He stood in the rain, the hem of his bright golden robe growing wet in the puddles that pooled around his feet. His attendant held a silk umbrella lined with wax above his head, just wide enough to cover his esteemed crown but not enough to shield the young eunuch.
Behind him, the imperial guards stood at attention, seemingly oblivious to the weather.
It was irresponsible of him to make them wait with him. It would be even more irresponsible of him to order them to leave him.
"Your Majesty," said Xiao Zhu'zi softly. "Perhaps we should wait indoors...?"
The young emperor bit his lip and shook his head. He knew that his reputation could be at risk here. He knew that he had to keep up the image they had carefully crafted in the shadows of candlelight, that of a youthful but sincere and capable leader. One who cared for his people and his soldiers, one who kept a level head in times of crisis, one who had both potential and ambition for more.
But that was when they were together.
When he was alone...
The curtain of rain veiled his expression from the guards on either side. Only Xiao Zhu'zi could see the slightest trembling of his shoulders, not from the cold.
They had been waiting like this for four hours.
Finally...
"I see it! It's General Hua's flag!"
The emperor took a step forward, leaving the shelter of the umbrella.
YOU ARE READING
Langhua: The Codependence of a Prince and His General
RomanceAs the Seventh Prince, Xuanyuan Lang survived growing up in the imperial harem by keeping his head low. But when he meets Hua Yuheng, the free-spirited son of a border general, both their lives are thrown wildly off-course. In time, Xuanyuan Lang mu...
