Chapter 18: When There Were Dynasties/Arc 3.1

Shortly after, Wang Tao arrived at planet 123 and got the world's information from the guardian. After learning that this world was in the ancient times, he arranged his identity and sealed 98% of his magical power and 95% of his physical strength, he entered the world. This time he decided to enter at 12 years old.

Celestials were able to do this at will, only to a certain extent. If a celestial was still in the teenage state they could not make themselves look like young adults or grow taller than their original height. But, they could revert their physical form to that of a baby, toddler or child. It was an advanced form of shifting which took a lot of power and skill.

______________

"Are you alright?"

Silver eyes glanced over at the question. Looking at the concerned expression of the middle aged man in green, he nodded.

Getting the conformation, the elder smiled.

"That's good. Don't be nervous, were only going to be there for a short while."

"Mm."

Hearing this, the man left the boy to continue taking in the view outside the carriage.

Wang Tao stared in a daze at the shapes of the clouds as he absentmindedly fiddled with the hem of his light blue robes.

In this world, the Celestial was the recently adopted 12 years old son of the Right Prime Minister Wang. Prime Minister Wang had been married to a woman named Madam Wei and loved her dearly. Unfortunately, after many years, the two failed to conceive a child and so decided to adopt.

It had only been a while since then and the middle aged couple treated him as their own son. It was a very novel experience for Wang Tao but also made him a bit uncomfortable. The two understood and had given their adopted son some space.

It wasn't that Wang Tao hated it but he never had parents, none of the Celestials did, and didn't know what family love felt like so the Celestial had difficulty accepting the sudden warm treatment.

Currently, Minister Wang was taking his adopted son to meet his old friend, Emperor Zhou Cheng.

Half an hour later, they arrived and Minister Wang led Wang Tao into the palace. When they were outside the throne room, he told his son to wait in the garden nearby as he spoke to the Emperor and to come when he called him.

Wang Tao nodded and watched as Minister Wang entered before turning around and strolling into the garden. He could sense that Zhou Jian was near using the tracker and followed it.

Zhou Jian in this world was the crown prince and he had a brother named Zhou Yuan. Emperor Zhou Cheng was a loyal man and only had one wife, Empress Chai Ling, so the two weren't half brothers. Sadly, the Empress had recently passed due to an illness

A few feet away, before a tall tree, stood the crown prince. Approaching him, Wang Tao noticed his friend who was a 12 year old boy like himself.

This was the first time seeing Zhou Jian as a child and Wang Tao almost couldn't resist the urge to pinch those chubby cheeks.

Keeping the thought to himself, Wang Tao turned his attention to the tree which the crown prince had been staring at. After a minute, Zhou Jian finally said something.

"Nice to see you. You…you look different as a child."

"You too...Your cheeks are so chubby."

Wang Tao watched as the boy scrunch up his face in embarrassment. Zhou Jian hadn't expected Wang Tao to come so early and wasn't exactly prepared.

When his father told him that Minister Wang was bringing his adopted son to meet them, he had a feeling. His father advised him to build good relations with the boy as he would be his Minister one day.

"Is Minister Wang with the Emperor?"

"Mm."

Zhou Jian peeked at the silver boy before glancing down at his feet. A few seconds passed before he took in a deep breath.

"I'm sorry for doing you that. Also I'm sorry that I put you through it again. That was uncalled for. "

Looking at his friend, Wang Tao finally smiled.

"I was wondering when you'd apologize."

"He he."

The Zion had a sheepish expression, quickly understanding the danger he'd just avoided. The cold aura Wang Tao was emitting as well as his lack of expression clearly showed his disatisfaction.

[ He didn't accept the apology...That's good. I don't deserve it, nor did I expect him to. ]

Afraid to discuss further, Zhou Jian shifted his attention to the tree.

"I'm not sure why but I suddenly feel like climbing it. Does that seem weird?"

"I don't know."

"..."

"..."

Two pairs of pheonix eyes looked at each other but neither were willing to speak. Only after a few excruciatingly long minutes did Zhou Jian force out a preposition with deep embarresment,

"Do you want to try? First one to reach the top up is the winner?"

"..."

"I guess I'm just desperate to beat you at something."

Wang Tao just smiled at his friend. He had become more interested in human games and traditions ever since being with the older man. He'd visited many worlds before but had never really integrated into life there.

Wang Tao had noticed that the human children in many worlds would do that and always seemed to have a great sense of accomplishment.

[ It would probably hurt his ego further to lose in such a childish game. ]

A laugh escaped the Celestial's lips at the thought.

"I accept the challenge."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

Zhou Jian smiled at his friend and prepared himself, hoping to break his losing streak.

Ready, the two slowly backing away from the tree. Once they were a few feet away, the two rushed up and began climbing. Grabbing on to the branches and hauling themselves up, they scrambled up with speed.

Reaching the top, Zhou Jian smiled brightly.

"Yes! Finally I-"

The smile on the Zion abruptly dropped as he noticed the Celestial who was watching him with a victorious smile.

Obviously he'd lost again.

"Tsk. Damn it."

Zhou Jian grumbled once they climbed back down and glared at his friend who was still grinning at him.

Unfortunately, before he could challenge Wang Tao again, they heard a call and turned around to see a servant boy running up to them. The servant informed the two children that the Emperor was calling for them.

Now in the throne room, Wang Tao stood beside his father as he greeted the tall man seated on his throne. On both sides of him stood the crown prince, Zhou Jian and the second prince, Zhou Yuan.

"Your Majesty, this is my son Wang Tao. He's very quiet so my apologies if he doesn't talk much."

The Emperor's brown eyes took in the child's features and interest sparked.

"You've really found a treasure Minister Wang. I've never seen such a unique hair colour."

The middle aged man nodded at that.

"Mm-hmm. I was also quite surprised but my wife finds it lovely. I'm only worried about him being alienated for it though."

As he spoke, Minister Wang's face gradually showed concern.

"Don't worry so much, I'm pretty sure that isn't the case. What do you two think?"

Emperor Cheng gestured at his two sons.

"It's beautiful, father."

Zhou Jian's golden eyes twinkled in amusement watching Wang Tao's awkward expression at his answer. Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan smiled at the boy.

"I agree with brother. I think everyone will be more fascinated than weirded out."

Relief settled on Minister Wang's face at the princes' responses. Changing the topic, the Emperor asked a question.

"How old are you boy?"

"12."

"You're around the same age as my sons! That's good, I'll be giving them the duty of making you feel welcomed. Do you hear that?"

"Yes father."

Wang Tao gave a short thank you hearing the two princes affirmative.

The conversation didn't drag on for too long, ending in about 15 minutes. Parting ways with the royal family later that evening, Minister Wang and his son returned home.

- - - - - - - -

Two years later, three boys could be seen seated under a peach blossom tree.

Wang Tao lightly fiddled with the pink flower in his hand as he listened to the brothers bicker.

"What do you mean it's yours? I'm the one who asked for them. You wouldn't have had any cookies at all if I hadn't requested for a maid to bring them."

"So what? As your older brother, I naturally have the right to the last cookie."

"No you don't! That isn't how it works!"

Frowning at the retort, Zhou Jian turned to the Celestial.

"Wang Tao, don't you think Yuan should give me the cookie since I'm older?"

Panic flashed across the younger one's face at this.

"Wang Tao don't listen to him. I asked for them so I should have it."

[...Two idiots. ]

Silver eyes stared at them, and Zhou Jian quickly picked up on the mocking look.

Just as the brothers were about to start another argument, thier eyes widened in shock. Gold eyes and brown ones watched the indifferent face as their friend licked the crumbs off his fingers.

"Tastes good."

The two were speechless.

Glancing at each other, they swiftly decided to drop the matter. Zhou Jian picked up his book to continue reading when his attention was caught again.

"How about we go horse riding?"

The Celestial and the Zion turned towards the human at this. Golden eyes lit up as Zhou Jian hurriedly nodded.

Taking note of the skeptical silver eyes, Zhou Jian assured his friend.

"Come on, Tao. It'll be fun."

Zhou Yuan backed up his brother on that. When Zhou Jian realized that his friend still wasn't convinced, he quickly sported a suspicious expression.

"Wang Tao, don't tell me you don't know how to ride a horse?"

This statement immediately earned him a glare from the Celestial.

"Of course I do."

Zhou Yuan jumped in at this moment.

"Then ride with us and prove it."

"..."

The princes watched with amusement as the silver eyes twitched slightly. Minutes later, Wang Tao nodded, earning an excited cheer from the two.

Later that evening, Wang Tao stepped down from the carriage once it came to a halt. Entering the Wang Mansion, he wondered around, a little reluctant to retire to his room.

"My son!"

The Celestial paused at the address, looking over his shoulder to see Madame Wei beckoning him over.

"Afternoon."

A fond smile rested on the woman's face.

"How was it at the palace?"

"It was...relaxing."

"That's great. It's so nice to hear how you've made friends."

Wang Tao couldn't help but reveal a small smile at her joy.

"Were you tending the garden?"

"En, flowers need special care and it's a refreshing activity to nurse them."

An idea struck the Madam when she caught the twinkle of interest in her son's eyes.

"Do you want to help?"

"...Could I?"

"Of course!"

The Celestial glanced at the colourful flower's in hesitance before nodding. Clapping her hands in excitement, his mother gestured for him to watch her closely.

An hour later, as the sun began to set, the two wrapped up their activities. Freshening up in their quarters, they joined Minister Wang for dinner.

Seeing his son, the middle aged man's expression softened.

"Tao, how was your day?"

Taking his seat, Wang Tao faced the man and replied with amusement in his eyes.

"It was nice...Jian and Yuan fought over a cookie."

"Really? It's good that they're so close. Any plans for tomorrow?"

Towards the latter part of the sentence, the servants flowed into the room with plates if food.

Madame Wei began to place food onto her son's plate with delight as the father and son continued their conversation.

"You're about 14 now, so have you any interests in a Ger?"

The Celestial froze at Minister Wang's question, clenching his fist. The elderly woman frowned at her husband.

"Ah, what are you troubling him for? Our son doesn't need to rush, just look at how handsome he is!"

Wang Tao silently thanked his mother in his heart.

Minister Wang huffed lightly but nodded in agreement. The little family carried on with the meal in silence before retiring to their rooms.

The next day, the trio arrived at the stables. Wang Tao curiously observed all the horses as he walked about.

"Is there a horse for me?"

Zhou Jian shook his head.

"No, it's best if you choose your horse."

Nodding, Wang Tao searched through the horses for one that could catch his eye. It didn't take long for him to approach a stallion with a slick black coat.

Hesitantly, the Celestial stretched out a hand to gauge the horse's reaction to him. Beady black eyes stared into his as the animal slowly nuzzled his hand with it's snout.

A tiny smile crept up onto Wang Tao's face as he stroked him.

"Excuse me, does this horse have name yet?"

A young stable boy shook his head.

"No, Your Highness. He may name it himself."

Thanking him, Zhou Yuan relayed the good news.

"So what will you name him?"

Zhou Jian approached the bonded pair, his own brown horse in tow.

Wang Tao thought for a moment but then shrugged his shoulders.

"What is yours called?"

"Chocolate, because his coat is dark brown and I love that flavour."

The Zion stroked his horse gently as he replied. Chiming in, the second prince disclosed the name of his as well.

"For me, I named her Winter because of how white her coat is."

"I see."

Wang Tao studied his horse's features closely.

[ His coat is a black as night. It's beautiful. ]

"I'll call him Night."

"Good choice, now let's go. We don't want to be out too late"

Zhou Jian led the other two outside after saying this.

Now out in the field, the three seated themselves on the horses, quickly taking off into the distance.

With smiles on their faces and the wind whipping through their hair, the experience was wonderful. Galloping into a nearby forest, the three soon arrived at a meadow.

Climbing off their horses, they tied them to a nearby tree before wondering a bit off.

Silver eyes scanned the area in awe. A field of colours covered the view as flowers popped up in every direction. The light blue sky and the fluffy clouds complemented the scenery.

Sitting crossed legs next to the princes, Wang Tao caressed a blue flower with a light smile.

"It's spectacular!"

Zhou Yuan's brown eyes twinkled brilliantly. Zhou Jian made a sound of agreement as he leaned back. A thought crossed his mind at that moment.

"How about we make this our spot? We could come here to meet up."

The two boys agreed with the Zion. Smiling, the second prince exclaimed,

"I can't wait to come here with my two brothers again!"

Confusion flicked across Zhou Jian's face.

"Two?"

"Yeah, Wang Tao's like a brother to me. You don't mind right?"

Brown eyes glanced at the Celestial. Wang Tao blinked slowly before a smile crept on his face. Getting a nod, Zhou Yuan jumped in excitement, causing Zhou Jian laugh.

Playing in the meadow, a comfortable feeling surrounded the three like a blanket.

.

A year later, the now 15 year old Wang Tao lay snuggly in the field of flowers, his arm over his eyes to protect them from the blinding sun.

Stretching with the a slight yawn he looked to the side to see golden eyes watching him closely. His heart fluttering, the Celestial quickly hid from the gaze.

The teenagers were once again in their secret spot, lazing around during their gradually rarer free time.

"Hey Jian, what do you think your type is?"

"Huh? Type?"

Zhou Yuan nodded.

"Yeah, like love interest type."

Zhou Jian shook his head unwilling to answer.

"Aww, why not?"

"Just cuz."

"Hmph."

The second prince pouted slightly before a bright smile rise on his face. Scooting over to the silver haired teen, he whispered into his ear,

"What's Zhou Jian's type?"

Wang Tao blinked, a blank expression on his face, before mumbling an answer.

"Blond and green eyes...or brown hair and eyes. I don't know...I guess both."

"Tao-"

"Are you sure?"

Zhou Yuan cut his brother there off in his confusion. When Wang Tao nodded in bemusement, he frowned slightly.

"Don't you think he'd like someone with a more unique colour?"

"?"

"Nothing."

Shaking his thought off, the second prince asked another question instead.

"How'd you know his type?"

"Yuan that's enough."

Zhou Jian quickly ended, his gold eyes worriedly looked at the Celestial's almost unnoticeable sour expression.

Getting the message, Zhou Yuan apologized.

[ I wonder what I said wrong? ]

"Anyways, how is it going with your parents?"

Zhou Jian changed the topic for the two. Wang Tao looked up as he fiddled with his fingers.

"They...are welcoming."

"See, we told you just give them a chance."

The second prince quickly brightened up.

"Mm, Madame Wei cooks very well."

[ Of course it was the food. ]

Zhou Jian shook his head with a helpless expression. Noticing something, he advised,

"Don't keep calling then like that. It's too formal. Try calling her mum instead."

Wang Taos eyes widened slightly.

"Is that not too abrupt?"

"I think they'd love it."

Hearing Zhou Yuan affirmation, the Celestial nodded. Nervous, he couldn't help but mumble the word as he tried to imagine calling her.

"Mum, mum..."

The princes desperately held in their laughs watching the teenager practice so seriously. Unfortunately, they failed to do so and erupted in laughter.

Wang Taos ears turned red in embarrassment, his eyes sending daggers. The two desperately shut their mouths feeling the cold aura being emitted.

Just as Zhou Yuan thought they were doomed, his brother did something unexpected. Both his and Wang Tao's eyes went wide when the crown prince plucked a nearby flower and stuck it into the Celestial's mouth.

"..."

"..."

"..."

All three went silent, even the perpetrator. The two princes nervously observed as Wang Tao hesitantly looked down, pulling the stem out of his mouth.

[ It's purple...]

Looking at the flower in his hand, Wang Tao tilted his head slightly.

"A-a gift for you."

Zhou Jian tried to smooth over his impulsive actions.

"Oh."

Sitting down, an awkward silence passed until the brothers realized that Wang Tao was no longer paying them attention, too busy playing with the flower in his hand.

Zhou Yuan's brown eyes filled with awe as he whispered.

"Brother you're so good at placating him."

Zhou Jian shook his head and whispered back.

"Not really."

Silver eyes looked at them and the two immediately stopped thier whispering.

[ Now that I think about it, Tao has always been really docile around my brother...]

Zhou Yuan went off into thought as Wang Tao laid back down in the flowers. Meanwhile, Zhou Jian, having regained his courage, sneakily played with the strands of silver hair.

.....

Thirteen years later, in the early morning of spring, the cool wind gently nudged the petals of the blooming flowers as choirs of birds came out to perform their songs. The sun shined down on the earth, illuminating the meadows.

A crowd of men stood upright in the courtroom as a handsome man gazed down on them from his throne. The oppressing aura of the man alone would tell you not to mess with him or you were as good as dead. He was dressed in black robes with gold embroidery in the forms of dragons, bringing forth the regal image of an Emperor.

A tall silver haired young man dressed in black, stepped forward and began giving his report. After him, many others stepped forward and gave their reports as their Emperor listened and advised them on the next step.

A few hours later, morning court ended and the Emperor rose from his seat and left. Bowing the minister and officials all exited the court room.