That was their ten-year pact.
The first three years.
He bided his time, indulged in handsome men, and eventually rose to the pinnacle of power.
He was radiant in crimson robes, won the emperor's favor overnight, and willingly plunged into an abyss.
One rose, one fell.
The next three years.
He filled his harem and exhausted himself with affairs of state, finally taking his seat in the Golden Throne Hall.
He was a brilliant newcomer to the court, rising swiftly through the ranks, only to prostrate himself at the emperor's feet.
One ruler, one subject.
The final three years.
He won the submission of every official and the reverence of the people, commanding the winds and rain from the highest heavens.
He turned his back on the court, returned home in plain clothes, and closed his eyes among the mountains, leaving only bones behind.
One life, one death.
“I can see that Your Highness has an imposing bearing and the grandeur of a celestial dragon. I am Xie Feiyi of Yixian County, Qingzhou. I would like to make a ten-year pact with you and help you ascend the throne, so your name will go down in history.”
“Oh? Ten years? The numbers of the world begin with one and culminate in nine. The Qian trigram employs nine, revealing the laws of Heaven and the position of supreme honor. How about nine years?”
“Nine plus one makes ten. Since Your Highness has no need for perfection, then nine years it is!”
“Ha ha! Feiyi, you have fair skin and striking beauty. How about I grant you the favored name Ronghua?”
In the tenth year, Ronghua was gone.
Theme: After Ronghua's Passing
