The Prince of Travelers

Light in Dreams

Emperor Tang stood in a vast empty field. He saw a bearded man wearing a white robe with matching sacrifices. The corset tightly tied around her waist. He stood firm with great radiating authority. The thick-bearded man had the aura of a sage, the aura of wisdom that would lead a country to glory.

There are also strange creatures that are more worthy of being called monsters. Two pointed horns grew on his head. His eyes were red-flamed, showing wrath. Thick miasma billowed from his soul. Everything that he passed by became withered by his gloom. It was obvious that the monster was an evil spirit that brought disaster all over the world.

In confusion, Emperor Tang stood dumbstruck. He wondered, but had no power to say. He saw the man making a sacrifice, raising his hand to the sky. The man muttered with his shady face again loving.

The horned monster growled not a bitch. He shouted out loud. Emperor Tang closed his ears spontaneously. The loud screams were suffocating the ears of anyone who heard them. Over time, his voice became bitter. The monster is in pain. It disappeared instantly like dust blown by the wind.

Emperor Tang's gaze was lifted. Now he seemed to be brought to see the field from a high hill. There was a bright light coming down from the sky. The light doused the sacrificial man who was still holding his hands high.

In an instant, the light that descended on the sage spread throughout with warmth and coolness. The Eastern and Western Ufuk were brightened by it. Everything that had been destroyed by the miasma of the monster, now became a fertile and beautiful field beyond measure. What a great blessing and blessing to the universe.

Emperor Tang woke up as soon as the light broke through his gaze. He sat down immediately. Sweat sweat on his face. His breath was breathless like a person who almost hit a big thing, but it was not clear how much. He could not fall back asleep until the queen woke up and helped him calm down.

When dawn began to breathe, Emperor Tang immediately sent messengers to call upon his entire family, the minister scholars, and the commanders. They were all gathered in the vast throne room. Each person sits in a designated chair. The family within the emperor sat down at a nearby place. Her family sits upstairs. The ministers are on the right side, while the commanders are on the left.

Emperor Tang told him his dream. He asked everyone's opinion about him. They were silent and thought deeply. For a few jokes, there was no noise except whispers about the emperor's dream.

After Emperor Tang repeated his question, one by one opinions were put forward. However, none of them could satisfy his curiosity. Most of them just talk nonsense and say impliedly that the dream is just an empty dream. Their scholarship seemed useless as books on donkeys .

Rise up a prince from the family within the emperor. His age was still less than twenty years old, but the aura of a scholar radiated from him. Confidence and confidence were thickly imprinted on his forehead. He felt able to interpret the dream of the emperor with the news he brought.

"Say your name and explain!" Emperor Tang invited his son to speak.

"Li Fengying saluted His Majesty" the prince said, "I just returned from Quanzhou a few days ago. There were many foreigners who brought news from their respective countries. From them, I heard quite a stirring news."

Li Fengying paused for a moment so it made people curious. They put their ears together, waiting for the news that the young prince brought. He continued, "In the West there has emerged a person who claimed that he was a messenger of God for the universe. He invites to the Supreme Lord, teaches the virtues, and forbids the mendicants. His figure is known to be affectionate and trustworthy. However, his people opposed him and were reluctant to abandon their gods for the sake of Almighty God. Currently, he has emigrated to another city and has great support there. From that city, he began to unite the tribes in his vassals."

Li Fengying was silent again. He took a breath, then continued, "The figure that His Majesty saw is likely that person. His figure was very similar to the promised Maitreya. His students number in the thousands. As for the monster that His Majesty saw was the incarnation of the demon with the evil that followed it. He will disappear with the presence of the religion that the messenger of God brings."

"Li Fengying, my son. Then, what is the light that spreads all over it?" asked Emperor Tang to begin to gain enlightenment regarding his dream. Only the last piece that remains unanswered. Li Fengying said, "That light is a religion passed down to him. The religion will spread throughout the world at a very fast time. Including the Eastern Continent and our Tang Empire."

“How can you be sure of your opinion?” Emperor Tang had not fully believed it. Li Fengying replied, “I read and studied the book.”

Emperor Tang was satisfied with his answer. Discussion flowing. A minister confirmed the news. Although it has been described in detail, still more people who do not believe and consider it a mere wind.

Seeing Li Fengying's intelligence and wisdom, the emperor gave her a palace near the Pustaka Pagoda, the administrative center and documentation of the Tang Empire since the previous dynasty. He was also appointed Prince of Zhizhene. The future prince will be in charge of diplomatic affairs between nations.

Time passed too. Emperor Tang had invited the foreigners that Li Fengying meant. Among them were many followers of the Messenger of the Most Exalted. They taught the emperor his religion.

The Tang emperor agreed with the basic concepts and teachings of peace they brought. However, it is not clear how he decided. Shortly thereafter, he died and was succeeded by one of his sons.

Li Fengying who was not interested in the throne preferred to occupy himself in the Library Pagoda and the Prince Zhizhe Palace. He lived in peace and often awaited the news of the world brought by the merchants. Occasionally he was asked for advice by his emperor's brother or ministers and commanders. He is also known as Prince Pandita who has a close relationship with foreigners in the Tang Empire.

...***...

The night sky is so beautiful. The breadth is unsaid. Although dark, there are moon and pearl-like stars that decorate it. A wise man will think about it, looking for the secrets it hides. Those who are fortunate will be guided by the Most High God.

"What a masterpiece. Can anyone defeat his majesty?" Li An muttered the words he read in the Little Archive Pagoda this morning. In his solitude, he sat leaning against the window while staring at the bright full moon. The boy reached out as if to reach for the star, "That sky, how can I hold it?"

Night was the most beautiful time for Li An. It feels calm and quiet. Far from the hustle and bustle of life full of complexity. He is a loner prince. Her mother died after giving birth to her. However, deep affection can still be felt.

During the day, he could only hide. If he shows up, maybe he will be killed someday. He often read literature from the time of the Han Empire. Even if he was only the son of a concubine, he would be in danger of interfering in the affairs of the throne and the state.

Those literatures brought history to Li An. Although he was only eight years old, he could already understand how the ruler's hands were dirty and stained with blood. Civil war, the usurpation of the throne, and competition for hegemony. All of those were things that Li An hated the most. Just because a throne is gilded with gold, why kill each other?

After all, Li An had no strength that could support him. Her late mother was just a weak woman from a small, unknown minority tribe. He never met anyone from his mother's tribe. In the imperial palace, he only lived with his mistress who was also a concubine. It is from the concubine that the affection of the mother is inherited.

"Darling, haven't you slept?" a woman in a bright red dress opened the door of Li An's room. The woman approached and sat down beside Li An. The boy's hair was smeared with anxiety. He asked again, "Why haven't you slept? Afraid to sleep alone, huh?"

"Mother," Li An shook his head and placed his head on the woman's lap, then replied, "I love the night."

That woman was Consort Ai. She was the foster mother who cared for Li An from birth. The concubine gave him the name An. He always hoped that his best friend's son could live in peace as his name implies. Li An had filled her maternal heart. From several childbirths, none of his children survived. Only Li An was left for him.

"Li An what will it be if you grow up?" concubine Ai asked as she stroked Li An's head. The boy's hair was very long. The color is shiny black doused in dim moonlight. In his clear eyes was a pure purity of heart.

"I will take care of Mommy," Li An replied innocently. He also laughed happily. To her, Consort Ai was the kindest and most beloved person. Consort Ai laughed too. He pinched with gaiety the cheeks of his daughter's husband. The child is the most precious jewel of his heart.

Li An's eyes slowly closed. He fell asleep in the lap of the mother who always sincerely took care of him. In the peace engraved with his name, he dreamed of a calm future again bright. He was convinced that this harmony would last forever.

Warm sunlight tickled Li An's cheeks in the morning. The boy woke up and found a clear sky. He sat down to collect his life for a moment. Once he felt refreshed, he immediately got up and tidied up his bed.

The little prince strolled into a tall building whose roof covered each level. Red lanterns are installed in every corner of the lowest roof and will be lit at night. A signboard was installed on the door. It is written the name “Pagoda Kecil” Archive which indicates that the building is a branch of Pagoda Library.

Li An was wearing the clothes he used to wear every day. Not glamorous or shabby. The other princes and princesses were playing in one of the gardens of the palace. He didn't care and just went through it. The boy had experienced something bad while trying to blend in with them. He would only humiliate his mother if he came there. The children were higher than he who was only the son of a concubine.

"Grandfather Ma, I'm coming" Li An said as he entered the Small Archive Pagoda. The small library is also a relic from the previous dynasty. He survives with the old librarian who always looks after him. The man called Grandpa Ma was also a relic of an earlier dynasty, a former high-ranking government scholar who survived in the Small Archive Pagoda.

"Oh! Welcome, Eighth Prince. You are indeed a diligent young prince. You will be a great man in the future" greeted a gray man with a friendly smile. A futou turban was attached to his head, indicating that he was a scholar. During his nearly century-long life, he had read almost all of the books in the Pagoda Library and its branches.

"Hehe .. Who knows?" li An replied with her adorable little laugh. He also sorted through books and scrolls that caught his attention. After getting what he was looking for, the little prince walked over to his favorite read. If there was a word that he was difficult to understand, he would ask Grandpa Ma directly.

That's how the routine goes. He lived in seclusion amidst books and scriptures. Without caring about the noise in the palace, he continued reading and reading.

However, the peace and silence he felt did not last long. When the wind blew softly in the cool afternoon, when Li An was jockeying with his beloved mother, when the peace seemed as if it would last forever, the atmosphere in Consort Ai's Residence suddenly changed. The calm that felt eternal in that place cracked instantly.

Consort Ai's residence was heavily digedor. A servant whispered something to Concubine Ai so that her face water became cloudy. Li An was indeed very young back then, but he could understand that his mother was in trouble.

"Li An, come here!" Consort Ai pulled Li An as quickly as possible into one of the halls in her residence. He knelt down and hugged his daughter tightly. The emperor's concubine had known that this event would be imminent since she was dragged into a case she didn't even touch at all. He could not escape the intrigues in the Eternal Eternal Palace. At the very least, he had to protect his beloved son.

Li An was very surprised. His heart is beating fast. Pain and pain cut his heart. Fear also began to infiltrate the recesses of his heart. She gripped Consort Ai's dress so tightly that she was afraid.

"Li An, no matter what happens, stay here! Never go out" Consort Ai said seriously. Her tense father's face made Li An's worries pile up on top of her fears. The boy's tears started to flow down his cheeks. Her silent cry showed a myriad of question marks.

"You," called Concubine Ai with a quivering voice. His hands also trembled caressing Li An's wet cheeks. The shadow of his best friend was cast in the sad face of the boy. "You look so much like your mother, even when you cry. I'm sorry ... I should have accompanied you to the end."

Concubine Ai wiped Li An's growing tears. The boy's sobbing clearly showed that he did not want to part. Consort Ai relaxed the look on her face. A smile expands on her thin lips. With a shady aura, he asked, "Li An, My dear ... You like the sky right?"

Li An did not understand, but he nodded. His hand is getting tighter. He was completely reluctant to part with Consort Ai. He was not willing to part with his beloved mother. If the mother goes, then she must also accompany even to the end of the world.

"Son, look over here!" said Consort Ai gently as she continued to wipe away Li An's tears. His forehead was pinned to the boy's forehead. Her tears are melting. Guilt covers him. He will probably be separated from her for quite some time. Maybe forever too.

"The sky is small. You will grasp something more powerful than him one day," comforted Consort Ai who then said, "If there comes to you a man who brings light from the dreams of the First Tang Emperor, then follow him. He will lead you to eternal happiness in your afterlife. It's a will from me and your mother, Hien."

Once again, Consort Ai reminded Li An not to come out. The boy who was still sobbing was only able to be dumbstruck and obey. Bamboo curtains are fitted to cover it. The room was locked, then Consort Ai left.

In that dark room, Li An hugged his legs while holding back his sobs from being heard all the way outside. A noise could be heard around him earlier. The commotion that made the poor prince even more agitated and fearful.

However, it was now silent as if time had stopped. Li An still did not dare to come out. He kept waiting until Consort Ai came to pick him up. His consciousness is also blurring. The room he was hiding in was getting colder as time passed.

The rowdy voice that suddenly came shocked Li An's tiny body. The little prince woke up with a nearly broken cry again. A thin hope lit up in his heart. His tiny fingers were about to pull the bamboo curtain apart, but were immediately restrained as he did not feel the presence of Consort Ai outside.

The trembling little hand was immediately pulled back. Li An sat down with fear that continued to cover her. He hoped his mother would come soon. However, the familiar feeling of the woman was never felt.

In retrospect, the woman never promised to return. Li An's cry actually broke this time. However, he still tried to keep his voice from being heard. He must endure and fulfill Consort Ai's will today.

The noise outside was becoming clearer and closer. Footsteps vibrate hard wood floors. The foreign shouts are mutual. Their only goal was one, "Find the Eighth Prince!"

The doors that were forcefully broken sounded in pain. His roaring voice came with gripping air. Consort Ai's ransacked residence must be in a mess by now. What exactly are they doing?

Li An sat in the corner of the room while covering her face. His body was shivering violently so scared of him. His little heart kept wondering, "Who are they? What exactly are they doing? Why hasn't my mom come yet?"

The door to Li An's room was finally broken. The afternoon sun rays that began to dim penetrated into the room and flushed the bamboo curtain that was installed by Consort Ai. The sound of large footsteps spread throughout the room, then someone's voice sounded.

"Eighth Prince, are you inside?" asked a foreign man who forcibly broke into Li An's room. Li An was so shocked that his head hit the wall. He complained and hurriedly closed his mouth so as not to scream.

The stranger smiled happily. His job today is almost complete. He knelt down in his place and greeted Li An politely, "Honor the Eighth Prince. Servant Xiao Bing, the envoy from Prince Zhizhe's Palace, came to pick up the Prince on the orders of Consort Ai."

"lik! Where's your mother?" li An shouted as soon as he heard his mother's name called. His fear changed anger. The poor prince simply appeared from his hiding place with his eyes. He will not forgive anyone who hurts his mother.

"The servant is not allowed to answer. Please understand, Prince," Xiao Bing is still kneeling. His hands together showed respect. His head lowered and apologized.

"A—what happened to your mother?" li An's courage was lost once again. He took a few steps back with a body that was shivering in fear. His body hit the wall, pressed, and could no longer resist. He fell by leaning against the wall behind him.

Xiao Bing was confused. He is not good at giving explanations, especially to children who are immediately frightened when they see it. In fact, he had absolutely no intention of scaring the Eighth Prince. The bongsor man dressed in soldier's service just wants to run a mission.

"It turns out that the Eighth Prince is here" a tall soldier passed in front of Li An's room. Just like Xiao Bing, he immediately knelt down, "Honor the Eighth Prince. Ma Guang's servant, the envoy from Prince Zhizhe's Palace, came to deliver a message from Consort Ai."

Xiao Bing frowned and glanced at his comrade. His original order was to pick up Prince Li An subtly. The soldiers of Prince Zhizhene's Palace had been warned that the prince was a wary son. So, they should not carelessly behave to him.

"The light coming from the West is coming soon. Chirana's truth is confirmed and accepted" Ma Guang said in a message he had memorized, "Prince Zhizhe's palace has received Consort Ai's will. Please the Eighth Prince follow suit."