Seven years ago…
"Xin Fang! Get back here right now."
The Empress Dowager called from behind to the boy who was running after a cat in the courtyard. The boy was really energetic and full of life. He was laughing like an idiot while chasing a cat whose fur was all white without a trace of impurity, just like that boy. Although he was trying to chase the cat, that did not make the empress at ease, and she was afraid that he might injure himself. She cried once again.
"Fang'e,r leave it alone and get back here."
The cat took a sudden jump and vanished into the walls of the courtyard. The boy who was laughing a while ago suddenly lost his spirit and scanned the walls as if he could see through them. Suddenly, fingers pinched his right ear and turned him. He saw the person holding his ear and shyly smiled to cover up the massacre he had committed while on the chase. The empress pulled him towards the sitting area in the yard and let him sit properly.
The youth took the seat without any retaliation and let the empress pass him some osmanthous cakes, She always got these cakes because she knew that the boy liked sweets. He took the bite and immediately placed his hand on his cheek while chewing with pleasure. A satisfactory smile on his face as he finished the whole box of sweets.
The empress beside him caressed his hair and spoke tenderly.
"Your 15th birthday is in the next month, just tell me what Fang'er wants and I'll grant it to Fang'er."
The boy looked excited at this claim and turned his head towards her at lightning speed. Black round eyes widened and showcased the constellations sparkling within in excitement.
The boy chirped while flaying his arms in all directions.
"Really. Mother Empress, you will buy Fang'er whatever he desires; there is no going back once you say this, right?"
"Yeah! Just tell me what you desire," the empress said with love dripping from her eyes.
"Umm…" the boy pretended to think for a while, placing his index finger on the side of his face.
"Mother empress.., umm.. Aah.. ah," the boy struggled to find the right words to state his wish, avoiding eye contact with all his power as if his life depended on it.
The empress once again caressed him and smiled so tenderly while moving her head in a nod.
"Ok! You can go out of the palace, but only for a day, and you must return to the palace before the ceremony begins because the emperor will be attending the ceremony next month."
"Mother Empress, you are the best," the boy exclaimed happily while fisting his hand in the air as if he won a battle. His pale skin turning into the shade of soft pink in the hue of the evening.
"Now, get back to your room and rest," the empress said, and the boy happily stood up, and took some steps away.
He turned back and saw the empress looking at him tenderly with a sweet smile on her face. He ran back and hugged her neck. The empress, knowing all his tactics, was not surprised at all and just hugged her back. She kissed him on the temples, and the boy shyly went back to his room.
"This child is really sweet," her assistant lady said after his leave.
"Yes, you are right. He is really innocent, I hope he won't be stuck in the wars of the other princes and lead a peaceful life," the empress said with hope in her voice. But she knew that it's impossible for a prince to live peacefully.
"Let's go back," the empress said and walked to her own quarters.