politics and ancient traditions, he must rely on his wit, courage, and resilience to survive. But when tragedy strikes the Qing dynasty, hidden secrets begin to unravel, threatening to upend the very foundations of the kingdom.

Will Shu Shu find a way to claim his rightful place in the palace, or will the shadows of his past continue to haunt him?

Shu Shu 1

The majestic white steed galloped through the village streets, its mane flowing in the wind. Villagers gasped and murmured among themselves as the horse thundered past, but their whispers were not about the horse itself, rather the handsome young rider who sat astride it.

"By the heavens, is that Shu Shu?" someone exclaimed. "He has grown into a veritable Adonis!" The village maidens blushed and tittered as Shu Shu rode by, his chiseled features and piercing gaze leaving them in awe.

Shu Shu let out a joyful whoop, feeling the wind caress his face as he rode. But his exhilaration was short-lived, for suddenly a young woman darted into the middle of the road, her hands raised in alarm. Shu Shu's eyes snapped open in surprise, and he swiftly reined in the horse, narrowly avoiding a collision. The sudden stop sent the horse neighing loudly, and Shu Shu was flung from its back, landing heavily on the ground.

"Ugh!" he groaned, rubbing his sore head.

The young woman approached him, her face set in a petulant pout. "What were you thinking, riding so recklessly?" she demanded.

Shu Shu stood up, dusting off his robes. "I should be asking you that, Princess Yue," he replied, his voice tinged with amusement. "And why are you dressed in such common attire?"

Yue folded her arms, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Keep your voice down, Shu Shu. I don't want the villagers or anyone else to know I slipped out of the palace."

Shu Shu's expression turned serious. "You should return to the palace immediately, Yue. If your mother discovers you're missing, she'll have the entire imperial guard searching for you."

Yue's face fell, but she quickly recovered. "Take me with you," she said, her voice laced with persuasion.

Shu Shu shook his head, his eyes firm. "Return to the palace, Yue. I won't have you following me."

Yue's face darkened, and she turned on her heel. "Fine, stupid brother," she muttered, before flouncing away.

Shu Shu watched her go, a mixture of exasperation and affection on his face. He sighed, then turned to his horse, patting its neck before swinging onto its back. With a gentle tap of his heels, the horse began to walk away, leaving the village and its inhabitants behind.

As the late afternoon sun cast its golden rays upon the palace, Shu Shu arrived on horseback, his majestic steed's hooves clicking on the stone pavement. As he dismounted, he caught sight of the Emperor and Shu Yan proceeding towards the throne room, flanked by a contingent of imposing guards.

Shu Shu was about to veer off in a different direction when the Emperor's authoritative voice summoned him.

He turned to face the Emperor, his expression neutral. "Your Imperial Majesty?"

The Emperor's piercing gaze narrowed, as if searching for something, but he swiftly masked his emotions. "You know what is expected of you."

With that enigmatic statement, the Emperor, Shu Yan, and their retinue of guards disappeared into the throne room, leaving Shu Shu standing alone. He watched them depart with an air of detachment, his eyes betraying no emotion, as if the imperial family's affairs were of little consequence to him.

All grown up.