A Mental Case Emperor and His Siblings

A Mental Case Emperor and His Siblings

Vol. 1: The Memory of a Funeral

One String Pulls Another

Some things just stay with you even if you try to forget them; you want to, but you can’t. Many individuals may blame fate or themselves for their circumstances. Blame others or hold their luck accountable; I simply don’t believe in luck. However, I believe in fate, for it is not always determined for us.

God will provide us with opportunities to pick our path: there are not one nor two options; the possibilities are endless. Still, who could reject human nature and commit evil? We simply do our best to resist and do less harm to ourselves and others. Have you lived a sinless life? Well, can you?

When humanity begins to heed the devils’ whispers, they drown in sin, while the devils dance and celebrate another human soul’s descent into hell. One more soul has been taken to hell along with us. The demon king, Satan, said it joyfully. When those individuals lose their lives to debauchery, spreading wrongs left and right and pushing the bounds of what is immoral, he can’t stop smiling.

Oh, and when they ultimately say there is no God, we’ll see how God keeps us from doing wrong. Satan must be throwing a banquet to celebrate this. Don’t believe? Suit yourself.

Only now do I understand a human’s limitations. As I raise a cup of bitter alcohol, I consider myself laughable. We’re all somewhat insane inside. It makes us unique, doesn’t it, my dear family?

Ha-ha ahaha.

As my unfocused gaze randomly pierced into the sky, I could sense it, despite how broken I am. Just like that day, I’m almost confident that a thunderstorm is coming.

[Thunder Roars] …….

On that day many years ago, the sun was playful, hiding behind the clouds at times and then reappearing after she had shed a veil of white light. The sky was painted a bright deep blue, there was plenty of air, and the wind brushed against mourning flags with the tiniest friction.

In this enormous palace that eats away at people’s hearts, I paused my steps, looked up to the sky, and raised my sleeves to shield my face from the rising sun. My face was a complete mess, with heavy circles under my eyes, a pale complexion, and the white in my eyes replaced by a crimson tint. I let out a little sigh.

?????: Your Highness, ‘I’m afraid we can only accompany you this far,’ Ru Nan said respectfully. His eyes are filled with sorrow and worry, and his scarred face hides much.

I tried to put on my best false smile to reassure him.

First prince [Wang Rong]: Ru Nan, I’ll be fine. Head to the royal pharmacy and bring me something to help with my headache; I drank too much last night.

Ru Nan: I have already sent someone, my Lord.

He knows me a little too well, so I can’t run him off as expected.

Wang Rong: Stop being stubborn.

Ru Nan looked at me with his typical emotionless expression, but I could feel his determination. His face is always blank, but his eyes never cease to speak.

Wang Rong [sighs]: I’ll be there for quite a while; if you feel bored, you can return to the Manor.

I passed through a gate with no guards, my mind filled with other concerns. Fortunately, I’m very familiar with the maze ahead. I finally spotted the red pillars at the end of it, followed by the continuing pillar-packed passages leading to the cleansing pavilion.

Along the way, there are magnificent ponds and dispersed little gardens, like a small bit of heaven. Ironically, after this road ends, the ponds and gardens disappear. You only see cold walls with red pillars and a pavilion where the deceased are cleaned and washed. The headache was simply too much for me to take. The chaotic devil whispers hit me like a wild sea wave.

(Inner conflict)

Why was I born as the first empress’s eldest son? The ministers, my mother, and her relatives term it a double blessing, which makes me wonder if it is truly a blessing. Quick; as the funeral director, I need to ensure that everything is in order. Furthermore, I’d like to see Father’s face one final time before he’s wrapped in shrouds. ‘Time is slipping away.’ I inhaled deeply. My sash flickered in the wind, suggesting another peaceful day. Yet, truly, it wasn’t.’

I continued my path, walking slowly, until the eerie silence of the passageways was abruptly broken by a rare, unexpected visitor; his steps were hurried, distinct, and simply boorish.

My lips uttered unconsciously, ‘Do Won?’

This disrespectful brother of mine ignored my call and passed me by. I don’t care if he’s in a hurry; this corridor can only lead to one destination. Clearly, it is against tradition! And how did he find his way in?

Wang Rong yells, ‘Qin Do Won, hold it right there.’

Do Won holds his steps and takes a quick sideways glance: “Piss off, I’m busy.” He leaves as soon as those foul words leave his mouth.

Wang Rong blurted out, ‘That imbecile.’

My face was heating up, and one brow rose in amazement, rage, or a combination of both. My hands tightened with immune force [no rush, no rush; as the eldest, I must conduct myself with dignity and proper manners].

Wang Rong says, ‘Manners… Manners.’ He stood motionless in his position, eyes lost in a trance (flashback).

A cute youngster dressed in a deep night blue robe with modest silver branches at the hem that bloom into ethereal yellow chrysanthemums and silk layered inner robes with soft gradients of white to a deeper yellow, the colour of royalty.

The child eagerly received his assignment papers; when he saw his grade, his mouth widened with a smile, and his eyes shone with delight.

The child smiled and said, ‘Thank you, teacher.’

Teacher: It is I who must be thankful, your highness, for having such an excellent student.

Despite his obvious hesitancy, the teacher smiled lightly.

Teacher: I’m afraid I have some family matters to attend to today; therefore, your classes are cancelled. Bright pupils deserve a break every now and then, your Highness. Consider it a reward.

Xiao Rong: Cancelled? He blinked, his brain spinning with confusion.

Teacher: Yes, cancelled; I only came to present your papers, my lord. What a ridiculous expression you’re making; don’t take it too seriously. Simply do what makes you happy and enjoy the rest of the day. [The teacher’s fingers lightly stroke his long beard as he laughs.]

The old teacher patted the prince on his head, a presumptuous move. He did it nevertheless; it could be out of helplessness, pity, or some other unknown reason. The teacher withdraws his hand and extends a solemn greeting with both hands cuffed; bright cranes are embroidered on his large long sleeves, mirroring each other in elegant harmony.

His parting words were spoken: ‘Then, I bid you farewell, young highness.’

The little prince touched his head, and his heart filled with a warm, mellow sensation. He followed suit with a respectful farewell: “Take care, teacher.”

The royal teacher left with an uneasy expression.

Servant 1: Oh my god, his highness has the rest of the day off. Do you understand what that means? We do not have to sit through boring lectures until our feet and knees hurt.

Servant 2: Ning Ning, please be extra cautious. How many times do I need to remind you to choose your words carefully? We are in the Imperial Palace, and our lord is the first prince; however, we remain merely servants.

Ning Ning: Your Highness, Ru Nan’s ancient attitude is overwhelming me.

Ru Nan, you bully. Ru Nan, who is bullying whom? Your Highness, she knows nothing about my concerns.

Ning Ning folded her arms and puffed her cheeks: ‘Fine, I hate you too, hem.’

Xiao Rong picked up his papers in an awkward silence, tidied his desk, and said, ‘If you’re finished arguing, let’s go.’

He carried a small smile with him. {I will protect my people so that these two sillies can argue for a very long, long time.}

Ning Ning was the first to respond: “Your Highness, please wait for us.” She turned back to her brother, Ru Nan, and said, “Hurry, you’re such a sulker, you know.”

Ru Nan’s eyes widened in immense disbelief! He rubbed his head, as if sensing an impending headache. I should have asked God for a little brother; she jabs a lot, plus my friends lied to me. Sisters are definitely not adorable at all.

The little prince wandered aimlessly around the palace, and when he became exhausted, he sat down on a nearby bench to rest. : Sigh, what do children my age do in their spare time? The little prince enquired, flapping his legs in the air.

Ning Ning: Of course, they play games with their friends and go to the market to eat delicious snacks, watch plays, and so on.

Ru Nan looks sideways with a rare graceful silence.

Xiao Rong: I see. Anything else? Doing such things, Mother will never approve. If Mother finds out...

Although there was some distance, ten other servants were following them, staying exactly 8 steps behind them.

Flustered Ning Ning felt a little guilty: You’re awfully silent. Brother, a little help here, hello!

Ru Nan smiled with confidence as if he was being cued: ‘Your Highness, you can go and show your grades to His Majesty; you can also spend some time with him while you’re at it.’

Ning Ning clapped her hands with passion: ‘That’s it.’ The first empress can’t fault it. Nan-er, you’re a genius.

The older brother was teased beyond recovery. Said, ‘ER … What did you just call me?’

Such an unexpected joke caught the prince off guard, so he laughed, ‘Haha, heh, haha.’

The siblings smiled together and put a hold on their tiny sibling war. Ru Nan: Your Highness, you should laugh more; you have a gorgeous laugh.

Ning Ning opened her mouth, replying, ‘We finally agree on something, eh, Your Highness? Pick up your assignment; let’s go.’

Xiao Rong said gloomily, ‘But… what if Imperial Father is busy?’

Ru Nan whispers, ‘Don’t worry, my prince, I have a friend who works in the royal kitchen. He once told me that around this hour, they often send tea to the emperor’s office. However, if her majesty ever asks, just tell her that it was by coincidence that we stumbled by during his leisure time.’

Xiao Rong happily expressed his appreciation, ‘Ru Nan, thank you.’