Being emperor of Shanhe had its perks and downfalls. Huli loved the power at his fingertips but despised mundane tasks such as organising meetings or listening to his councilmen complain. In the early morning, he leaned back on his throne and stared at the ceiling, bored by the conversation.

“Your majesty,” began an extremely old councilman with a long, wispy, white moustache. He moved away from his formation on the left side on the main hall and to the centre of the blue carpet. Somehow, Huli forgot to remove the original member of his father’s council. “You have heard the councilmen voice their own complaints about thievery and safety but I wish to delve further into the source of these problems. I believe the crime is rising due to our kingdom’s low produce, the withdraw from trade and the new tax for the army. Starving and poor villagers have no choice but to turn to a life of crime. If we punish them instead of solve the original issue, I fear the outcome.”

“Are you suggesting we deny our soldiers food and help when they are preparing to fight for the kingdoms prosperity?!” Huli replied accusingly.

“Of course not but—”

“Emperor! Emperor! Emperor!” A eunuch shouted which interrupted their meeting.

“You dare enter without permission?” Huli snarled and immediately, the guards restrained the intruder.

“It is urgent! The Fox has entered Yinying Yueguang! Trouble is brewing! Emperor, you must do something! Come see!”

At the mention of the Fox, all the men fell into a frenzy. The panicked cries rung in Huli’s head and he rose from his chair. Like a fearless leader, he led the swarm of men to the city without hesitation. He felt an eagerness overcome him and smiled while crossing the bridge to the city. Today, he would kill the Fox who made him a fool.

“Welcome!”

The Fox, dressed in black except for his mask, squatted on a central balcony rail and spread parchment to those below by a simple sweeping motion from the wrist. The wind caught these and dispersed them throughout the village within seconds. Just as Huli readied himself to follow the guards in front of him, the Fox disappeared. Yet, his mischief continued.

The villagers ran wild and even their fear of the emperor did not stop him being pushed by the crowd. He had no opportunity to grab the mysterious parchment but he saw buildings wear graffiti like a badge of honour. The jet black ink smeared the grey walls, forming the symbol of the lost prince and a simple instruction to follow.

Go to the imperial tombs.

The anticipation to kill the Fox turned into dread. Soldiers surrounded him to shove back the frenzied people but he remained helpless to the masses. Multiple times, he saw the Fox dash into buildings, jump across roofs and sneak back into the forest. The inhuman speed exhibited truth behind the theory of the Masked Masters being gods. However, Huli refused to admit defeat yet. If only he could escape the crowd of fools! Unwilling and enraged, he joined the wave of people heading towards the imperial burial grounds.

Long, bright orange banners led the way past the enormous cave tombs of the royal family. The material soon unravelled into a jumble of threads and ended at the grave of the empress’s son. Lost to death so young and holding such great significance, the passed empress demanded he lay next to a large plum blossom tree. The plant looked as dead as the prince and the only colour came from the person standing beside it.

People gawked at the Fox, who looked identical to the Fox in the village. Huli had no words. How did the assassin do it? It was impossible. Yet, the most frustrating part was the human trap which held the soldiers in place. None could get through to attack the enemy. It caused fear to crawl into Huli’s heart as he stared helplessly ahead.

The Fox walked over to the empty grave, pleased by the gathering size. He raised his hand and showed everyone a jade pendant. The royal markings proved its origins and the symbol matched the pictures painted on the village walls; it belonged to the Lost Prince. Next, he reached into the grave and pulled out discoloured parchment, covered in dirt. He showed the delicate writing and empress blood stamp to curious eyes to affirm the authenticity. Finally, with a puffed chest, explained his acts.

“Today, I have requested the people of Shanhe to hear the words of the empress, Wang Yenay. The time has come to speak of the forgotten prince of Shanhe, Hong Yondan. The son, containing blood of Hong Weishan and Wang Yenay, is alive! Come see this empty grave! It has only ever contained this letter for twenty-five years! In its lines, it explains the extremities that caused our beloved empress to hide her son from the world. Most importantly, we, the Masked Masters, accept him as the true ruler of Shanhe! Cheer for Hong Yondan! Read this letter and know of his identity! See him wear his jade amulet! Be ready for the new dawn of Shanhe!”

The Fox disappeared, running deep into the forest, and only left behind the letter. Immediately, many seized the parchment. First, the noblemen and noblewomen read the name and whispered it among themselves before the commoners tried their best to discover the truth. By the time Huli reached the parchment, it was torn to tatters and he failed to hear the name whispered around him. Who was the true heir? How dare the Masked Masters renounce his title! He would kill them all! Anyone who rebelled against him would perish!