Echoes of love

In the mystical realm of the Land of Lotus, a kingdom shrouded in white fog at its borders thrived amidst a tapestry of diverse clans and sects. Each clan and sect embodied distinct philosophies and aesthetics, yet all converged at the heart of the kingdom – a majestic palace situated atop a mist-covered mountain, surrounded by the gentle melody of a waterfall. The palace's white marble stones glistened, changing hues with the sun's gentle touch.

Within the palace court, clan and sect leaders gathered, awaiting the Emperor's arrival. They sat to the right of the throne, while ministers, representatives of the smaller kingdoms under the emperor's rule, occupied the left side. The ministers wore simple, light green attire without embellishments, whereas the clan leaders donned vibrant, culturally significant garments.

As the Emperor of the Land of Lotus entered, the assembly stood, cheered, and bowed their heads. The emperor, a man of refined elegance, wore leaf-green silk robes and a royal mantle. His long, black hair cascaded down his back, and his diadem, adorned with tiny stars and lotus flowers, sparkled with diamonds. A golden waist belt complemented his regal attire.

A clan leader, xin, stood up, wearing brown robes with wide sleeves and a headband featuring three white lotus flowers with stones. "Your Majesty, we've heard that the Queen has given birth to a girl child," he said, his voice filled with curiosity. "As we all know, our Land of Lotus has never had a princess before."

The assembly nodded in unison, eager to learn the emperor's decision.

The Emperor smiled and said, " thank you clan leader xin! Yes, the queen has given birth to a beautiful girl child and I am to say that after the curse, she is the only female child born in our kingdom. I know that you guys are thinking about the future of our kingdom and I ensure that she will be the best leader and the next face of our kingdom."

After the majesty finished his words, A man ( regent Fu) bowed to the emperor and turned towards the crowd. The crowd curious to hear the majesties decision.

Regent Fu, a wise elder from the Fu family, had shared knowledge about the kingdom's past and the ancient curse that forbade the birth of two children in the future. The curse also spoke of a magical mark on the child's arm, signifying power, intelligence, and a destined soulmate.

Regent Fu also stated about the princess receiving the education and training to become the future face of the kingdom. She will receive every kind of knowledge, which makes her strong and faithful towards the kingdom.

Even though everyone agrees the words of the emperor in the meeting hall but some of them are still in disbelieve that, the kingdom will be in the hand of a female child. Which never happened.

As the meeting came to a close, the emperor smiled and invited everyone to join in the celebration of the lotus child's birth. "Let us gather and celebrate the arrival of our new princess, he said, his voice filled with warmth and enthusiasm 'May the blessings of the heavens be upon her and upon our kingdom.' With that, the attendees bowed and bid the Emperor farewell, their faces filled with smiles and anticipation for the festivities to come.

As the announcement ended, the attendees bowed their heads in respect and began to file our of the meeting hall. The sound of rustling robes and murmured conversation filled the air as they departed.

The sun was still there hanging in the sky, it's rays made the surrounding more beautiful with the good news of the new child birth.

Ministers started to discuss over what happened in the meeting hall.

Ministers Li :"Clan leader Xin, I've noticed you seem a bit uncertain about the emperor's plans for the lotus child. Is everything all right?"

Clan leader Xin: "Honestly, Minister Li, I'm concerned about the child's ability to rule the kingdom...and I've heard she doesn't have a lotus mark. It's making me a bit anxious."

Regent Fu, who was walking nearby, overheard the conversation and turned to face them with a knowing look.

Regent Fu: "I think you're worrying too much about the lotus mark, Clan leader Xin. From what I understand, only the palace maids and the empress have seen the baby, and the mark will become apparent when the child is able to harness her power."

Clan leader Xin: "I don't think you understand my concerns, Regent Fu. I'm worried about the rule of the kingdom. You know what I'm talking about..."

Minister Wu interrupted, "What's going on here? Today is the celebration of the child's birth, let's focus on the event. Regent Fu, come with me." Regent Fu followed Minister Wu, but Clan leader Xin remained standing, lost in thought.

People of the Lotus land expressed their happiness of new child birth. The night bloomed with the happiness, the moon shines brightly as it also wanted to be a part of the celebration.

Candles illuminated every home, and children laughed and played in the streets. In the palace, clan leaders and ministers feasted with the emperor, while the Clan leaders' wives celebrated with the empress.

During the celebration, Clan Leader Hong, a good friend of the emperor's from their Spiritual Resources days, arrived with his wife. The emperor inquired about his well-being, and Hong explained that his three-year-old son was ill, and Lord Master was tending to him. Hong's wife visited the empress and the lotus child.

Empress: "Lady Hong, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about your husband's bravery and loyalty."

Lady Hong:"Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm proud to be the wife of Clan Leader Hong. And I'm honored to meet you and the little princess."

Empress: "Yes, the princess is a precious gem. I'm glad you're here to celebrate her birth. How do you think she's doing?"

Lady hong : "She's a beautiful child, Your Majesty. I've had the chance to hold her in my arms, and she's so tiny and delicate. But I did notice something strange..."

Empress: "What do you mean?"

Lady Hong:"The child doesn't have the magical mark on her arm. "

Empress: "Ah, yes. We've noticed that too. But we're not sure what it means or if it's a cause for concern."

Lady Hong:"I see. Well, I'm sure the princess will grow up to be a strong and capable leader, mark or no mark."

The kingdom celebrated the night with full of joy and a hope of new ray in the kingdom.

As people celebrating outside the palace, all the ministers, clan leader and royal families celebrating inside the palace.

The chaos was same as outside, everyone laughing together and gossiping together.

Clan leader Hong suddenly stood up from his place and asked the emperor to give him a permission to leave early.

Every attendees there were drunk and asked Clan leader Hong to stay a little more, but he kept asking for a leave.

Clan leader Hong: " Majesty! As I said earlier, my son was not well and he is taking treatment from The Lord Master. And Lord Master asked me to some medical leafs from the nearby kingdom.,..and I have to leave early Tommorow to reach there. If you kindly gave me a permission to take a leave, I will be greatful to you my majesty!"

The emperor: "Okay! Hoa...you can leave now. I wish your son will be fine and healthy."

Clan leader Hong showed his gratitude and left the place where everyone there started to celebrate with drinks and dances.

Time passes and after a month, when everyone was busy with their daily routine. Clan Leader Hong, Hong is the name of the clan, and their family name is Hao. Clan Leader Hong is also known as Master Hao. He visited his son at Spiritual Resources, a serene place where people cultivated inner peace and balance.

Spiritual Resources is a beautiful place filled with lush trees and vibrant flowers that bloom in every season. The students learn various skills such as sword fighting, martial arts, and yoga to become physically strong. Some students also learn music and meditation to cultivate their inner selves. However, women and girls are not allowed to learn in Spiritual Resources due to a long-standing tradition.

Every student must stay at least one year to learn the ways of Spiritual Resources. After completing their studies, they are free to leave, but some choose to stay due to the strict rules and discipline. The students must wake up early, eat a simple diet, sleep early, and wear neat and fresh clothes. Punishments are also strict, including cold baths, brooming, and morning bitter.

A young boy in white clothes with a green leaf design on his headband assisted Clan Leader Hong to the room where his son was resting. The boy was covered with medical leaves, and a white-clothed young man was feeding him liquid food. The young man said that Lord Master was meditating.

The clan leader sat beside his son, controlling his emotions as he looked at his three-year-old child. He learned that his son had a high fever, and the leaves were used to control it. After a few minutes, a young boy came to him, wearing white clothes with long sleeves and green outlines. He told the clan leader that Lord Master called him.

Clan leader Hao followed the young boy towards the hall.

The hall was neat and clean, and the man in white clothes had a peaceful face and his aura felt elegant. He had five white lotus flowers with stones and leaf designs on his headband. The clan leader showed respect.

Leader Hao: "Lord Master!"

A sound of hope left out from the Clan leader Hao's mouth.