Langhua: The Codependence of a Prince and His General

Exile

The matter hung unspoken over the court session the next morning, a dark cloud that grew gradually and grotesquely heavier. When an official finally broached the topic with a steady but soft voice, there was almost audible sigh of relief throughout the Hall of Governance—followed immediately by a recoiling of tension.

"Summon the Second Prince."

The rain threatening to pour had finally begun. Now it was time to brace for the flood.

Xuanyuan Yao's earlier absence from the hall was both conspicuous and completely expected. What surprised Xuanyuan Lang more was the way the First Prince in front of him jolted at the announcement.

When Xuanyuan Yao walked up to the throne, his steps were stable if weak. There was a sickly, almost greenish, tint to his complexion that the light powder could not hide, and his eyes were bloodshot. Even so, he did not have a single hair out of place and his bow was as impeccable as ever.

"Your son greets you, Father."

"As you were." The Emperor wasted no time commanding Xuanyuan Yao to rise. Most of the officials at the right side of the hall seemed to relax slightly, while some of their counterparts on the right furrowed their brows.

From the very beginning, His Majesty's stance was forgiving.

"We hear you got into some trouble in the capital yesterday," Emperor Zhong said. "It has become quite the uproar. Why, we even have officials reporting you for disgracing the imperial family name. What do you say to that, Second Prince?"

'Some trouble'... The reports were much more strongly-worded than that. The Emperor was not even trying to hide his leniency.

Xuanyuan Yao lowered his head. "I apologize. It was unbecoming of me."

"Oh? So you do not deny the charges?"

"No, Father. Regretfully, it is true that I have brought shame to my station and our family."

Xuanyuan Lang listened to the whispers in the hall. No one was too surprised that Xuanyuan Yao admitted his guilt; there was a large crowd of witnesses, after all, and word of the incident had spread hard and fast. If he tried to deny it, he could well end up digging himself into a deeper hole, leaving him vulnerable to the most serious charge of all: perjury before the Emperor.

No, the extent of his fallout depended on what he said next. And when he said nothing, Emperor Zhong generously offered him a way out.

"In that case, do you mind telling us what you were doing at the brothel in the first place? Do your concubines, perhaps, no longer satisfy you?"

There was a wave of low, uneasy laughter from the Noble Consort's camp. To hear this talk in the heart of the entire kingdom's operations was jarring, but it was not entirely out of character for this Emperor. If Xuanyuan Yao just played along, he might get away with nothing more than slight embarrassment. His reputation among the commonfolk had already taken a dive after yesterday, and this might make him a laughing stock for a few months—but that would be the extent of it.

A month of house arrest, maybe, and all would be forgotten once he next emerged from his palace.

However, Xuanyuan Lang noticed that the First Prince had stiffened at the Emperor's question.

Yes, there was another path Xuanyuan Yao could take. He could tell the truth, and drag those who tried to frame him into the mud with him. That would surely spark a further commotion and lengthier investigations, but he could come out of this mess with an edge in the succession race.

"Forgive me, Father."

...Of course he would not do it. Xuanyuan Lang closed his eyes and settled back on his heels. He had known that this would be Xuanyuan Yao's answer after their brief conversation last night, but he still had his hopes up for a moment. Now, the Second Prince's fate was set.

As though mirroring his disappointment, the Emperor sighed from atop the throne.

"Very well, very well. You were foolish, my son, so let this be a lesson to you. As your punishment, we decree that—"

"Father. For my punishment, please banish me to the northern lands."

The Hall of Governance erupted.

The northern lands were cold and barren, losing out only to the western border in inhospitality. While there were no enemies constantly threatening the north, there did not have to be, what with the constant snowstorms and harsh winds. Barely any crops grew there, resulting in backward villages and a steady stream of refugees coming down south.

Emperor Zhong straightened up this time, his expression turning serious.

"Do you know what you're asking for, Second Prince?"

"Yes, Father." Xuanyuan Yao bowed lower. No one in the hall could see his expression right now, but his back looked firm... if lonely. "After my disgraceful actions yesterday, I cannot show my face around the palace and the capital any longer. Please spare me my dignity and allow me to leave."

Where was the dignity in running away like a coward? After this, Xuanyuan Yao's reputation would hit unprecedented depths. It was far more damning an admission of guilt than anyone had expected.

At the same time... Most of the officials could already sense something amiss. The punishment vastly outweighed the crime. Furthermore, the Second Prince was known for being vain and prideful, so at first glance, his reasoning made sense. When they thought about it, however, they would again see the many blatant holes in his excuse.

It was perplexing.

"Please reconsider, Your Highness!" cried an official from Xuanyuan Yao's side of the court. He started a chorus of protests, riding louder and louder until the Emperor slammed his hand against the armrest of his throne.

"Silence!"

The Emperor's authority was final. Everyone fell quiet as though choked.

And throughout it all, Great General Ma, Xuanyuan Yao's maternal grandfather, did not say a thing.

Xuanyuan Lang clenched his hands into fists by his side. Everything was happening so quickly.

Apparently, the Emperor thought so too. "This is quite sudden, Second Prince. We will consider your request. Until then, you are under house arrest and—"

"You should strike while the iron is hot, Father." Xuanyuan Yao interrupted the Emperor, his head still bowed. That crime alone could cost a lower official their rank, if not their life. Xuanyuan Yao seemed determined to secure his own exile.

The silence stretched on. While the power dynamics of the imperial court shifted around him, the man who at the heart of this chaos stood motionless in the middle of the hall, his back bent low.

Finally, the Emperor spoke.

"Very well. As of this day forward, the Second Price Xuanyuan Yao will be given the title of Northern Prince of Gentility and granted control of the northern state of Ling. You are hereby ordered to leave the imperial palace with your family and must move to the city of Pingyang before the end of next week."

"Thank you, Father. May you live long and prosper."

He received a title and land, but it was a banishment in all but name. While imperial princes could be allowed to leave the palace upon coming of age to rule their own territories away from the capital city, doing so drastically reduced their contact with the Emperor and weakened their position in the succession war. After his exile to the distant northern lands, Xuanyuan Yao was as good as out of the running for the position of Crown Prince.

"You may leave." The Emperor's voice sounded a touch wearier.

The entire time Xuanyuan Yao took to thank his father, straighten up, turn around, and walk all the way down the hall once more, he never once glanced at anyone else. His eyes were fixed firmly on the path ahead of him, the one he had chosen.

On the opposite side of the hall, Great General Ma was trembling.

In front of Xuanyuan Lang, the First Prince had gone completely still.

While Xuanyuan Lang pondered the various reactions to this newest upset throughout the hall, the Emperor spoke again, his voice reaching the youngest prince's ears.

"Seventh Prince, Xuanyuan Lang. Step forth."