The Prince of Travelers

Envoys from the West

Li An followed the envoys from Prince Zhizhe's Palace after receiving a message from Consort Ai. On the way, he kept hoping that his mother would be there. The poor prince still did not understand the situation that befell him. He only knows that his fate is not good right now.

Li Fengying immediately welcomed Li An's arrival as soon as he arrived at Prince Zhizhe's Palace. He hugged his nephew like a father who had not seen his son for a long time. His embrace is sincere and warm. It felt the same as the hug from Concubine Ai. Therefore, Li An did not reject him at all.

"You must be very tired. Now rest first," said Li Fengying softly. He revealed a friendly smile to Li An. The boy was silent and dumbstruck.

"They're outrageous. How could they leave such a small child alone? They even intended to get rid of her," a woman in a blue sea dress with flowers motifs approached Li An and hugged him. He stroked the cheek of the boy just like Consort Ai used to do. His eyes stared sadly, but there was also a vexation that was somehow shown to whom there was.

"My husband, let me take care of him" the woman in the blue sea dress asked. Her name was Lady Lu, Li Fengying's first wife. He also asserted, "This child is the son of my sister's quarrel."

"Alright, now take him to his room first. Let him instantly rest," Li Fengying reviewed a smile. These few days his residence is very noisy. Concubine Ai asked her for help through Lady Lu. The favor was solely shown to his son, the Eighth Prince. May the boy be at home in the court of Prince Zhizhe.

Li An turned to the left, looking for the whereabouts of his mother. He had not cared about the chatter of Li Fengying and Madam Lu since earlier. The little prince only wanted to be reunited with Consort Ai immediately.

"Auntie, where's the mother?" li An asked as soon as he arrived at his room. Madam Lu looked familiar and similar to Concubine Ai. Therefore, Li An did not hesitate to ask.

Madam Lu was speechless. He did not answer Li An's question and instead hugged her tightly. There was not a word heard after that until a sobbing went down Li An's ear. In a soft voice, Madam Lu whispered, "Ai's sister is very kind and affectionate with you. He just wants you to live a happy and peaceful life."

Li An deduced one thing from his aunt's words. But he doesn't want to admit it. The boy hoped that there would still be a chance for him to reunite with Consort Ai. Whenever it is. He was eager to see her soon.

Day after day passed in the Palace of Prince Zhizhe. Li An grew up under the tutelage of Madam Lu and Li Fengying. Consort Ai who he waited every day never came, while the memories with him were always fun covering the nights of the little prince. Along with the books that always accompanied him, Li An rearranged his fragile heart.

...***...

"An'er, let's hurry," exclaimed an ayu girl who resembled Madam Lu. He ran in the middle of the city. Li An tried desperately to chase after him.

"Sister Mei, don't hurry," replied Li An who was exhausted from running. Breathing gasps. He stopped occasionally to rest.

"An'er, you're a man. Come fast!" urged Li Mei, the daughter of Lady Lu as well as Li An's older cousin. She is a tomboyish and energetic girl. The ladies are often overwhelmed by it.

Among Li Fengying's children, Li Mei was the first to know of Li An's arrival. At first, he thought that Li An was a daughter so he was lazy to visit her. However, after seeing him directly in the prince's clothes, he became happy because he got a younger brother.

"Come ... Dad won't wait for us," Li Mei increasingly urged Li An. He rattled his waist while glaring sharply at his exhausted new sister. Anxious, he grumbled, "Why are you so weak? You're not a boy? The boy must be strong. When you lost to me as a girl?"

"Kakak—hah .. hah .. too soon. After all, Uncle Guang was also still behind. Let's rest first," Li An sat down, not caring about Li Mei who was still glaring fiercely at him. His breathing went up and down unnoticed. He tried to make it more comfortable.

"Princess Mei, Prince An, I told you. Don't run in the crowd" Ma Guang came in a hurry. The condition was the same as Li An. A sweaty sweat drenched his head, but he was still able to keep his warrior prestige.

"Uncle Guang, I'm tired," Li An argued. Li Mei desperately wanted to pinch her cheek, but she tried to restrain herself from being hated by Li An. His hands were already very itchy and anxious. Just be careful when you get home.

"Mr Princess, let's just walk from here," Ma Guang softly bargained. Her eyes beckoned for Li Mei to pity her cousin's sister. The little prince was really weak.

"Hmph! I'll just give up this time," Li Mei threw away her face, pretending to sulk. He walked ahead of Li An and Ma Guang. The girl who was three years older than the Eighth Prince was leading the way in front. Her hair that escaped braided danced agilely in the urban daylight breeze.

The Tang Empire had an important guest from the Western Mainland. Li Fengying was assigned to welcome him as Prince of Zhizhe. He was the only prince who could speak with them. He learned the language from foreign traders in Quanzhou when he was young.

Li Mei and Li An secretly infiltrated the Emperor Palace. They refused to ignore the warning from Ma Guang. With their small bodies, they hid from the tall soldier and climbed to the top.

"See those boxes! What's it about?" Li Mei pointed to the gifts that ambassadors from the Heavy Lands brought to Emperor Tang. Li An on her tiptoes wanted to come take a look. They peeked at him from the quiet upper floor. Ma Guang arrived shortly after. When he arrived, his attention was also turned to the gift chests below.

"I am Sa'ad Al Quraysh, the emissary of the Caliphate for the Tang Empire" said a charismatic grizzled old man. The man was fluent in the language of the Tang Empire. A white turban wrapped neatly around his head. The large brightly colored robe added to the aura of his arrival.

"Come to the Great Emperor Yung Wei! Show your respect to your Majesty!" a minister snapped before Emperor Tang reacted.

"We are Muslims. We will not bow down except to Allah the Most Exalted" Sa'ad said. The minister who snapped at him became furious instead of dumbfounded. So did the other ministers and commanders. The throne room became rowdy by their mouths.

"Sir Emperor," called Li Fengying who was about to intervene in this small matter, "Let me express an opinion."

Emperor Tang agreed to listen to his brother's opinion. He also signaled to his ministers and officers to be silent immediately. After the room became quiet, Emperor Tang said, "Tell me your opinion, Brother!"

"Emperor, this is a cultural difference in saluting. We better not be concerned about it. Moreover, they are very famous Arabs these days," Li Fengying said then represented his brother's apology to Sa'ad. He was always present every time the Emperor's Palace had a guest of state.

The guests always bring news of the conditions that occurred lately in the West Mainland. The latest news says that the Sasanian Roughness has collapsed in the hands of the Arabs. Parts of Byzantium had also been dislodged by rubbing against them. Who would have thought that when the Arabs united in the name of God, they would become such a powerful nation. Provoking them is bad policy, while they come in peace now.

The ministers and commanders were again rowdy by that opinion. Some consider it, others remain opposed to it. Emperor Tang again signaled for calm. In the end, he agreed with Li Fengying's opinion and asked the Arab envoy to understand the commotion that had just occurred.

Sa'ad also read a letter from Amirul Mukminin. He also explained that in his country had led three Caliphs who replaced the apostle. His coming here to strengthen trade relations and broadcast Islam.

Gifts from the Khilafah were also given. Emperor Tang accepted it with open arms. The next talks will be held soon. In that span of time, Li Fengying asked for an opportunity to dialogue with the Ambassadors of the Caliphate. With pleasure, Emperor Tang allowed it.

"Is it finished?" li Mei whispered when she saw her father rise and go out. Li An nodded in agreement with his guess. Ma Guang also took advantage of this opportunity to bring the two children home. Unknowingly, he had taken a peek at the Tang Emperor's meeting with the foreign envoy.

"Let's go see dad," Li Mei instead pulled Li An down to chase after her father. Ma Guang patted the eel and sighed. Dismissed was already his chance to persuade the two noble boys. He could only stop and follow them.

"Dad ... Father ...," call Li Mei in the hallway of the palace. Li Fengying who was chatting with Sa'ad turned her head. He was slightly surprised by the arrival of his eldest daughter with Li An. He saw Ma Guang who immediately saluted as soon as he arrived before him.

Li Mei immediately shot towards her father. Li Fengying was also happy to catch and hold her daughter affectionately. It was great to see that tomboyish and energetic princess.

Li An hid behind Ma Guang as Sa'ad looked at him. He timidly peeked, then went back into hiding once he found the old man still staring at him. Ma Guang held back a laugh. How grateful to be the person most trusted by that cute little prince.

"Son, what's your name?" asked Sa'ad kindly. The grizzled old man did not want to be hostile to anyone, let alone a child. He stretched out his hand and showed me a candy.

Li An who was still suspicious peeked back. He noticed the wrinkled hands of the old man who was carrying the candy. There are many calluses on his palm. It looks so awful. He went back into hiding and refused the sweets

"It's okay, An’er. He was a good person," persuaded Li Fengying so that her niece would not feel condolences. Li An still did not want to open up. He who hid behind Ma Guang again made Li Mei anxious. The girl also intended to give him an example, "An'er, look at me!"

Sa'ad chuckles. He also introduced himself and gave Li Mei a packet of sweets. After that, he again tried to get acquainted with Li An. However, Li An still refused.

"An'er, do you still not understand? Why are you so shy like a girl?" li Mei's criticism was unknowingly that she herself was a girl. Li Fengying was to the point of wondering how her daughter could learn such words. He never taught her to say that.

Li An remained firm. He shook his head strongly and tugged at Ma Guang's clothes. That's the sign, he wants to be carried away immediately. The little prince was already feeling cramped. It's time to get away from what he doesn't like.

"The Eighth Prince is indeed a shy and wary child. Please Mr. Sa'ad can understand it," Li Fengying said understanding Li An's gesture. He did not want to force the little prince who had not yet opened his heart to get acquainted with a stranger. It was better to let her calm down and still give her support by her side.

"Prince Zhizhene need not worry," replied Sa'ad. He waved his hand while smiling at Li An who was hiding in Ma Guang's sling. Gently, he said, "We will meet again, Eighth Prince."

"Uncle Guang, take me to the Little Archive Pagoda!" pinta Li An's. It was the most peaceful place for him after the now empty Residence of Consort Ai. He always goes there whenever he gets bored and depressed.

"What's? Where are you going?" sahut Li Mei who immediately lowered Li Fengying from her sling because of the papah. Li An repeated his request. Li Mei became curious and wanted to come with him.

"Prince, why not just go to the Library Pagoda? The place was larger and close to Prince Zhizhene's Palace," haggled Ma Guang who was replied with a firm coil by Li An. The boy forced her to leave immediately. Li Mei also went along to urge him out of curiosity.

"Soldier Guang, I leave the two of them to you as usual. Remember to go home before dark," Li Fengying said kindly. Ma Guang also received his master's orders. I don't know since when he became a nanny soldier for the two children. He sighed as soon as his master left.

"Uncle Guang, let's hurry," Li An who had descended from Ma Guang's sling pulled on the soldier's arm. He wanted to immediately meet Grandpa Ma who had not been in his sight for a long time. Ah, naw. Actually, he just did not want to meet the grizzled old man earlier in the Prince Zhizhe Palace. If he had come home a little late in the afternoon, the old geezer would have already left the Prince Zhizhe Palace right?

However, unfortunately Li An was wrong. The grizzled old man who tried to avoid it turned out to be the first person to greet him once he arrived at Prince Zhizhe's Palace. As in the afternoon, Li An immediately hid behind Ma Guang, while Li Mei familiarly greeted Sa'ad.

"Grandfather Sa'ad will stay here? Wah.... Does Grandpa have a story?" asked Li Mei girang. Besides being tomboyish and energetic, she is also a supple girl, very easy to get along with anyone. His passion for socializing is very high.

"Of course Grandfather has," Sa'ad warmly welcomed Li Mei's invitation to tell her, "Come to the guest pavilion anytime."

"Yey .. we'll visit right after this. An'er, let's meet mama first," Li Mei pulled Li An quickly to enter. The little prince could not dwell but follow him. They greeted Madam Lu as soon as they arrived.

Li An really could not dodge Li Mei. He could only resign every time he was forcibly pulled by the little girl. Including this afternoon, when he was forced by his cousin's brother to meet Sa'ad. Though there were other sons and daughters of Li Fengying who also wanted to meet Sa'ad.

"Grandfather, quick story! Quick story!" exclaim Li Mei to collect the promise. The children who attended were also asking. Only Li An stayed by Li Mei's side without being able to do anything.

"Allah ... Alright .. grandpa will tell you about a young man who hanif. Hanif means straight," Sa'ad opens the story. The children are silent too. They were all enthusiastic, except for Li An.

"One day, when the night was dark, the young man looked up at the sky and saw the stars" Sa'ad said in his storyteller mode. Li An felt called. He also likes to see the night sky and stars.

"A very bright star .. in the sky. Because of the bright star, people worshiped him, "Sa'ad pointed to the darkening sky. The children followed his finger pointing. Then, a boy from the inner court of Prince Zhizhene exclaimed, "Are they a tribe from the East? They worship the star of the corals."

The other children also looked. They get rowdy and noisy. Li Mei who felt this story session stopped even put her index finger on her lips. He told his brothers to be quiet. After he calmed down again, he said to Sa'ad, "Grandfather, let's continue."

Sa’ad continued, too,

"The young man said to his people, 'This is my Lord.'

When the star sank, he said, 'I don't like drowning.'

That is, the star does not deserve to be God. It rises and sinks, moving on its circular line, subject to the destiny that governs it. Therefore, stars are not God."

Sa'ad paused for a moment. It gives the children in front of them a chance to think. So, ask a child, "So, a star is not God? Are the people from the Eastern tribe wrong and lost?"

"Just right!" Sa'ad smiled proudly at the boy. Other kids are. They are back on the same topic. Later, Li Mei asked Sa'ad to continue her story so that her sisters would instantly fall silent.

"The young man saw the moon rise. The moonlight was brighter and more beautiful. He said to his people, 'This is my Lord.'

He wants to get his people to think. And when the moon was setting, he said, 'Really, if my Lord had not guided me, I would have been among the lost.'

Just like the rising and sinking stars, the moon is also a similar thing. He is subject to the Lord's commandments."

Sa'ad was silent again. The kids started to get noisy again. The logic he taught began to enter the minds of those innocent children. They quickly understand simple things.

"Then" Sa'ad kept the children silent, "When he saw the sunrise, he said, 'This is my Lord. It's bigger!'

The sun is brighter. It has many benefits for the Earth. But when the sun returned to its quarrel, the young man said, 'O My people, I have indeed departed from that which ye associate.'

Just like the stars and the moon, the sun does not deserve worship. So, what did the young man worship?" Sa'ad gave a simple riddle to the children before him. They also become noisy. Some laughed at the stupidity of the young men. There were also those who thought seriously to look for the answer like Li An and Li Mei. But until the end, none of them could answer.

"The young man worshipped his Creator the Star, the Moon, and the Sun, as well as the Earth," Sa'ad explained, "That is God Almighty. No allies for him."

"Didn't the universe have formed on its own?" chirp a girl whose age was not much different from Li Mei. His name was Li Roulan. She was the eldest daughter of Lady Chu, Li Fengying's second wife. Li Xiulan, her twin sister nodded in agreement. From what they learned, the universe was formed by naturally occurring events.

Normally, if Li Roulan faced Li Mei, they would often quarrel. The quiet Li Xiulan was clearly siding with her sister. Therefore, Li Mei did not really like having a younger sister. For him, they are both very chatty without realizing that he himself is also equally chatty.

Sa'ad smiled. The grizzled old man said, "Son, I saw lightning strike a tree this afternoon, and it became a beautiful boat. Do you believe it?"

"Can that be so!?" The intelligent Li Roulan was impossible to believe. He believes that if a tree is struck by lightning, it will be destroyed. How can a beautiful boat be beautiful by itself? That grizzled old grandpa must be lying.

Li Fengying who happened to come chuckled at the entrance. It's also funny to see his children studying theology with Sa'ad. He explained the old man's intention, "Of course, that's impossible. Such a vast and beautiful universe could not have been created on its own. Someone must have created and arranged it."

"So then, all the laws of nature that we know to this day are God's provisions. God has set everything according to its order. Like the circulation of things in space. Also change day and night. From there, we can see the signs of God's power," Sa'ad explained, then closed the story. He distributed sweets to the children at Prince Zhizhe's Palace. They all screamed happily and cheerfully.

Li An got enlightenment from that story. A bright light permeated his heart. It feels warm and soothing. He also understood that this light was meant by Consort Ai, his dear mother.