A soft knock on the door stirred me awake.
I slowly sat up as my mother stepped inside. She looked sad—quiet, heavy.
"It's time, Shen," she said softly. "They're here."
My heart sank.
"What…?" I murmured, then looked outside. The morning sun had just risen, pale light spilling into the room.
I turned back to her. She walked closer and gave me a gentle smile, placing her hands on my shoulders.
"My dear," she said warmly, "go take a shower. I'll help you pack your things."
I didn't trust my voice, so I just nodded.
Then slowly, I got up and walked into the bathroom.
My mind was spiraling, my thoughts scattered so badly I couldn't even hold onto one.
I let my clothes fall, as the resolve I'd built last night washed away with the water pouring over me.
I scrubbed and washed for a long while.
After I was done, I just stood there in the bathroom, unmoving.
I don't want to go, I thought.
I didn't want to go to that place—especially knowing what was waiting for me there.
I sighed.
No, Yue. Don't be like this. Don't be a coward. You have to be brave.
Then slowly stepped out of the bathroom, reminding myself of what I'd promised last night—to face tomorrow, no matter what it brought.
Then slowly, my resolve returned.
When I came out, my mother was gone. A neatly packed bag and folded clothes lay on the bed.
I smiled sadly as I dried myself and got dressed.
Then I picked up my bag and walked outside.
My heart was pounding, my arms shaking.
But the moment I opened the door—
"Surprise!"
My eyes widened in shock as I saw everyone standing there—my mom, dad, Meilin, Xue Li, Grandma Mei, the elders, and the clan members.
"W-what…?" I gasped.
"Welcome to your farewell party, Shen," my mom said, walking toward me with a smile.
"What's going on?" I asked, completely stunned.
"Well," my mom explained gently, "after you ran off yesterday, we decided to throw you a farewell party before you leave."
As soon as she said that, my eyes stung. I looked around at everyone.
"Thank you," I said softly, dropping my bag and hugging her tightly.
"Hey, don't cry, Shen," Xue Li laughed as she came over. "It's time to celebrate!"
She grabbed my hand and pulled me into the center.
Soon, drums started playing. Music filled the air, and everyone began to dance and laugh.
I laughed as we had fun, and it lifted my mood a lot.
For a while, I forgot everything. I danced with my mom and dad, played around with Meilin, and pulled pranks with Xue Li on the guests. It felt… nice.
Then—
"The delegation is here!"
The moment those words were shouted, everything stopped.
The music. The laughter. The fun.
"Let's go, Shen," my mom said softly, holding my hand.
My dad picked up my bag, and together we went outside to meet the delegation.
The chariot stood waiting, bold and imposing. The head of the delegation was already there.
"Good morning, sire," my parents greeted.
"Good morning," he replied, then turned to me. "Shen Yucheng, I hope you are ready. It's time to leave."
"Yes," I said, smiling sadly.
I turned to my family.
My dad hugged me first, handing me my bag. "Take care of yourself, my son," he said.
My mom pulled me into a tight embrace, tears slipping down her face. "Stay safe, my boy," she whispered.
I turned to Meilin. She tried to hold back her tears, but when I hugged her, she broke.
"Just go already, you idiot," she said, crying. I smiled and hugged her back.
Then Xue Li jumped into my arms. "Ohhh, my Shen," she cried. "Come back soon, okay?"
I laughed softly as I hugged her.
Then once she let go
A sudden knock landed on my head.
"Ouch," I said, turning to see Grandma Mei.
"Don't play your silly pranks out there, boy," she scolded. "I won't be around to patch you up."
"I know," I said with a smile, hugging her tightly.
"Well then," she said, patting my back, "go on."
I released her and slowly walked toward the delegation.
Before stepping onto the chariot, I turned back one last time and waved.
These people meant everything to Shen.
And in the short time I'd spent with them… they'd come to mean a lot to me too.
Slowly, holding back my tears, I stepped into the carriage, ready for my departure.
The head of the delegation climbed in after me.
"Let's ride!" he called.
The chariot began to move.
I pulled the curtain aside and looked back, catching one last glimpse of my family.
Then I let it fall.
I turned away as the carriage carried me farther and farther from home—
toward the palace.
Toward the place where everything began.
Where Shen's downfall… and the story itself truly started.