1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Decree of the Crown Prince

Shuwan and Jiao arrive at the horse daycare. Jiao immediately boarded it as soon as he paid the guard fee.

For a moment he watched Shuwan. There seems to be something less than him. “H... Shuwan, where's your butterfly hairpick?”

Shuwan immediately fumbled his hair. He only realized that his hair was just broken and lost the hairpick. Must have fallen while being helped by that librarian.

Shuwan then responded to Jiao's question, “It looks like it was gone when I was looking for you,” he said.

“But do you mind losing the gift? If you pay attention, the hairpin is not a cheap one, as it is sold in the markets.”

Shuwan turned his gaze to the other side. “Come, Jiao. I didn't pay much attention. If it is a match, I am sure the hairpick will come back to me,” Shuwan added. Not coming back is not what it is. But why would I say something like this?

“Then, we'd better get going. I'm afraid we'll be too late to get home.”

Shuwan agrees, and goes straight up to the horse. 

“Hyaa!” Jiao directly spurred on his horse at full speed. Chasing the time which is now almost afternoon.

***

The night has come. The Crown Prince of Cloud Country was still sitting at his study table. Managing important files that need their help.

“Hufft... When will this be over? Every day had to take care of the files so thick,” the young man leaned his back on the back of the chair. He looked straight at the roof of his room. His mind was also in control.

Occasionally he refocused his eyes on the study table which now looks more like a work desk. On the table, Shuwan's butterfly hairpin is placed neatly.

He then took it. He saw the beautiful silver hairpin. A smile was painted on his face.

“Why am I still thinking about that miss?” muttered. He still looks like Shuwan, and when wearing a silver hairpick that contrasts with his long, pitch-black hair.

After looking at the hairpin, he put it back on the table. He removed many thick files from his sight.

He then walked towards the bookshelf in his room. He took a roll of paper and some color paint. He sat back to his original place, and painted with ease.

The almost finished painting forms a figure of a woman. A woman who has caught his attention. 

He painted the figure, dressed in pink clothes, long black hair adorned with butterfly hairpicks, and also carved his gentle smile. 

It was clear how the figure was able to make him stunned at first sight. The crown prince paints and colors it carefully so that there is no mistake.  

After some time, he finished painting it. Put the brush back on the base. Her smile expands beautifully there.

“Shuwan... Can you fill my mind now? I will definitely find you soon,” murmured.

Not long after, his daydream was suddenly broken by the King's arrival to his room. The young man paid his respects to him.

“Greetings Your Highness.”

The king patted both of his sons shoulders. Gently, he said, “ Qiang’er, when we meet in person like this, call me father.”

“Good, Father.” The crown prince re-stretched his body. He politely asked his father. “What made my father come to visit my house?”

The crown prince's study table. At once the king seemed interested in the painting that was there. “Who is the woman in this painting?” the king asked, taking the painting.

“Em... Dia...”

The king laughed. “I understand. You seem to be an adult, right? Is she the woman you're appraising?” Said the king with a look that was now staring at his son.

The crown prince seemed to have misbehaved to hear the king's words. He then ventured to say it. 

“Actually, she is the girl I met earlier in the market. I accidentally saved him from a speeding horse on the street.”

“So have you fallen in love with her?”

“I don't know. Whether it's in love, or just my curiosity.”

The scroll in the king's hand was placed back on the table. He looked at his son again. “Then you bring the girl here.”

The crown prince suddenly heard his father's words.

The deg! Why can you just say it? Die me!

“Ah... Dad, that... There's actually a problem with it.”

The king then scrunched his forehead. He was confused about his son. “Problems? What's the problem?”

The crown prince's hands tightly squeezed the ends of his clothes. Sometimes he bites his lower lip. “A-I don't know where she lives, just know her calls. So, I haven't been able to bring her before you.”

“Haish The king massaged the base of his nose. He was happy because finally his favorite son found a girl who attracted his heart. But on the other hand, he was also confused because his son liked a girl without knowing where she lived.

The king then sighed, and released a massage at the base of his nose. “Look, you find out first where the woman lives, take her to me,”.

“Why do you really want to meet him?” ask the crown prince in curiosity.

“I'm just curious, what kind of woman has made my son's mind filled by him.”

The crown prince laughed a little at the nyeleneh talk from his father who had always looked serious and authoritative.

“Alright, because it is night, I will return to my room.”

“Is that all you want to tell me, Dad?” The crown prince tried to make sure.

“Actually there is something else I want to tell you.”

“Do not like to run away from the palace. What if something happens to you? You've done it a lot, haven't you?”

The crown prince circulated his net, down the ceiling of his room. Hoping that his father would stop lecturing him immediately.

“I want to be angry. But after seeing you bring good news, I didn't do it.”

Mercifully. The crown prince stroked his chest.

“But remember! Bring that woman to my face immediately, or you'll marry me directly to another woman.”

“B-good father,” said the crown prince stuttered.

“Then I go first.” The king left the crown prince's room. Leaving the crown prince whose feelings had become less than good after talking about marriage.

The crown prince sat back at his desk. “I can choose my own companion, Father. You don't have to find it for me. Moreover, match me with the children of officials who only attach importance to their own affairs. Huh... If only I had been born from ordinary people, I would have been happier and live freely.”

The crown prince's face turned sad at the thought of the future interests of his kingdom.

After daydreaming for some time, he gave orders to his shadow bodyguards.

“Xin Ru..” call the crown prince.

As fast as lightning his trusted shadow bodyguards appeared before him.

“Give your orders, Your Majesty,” he replied casually but firmly.

“I want you to find out the whereabouts of a woman named ‘Shuwan’, as well as the owner of this hairpick.” Said the crown prince while showing the butterfly hair skewer that was in front of him.

“Did I not hear wrong? Your Majesty asked me to find a woman?”

“Yes... You didn't hear me wrong. I'm serious about this. Dad wants to meet her. So, I have to find out about him, and bring him here.”

“Finally you have made a choice, and will not be a single poet for the rest of your life,” Xin Ru chuckles.

“I'm just trying to avoid a political marriage. In addition, the woman managed to grab my attention,” added the crown prince. His net was then fixed on the painting he had just made. “Ah... I think you need this.” The crown prince then handed his painting to Xin Ru.

Xin Ru then looked at the painting. It just embodies. It is fitting that Your Majesty is curious, this woman looks graceful and beautiful. It seems that he is not a random person either.

“That's the person you should investigate. I will give you a maximum of 2 days to find his whereabouts,” said the crown prince as he played his nails.

“D-two days? Isn't that too fast? Cloud Country is quite spacious if you look for it in just a short time,” Xin Ru protests.

“I know you're reliable. And, I'm sure you'll find her soon.”

This fellow... Can you not give a somewhat relaxed order? He always talks as he pleases.

Xin Ru threw out her breath. “Will I work. Then I'm out first.” Xin Ru paid her respects.

Just as Xin Ru was about to leave the room, suddenly the crown prince stopped her.

“Wait!” his screeches.

Xin Ru looked over. “What else should I do?” coined.

“If you manage to find the woman, then get caught, then don't tell her that the crown prince is looking for her. Let's just say the guard of the palace library needs his help.”

Huh huh? He was just weird about his request. “U... Alright. Is there any more?” Xin Ru made sure.

“No. I think it's enough. You can start running your errands.”

Xin Ru saluted again, and this time managed to leave the crown prince's room unhindered.

Xin Ru was the shadow bodyguard of the current crown prince, Li Zhi Qiang. Moreover, Xin Ru was the crown prince's childhood best friend. No wonder he became the right hand of the crown prince. Well, although sometimes the duties given by the crown prince include weird and weird.  But Xin Ru managed to finish it as expected. He was the best bodyguard the crown prince had.

***

Special residence of diplomats of the Cloud State Palace.

Zhang threw his body onto the bed. His hands were folded behind his head into a cushion. His gaze was free-sighted towards the ceiling of the room. There was a feeling of longing in his heart. Remembering how the woman who had captured her heart.

Shuwan... What are you doing right now? It's only been 2 days apart from you, but I've been feeling so long. I hope time passes quickly. So that I can meet you again.

That's what Zhang's daydreams are. His heart and mind were filled with Shuwan. Meanwhile, Yu Hao opposite him was reading a piece of paper, which was nothing but a letter from the king.

“Zhang, tomorrow His Majesty the King wants to meet with us. I think, he wants to collect your promise,” Yu Hao said after reading the contents of the letter.

Zhang awoke from his daydream, and responded to the words of his friend. “If you want to meet then meet. After all, I promised.”

Yu Hao nodded slowly. He folded the letter and placed it on a table between his bed and Zhang. 

After putting it down, there was suddenly a question running through his head.

“Zhang, are you planning to marry Shuwan?” yu Hao asked a little seriously.

Zhang who had calmed down earlier was suddenly shocked to hear his friend's question. Without changing his position and gaze to the ceiling of the room, he answered. “You're right. When I'm healed, I'll do it.”

Yu Hao nodded slowly. “Well, as your friend I can only pray for your happiness. Hope everything goes well.”

Zhang smiled, then looked at Yu Hao who was still sitting on the edge of the bed. “Thank you,” two simple words came out of Zhang's mouth for the prayers and wishes of his friend.

Yu Hao replied with a smile. He then broke down his body as well, and began to fall asleep.