A Message for the Qing dynasty

The grand throne chamber was abuzz with the gathered dignitaries of the Qing dynasty. The Eunuchs, Shu Yan, the three wives, Princess Yue, Shu Shu, and the various ladies-in-waiting all stood in attendance. As one, they bowed deeply to the Emperor and Empress Mei, their heads bent in reverence.

Lady Jing and Lady Hua took their places beside Empress Mei, while Shu Yan, Shu Shu, and Yue stood beside the Emperor. The imposing guards, stationed both within and without the chamber, maintained a watchful silence.

"Arise, my noble servants," Emperor Jian commanded, his voice resonant and authoritative. The Eunuchs lifted their heads, their eyes cast downward in respect.

"Thank you for summoning us, Your Imperial Majesty," one of the elderly Eunuchs replied, his voice trembling with age.

The Emperor nodded gravely. "As you are all aware, my years are advancing, and my sons have grown into capable young men. The time has come to consider the succession of the throne."

Empress Mei turned to Shu Yan, a proud smile illuminating her face. The Eunuchs murmured in agreement, their heads bobbing in unison.

One of the Eunuchs spoke up, "Shall we proceed with the preparations for Shu Yan's investiture as Crown Prince, paving the way for his eventual ascension to the throne?"

The Emperor's expression turned solemn. "Indeed, let the preparations commence. Shu Yan shall be invested as Crown Prince, and in due time, he shall ascend to the throne."

Shu Yan bowed slightly, his voice dripping with deference. "Thank you, Father."

Yue whispered to Shu Shu, her voice barely audible, "Tch, such a show-off." She glanced at Shu Shu, seeking his validation, but his expression remained inscrutable.

Shu Yan stepped forward, his eyes locked on the Emperor. He bowed his head slightly, his voice measured and respectful.

"Father, I humbly request that you reconsider the decision to crown me sole heir. As twins, Shu Shu and I share the same lineage. Would it not be more just to crown us together, as equals?"

The Eunuchs exchanged skeptical glances, their whispers like a gentle breeze rustling through the chamber.

Empress Mei's eyes widened in surprise, her thoughts racing with the implications of Shu Yan's words.

Yue nodded in agreement, her voice clear and confident. "Shu Yan speaks wisely, Your Majesty. Why should he alone be crowned, when Shu Shu is also a son of the Emperor?"

Lady Hua's face darkened, her voice sharp as a knife's edge. "Silence, child! You dare to question the Emperor's wisdom?"

Yue stood her ground, her voice unwavering. "Shu Shu is not an outcast, Mother. He is my brother, and he deserves respect."

Emperor Jian's face turned red with rage, his voice thundering through the chamber. "Enough! We will not crown Shu Shu alongside Shu Yan. Shu Yan is the rightful heir, born with the Lotus bracelet and the heavenly symbol."

The Eunuchs nodded in agreement, their faces expressionless.

Lady Jing stood up, her eyes flashing with anger. "Why should Shu Yan be crowned alone? Does the Emperor's blood not flow through Shu Shu's veins as well?"

Shu Yan scoffed, his face twisted in disdain.

Empress Mei stood up, her voice shrill with anger. "How dare you question the Emperor's wisdom, Lady Jing? You, a barren woman, dare to speak on matters of state?"

Lady Hua laughed, a cold, mirthless sound.

Shu Shu stood up, his eyes blazing with anger. "Quiet," he said, his voice low and even. "You act like children, squabbling over petty power struggles."

The chamber fell silent, the only sound the soft rustling of silk robes.

Empress Mei's face turned red with rage. "How dare you speak to me in such a manner?"

Shu Shu's smile was cold and calculated. "I said Quiet, Mei."

The chamber erupted into chaos, the Eunuchs murmuring among themselves, the ladies-in-waiting gasping in shock.

Shu Yan's eyes narrowed, his voice cold and menacing. "You will pay for your disrespect, Shu Shu."

Shu Shu walked out of the chamber, his back straight, his head held high.

The Eunuchs whispered among themselves, their voices like a gentle breeze rustling through the chamber. "Such disrespect..."

Lady Jing bowed and followed Shu Shu out of the chamber.

Shu Yan's smile was wicked and calculating. "Shu Shu, just you wait..."

The night sky was a deep, foreboding shade, the moon hidden from view. Within Shu Yan's chambers, a dark, smoky portal materialized, its presence seeming to draw the very light out of the air. Shu Yan stepped forward, his figure silhouetted against the swirling darkness. With a confident stride, he entered the portal.

On the other side, Shu Yan found himself in a realm of unmitigated horror. The air was thick with an unholy presence, and the ground seemed to writhe and twist beneath his feet. A lone, ancient bridge constructed of weathered bricks stretched out before him, vanishing into the darkness. At its terminus, a monstrous creature floated in mid-air, its bulk a grotesque amalgamation of twisted flesh and bulbous, pulsing growths.

"Shu Yan," the creature rumbled, its voice like thunder in the darkness. "I have been expecting you."

Shu Yan smiled, a cold, calculating glint in his eye. "I have come to propose a deal, Zhenyu."

The monster's laughter was a deafening, soul-shaking sound that seemed to shake the very foundations of the realm. "And what deal might that be, Shu Yan?" it asked, its voice dripping with malevolent intent.

Shu Yan's smile grew, his eyes flashing with a wicked light. "A message to the Qing dynasty," he said, his voice low and menacing. "The Emperor and Empress have chosen... unwisely."

Zhenyu's laughter grew louder, more frenzied, as if the very notion of the Qing dynasty's downfall was a source of unbridled joy to the monster.