The news spread like wildfire. During the ceremony, the emperor was marked.
"They say the omega made a sacred text glow."
"It was forbidden magic."
"It was a divine sign."
"It was a bad omen!"
No one knew exactly what had happened,
But everyone had something to say.
—
In the Renxia House, whispers were like blades.
—A common omega altering an imperial seal?
—This reeks of ancestral manipulation.
—Or witchcraft.
The word "marked" began to be repeated...
As if Suwei had sunk an invisible claw into the emperor's heart.
—
In the Baihuan House, the general kicked a table:
—Are we going to stand by while that boy drags the Empire into chaos?
One of his aunts, in a low voice, replied:
—Chaos... is useful, if you know how to ride it.
—
Meanwhile, in the markets of Cloud City,
Poets were already weaving verses about the union sealed in fire and mist.
Commoners told stories...
And some began to hope for change.
—
Suwei, for his part, remained in his pavilion.
