Empress Of The Lost Kingdom

Once upon a time, there was a Kingdom, hidden beyond the vast stretch of giant mountains. There lives a cult tribe, who believes that they are descendants of a lunar deity and claims that they are the keepers of the most powerful amulet in the mortal realm. And One day, surprisingly enough, the entire kingdom got vanished from the earth's surface, together with their queen and her army. 

Isn't it too fictional and unnatural?

Who believes in these kinds of stories in the twenty-first century? No one, absolutely no one. Li Juan frustratedly pulled her hair.

She also wanted to think the same and ignore the story of Jade kingdom as folklore. But she was unable to do so.

Li Juan switched on the laptop and skimmed through the data they've collected so far. 

The satellite data of Tu mountains show the evidences of a river in the lost city. If their data interpretations are on point, Then it must be one of the tributaries of the Xi River which is originated from the Tu mountain ranges.

The landmasses on the inner valleys of Tu mountain were covered in ice for ages, however, the global warming and climate change in 19th century has transformed the glaciers into the water, and revealed the truth submerged in them. The waterlogged pits have become swamps, the swamp has turned into shrublands and gradually it got succeeded in becoming a forest.

Towards the end of 2008, Han Guang, an intern at the national archaeological centre, while helping out his senior, came across with a data of a newfound landmass- a forest cover inside the inner valley of Tu mountain ranges.

He was fascinated by the sight of it- How can such a place is hidden from the satellite eyes? It piqued Han Guang's interest and he started to search out of curiosity.

That was the beginning of the quest to find the lost city. 

Han Guang was eager to know more about the land, but there weren't any texts which mention it. Added to that, none of his friends or family supported his decision. He was an archaeologist, not a geologist or geospatial analyst to go after a piece of land. But Han Guang remained stubborn. Even after becoming a university professor, he kept searching about the hidden land. That's when Tang Corporation enters into the scenario,

Yes, that's it- Tang Corporation. One of the biggest corporate in C country, which mainly focuses on technology.

But why are they searching for a lost city? 

What is Tang Corporation's involvement in this research?

Li Juan closed her laptop and walked towards the balcony.

Why didn't she clarify her doubts with Han Guang or Tang Wei Sheng while they were together?

Forget Tang Wei Sheng, Professor Han would've cleared her doubts.

Did she make a mistake by quitting the team? Li Juan couldn't find a possible answer to her queries.

Well, if she hasn't left the team she would've never known the existence of Yu clan. It was a miracle though, how she got mysteriously tied with the Yu clan through a dream.

Li Juan terribly wanted to talk to someone who shares a similar interest. 

Even though her life in Jing city was not as good as it is in Yu palace, she was happy. Her research team, Mei Rong, Qiao Chu- they used to talk to her. Even though Mei Rong knew nothing about Li Juan's research, she used to enquire about work. 

In Yu palace, other than Bai Qi and Wu Xuan Yi, nobody talks to her. 

Li Juan wished to have a conversation with Han Guang, he might be the right person to share the confusing thoughts in her mind. However, it is not possible though, the archaeologists who went to remote places for expedition always use satellite phones for better communication. Han Guang might have switched off his mobile phone. 

Li Juan sat on the sofa in the balcony and covered herself with the blanket.

Why she has to be in this labyrinth of mysteries?

While she was sleeping, Li Juan had a dream.

She saw herself standing under a lone peach tree in a meadow. In the sky, a full moon has risen, showering the entire place with its milky white light. A man stood next to her with affectionate eyes.

He turned towards Li Juan and cupped her pretty face. His palms were warm and a little rough.

"Have you decided?"

"Hmm, I want to be with you..... forever,"

Her reply has made the man to reveal a mesmerizing smile. 

Li Juan leaned closer and clung on to his shoulders.

" I love you," She tip-toed to place a kiss on his soft lips.

"My precious moon, are you willing to take responsibility of me, forever?" 

"Yes, I am willing," She leaned in and sealed their promise with a kiss.

__ __ __ __ __ __ ___ __ __ __ __

The moment Li Juan felt, a warm and smooth palm caressing her cheeks, she opened her eyes and met with a beautiful pair of ink-black eyes staring at her. 

It was a man and he was sitting right opposite to Li Juan.

Li Juan tried stared back in confusion.

Looking at her confused face, he grinned as if he has witnessed something comical.

The early morning sun rays illuminated his breathtakingly stunning face and literally gave him a bright aura around him.

It took a moment for Li Juan to recognize him. The moment she found who he really was, Li Juan's eyes enlarged in surprise and words refused to get out of her mouth. 

"Zhang Zhi Jun," 

"Yes, that's me." He replied with a warm smile.

That smile,

Li Juan forgot to breathe for a moment.

That stunning smile with his exquisite looks and caring personality has earned Zhang Zhi Jun the title of the nation's husband.

Why is he here? 

Am I seeing things?

Li Juan rubbed her eyes.

He was still sitting in front of her. Zhang Zhi Jun noticed her actions and, leaned closer to touch her cheeks. 

"Wait a minute, Li Juan blocked his advances.

"Why are you here?"

"I came to meet you."

"Me?" Li Juan asked him again.

"Yes." Zhang Zhi Jun looked at her and examined her top to bottom. 

She was still in sleep wears. She couldn't sleep yesterday, so the first thing she did was rummaging through the books. And she fell asleep with the reading glasses in the balcony.

"Go and freshen up," he ordered in his deep voice

Li Juan was still in a daze and stood there frozen to the floor.

"They are waiting for us, you should hurry." Zhang Zhi Jun patted her shoulder.

Ahh, Li Juan woke up from a daze. She quickly walked towards her closet and took a dress and went to the bathroom.

"I must be dreaming!!!" Li Juan looked at her reflection. "Zhang Zhi Jun! he is here to meet me?" She giggled at her ownself. "Is this a dream or I am hallucinating?"

Li Juan took a quick shower and returned to her room.

To her surprise, Zhang Zhi Jun was sitting in the couch patiently. He sat cross-legged like a mighty emperor.

Zhang Zhi Jun glanced at Li Juan who came after showering. She wore a bottle green princess cut dress. The dress has elegantly accentuated her curves. Even with the wet hair and plain face, she looked pretty.

"Is this real?" Li Juan asked when she found him staring at her. 

"Am I still dreaming?" 

Zhang Zhi Jun stood up and walked towards her. He took her hand and led her to the mirror.

Li Juan looked at the reflections in the mirror.

Zhang Zhi Jun stood beside her with honey dripping eyes.

They met 3 weeks ago, does he remember her? Li Juan asked in her mind.

He took the hairdryer from the table and started to dry Li Juan's long hair.

Li Juan looked at him in amusement.

Even though she was a fan of historical drama, she was quite aware of this particular scene which is a cliché for romantic dramas.

Zhang Zhi Jun noticed her expressions and smiled. "Get ready soon."

"Yes, I will." Li Juan took a step away from him and started to apply a simple makeup. Even if she is dreaming, she must look pretty.

While Li Juan was getting ready Zhang Zhi Jun's gaze rested on her. 

"I am ready." 

"Then let's go." He took her hand and walked out of the room.

"I am dreaming, I am dreaming," Li Juan repeated in her mind.

They walked towards the dining room.

The moment Zhang Zhi Jun appeared in the dining room with Li Juan, the people who were in the room was left speechless.

Two extremely beautiful people appeared hand in hand like a couple. 

"Good morning everyone!" Zhang Zhi Jun greeted them and looked at Li Juan with a smile.

"Good morning." She repeated after him. 

"Princess, did you meet Ah Jun already? Wu Xuan Yi asked in an excited tone.

Li Juan looked at Zhang Zhi Jun in a daze.

"She knew me as Zhang Zhi Jun, nothing else?"

Huh? Bai Qi looked at Li Juan. "Both haven't introduced yet?"

"Do I have to introduce myself even though I am dreaming?" Li Juan muttered under her breath. 

"Ah, my name is Li Juan, nice to meet you, Mr Zhang."

"Bai Jun." He corrected her.

"Bai Jun." She uttered his name in daze. "You are Bai Jun?" Li Juan's eyes were almost popped out of the sockets in shock.

"Bai Yu's brother?"

"Hmm, yes. My name is Bai Jun, but I also go by the name "Zhang Zhi Jun." He declared with a proud face." Nice to meet you, princess,"

Li Juan was confused for a moment. "So Zhang Zhi Jun is not his real name?" 

No one knew that Zhang Zhi Jun's official name, not even his diehard fans. Everyone assumed that Zhang was his first name and he didn't correct anyone till now.

"First brother, you are confusing, princess." Bai Yu told him.

Li Juan couldn't believe, the top A list celebrity of C country, the beloved Nation's husband and her favourite idol is actually related to her?

"He is her cousin?"

Li Juan, girl you are doomed!!!!

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hai everyone, this is Mango!

I hope you are all well, 

I am writing this because I came across a review- an honest one though. It made me realize, how bad I am in writing. As I've already mentioned in the beginning, this is my first time writing a novel, that too in English. I am aware of the fact that I lack a lot as a writer. 

I request you to share your thoughts (positive or negative) on a few points mentioned below so that I can improve.

Few points mentioned in the review.

1. The writing looks too orderly as if it stating some facts, not as a story-so it feels rough while reading

2.The chapters are too lengthy.

3.The characters seem to be too simple and straight forward. Add more emotions and make them complex like a "HUMAN BEING."

Please feel free to share your opinions.

I saw all of the votes, gifts, reviews, comments that you guys have been posting. It literally made my day.

Once again, I want to thank every single one of you for choosing "EMPRESS OF THE LOST KINGDOM" to read.

Thank you all,