The Great Xia Dynasty

The sun was shining brightly as usual, making the skies clear, which is the ideal time for city dwellers to come out however, the city was empty.

As time flow, the sun disappeared from the skies, causing the moon come out. The darkness that primitive men once found frightening became their only solace in this growing harsh world.

Around the city, men could be seen lighting torches on the streets, giving it some semblance of day.

As these men lit the torches, the city dwellers opened their doors and emerge, going about their business as if the most normal thing in the world.

The streets where filled with merchants and citizens selling and buying wares.

At the northern part of Shang, the capital of Xia Dynasty, the imperial palace stood brightly lit as officials and servants who slept though the day, awake and began work.

At the lowest level of the palace, guards wearing black armor with dragons inscribe on it, could be seen scanning the area with the air of cautiousness and prudence.

The atmosphere seem to change as the tension in the surroundings seem to double. They could hear footsteps approaching their locations, making them wonder if someone was attacking.

Drawing their weapons, the Guard Captain signal for some of his men to hide in wait and some to follow him.

The Guard Captain was secretly wondering who is could be. If someone could reach this location without alerting the guards further up, they must either be skilled or of importance.

Seeing the shadow of the person, the Guard Captain shouted with a commanding tone, "Halt! His Majesty is resting, please go back."

The individual seem to notice the situation and halt. The guards in swift movements surrounded the individual, which turn out be a young man in his late twenties.

They expected for the young man to have companions so they scanned the aura but nothing caught their at tention.

The aura of the guards put the young man under mental pressure.

These guards, raised by the emperor in a secret location, are specially bred for this purpose.

Dragon Guards are brought up with no other knowledge than the arts in how to kill a man. Unarmed, armed, and psychological torture are their bread and butter. They are loyal to none but the emperor.

They are not apart of the Xia military payroll, none but the imperial family knows about their existence and even then one must be either the successor to the throne or or the emperor himself.

The Guard Captain examined the man and order everyone to lower their weapons after confirming the man's identity.

They are being strict because they were order by the royal physician to make sure none disturb their Lord's rest. They were cautious in obeying the someone else order but since the person who gave it is responsible for their Lord's health, they obeyed.

After gaining the throne, Emperor Qi have brought Xia to greater heights than his predecessor, however unlike his father who possess a powerful body, he was sickly and frail. Throughout his reign, it was common for him to be bedridden for weeks at a time.

Interfering in the recovery of the man that made Xia what it is might as well be a taboo. No one wanted to return back to the era of separation and narrow worldview, so the recovery of Emperor Qi cannot be interrupted.

Looking at Xia Dynasty, it was like the heavens are sadden that the Son of Heaven have fallen sick, causing the dynasty to become chaotic. What if he died? None dare to think about that but the world might collapse.

Emperor Qi's father, Yu the Great, conquered the rivers thus saving the lives of many people. Emperor Qi conquered and divided the land for better management. Each was like a paragon of men who have great foresight, sadly one already died and the other is sick, otherwise Great Xia would reach heights never seen before.

The young man spoke in a calm irrefutable tone, "Move. I have something to discuss with my father."

The Guard Captain, a large man with a scar on left eye, tone in an emotionless tone, "Your Highness, we can't…" As he was about to continue, a weak and tired voice came from the the door and interrupted him, "Let him in."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

The Dragon Guards looked at the door with ecstasy in their eyes, His Majesty is getting better!

———

Thanking the Dragon Guards, the young man entered the chambers and saw the Son of Heaven, his father, laying on a large silk bed, emitting various medicinal aroma.

The man had black hair that is turning gray from age and stress. His eyes were deep and wise, which could make people submit.

Despite his conditions, his eyes were calm and unperturbed, as if accepting the fact he is dying. His skin is loose and wrinkled.

Opening his eyes, seemed to take a lot of effort as he pant and seem out of breathe, however, he did not mind. He sat up and looked at his youngest son, with love and pride.

Approaching the bed, the Third Prince knelt down and held his fathers hands, with sadness. His father is not that old, only 63 years old but because of the curse of the family, he will not live past 65 years.

His grandfather, Yu the Great suffered from the same curse and could not escape. Everyone thought he just overworked himself and died but that was not the case. Only a few people know this amongst the Yu family.

The Third Prince could feel the weakness of his fathers hands, making him sigh but this can be changed.

"Father, I'm sorry to disturb you, however, I have good news."

Seeing the excitement in his son's eyes, Emperor Qi was surprised and curious what could make him so excited.

His son was usually calm and reserved, which was rare amongst his children. He can't recall how many times the others have caused him trouble but this son was special, actually reminding of his own father.

Sighing with gratification, Emperor Qi spoke, "Mingyú, stop beating around the bush and tell me what made you so happy."

Mingyu looked around and made sure no one listening.

Despite this being his father's chambers, one must not be fool into thinking they were the only ones in here. His actions and words could all be monitored.

Knowing this, he leaned over and whispered into his fathers ear, "Father, today a messenger pigeon arrived with information that made me act like this. Once you read it, you will understand."

Seeing the cautiousness of his son, Emperor Qi turned serious, pondering the reason behind his son's behavior. He thought of many possibilities but since his son was happy, it shouldn't be bad.

Looking at the ceiling, he waved his hand, causing the atmosphere to shift in a noticeable manner, "Now, no one is listening. Speak freely. What's going on?"

Seeing his son still not speak and passing him the parchment, Emperor Qi raised a brow with suspicion and took it.

Holding the parchment, he wondered where it came from. None inside his domain could make such fine and clear parchment. They were still making crude yellow parchment out of bamboos and stone tablets. If one introduce this kind of parchment into the lands, one could imagine how high their wealth would grow.

Suppressing his curiosity, Emperor Qi read the letter causing his face to go through various changes. His hands couldn't but tremble in surprise and excitement! If this was true, this changes everything.

After suppressing his emotions, he calmed down and wondered about the legitimacy of this letter. Everything was telling him it was real but as an emperor one don't act off of emotions but facts and profits.

But if this is true, the question is, why now?

Knowing Mingyu, Emperor Qi didn't believe this didn't cross his mind, however he still brought it before him. If someone like Mingyu, who rival him in intelligence was so sure, the possible of this being true was quite high.

Reading the letter again, he asked, "Is this legit?"

Taking a deep breath, Mingyu nodded, "Yes, father. Look at the seal at the bottom of the letter. There is a strange force there, something I don't think mortals could do, so I don't think it's fake.."

After reading the letter, he was aware of why his son is excited, it's because of him. If this letter is to be believe, he might be cured which his son have made his mission to do.

He treated all his children the same but only Mingyu, born of him and a 'commoner' that actually cared about him.

Emperor Qi did not care about if one was a commoner since it did not have much importance. But he saw a trend amongst his subjects creating classes to place value on people, but oddly they ignored Mingyu as if they don't dare to consider him a commoner.

Looking at the seal, he could sense divinity, something he never saw before but could identity.

"His Majesty, the Jade Emperor wish to select a few people to give a chance to practice cultivation. If I could learn even a portion of His Majesty's skills, I can return the world to how it used to be."

Looking at his son, Emperor Qi was overwhelm by pride. He knew if it was his other sons, they would not have brought this to him. He did not say anything to Mingu but he will remember it. His decision was clear and without regret.

"Father, this is to our advantage. Currently, the clans and families are waiting for you to die before splitting the dynasty into equal parts. If we could use this, we could strengthen the imperial family, so only one voice can be heard. Plus, the fact the Jade Emperor sent us this letter make it's clear what he wants. He wants us to announce and select the people to participate in this event."

"So, that's to say we are the only that got this letter?"

"Yes, father. I'm under that impression as well."

"Good, let's keep it that way. Did you tell your siblings?" He didn't want his sons, Tia Yu and Hong Yu to know. These two are way too close to the clans and families, their loyalty was questionable. Their wives were also from the clans and families.

Shaking his head, Mingyu said, "I arrived as soon as I got the letter."

With a smile on his face, Emperor Qi said, "If they know about this, I shudder at the disaster they might cause. Even I might not be able to clean it up."

With a wryly smile, Mingyu pointed out an obvious flaw, "But father, they will figure this out eventually."

"Eventually, but not now." Pondering, he gave the letter back to his son, "Mingyu, currently just the two of us know this and I would love to keep it that way but since we must accomplish what his Majesty, the Jade Emperor wants, we must send letters to the clans and families, no, go in person. We will maximize number of the Yu family members who enter, while limiting there members."

With a smile of agreement, Mingyu answered, "As you wish Father."

He could see that his son already figured out what he intend to do, making him satisfied. Only a person who was ten steps ahead can hope to become the emperor. His son show more potential that him, which made his decision to handed the throne to Mingyu ever stronger.

There are a couple reasons he hadn't step down.

Firstly, he didn't have a successor that could handle the storm to come. Even though he was proud of Mingyu, he still had a lot to learn and to gather his own force.

Secondly, the moment Mingyu ascends the throne, he as the youngest will be attack by all kinds of allegations, which he won't be able to bear.

Though his two eldest sons were incompetent, they had a large group of supporters, though they mainly wanted to manipulate them and become kings themselves.

Thirdly, the families and clans will not allow for the third star of the Yu family to rise.

When Yu the Great rose, none could stop his rise as that was to go against the people. They benefit, so they tolerated his laws. They tolerated him because of Yu the Great was still alive and had a large group of supporters, but would they support Mingyu because of him?

This can all be change if he could get stronger and walked on his own. He could officially appoint appoint Minggu as his regent and step down so he can learn the ropes. Still, that might prove problematic since a couple snakes are thinking of taking his place.

With his thoughts organize, Emperor Qi asked, "Where did the Jade Emperor, wish for us to gather?"

"The Kunlun Mountains…." Mingyu voice was a little awkward because though not obvious, he could see that on the letter, the name Wang family was written and scratch out with tear stains. Since his father did not say anything, he must not have seen it.

"After you visit the families and clans, make our preparations to go to Kunlun Mountains. Also, don't forget to express our sincerity to the Jade Emperor."

"As you wish father." Standing up and bowing slightly, Mingyu turn and left the room with determination in his eyes.

———

Leaving the palace, Mingyu took a carriage while suppressing his emotions. He knew why his father told him to go in person. One is to make sure no one captured the messenger pigeon and read the letters, the other is because he wants him to have a relationship with the clans heads and the family patriarchs. It was clear why he would want to do this, he was training him to be his successor.

He was not interested in the throne but because of his siblings actions, he didn't want the common people to suffer. Sometimes one have to give up what they want for whats right and giving the people peace is something is family is suppose to do.

In the carriage, Mingyu was worried about the changes that will take place once people start to cultivate. RIght now, it was a battle between the Yu family and the other forces for control. It was barely a stalemate now but once change take place, only chaos will follow.

Rubbing the bridge of his nose with fatigue, he wish the carriage could go faster so he could reach his first destination.

Of the many places he had to go tonight, it was the most important one in his eyes.

"Your Highness, we have arrive at the Fang Clan compound." The coachman said in a hoarse voice, but it was obvious to anyone observant that he was faking it

Like anyone of position, Mingyu had his own group of guards, though compare to his brothers they were far and few. Still, it was better than nothing.

Looking at the massive compound that stretch for miles. It was like a miniature palace to how vast it is. At either side of the gate, there are statues of lions and two door gods.

Stepping down from the carriage, Mingyu walked towards the gate and opened it, starling the servants behind it. They were confuse as to who would dare to enter the domain of the Fang Clan.

The Fang Clan is the second strongest in the Four Great Clans and the biggest weapon manufacturer in Xia. To how powerful they were, none, not even the imperial would cross them.

Seeing who it is, the servants all knelt down, "We welcome the Third Prince. We will call the Matriarch."

"No need, I know the way." Not waiting for the servants to say anything, Mingyu walked pass them and inter the inner palace, before reaching a conference room.

Pushing the door open, inside one could see many individuals sitting in front of a woman that looked like she was in her 30s but the wrinkles at the corner of her eyes said otherwise.

She was wearing a green flower dress with a flower hairpin in her hair.

Looking at the door, the woman frowned as she saw the person and looked at everyone before calmly speaking, "We will continue this discussion at a later date, everyone is dismiss."

"Matriarch.." The people in the room spoke in low tones but hesitate seeing her looking at them.

"I said leave." Her tone remain calm and even, not even fluctuating in the slightest.

Knowing who they are dealing with, none of them dare to continue. They lowered their heads with sweat dripping down their backs.

The woman calmly pick up a teapot and put two cups on the table, watching everyone leave before turning her head to the handsome man before her with some anger flashing in her eyes.

"Sit."

Mingyu walked over while scratching his head with embarrassment, before sitting before the woman. He watched her filled the cup of sweet smelling tea before taking it and taking a sip.

"This is one of my special blends, a mixture of ginger and rose leaves. Since my plants get the best nutrients, it's flavors is quite flavorful." Swirling the the cup abd taking a sip with her eyes close, she ask in a cold tone, "Why did you come back after all this time?"

Not paying her any heed, Mingyu drank his tea in one go, admiring the taste. "Does a son have a reason to see his mother?" Reaching over, he held his mother's hands and a squeeze them tenderly before letting go.

Yes, the Matriarch of the Fang Clan is his mother. Well, she is the mother of all of Qi Yu's children. However, because of many issues, this is not know to anyone apart from those involve.

At the time when Fang Qilin and Qi Yu were together, Yu the Great was alive, so one paid attention to Qi. However, once he gain the throne, in order to protect his family, he had to draw a clear line between the Four Clans and the Yu family.

One might say, why does the emperor have to be cautious but one must understand that the Four Great Clans and the Eight Families are all competing to rule Xia. If they knew that the Yu family of the Eight Families and Fang Clan of the Four Great Clan were connected through children, they would not hesitate to gang up on both Fang and Yu.

Everything about Qi rule is about stability, unlike his father which is about domineering spirit. Yu the Great only saw challenges as things to cut down with his ax. He was so frightening that legend said that the tribal leader at the time had no choice but to give Yu the Great leadership over the tribe, overwise his head might have fly.

"You have some nerve to call me that after all this time." Though he words were rude, her body was honest. She was pinching his cheeks with a smile on her face, "Your not cute anymore..Cough..Out with it."

Chuckling to himself, Mingyu looked at Fang Qilin with sincerity, "Mother, I know you do not have a reason to believe me but something big is going to happen. I cannot go into too much details but this is something that will change Xia."

Fang Qilin looked at her son, "Okay. What do you want me to do?"

Mingyu looked at her with surprise. Why did she agree so calmly without even asking to clarify.

Hesisting, he walked over and whispered into her ears, making her open her mouth in surprise before she got calm.

"How many people am I allowed?"

Mingyu doesn't understand why his mother is so calm. A normal person would ask many questions when things of this sorts come up.

Now that he think about it, his mother usually is stone cold, maybe because of him she is showing emotions?

"Five. The other clans and families will only have two spots. The rest will be give to the people, to give them a chance. Tomorrow I will announce it."

"Okay, official business is done." Changing the conversation, Fang Qilin lean onto the desk and resting her chin on her intertwined fingers, and asked, "Tell me, how have you been? I have been worried sick." With tenderness in her eyes, but face as cold as ice, she looked at her youngest son with pain.

No one knew he is the son of the Fang Clan and the Yu Family. Although she understand the reason, she still blame Qi. She was all alone in the Fang Clan, while he had all her children there. She could choose to have other children but she only love one man and couldn't bare to do so.

Looking away as he felt the scorching eyes on him, Mingyu answered, feeling guilt, "Mother, don't worry, I'm okay. I'm learning as much as I can, your sacrifice won't be for nothing."

Fang Qilin wondered does he even understand her pain? Sighing, she took her emotions back under wraps.

"How is your father?"

"He is getting better but its a matter of time before he…..meeting the Jade Emperor is something we cannot give up."

"I see."

"...."

Mingyu got up and sat next to Fang Qilin, laying his head on her lap with his eyes close.

Fang Qilin looked down and touched his head, when she notice water dripping on his face. Looking up, she saw there was no leaks and felt her eyes becoming cloudy. It was obvious what was going on, she was crying but there was no sound.

Opening his eyes, Mingyu notice the teary eye woman above him. He felt his heart ache but he didn't know what to do.

Wiping her tears, he hugged her and allow her to cry.

This was truly unfair to his mother. His father should have allow one of us to stay with her. Her emotions have had one setting for almost two decades, coldness. No wonder he felt her behavior was strange.

"Mother, I promise, after we go to the Kunlun Mountains, I will fix everything."

Shaking her head, Fang Qilin wiped her tears and flick Mingyu forehead with a empty smile, "Its fine. I'm already use to it. Just visit more often."

"Mother…" Holding her face, Mingyu kiss her on the forehead, "Mother, I will visit everyday. I have to go now, I have to meet the clan heads and patriarchs."

Standing up, he didn't look back because he couldn't see his mother like this. His determination to becoming emperor seem to grow firmer.

Touching the spot Mingyu kiss her, Fang Qilin notice how similar he was to his father. No wonder he was going to become emperor.

"Be careful, Mingyu."

Leaving the Fang Clan, Mingyu traveled to the clans and families, explaining the Jade Emperor's orders and the fact they could select two clan and family member to join the event. He didn't explain that there was no limit to the number of participants nor the location of the meeting. He said he will announce it tomorrow at the front of the palace.

This was a power move but once he is willing to use. If they clans and families had no choice but to gather with everyone before the palace, doesn't that mean the Yu family is the strongest in Xia?

The flans and families might not thin so but the people will. No matter how powerful the clans and families are, they cannot fight against the people.

———

(Next Day)

"Your Highness, the patriarchs of Four Great Clans and Eight Families just joined the crowed." A servant said as she knelt.

Nodding at the servant, Mingyu took a deep breath, trying to focus so he wouldn't mess up. He is about to give a speech to over 20 thousand people, which is basically everyone in the capital. The pressure he was feeling could not be put into words.

However, he had to get used to talking to large groups, if he wanted to rule.

Getting up, followed by ministers and other officials who were curious about the sudden gathering.

Since they could not be trusted, Mingyu held that information in his hands, closely

At the edge of the door, he took a deep breath and walked onto the stage with calmness and poise befitting a ruler.

The crowd quieted down as they looked at the stage.

Mingyu was wearing his usual clothes, his purple robes and a golden belt around his waist.

Behind him, the ministers and officials line up with the one at the forefront holding a pillow with a letter on it.

The crowd wondered why they were summoned, staring daggers into Mingyu.

If not because they were ordered under the decree of the emperor, not many of them would show up and even then, some chose to stay home, ignoring the decree.

He knew what they were thinking but he didn't care. He and his father were doing this for them, otherwise they and the other forces would have split the 'quota' amongst themselves.

Some of them actually put forth that idea but were shot down, without entertaining such thoughts.

Taking a deep breath, Mingyu shouted but his voice carried over to the entire crowd as if he was talking regularly.

Everyone was surprised, they had never seen such means before. For such a crowd, one would be thankful if they could hear a few words.

Usually, there would be many people speaking at different locations to give everyone an opportunity to hear. Worse is to put up announcements around the city, and have people read to the illiterate people.

"People of Great Xia, I'm sure everyone is familiar with me but for those who do not, I am the Third Prince of Great Xia, Mingyu Yu. Today, I have something to say. Everyone should understand the situation Great Xia is facing. We have no idea of how many citizens have died from the drought and this devilish sun. We have no means to help those who are far away, Great Xia is at its limits."

"…."

Everyone was dead silent as they listened. They could see what Mingyu was saying but they didn't think it was so serious. They were just going through a hard time but sooner or later it will be over.

"Even us, the Yu family, were unsure of what to do until yesterday…." Turning to the minister, he gestured for the letter and held it up.

"Yesterday, a letter from none other than the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the Heavens arrived with a solution to our problems."

The crowd began to whisper amongst themselves, some believing while some finding the situation to be a manipulation tactic. Whatever reason it is, for Mingyu to come out and address everyone, there is some truth in it, probably.

"Silence! The Four Great Clans and the Eight Families can verify my words. His Majesty, the Jade Emperor, desires to give us mortals the chance to control over our own fate by teaching us the ways of Heaven."

The crowd became excited as they looked on with fire in their eyes. Who never thought of becoming powerful, moving mountains and splitting the rivers? Is he saying they have a chance to do so?

Seeing the changes in the crowd, Mingyu continued, "The Jade Emperor gave us 100 spots, with each of the Four Great Clans and the Eight Family taking 2 spots each. I want to give the rest to the people. However, everyone should not be discouraged. You can follow us to the location tomorrow and maybe you can catch the eye of the Jade Emperor. I hope no one does anything stupid when the Jade Emperor is watching us."

After the speech, everyone ran home to get prepared, not even thanking Mingyu. Who would care about a mortal prince when they can become gods?

The ministers and officials looked at Mingyu with wryly and shy smiles.

Mingyu knew what they wanted so he nodded and watched them run home.

"Soon, this world will return to its stability." He gave off the feeling like he was overlooking the heavens as his heart is growing more and more tolerant of everything.