A Reality better than the Dream

12.-Emperor and King Meng

Her maid packed her luggage and Sheng didn't try to prevent her, because he knew her character well. Anyway, he was sure now that the emperor was interested in her and he had began to approach her decisively. Her departure would not hinder his effort. But that Kandik had bothered her too much. Sheng was wondering if there was any hidden motive behind his action. Iris was looking outside at the endless wheat-fields and breathed deeply. Oh, it was a nice and calming scene, the shades of green and the blue sky could make her feel happy! It was a pity that she could not meet Meng and his family to discuss friendly like some years before, when they had not such public burdens to carry.

Oren was in the Central Hall of Meng's palace, when he saw suddenly Iris entering and heading to Meng, casually dressed for journey. She approached Meng formally and told him that she was leaving, she could not stay longer, because she had matters to deal with in her kingdom. Meng could not resist in front of the others, but he obviously wanted to keep her there longer. However, Iris was determined. The Emperor could not know if she wanted to leave because of Kandik or him himself. She bowed to the Emperor and then to Meng and departed. Her stare to the Emperor didn't express any problem against him. He was sure. Then, it was undoubtedly Kandik.

The Emperor decided to remain one more day in order to learn about her anything useful from her friend, the new king. Also, since he had visited king Meng, he would discuss with him about the urgent political matters. In the afternoon the emperor and the new king are discussing privately about the common matters. Meng was a very simple and heartful man. The emperor was a fascinating and impressive man who was expressing the quality of a leader, with wisdom and power, while Meng was a simple, heartful and open mannered man, who had the qualities like interesting in the common matters hidden. But he respected the emperor for his justice, power and strong will to benefit the world.

Meng: Ooh, I am tired. I dislike all this etiquette.

Oren (smiling): I suppose that that's why Queen Iris likes you so much.

Meng laughed and made a characteristic gesture in the air.

Meng: Iris will erase me from her friends, if I become a bad and arrogant king. We are, perhaps, the only kings who hate all this magnificent and typical manners. But... I don't know... today in the garden I didn't expect to see prince Kandik discussing with her, I had thought that the matter of his marriage-proposal had come to an end. Did he repeat it? I am sure, that's why she left so quickly. Ooh... but I wanted her to stay longer... it's a pity! When I saw him discussing with her, I felt alert but I thought that she would stay here one more day and that today evening we could discuss... about this matter. These festivities spend much time and they are not very useful... How can I warn her now?

Oren: However, doesn't she want to get married? Prince Kandik is the richest as far as I know, one of the best candidates.

Meng (protesting): B-e-e-s-t?!! Ha! Iris is not at all interested in wealth or power. She is not like her father. But... I am not at all sure if she wants to marry ever... she is afraid of the marriage and of the men. She believes that they are arrogant and indifferent, without deep feelings... Of course except me, her grandfather, her General Sheng and some very close friends!

Meng burst into laughter. After this, he shook his head saying seriously:

Meng: For her heart only a gentle and wise man would be suitable, but for her mind and strong character this would not be enough. Mmm... finally, one of my best friends is a difficult woman!

Oren smiled with king's light manners. Meng continued for a little more describing his relationship with Iris, with many details which could draw an image of hers. Then they discussed about political matters till late in the evening.