In the forty fourth year of the Yuan dynasty, Rong Tian ascended the throne and claimed the t.i.tle of the official ruler of Xi Rei. The newly appointed King optioned to retain the name bestowed upon him by the late King Rong. As a sign of respect and grat.i.tude for the man who raised him. Rong Tian’s rightful t.i.tle from then onwards was the King of Xi Rei. 

　　Feng Ming was also promoted to a new t.i.tle, King Ming. 

　　In the past, countless countries placed Rong Tian under observation as a man of interest. He was certainly a formidable force to be reckoned with、more so now with his rightful rise in rank as the leader of Xi Rei.  

　　The brave and tactful new master of Xi Rei was undoubtedly causing ripples amongst the eleven warring countries across the lands. Naturally he posed a threat to them all. 

　　For political gain and favor, presents and treasures flowed in steadily from numerous countries after they caught word of Rong Tian’s ascension.

　　Even the tiny country of Yong Yin that bordered north of Xi Rei sent their oldest Prince, Yong Yi to personally congratulate the new King..   

　　Even the enigmatic country of Li sent an envoy to pay their respects. The chosen messenger was Ruo Yan’s sister, Miao Guang.

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　　The soldiers were out and about in force and the streets in the capital were immaculate. The fresh spring atmosphere that accompanies the month of March was quickly settling into Xi Rei. 

　　The envoy from Li finally arrived to their foreign destination after an arduous and long journey. When they arrived in the capital they were escorted to the palace where Rong Tian gave them a warm reception. . 

　　Feng Ming remained a resident of the Crowned Prince’s quarters. 

　　“Tell me, what did Ruo Yan’s sister bring as a gift?” his eyes lit with excitement. 

　　“There wasn’t anything special, just a box.” 

　　“That simple?” Feng Ming slumped back in disappointment. 

　　“The two of you hold the t.i.tles of legendary heroes, shouldn’t he at least send something more interesting....” he muttered unsatisfied. 

　　Rong Tian chuckled softly and delivered a piece of peeled fruit to his lover’s mouth. 

　　“He and I would never be able to co-exist. Would he be capable of sending me anything of use?” 

　　“Was there anything inside the box?” the young man’s curious nature was not completely quenched. 

　　“A black pill, dark as the eyes of death was inside.” Rong Tian’s face changed slightly for a moment with the thought. Shaking off the image he coaxed his lover, “if it was something worthy of your attention I would have brought it to you already.”

　　Feng Ming nodded his head feeling that it no longer mattered. 

　　Chiu Lan served her master a cup of hot tea. As she handed the steaming up carefully to the young man she giggled lightly and whispered. 

　　“King Ming why not ask King Rong if Princess Miao Guang is beautiful or not?” 

　　“That’s right!” he exclaimed in a hushed voice before bolting over to tug at Rong Tian’s sleeves. 

　　“Is the Princess beautiful?” he prompted. 

　　“No. ” Rong Tian replied bluntly. 

　　His large eyes blinked, “Why did Ruo Yan send his own sister to Xi Rei?” 

　　“I’m not Ruo Yan so I don’t have a clue to what his intentions are. Perhaps there was no one else available to leave the country.” 

　　The King reached over and gave Feng Ming’s cheek a couple of pats. 

　　“The weather is fine today, we can go for a ride.” He offered. 

　　“Yes!” he replied with no delay. . 

　　In the shadows a conspiracy was brewing and closing in silently on its target. 

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　　White cloud galloped like the wind brus.h.i.+ng over the fresh green gra.s.s of the field that surrounded the palace. Feng Ming cheered the animal on, and the young man’s riding skills had improved tremendously. Rong Tian felt a.s.sured enough to permit his lover to ride his favorite steed alone.

　　The King’s eyes followed the young man before him riding wildly in laps. Although the King’s face sported a smile, it was a hardened mask. Under his carefree expression there was an eerie dark cloud. The arrival of Li’s envoy was ominous. 

　　Rong Tian had summoned the party earlier that day, and now his thoughts trailed over to his meeting with the Princess.

　　“Li’s Miao Guang is here as a subst.i.tute her dearest King, whom wishes you prosperity and fortune.”

　　In the main hall, Miao Guang was adorning the costumes from her country. She gave her salutations to the King with no sense of rush. 

　　“The Princess has traveled from afar, thank you for your troubles.” He spoke with a standard formality. 

　　“It is my pleasure to be able to see the renowned King of Xi Rei with my own eyes.”