Emperor Li Hejing stood at the edge of his balcony, smiling softly and resting one hand on the railing as the other waved to his people. His movements were fluid, nothing short of elegant. Today was the annual celebration of the crane, the bird that the Li family have always used as a symbolism fidelity, longevity, and grace throughout generations since the beginning of the Li's dynasty. Legend told amongst ancestors also said that every single woman or man out there who start their relationship on this day would have the happiest and most fulfilling life together. And the story was also something Li Hejing held dear to his heart because his mother would always tell it to him as a bedtime story.

"Hmph. My 25th birthday is coming up soon, and I have yet to find a single woman to wed. How miserable."

Hejing pouted, earning several awkward laughs from his palace staffs. After all, they weren't yet quite used to his way of ruling because it was the complete opposite of his tyrant uncle who threatened to destroy everyone who even dared to laugh when they weren't supposed to. But there was absolutely nothing Hejing was hiding about himself. No hidden anger that was going to boil and erupt, no hidden malice towards people who have wronged him — only disappointment.

As the event started, the emperor stepped out into the bustling city, his long elegant white robe dragged across the stone pavements, a symbolism of peace and harmony. He smiled as he looked around, tasting treats his people prepared for him happily. And even if this was the third year Li Hejing became emperor after his tyrant uncle, the people were still not used to have down to earth this emperor truly was.