The Time Stone Crystal

Chapter 48 - the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China

The Forbidden City is a palace complex in Dongcheng District, Beijing, China, at the center of the Imperial City of Beijing. It is surrounded by numerous opulent imperial gardens and temples including the 54-acre Zhongshan Park, the sacrificial Imperial Ancestral Temple, the 171-acre Beihai Park, and the 57-acre Jingshan Park.

The Forbidden City was constructed from 1406 to 1420, and was the former Chinese imperial palace and winter residence of the Emperor of China from the Ming dynasty (since the Yongle Emperor) to the end of the Qing dynasty, between 1420 and 1924. The Forbidden City served as the home of Chinese emperors and their households and was the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government for almost 500 years. Since 1925, the Forbidden City has been under the charge of the Palace Museum, whose extensive collection of artwork and artifacts was built upon the imperial collections of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.

The complex consists of 980 buildings, encompassing 8,886 rooms and covering 720,000 square meters (7,800,000 sq ft). The palace exemplifies the opulence of the residences of the Chinese emperor and the traditional Chinese palatial architecture and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere.

Now, they see it more closely and the structure is still brand new. They even had to divert Kairo to see it at the time it was built. As before, normal people do not see them because of their ability to hide from them. She admires the structure because it is the first time she has seen a Chinese ancient structure and one of the world's most preserved ancient palaces.

“Things like this structure are amazing, my love. Just kidding, they were able to build it without even using what was in the future. Their engineers are very diligent and have planned every corner of this great palace.”

“People are getting smarter these days, my love. The creator lets them learn their technique and strategy but what the creator just doesn’t want are wars. They also do not stay long in this world because they are punished so that they learn their mistake. Many people were affected and killed in the war including innocent creatures. I am not convinced of their purpose so as time goes on they also do not become successful in their aspiration. Some have been permitted to maintain their purpose and publish it in the books of the past so that the next generation will know its importance.”

“I feel like I want to be a vlogger. If I could just share what I see in the world where I come from, it would be difficult. I don't want to upset the minds of the people because I am pretty sure the social media, news, and everything will be after me.”

“That’s for sure. It will take you a lot more criticism because you may have just fabricated it. Though, you also have a lot of fans because you are the first creature to travel to the past and that’s a big puzzle to them. Do you want to be famous?”

She nodded. "I do not want. I also don't want to be a celebrity. A huge responsibility rests on my shoulders right now and I don't want to add to it. And you, my love? Do you want to be a celebrity?”

It also shook his head. “No. I don’t want to. I will remain the only one who knows my personality, my love. You and me against the furious world.”

She smiled. "It's like we were punished with that word of yours, my love."

"Let's go to that part because there are delicious Chinese noodles there."

“How did you know there was good food there? Maybe you're always here, my love?”

It shouldered her. “Sort of. I just go out a lot, my love.”

After they ate delicious Chinese noodles near the palace they diverted towards a place which is famous till now. The place where a lot of history has gone on until it remains in place. The Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. Several walls were built from as early as the 7th century BC, with selective stretches later joined together by Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Little of the Qin wall remains. Later on, many successive dynasties have built and maintained multiple stretches of border walls. The most well-known sections of the wall were built by the Ming dynasty.

The Great Wall of China was built by a labor force including soldiers, common people, and criminals. Emperor Qin Shi Huang is widely recognized as the first man who ordered to build the Great Wall of China; however, it is not him. Early in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 - 771 BC), some walls and beacon towers were built.

She was once again stricken with its structure when they stepped on the great place. It has only recently been done by people who have sacrificed their lives just to build it. She views from her vantage point the vast woods as well as the other side dividing the borderline. According to Chinese history, the Great Wall of China was also a refuge for Chinese warriors to protect their territory against those who wanted to occupy it.

“Its construction is solid and it is made of stones, cement, or other strong walls. Another insane invasion of the people these days.”

“Many have given their lives just to build it. And the creator didn’t agree with that trend so it just remained historical in the world where you are. Not only five, ten, or twenty lives have been lost here but hundreds of lives. You are lucky because in your time the issue of war is frequent and the leaders are only focused on the development of the country.”

She took a sharp stone and wrote on the wall. "I'll mark it."

"You don't think that can be erased?"

“I will give it energy from nature so that it will last forever. Is that okay?”

“That will also be erased because of nature. Use it.”

She stared at what it handed. “What’s that?” She stared at the white stick.

"Ballpen."

"Ballpen?" She took it. “Is there a ballpen like this? I have seen a ballpen like this, my love.”

“That’s the ballpen I use most often. That pen is strong and is not immediately erased even after millions of years. People will not see that now but will see that in the future. Go ahead and try to make a mark using that pen.”

She followed her husband’s advice and did not make a mistake in using it because its white ink seemed to shine on that part. She was amazed again.

“See? I'm right."

She stared at what she had done and what was written there. Kairo loves Weng, forever! She felt a thrill in her heart again when she saw the result of what she had written. She was reminded of the teenage years that her classmates used to do.

“You made vandalism, my love. That is forbidden.” But her husband was smiling.

“Just now, my love. I want to let the world know that I love you so much.”

"The world knows. Come on and let's go home."

"Okay."

She still wanted them to tour some beautiful spots in China but they also had to return to Wudang before nightfall and they would still be preparing for their departure.

IN THE EVENING, Kairo spoke to Jigger intently on a balcony. Kairo hadn't talked to them for a long time, so he decided to be personal and say hello.

"How are you, Jigger?" Kairo asked him.

“I’m okay, Master Kairo. Do you have any bad news about me?”

He did not respond to it. “When I first saw you in Europe and offered to come with me, you didn't immediately refuse. Is it because of Margareth?”

“I also couldn't understand myself then, Master Kairo. I just want to be with the woman who has been on my mind ever since. I don't blame you for bringing her with you then.”

"Do you still want to be with her?" he asked.

“If you let me be with her, why not. But if I don't last long in this world, I can't do anything. You know what’s makes her happy, Master Kairo. You already know that.”

“Everything in this world is not permanent. There is a limit to everything in this world as well as human life.”

"Is it my end, Master Kairo?"

"Jigger, you asked me before that when it was your turn I would tell you. But I don’t want to pre-empt what happens because it’s already written in the line of your palm. But because you want to know it too, your moment is near.”

"I knew it. Whose hand would take away my breath?”

“In the hands of our enemies. But your companions as well as my wife will be sad when that happens. I thought you should just go back to my palace to be with her, live in peace and happiness. ”

“I did not go on this journey just to withdraw from any fight, Master Kairo. I came to prove that I am not cowardly and I will defend you no matter what happens. This is my decision and I will stick to it. You know where the things I want to give to Margareth are hidden. It's up to you, Master Kairo.”

“Don't you really want to? On our next trip that will happen, Jigger. Once we enter the dimensional world there is only a chance that I can bring you back to my palace. You still have some time to think, Jigger.”

“No need, Master Kairo. I have prepared myself for my fate. A real man does not give up in any fight.”

“You are a real warrior, Jigger. Let me give you a second life so that you can experience comfort.”

“And I wish I could be with her, Master Kairo. She would still be the woman in my next life.”

“That’s no problem, Jigger. I am easy to talk to when it comes to things that people who have been close to me wanted to ask. Don't you want to tell her?”

“I left a letter for her in my belongings. It would be up to you to reach out to her.”

"I understand. The night is getting dark and you need to rest. I will be back inside.” He had already moved to leave their whereabouts.

Jigger was left there deep in thought as he went to their room. As soon as he entered, he was immediately greeted by his wife Weng.

"Kairo!" It embraced her.

"Weng…"

"I can not do it. It's only now that I'm sad about what will happen to Jigger. My heart is breaking right now. Kairo… ” She cried.

“Be strong, my love. You have to be brave to face this situation and you know he is not the only one to say goodbye. Only right now show your kindness while you are still with them for a long time.”

“I am a good creature, my love. I'm just so sad because…because I also see how they will go through that violence!”

“My love, you need to control your emotions so that your negative emotions do not swallow you. Promise me you will be brave when that comes.”

“I don’t know how to promise, my love! I do not know!"

“Stay calm. Come and let us rest first.”