Boundless Creation

"Think before you copy others' hard work."

Being a prince is a blessing for many, but in my case, it's a curse.

Through my royal blood, I have witnessed the impact of dead hearts, greediness, and eagerness.

It's an unsealing curse from which I'll never be able to escape. No amount of light will turn you back if you allow it to ravage you.

"Didi, did you know there is this saying that if it rains heavily and the sky sings loudly with its drum, it means that God has determined someone's fate?"

"Huh? How could there be such a saying? A god would not do such a thing. Jiejie, you are talking nonsense now; you're already drunk. Stop drinking. You still have an important customer to meet later. Madam will be mad again if she finds out you got drunk." a six-year-old boy responded, eating his moon cakes while enjoying leisure time alongside his elder sister, dressed in a classic yet elegant courtesan attire.

"Aiya, who's drunk? I'm not drunk yet. Didi, tell me who you think it could be. Hm?"

The young boy sighed sharply, his face bored. He leaped out of the chair and walked over to the open window, looking at the clear view of the dark, cloudy sky.

"How would I know? I'm still young. I still have a long way to go in life. Why would I care about such a thing? I'd better get back to cleaning before Madam punishes me for slacking again. I will come by here again later, Jiejie."

The young courtesan could only nod and smile softly at her younger brother, who rushed out of her room, leaving her completely alone to enjoy the beauty of the dim sky and the soothing orchestra of the rain.

"Right, he's still six years old. I hope he stays young and doesn't become curious about the world; that would be great," the woman muttered with a faint smile.

The young courtesan raised her head to the clouds, her eyes seemingly focused on something, and spoke.

"You heard him? He said he was still young. If you truly exist, I want you to know. I don't resent or hate you. I have already accepted where my life is now. But, I beg you, protect my brother from harm—Achoo!"

A chilly wind intruded into the room uninvited, causing her to sneeze and shiver from the cold, prompting her to close the carved window in haste.

The cold wind persisted, exploring different corners until midnight, indifferent to the mysteries it held.

"Please, help," pleaded a young lady dressed in a damp garment indicative of a higher rank.

"Why are you out in this heavy rain?" inquired a concerned middle-aged woman.

"He... help me save my child," the young woman cried, her voice trembling as she cradled her sleeping infant in her soaked arms.

A middle-aged woman with an anxious expression approached her and nodded.

"I will, but first, take care of yourself and your son. I'll meet you at the gate later. My five apprentices will handle the rest, but if we fail, we must accept the will of the heavens."

The weary young woman nodded immediately, her heart fluttering with relief.

She bowed and thanked the elder before departing, her eyes filled with gratitude and her heart filled with trust and reassurance.

On the brink of panic and fury, the emperor ordered his subjects to search high and low for someone crucial to him.

"Find them! No one is allowed to rest until they're found. Bring the shaman to me alive. I will handle her personally," the emperor demanded sternly.

"Wait until the salvia flower blooms and the oak tree bears fresh leaves again." The pleasant, warm woman's voice echoed across the region, accompanied by a child's cries.

A thunderclap resounded before the sky settled. The sun at last emerged victorious over the storm, casting its bright light and bringing relief to all the lands.

Raindrops spread through the grass and onto all non-living things, lending them a momentary grace and refreshing the eyes of all who cherished nature's wonders.

"The plague has ended; now arises a new seed. Behold! A fresh dawn with uncertain paths!" proclaimed an elderly man with tousled, grey curls. He knelt outside the inn, draped in tattered garments stained with earth and emitting a faint odor.

His hands stretched skyward, and his eyes were ablaze with joy and unwavering optimism.

To be continued.