Chapter Twenty-Four: Beautiful Memories

Feng Shang’s words were clear to Han Tianyue, Fang Zhe, and Mao Xuanzi, yet each of them clung stubbornly to their own pride, refusing to cooperate.

Han Tianyue stood up once more, blood smeared across his face, hands, and body, but he was undeterred. He launched himself into another attack—only to be thrown back yet again.

Pain had numbed him; he felt as if he were once more that child from years ago, reliving the first time he encountered Crown Prince Mao. Back then, they were only six years old. Crown Prince Mao, dressed like a boy, entered the orphanage with her younger brother Mao Xuanzi in tow.

Han Tianyue was already a fixture of the orphanage—a child of the place, its undisputed king among the children. Any newcomer had to acknowledge his authority to fit in with the group.

But Crown Prince Mao, proud and aloof, had no intention of bowing to Han Tianyue. She sat with her brother apart from the others, deliberately drawing a line between herself and the rest—never crossing it.

Her unyielding pride captivated some of the girls, and a small group began to gravitate toward her, offering their best snacks to the two new orphans. Naturally, as the leader of the children, Han Tianyue could hardly contain his anger.

Tears glimmered in Han Tianyue’s eyes as he recalled those childish days. At six years old, in the dead of night, he had crept to Crown Prince Mao’s bed, eager to teach her a lesson. But before he could reach her, he stumbled and fell right onto her.

What happened next was predictable enough—Han Tianyue’s first kiss was stolen that very year by Crown Prince Mao. Startled and kissed without warning, Crown Prince Mao slapped him hard and began to wail, “Will I have a baby now?”

Looking back, Han Tianyue couldn’t help but laugh at his own ignorance. He’d blurted out, “You’re a boy, you won’t have a baby!”

“Big sister!” Mao Xuanzi, Crown Prince Mao’s younger brother, had sat up, his eyes shining with mischief.

“It’s over—she’s a girl!” Han Tianyue’s shock in that moment was beyond words.

From that day forward, Han Tianyue and Crown Prince Mao came to know each other. Though he later learned that a childish peck couldn’t result in a baby, he had since gone out of his way to be kind to the siblings—a fact well known to all.

“If it weren’t for that kiss, we’d probably still be rivals,” Han Tianyue sighed deeply.

Mao Xuanzi, who knew everything about Han Tianyue and his sister, came over and said, “I really miss those childhood days.”

Han Tianyue glanced at Mao Xuanzi and smiled, “Do you remember the promise we made back then?”

Mao Xuanzi nodded, “When we grow up, we’ll become the Human Emperor!”

With that vow in their hearts, Han Tianyue, Crown Prince Mao, and Mao Xuanzi worked tirelessly, rising early and studying late, until they were finally admitted to this academy.

“I will become the Human Emperor!” Han Tianyue suddenly stood tall, his voice resolute.

Mao Xuanzi replied unhurriedly, “Then let me help you.” In truth, there was more he wished to say, words left unspoken: “For my sister, for the one she loves most, I am willing to give up everything.”

Han Tianyue smiled faintly.

Fang Zhe turned to look at Han Tianyue. Though he could see the shadow of Crown Prince Mao in him, it did nothing to lessen his charm. “Crown Prince, is it his perseverance that you love most?”

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