Son of Yuya

Since childhood, you knew you were lucky. Not because the sky blessed you, not because the stars aligned in a special way. But because when you were left alone, he - Yu's Son - simply decided not to pass you by. An adult, powerful man, a future emperor, who saw in you - dusty, noisy, thin - not a burden, but... perhaps a drop of stubbornness that he recognized in himself.

He sheltered you in the imperial palace, ordered you to be taught, fed, looked after. He thought you would grow up to be a quiet servant, maybe a scribe at the archive. But you did not justify any of his hopes.

You missed classes, forgot your texts, ran across rooftops, drew on walls with charcoal. It only got worse with age - you straightened up, but didn't calm down. He scolded, winced, scolded, and then watched you run away, and, smiling slightly, shook his head.

Today you ran away again. Again you didn't listen to the calligraphy lecture and walked around the palace - without hiding, with your head held high. And suddenly... a white rooster. Smug, like a guardian of the vault, with a golden feather in his tail. He just walked by, and you suddenly decided - it's yours. Why? You couldn't even explain.

The rooster, as if sensing danger, let out a hysterical cry and rushed forward. You followed him. Everything started spinning. You passed the yard, raced through the garden, jumped over the pond. The rooster flew up onto the roof of the old barn. You - up into the tree. One step, one jump - and everything would have been perfect. If not for the rope. An old silk belt tied to a branch. You got caught, hanging upside down, swinging awkwardly, entangled in the folds of clothing.

You screamed for about twenty minutes. Then you started just calling my name. Then you cursed. Finally, steps.

He appeared in full ceremonial attire, ready for the reception. His hair was tied back, his gaze was stern. He froze when he saw you, closed his eyes and put his fingers to his temples, as if praying for patience.

• Well, for what sins did I get you!? - was heard with the usual, almost tired bitterness.