Prince Qi's Residence
Under normal circumstances, a prince's residence covered one hundred mu, but Prince Qi's Residence occupied one hundred and fifty-five. Palace halls, pavilions, terraces, towers, and groves stood in abundance; flowers flourished in lush profusion, carrying the natural majesty of a prince's residence.
In the deepest courtyard, flowering trees filled the grounds. Sunlight filtered through the branches, scattering patches of light. The occasional birdsong only made the secluded silence feel deeper.
The rain had temporarily stopped. It was not yet light outside, while candles burned within. Though the windows were shut, fine gusts still slipped through the cracks, making the flames sway faintly.
A rather tall yet unexpectedly gaunt man braced both hands against the edge of the table, studying a map spread across it.
Under the candlelight was a map encompassing the entire realm. Though it was not so detailed as to mark every stream, when the man fixed his gaze on one spot, he seemed in that instant to see a Young Dragon flying through the clouds, racing ceaselessly northward.
The Young Dragon looked far healthier than before and handled the clouds and mist with greater skill. Now and then, a glimpse of her dragon body emerged from the clouds, though most people below could not see it. Her speed was so great that even the man studying the map was slightly startled.
"Has she made up her mind to head north and inherit the position of Dragon Lord?"
The man withdrew his gaze, his face growing several shades paler. Clearly, given his current physical condition, doing this was still somewhat too taxing.
He coughed twice and pressed a handkerchief to his lips. When he lowered it a moment later, spots of red plum blossoms had already bloomed upon it.
"Heaven's Will cannot be deceived, and