1 The Red Light District

In the wake of a moonless night, a young lady waiting for her death punishment kneels in front of a foreign man. "If I would have asked you at that time, would you have come to save me?". She reminisces as she slowly closes her eyes.

"My lord, I believe we infiltrated this city for a reason but now why are we enjoying ourselves in a tavern?!", said by a man with short dark ebony hair. A man with red long locks of hair answered in dismay, "Hua Xie, how many years has it been since you were working with me and yet still don't know where is the best place to gather information. Do not use the word infiltrate. It is not a good word to be heard, just *hiccups * the word visited". "It is not that I do not know my lord Xing Zhi, but it has already been 4 days and all you do is drink and cuddle with women" the young lord's companion worriedly answered. "Hua Xie, my boy you should learn to enjoy life more".

"MY HEART HURTS! If only there is a wonder drug that can cure this pain", Hua Xie dramatically screamed at the top of his lungs.

The young lord's face suddenly turned bright red and slowly sat on a different table. "He's not my companion. I do not associate myself with those types of men" he disclaimed. Suddenly an old man laughed and spoke, "rumor has it that the royal family has that wonder drug you are looking for but I am not sure if it can heal your broken heart, young lad".

Hearing the words of the old man, Xing Zhi slowly joined the conversation. "So the royal family has this miraculous drug old man?". "Aye, my lad. One of the servants from the palace accidentally slipped and mentioned that it came from the Crystal Palace". Xing Zhi slyly asked, "The Crystal Palace? it must be beautiful to see! Where can I find and behold its beauty?".The old man sighed and answered, "The Palace is not open to all, not even to the normal citizens of Kou. Only the royals, top scholars, mages, and servants from the imperial palace are allowed to enter."

The statement of the old man raised the curiosity of Hua Xie. Intoxicated by the alcohol, he suddenly loudly exclaimed "That must be it! They must be hiding that drug! The place is not even a part of the Imperial Palace but they are guarding it thoroughly!". Piercing looks from some people in the tavern were directed to Hua Xie. "I dare say not to even try your luck, young man. The Royal family will not think twice about punishing you if you trespass although probably you won't be coming out of that place alive or still sane", the old man warned.

A burst of laughter came out from the young lord. "Let's not be too serious old man! This young lad is just so heartbroken to the point he chose to intoxicate himself with alcohol. I do not know of that wonder drug but all I know is that the cure for an experience with a bad woman is another woman! This Lord is feeling generous. I will buy you three women tonight!" Xing Zhi loudly exclaimed to change the ominous mood. The crowd laughed and cheered to the young lord's generosity.

"The royal family huh?" A drunk man from an adjacent table suddenly started a conversation".They say it's a curse that the talented one is the youngest. To make it worse, the youngest is a girl. No matter what talent that girl has, she will never be allowed to become a ruler. We have been patriarchal from the beginning, though there are some factions who are fighting against that system". The old man cut into their conversation. "She'd already been lucky enough if she will just be allowed to live in the shadows. Her existence is a threat and killing her would-be convenient".

"But still she's a princess and a part of the royal family", Hua Xie sincerely stated. The old man burst into laughter. "The Royal family? There's no such thing as "blood is thicker than water young lad. Only power is evident. The strong will live and the weak shall die and before the buds will bloom the stem will be cut.

"You're right! That's how it worked for many years already for some families, I heard. As expected you are a wise man!", Xing Zhi lauded the old man. "Aye! this old man has already seen and drunk a lot. It's natural for me to be wise!". He laughs. "But maybe not as wise and cunning as you are young lord". The old man suddenly gave Zing Zhi a sharp look. "Oh, no such thing old man. Cheers to us and to the Red Light district!". The young lord, his companion, and the old man continued to enjoy the night in the city that sleeps at dawn.

In the dark corner of the Imperial City of Kou lies The Red Light District. A place of merriment that comes alive at night and where the bustling crowd, bright lantern lights, and beautiful women vanish in the mornight.