Beneath the gathering dusk, Xinzheng, built in the age of King Yi and Duke Xuan, had weathered nearly five hundred years. Like the fortunes of its state, it was slowly sinking with the setting sun.
Clang!
The door was thrust open with a crash, startling the two disheveled figures engaged in an illicit act inside. Apart from his sturdy build, the man was unremarkable, but the woman had moth-wing brows and phoenix eyes, peach-blushed cheeks, eyes brimming with allure, and snow-white skin that flickered in and out of view. She was utterly captivating.
The two looked toward the door in a panic. At the sight of the newcomer, the man gaped in terror, tongue-tied. "Elder brother, weren't you..."
The woman, however, relaxed. She kicked the naked man off the bed, then leaned against the couch, weeping prettily. "Elder brother, Chang forced me. Please uphold justice for me."
Prince Chang was not at all surprised by Lady Zheng's reaction. Zheng Crown Prince Chan stared furiously at the scene before him and roared, "Ji Chang, I swear I will not rest until I kill you!"
Sword in hand, he charged straight at his younger brother. Prince Chang had not expected Crown Prince Chan to kill him over this and hurriedly begged, "Spare me, elder brother! I won't dare do it again!"
Crown Prince Chan would not listen. There was little affection between the sons of the ruling house to begin with; they were hardly different from strangers. Princess Xi was the darling of his heart. Now, furious beyond measure, he was determined to kill his younger brother.
Dodging, Prince Chang said, "Elder brother, you are Zheng State's Crown Prince. Only by inheriting the throne one day can you remain with Xi forever.
"If you kill your own brother like this now, would