The Emperor and The Protector

It was late at night and one could hear the heavy sounds of rain. It was about springtime and so the Kingdom's weather had started to change.

In his study room, Emperor Xu Fengxin stared at a portrait laid down on his table. He had drawn this portrait 15 years ago. He was now close to his 40's. He had everything he wanted and yet, why does he felt empty inside?

He regretted it. He regretted that he wasn't able to say everything in his mind and heart. He thought that since her heart had changed, it would be fine as long as they were together.

Apparently, he was wrong. He had focused on things that were less important to him. He amassed all glory and wealth in the land, yet for what? His children weren't in harmony and his wives were always constantly scheming against each other.

It had been almost 10 years. He realized the things that she had done for him without him knowing. The sacrifices and love she had done for him. Why did he stop pursuing her back then? Why did he believe such rumors about her? If only time could go back. If only, I could chase her heart and not be such an idiot, he thought.

His thumb caressed her cheeks on the portrait. "I'm sorry. I did love you but I was coward. I thought... I thought that you didn't love me anymore."

The sounds of thunder came crackling outside and a white figure came into the study. Emperor Xu Fengxin didn't even bother looking up, he knew who had come. The day that his Empress had died, he and his visitor had a big fight.

"Why are you here?" Emperor Xu Fengxin asked without looking up.

Heavenly Law Protector Su Wenshin eyes glared at him. "I sense a change on the stars."

"What does it have to do with me?" Emperor Xu Fengxin still stared at the portrait.

"She's alive." Su Wenshin blurted out.

Only then did he caught the Emperor's attention. He instantly got up and stared at him, his eyes were wide. "What did you say?!"

Su Wenshin stared at the Emperor. Ever since Empress Yu Ronglou died, Emperor Xu Fengxin had changed. He was less energetic and less amiable. In the past 10 years, he had ruled the Zhenglin Continent on strict governance. Although the land had become more abundant and prosperous, The Emperor had become the opposite. As if he no longer has any goals nor any life. Su Wenshin wouldn't have bothered with him but it involves a bigger picture. Su Wenshin can't neglect his duties as the Heavenly Law Protector.

"Yu Ronglou is alive." Su Wenshin clarified.

"WHERE?! WHERE IS SHE?! I SAW HER BODY TURN COLD AND LIFELESS! I WAS THERE WHEN I SAW HER CASKET BEING BURIED ON THE GROUND! HOW COULD SHE BE ALIVE?!" Emperor Xu Fengxin had finally lost it. He had so many questions and yet, he was scared to know the answers. A thought came into his mind that made him sat back down in pain. His chest was hurting and his eyes became blurry. In his life, this would be the third time that he cried.

First was when he had thought that she no longer cares for him and second is when she died.

As if reading Emperor Xu Fengxin's mind, Su Wenshin replied. "She did die but she came back alive in another time period. She reincarnated into her past. Her memories are still intact and so she wants to change her future."

Emperor Xu Fengxin didn't know how to react. She was alive with all their memories together but not in this time period? He laughed dryly. "It seems the Heaven's really doesn't want us to be together."

Su Wenshin sighed. "They did but you screwed it up."

Emperor Xu Fengxin looked back at the Heavenly Law Protector. "Why are you telling me this?" There was uncertainty in his heart could remember the confrontation they had 10 years ago.

-----

"You deserved it. You don't qualify to have her."

"SHE GAVE EVERYTHING YOU! AND YET, YOU DIDN'T GAVE HER THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.!"

"For a supposedly wise Emperor, you were so stupid for not knowing her true heart."

"I wish I should've said that she could choose anyone. To tell you the truth, It didn't have to be you. She could've chosen anyone and still get the prophecy done."

-----

These were the words that the Heavenly Law Protector had said to him. It became the biggest blow in his entire life.

"Because I'm afraid that she will choose the wrong path. The stars are saying a new prophecy." Su Wenshin broke his line of thoughts.

"And that is?" Emperor Xu Fengxin asked.

"She now could also allow her lover to bring destruction in Zhenglin Continent."

Emperor Xu Fengxin stared at Su Wenshin. Horror could not begin to describe what he was feeling. It would've been alright if she falls in love with someone who will love her but bring destruction to something he loves? He didn't know what to say. He was conflicted between love and his responsibility as an Emperor.

"Time is ticking." Su Wenshin sighed.