227 An Suns Pas (2/2)
”Yes, I do.”
That night neither would forget the blooming feeling of a new beginning.
…
Far away from the Western lands lies the Eastern Empire. In the palace, a tall man with his hands behind his back stared out at the rising sun. A gentle but cool breeze fluttered the dark strands of loose hair from his bun. It carried with it the fragrance of the earth, soft after the washing of the rain.
Summer had already seemed to be fading away, slowly welcoming the arrival of fall.
”Your Majesty,” The deep voice of an emissary sounded behind him.
Without turning his back, Li Chang responded. ”What have you gathered?”
”The Western army has retreated from the Eastern borders. However, it seems to be they are under attack by another force.”
Li Chang was unconcerned. ”Who?”
When the emissary didn't respond, Li Chang's expression became chilling. Turning, he stared at the emissary with deep eyes unflinching. They were a dark onyx flecked with gold, as luminous as they were merciless.
”Speak.” Li Chang said forcefully. He was growing impatient.
The emissary felt a shiver up his spine. ”The An Clan, your Majesty.”
The words hung between them, huge, sharp, poisoned.
”The An Clan…those piling barbarians will stop at nothing for power.” Li Chang's voice was colder than ice.
”They recently issued an attack on the western province, Tongshu.”
”The result?” Li Chang could only think the result was the same as the other provinces. However, for the emissary to bring it up must mean something else must have transpired.
”The An Clan lost, your Majesty.” The emissary informed him.
Li Chang's face gave no hint as to how he felt on the matter. ”How is this so?”
”The Western Empire recently recruited a new strategist. It was because of him they were able to succeed.”
It was only then the emperor's expression shifted. His brows furrowed deeply. Silent for a moment, Li Chang fixed his gaze back on the emissary.
”Find me more information on this strategist of theirs.” He ordered calmly.
”Yes, your Majesty.”
”You're dismissed.” Li Chang waved his hand with a flick of his long sleeve and looked back at the view.
By now, the sun came out of its abode across the brilliant orange horizon and glimmered in the sky. It slowly rose above the scarlet skyline, spreading its warmth from across the land. Li Chang felt anything but its warmth.
The gentle breeze, the rising sun—everything had been looked passed upon by his cold heart. Just as the sun rose from beneath the land, somehow Li Chang sensed something unpleasant was soon to rise.
A war.