OMG I GOT 50 SUBSCRIBERS!!!! 

I seriously didn't think I would get 10. *hugs everyone* *dancing* *jumping like crazy*

Anyway because of this I thought I'd give you all a thank you for reading this fic (which isn't even an original story but an adaptation). 

I feel like telling you all to go watch the drama and then come back and tell me I'm doing really badly (that's what I feel like doing to myself). 

Btw this is my second update of the day so if you haven't read the other chapter I suggest you go read that one.

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ZhouMi was ignoring Kyuhyun and Kyuhyun didn’t like it. Mi didn’t shout or get mad, he was passive aggressive at its worst. He walked out the room when Kyuhyun entered it and Kyuhyun couldn’t get mad because he deserved it. Mi spent his time at the altar praying and Kyuhyun couldn’t find it in his heart to disrupt the other to beg forgiveness, so he lurked nearby feeling forlorn. He embarrassed Mimi deeply, he had been given the task of planning and hosting the party and then most people will only remember it as the day Kyuhyun and Donghae got into a fight and Kyuhyun scared half the Princes with his fierceness. The servants avoided him as well; they seemed to think he breathed fire. He didn’t think he did anything that outrageous but then he remember he was in the Qing dynasty and also that gossip had probably exaggerated his misbehaviour.

Walking in the gardens after being ignored once again by his older brother, he sat down in the gazebo feeling morose. He wasn’t alone for long though as Eunhyuk and Sungmin approached him.

“Here’s Thirteenth brother’s death-seeking twin,” announced Sungmin as they stood before him.

“Look, he’s so fearless he doesn’t even greet royalty anymore,” pointed out Eunhyuk.

“I know, next he’ll be cursing our Imperial Father,” Sungmin teased.

“I’m not that crazy,” Kyuhyun finally spoke.

“Well, your reputation has spread far and wide, you have been dubbed death-seeking Thirteenth’s twin.” Sungmin poked the younger, causing Kyuhyun to rise and glare at his two friends.

“That’s just brilliant! Why does bad news travel faster than good news?!” He seethed.

“Well I’d say it’s well earned,” Eunhyuk said.

“What?! How could you say that?”

“I’m surprised tales of your strangeness haven’t already spread,” Eunhyuk elaborated while hiding behind Sungmin when Kyuhyun dived at him.

“I am not strange!”

“You are really building yourself a strong case while you shout at us,” Sungmin stated as he moved to reveal Eunhyuk. He pointed at the terrified looking eunuch that had appeared at the edge of the gazebo. The eunuch was beckoned forward and he turned to Kyuhyun, “My Lord would like to see you in his study.”

Kyuhyun stiffened, fear suddenly striking him, the only reason Hangeng would want to see him was to punish him for his behaviour at the party. Eunhyuk and Sungmin looked worriedly at their friend. Eunhyuk spoke first, “We’ll go with you. We can speak up in your defence.”

“Sure, Eighth brother is fair so he will listen to us,” Sungmin added, trying to reassure the pale Kyuhyun. Seeing that the other wasn’t going to move, he grabbed his hand and started to drag the incredibly reluctant Kyuhyun towards the Eighth’s quarters, followed by Eunhyuk and letting the eunuch scuttle before him to let his master know that they were on their way.

When he got there, Hangeng ignored Kyuhyun completely. The younger stood in the middle of the room before the desk, waiting for his brother-in-law to say something; however, Hangeng didn’t even acknowledge his presence as he started to talk to Eunhyuk and Sungmin. Kyuhyun silently cursed them as they didn’t say a word in his defence like they promised they would. “Maybe they didn’t promise but a man is only as good as his word.”  Kyuhyun thought to himself. He couldn’t leave or say anything until the Prince said so. His so called friends were just occasionally looking at him, vaguely concerned as his legs started to ache.

After several hours of standing while Hangeng purposefully ignored him, Kyuhyun was ready to collapse. He didn’t even know what his real punishment would be, but standing, not being able to move an inch, should be punishment enough. He didn’t like the amount of people who thought that ignoring someone was a good punishment. He would prefer to be yelled at. He wasn’t paying attention to the conversation that Eunhyuk and Sungmin were having with Hangeng, it mostly involved politics and matter of the court.

“It’s late, will you stay for dinner?” Hangeng asked of his two younger brothers.

“Of course gege,” Sungmin agreed with Eunhyuk nodding his head.

“Go ahead, I will meet you at Heechul’s,” Hangeng rose along with his brothers, gaining Kyuhyun’s attention which had not been on the princes. He stood straighter as his friends smiled weakly at him and exited the room. Hangeng walked towards him, before stopping just in from of Kyuhyun. Kyuhyun could feel the heat coming off of the elder and averted his gaze towards the floor. “Look at me.”

The next day his legs were cramping and he hobbled into breakfast feeling very sorry for himself. ZhouMi looked up in surprise, assessing Kyuhyun for the first time in a few days, “Sunny, take Kyuhyun to the baths and massage his legs for him.”

Kyuhyun smiled in happiness that ZhouMi was recognising him for the first time in days. He reach forward to grasp Mi, wanting to get a hug when the older shook him off and walked out the room, clearly still upset. He sighed and let Sunny help him up, “When do you think he will forgive me?”

“When he’s ready Miss,” Sunny assured. “He was very disappointed, especially since you promised that you would be on your best behaviour.”

“But I didn’t mean to get mad, I know I shouldn’t have.” Kyuhyun started to cry as he ran after his brother, wanting the older to talk to him. Sunny followed behind as Kyuhyun entered Mi’s private chamber. “Gege, please scold me. Please tell me off, yell or shout. Just say something to me, please.” Kyuhyun fell on his knees before the bench on which Mi was sitting. “You are the only family I have, the only person I can turn to. No one else protects me, guides me, looks after me. You are the person I care about the most, what you think of me matters the most. I can deal with anger but I can’t deal with this avoidance. Please speak to me.” Kyuhyun’s tears were falling heavily but Kyuhyun’s hands were grasping ZhouMi’s preventing him from leaving.

“I’m sorry,” ZhouMi spoke, his own voice thick with sadness. “I shouldn’t have ignored you, I know we only have each other and I hurt you by doing this. I’m sorry Kyu.” He gently wiped the tears off his brothers face as he applied the baby nickname he had for the younger. He pulled Kyuhyun up into an embrace, letting their tears fall on the other’s shoulders. Kyuhyun gasped as he was pulled onto his feet, his calves still cramping from the previous day’s treatment. “Kyu,” Mi said, “You should go with Sunny now and have that bath.” He let go of the younger and Sunny rushed forward, her own eyes misty as she helped her master, happy that the brothers were talking again.

“I’ll be good from now on, I promise. I won’t get into any trouble,” Kyuhyun vowed as he was led out of the room by his maid.

On the way back, after being massaged into relaxation by Sunny’s talented hands, he spotted Eunhyuk and Sungmin. Deciding to guilt them he hobbled much like he had before his bath. Ignoring them, he made as if to limp past them.

“Stop!” Eunhyuk called, which caused Kyuhyun to turn and say his greeting with as little sincerity as possible. “You’re mad,” the prince winced at the glare his friend gave him.

“What happened to speaking up in my defence? Hmm.” Kyuhyun narrowed his gaze at the forlorn looking older boy.

“I’m sorry, it never seemed the right moment. Sungmin didn’t say anything either! Did you get a harsh punishment?” Eunhyuk quickly asked.

“Can’t you see me limping?” Growled his friend.

“Why is Sungmin not getting treated this way?” Eunhyuk asked indignantly.

“Because I know he’s fine,” Sungmin started to giggle.

“What?”

“He was already punished. The standing for a few hours was his punishment. Eighth would never punish Kyuhyun harshly so when I saw what Eighth brother was doing I realised I didn’t have to speak up, otherwise he could have made it worse, though I doubt it. Kyuhyun is probably exaggerating his anger and hurt because he’s annoyed at us.” Sungmin continued to laugh, now joined with Kyuhyun as Eunhyuk’s face twisted into outrage.

“Why didn’t you tell me?!” He nearly yelled at Sungmin.

“Watching you worry was hilarious.”

“You two aren’t good friends,” Eunhyuk huffed.

When Sungmin and Kyuhyun had calmed down and Eunhyuk was looking a little less peeved Sungmin turned to Kyuhyun, “Have you heard? You’ve been invited to the palace for the Autumn festival.”

“What? Why would I be invited? I probably wouldn’t go because I would just cause more trouble.” Kyuhyun shrugged, knowing that a visit to the palace wouldn’t pass without an incident of some kind.

“You can’t not go. You were personally invited. The Eighth was told to bring you by the Emperor himself.” Sungmin stated.

“The Emperor knows who I am?” Kyuhyun’s was shocked.

“Close your mouth, you look like a simpleton,” Sungmin laughed causing Kyuhyun to snap his mouth shut as Eunhyuk continued.

“Yes, the Emperor knows who you are. You better be on your best behaviour and learn all the proper protocols. You wouldn’t want to get in trouble in the palace; no one can protect you if you upset Imperial Father.”

“Be careful Kyuhyun, get ZhouMi to teach you everything you need to know. Memorise it until you dream of the protocols.” Sungmin warned, suddenly serious. “We let you get away with things that in the palace could get you punished.”

Kyuhyun was silent as he let the information sink in. He didn’t want to go to the palace, he knew he had to enter there in a few months and he was dreading the day. What would happen to him if he did something wrong? He was terrified of what could happen in the palace, especially since he would be there for several years. He was curious as to why the Emperor knew who he was and why he invited Kyuhyun. What was so special about him? He didn’t want to be noticed by people who could have him killed for saying the wrong thing. Maybe visiting before he entered would be good practice. He had no idea how to behave, he needed to get ZhouMi to teach him. He said his goodbyes and walked off in search of his gege, suddenly anxious about his future.

A fortnight later, Kyuhyun was in the palace. It was huge, he had visited before in the future, when it was just a national monument, a museum, but he hadn’t really grasped the enormity of everything; the amount of guards that lined every wall, the amount of people that were walking around. He had visited when the place was empty, dead, a shell. Now it was alive and bustling with activity happening everywhere. He walked beside ZhouMi, who was walking behind Heechul and Donghae, who in turn were following Hangeng. Other princes and their families were also walking towards the throne room. Hangeng and Heechul greeted a few people that they recognised, but ZhouMi kept silent as he had no friends in the city. The courtyard between the entrance and the main hall had a grand raised walkway centred across it which led people from one side to the other. The red of the walls and the yellow of the rooftops were brighter than they were in the future, newer, less worn away by the elements. Kyuhyun kept silent as he looked at everything in awe.

The Mid-Autumn festival celebrated the harvest and the moon. Families gathered and feasted under the full moon, reciting poetry and giving thanks for harmonious unions and the harvest. People used this time to pray for children, longevity and a bright future. That Kyuhyun was invited to attend was a great honour given that only the Imperial family, though vast in size, would be the only ones present. Not even the most important officials in the land would be attending.

He followed the others as they entered the throne room, the golden throne was raised on a platform on one side and designed with dragons, the imperial symbol. Wooden panels which continued the intricate carving lined the walls behind and small steps led from the main floor up to the seat. All of the Emperor’s family settled into neat lines forming a grid pattern on the floor in front of where their patriarch would soon sit. A thin man garbed in deep blue servant’s robes yet with a fur collar entered from a door to the side of the large throne and called the room to attention, “The Emperor is about to enter, all hail His Imperial Majesty, Kangin.”

Kyuhyun followed a half second behind everybody as all fell to their knees and touched their heads to the floor chanting in unison, “All hail Imperial Father.” Everybody rose in unison but remain in their stiff standing positions, heads bowed, not daring to look directly at their lord. A few princes wished their fathers good health and thanked their father for planning a grand feast for the festival. The Emperor, who Kyuhyun was peeking while trying to be inconspicuous, was heavyset and had a handsome face. He probably looked incredible when he was younger, Kyuhyun mused, then realised that his observation of one of the most powerful and famous Emperors in China’s history was that he was good-looking. He mentally slapped himself for his priority list. The man had a scary look, cold and fierce, but Kyuhyun had expected that. This man became Emperor at 8 years old and would rule for over 60 years, he would expand China and bring it into a golden age. He didn’t expect smiles and rainbows. While he was once again musing, he failed to remember to stop staring, the Emperor suddenly looked him straight in the eye, causing his heart to jolt and for him to stiffen with panic.

“You!” Kangin pointed directly at him, beckoning him forward. Kyuhyun cursed his curiosity as lowly walked to the clear patch of floor directly before the throne, not noticing the worried glances of Sungmin, Eunhyuk and ZhouMi. He bowed deeply praying that his lack of knowledge and his idiotic brain wouldn’t cause him to blurt something out that would get him punished.  Kangin took his time to examine the boy before him asking, “Are you the one they call death-seeking Thirteenth’s twin?”

“Yes, your Majesty. Apparently I have been given this name.” Kyuhyun quickly answered, hoping that the Emperor wasn’t mad and was just curious. Why did the Emperor even know who he was? Why did the Emperor even care?

“Are you scared of me?” Kangin asked, genuinely interested in what the answer would be. This question often made people squirm, there was no right response. This boy had gained a reputation as being fearless and outspoken, so he waited and let the boy think.

“I subject should not be scared of a wise ruler. A wise ruler would never punish a person who had not wronged. However I am intimidated by the grandeur of the palace as I have never entered this place before, forgive me if I seem shaken.” Kyuhyun spoke clearly, tentatively raising his face to look at Kangin, hoping that the Emperor would not take offence at his words, he had no idea what to say to this person who could easily kill him.

There was a pause as everybody looked at the front of the room waiting for the verdict before laughter boomed out of Kangin. “Your answer is certainly different, however I don’t think you have earned the title of Thirteenth’s twin. What do you think, Changmin?” Kangin called to his thirteenth son and beckoned him to come up alongside Kyuhyun, who was studying the floor in great detail.

“I find Kyuhyun to be interesting, Imperial Father. He is intelligent and sharp, I would be proud to call him my twin.” Changmin smoothly complimented the other, who was thanking the taller profusely in his head.

After mingling with the other families, with ZhouMi exchanging greetings with some other wives, everybody was led to the main courtyard behind the hall. Tables were spaced around the area, with a raised platform on one side set aside for the Emperor and his sons. The platform had a grand throne placed in the centre, much like the throne room, except this one was a deep mahogany though still covered with intricate patterns. Two smaller but just as intricately carved seats were placed either side of the wide throne, only two of his many wives would have the pleasure of joining their husband on the central stage. Tables formed a horseshoe around the throne so that the Emperor could see all his sons as well as the main floor.

Kyuhyun sat beside Mi, gazing around at everything in awe. Heechul and Donghae had sat themselves down on the opposite side of the court, putting a distance between the two pairs of siblings. Lanterns and paper decorations hung on every wall and on strings hanging over their heads. The food placed on all the tables smelled and looked heavenly, causing Kyuhyun to itch, wanting to start eating already.

The Emperor appeared, causing everybody to rise and bow, followed by two incredibly beautiful women, who Kyuhyun assumed were two of his consorts, the servant with the fur collar, who Kyuhyun noticed had a dimpled smile and behind them were his sons, all of whom seemed in good spirits, grinning and joking with each other. They all settled into their seats before the Emperor called everybody to relax and seat themselves as well. He praised the moon and the goddess Chan’ge while he split a moon cake that his primary servant had placed in his hand, placing the pieces back on the tray that he had removed the cake from. As the smiling servant offered each prince a portion of the cake, the Emperor expressed his desire for a happy and united family. He talked of brotherly love and how he wished for all his sons to continue to support each other and to think of the welfare of their Empire at all times. He finished his talk by asking everybody to enjoy the feast and to show their familial affection to each other this night.  

The servants rushed forward to pour wine for all the guests as Kyuhyun quietly asked ZhouMi who everybody was. “The two women are the Imperial Noble Consorts Yuri and Yoona, Yuri was the one who raised Eunhyuk, though neither have any sons of their own.” ZhouMi told him, pointing first at the smiling woman then at the one with the doll like face.

“What about the servant?” Kyuhyun motioned towards the man who was personally serving the Emperor.

“He is Head Eunuch Leeteuk. He is in charge of every servant in the palace and also personally serves the Emperor. The Emperor trusts him above most others, listening to him when he ignores others.”

The paused as they listened to one of the Princes come forward and recite a poetry piece that described the beauty of Chan’ge, the goddess of the moon. “Do all the princes have to speak?” Kyuhyun enquired as he started to eat the delicious delicacies in front of him.

“Yes, all the princes will say something for their father. Don’t eat too fast, remember your manners.” Mi tapped the back of his younger brother’s hand as it darted out to grab another cake.

“Mmmm, this all tastes so good though gege,” groaned the younger, looking up with unapologetic and irrepressible eyes.

“Tsk. How will you survive without me? You’ll be living in the palace soon,” Mimi complained.

“Don’t talk about that,” Kyuhyun pouted, suddenly upset at the thought of having to leave the older.

“You’ll have to think about it soon, the maiden selections are in the New Year,” earning him a hard glare from his Didi. “Fine, but you can’t avoid it Kyunnie,” ZhouMi used the younger’s baby name to show that the he thought the other was acting childish but that he would let him for now.

“I won’t.” Before Kyuhyun broke into a cheeky grin, deciding to change the gloomy atmosphere that had settled on them, “Love you ge.”

Mimi broke into giggles at Kyuhyun’s expression but didn’t say anything as Kyuhyun silenced himself to watch Eunhyuk who had just rose to speak to the Emperor. He approached the throne, raised his cup and spoke, “Since I am not good with fancy words like my brothers, I will speak clearly in common tongue. I wish for Imperial Father to live a long and bountiful life. To your good health.” He bowed and raised his glass before drinking to his toast.

Kangin laughed in good spirits, “Thank you for your wish my son. I know you are not good at remembering verses like your brothers.” Eunhyuk coloured at his father’s jab. “You are getting older Eunhyuk, don’t you think it is time for you to acquire a Di’fujin. The Ninth Prince was your age when I granted his petition.”

Eunhyuk tensed even further at the words, worry flooding him. The Emperor never said anything lightly, so this must mean the Emperor was suggesting he married, and soon, “I am still young, Imperial Father. I will consider your suggestion.”

Yuri spoke up from Kangin’s side, “I was speaking to your cousin, Miyoung, and she mentioned that her youngest Donghae is of age to marry now. Do you not think they would be a good match, my Lord?”

“Miyoung’s child would be perfect as Eunhyuk’s Di’fujin. What better match could either of them make?” Yoona, added from his other side, supporting Yuri.

Eunhyuk paled as he heard the two Consorts match him. His brothers seemed to grow restless around him, shifting in their seats at the suggestion. Donghae was well known to be difficult, with many laughing at the ‘poor soul’ who would marry him. However he had an impeccable background and family. His grandfather and father were both close to the Emperor, the grandfather even serving as his regent for a period when the Emperor was a child. His mother was this Emperor’s first cousin, close with several of the wives. No one could ask for a more suitable or prestigious wife. Except for Eunhyuk, he was in love with someone else, his brothers may have but they all knew that Eunhyuk liked Kyuhyun. He didn’t even bother to hide his interest from anyone except Kyuhyun anymore.

Kangin looked contemplative, pleased at the suggestion, as the son before him started to stutter a protest, “Imperial Father, I-I a-am st-st-still-”. He didn’t have an argument, what could he say to reject such a generous match? Dislike had never stopped a marriage before.

“What are you trying to say? Why are looking like you are protesting?” Kangin barked out, easily annoyed by people fighting against him.

Hangeng rose quickly from his seat, saving his brother from an angry Kangin, “He isn’t protesting Father, he is merely shocked. He has consumed a vast amount of wine, it is easily to be confused. Tomorrow, when he is himself he will be thankful.” Eunhyuk’s face fell as he listened to his favourite brother. Hangeng always supported him, he always protected him. If he wasn’t able to find an objection then no one could, he was bound to Donghae. There was no escape.

His face hardened and became set as he fell to his knees and bowed, “Thank you Imperial Father, I am eternally grateful.”

The whole celebration had quietened by this point, all watching as the Emperor matched his Tenth son with Kim Donghae. Kangin called out, “Kim Donghae, come forward.”

Donghae who had been looking shocked and upset, also set his face to a mask. It became a handsome smile that looked genuine but Kyuhyun could tell was fake by the eyes that seemed hard as ice. He walked gracefully and slowly up the steps leading to the throne, joining Eunhyuk on his knees before the Emperor.

“I declare you betrothed. I will grant you a new estate. I hope your marriage is fruitfully blessed.” Kangin smiled happily down at the two of them leading them to once again bow and thank him for his generosity.

Kyuhyun had been frozen in shock as he had watched his friend be married without any choice. Eunhyuk had no way to say that he didn’t want to marry Donghae, Donghae had no way of saying that he didn’t wish to marry Eunhyuk either. Kangin had flippantly decided in less than a minute to bind two people who hated each other together for the rest of their lives. Kyuhyun hated this life. He hated Kangin at that moment and wanted nothing more to stand up and yell about the unfairness of this. Why did no one argue? Would he be forced to marry someone like this? Would he know who he got married to? He wondered whether it would be an official, a general, a governor. The whims of the Emperor governed them all. It only just hit him how little control he had as a single teardrop fell onto the back of his hand.

A/N: Just adding this: couple of photos of the forbidden palace, I at describing it: here, here and here