WangXian Forever Book 10

Chapter 29: Facts

Hao Bai takes the silver tray from the one bringing it to her and offers it to Wei Ying.

"It's only fair, Haizi. We signed off with your name, so you should be the one to open it."

Wei Ying takes the tray and places it on the table in front of him. The scroll itself is a thing of beauty. Two span lengths of bamboo with golden hilts on both ends which are highly decorated with gemstones house a piece of red silk roughly two feet in length. They're tied with a saffron yellow silk ribbon of the Emperor, a colour reserved for royalty alone.

Wei Ying unties the ribbon holding the scrolls together, and then with Lan Zhan's help, together they unwind the missive. A piece of parchment has been sewn on the inside, upon which the Emperor has sent a message. It is doubtful whether the Emperor has written these characters himself; Wei Ying thinks he must have a secretary or a notary to do that for him. But the now familiar stamp on the bottom definitely belongs to the Emperor.

"Dear Esteemed guests,

It is my pleasure to welcome such celebrated cultivators to our humble city. As you know, affairs of the state are vast and complicated, however if you seek an audience with our Gracious Emperor, it can be arranged. The only time available will be in the morning after you receive this message. There can be no guarantee of exact times as matters can run longer than expected, but we trust this will not deter your presence in His Majesty's court.

We look forward to meeting you soon,

Emperor Han."

Wei Ying lets go of the scroll so that Lan Zhan can roll it up carefully, tying it back the way it was.

"There are a few things you must know before venturing inside the Royal Palace," Hao Bai says quietly, after taking a moment to process the message.

"Okay, tell us," Wei Ying says cautiously. "We've never done anything like this before, so any help is appreciated. We don't want to accidentally piss anyone off." A jittery giggle escapes from his lips before Wei Ying can stop it.

Lan Zhan squeezes their joined hands, offering comfort.

"In the Royal Court, it is forbidden to talk unless the Emperor addresses you, in which case, speak up. He is not a patient man, and detests fools. It's not just etiquette, you will be taken away and beaten if you cause the Emperor any ire." Hao Bai tells them earnestly.

"Wow, so just like home, huh, Lan Zhan?" Wei Ying murmurs under his breath. There's an uncertain smile on his face.

Lan Zhan doesn't bother saying anything, but he takes Wei Ying's hand and brings it into his lap, covering it with his free hand. His thumb gently caresses the ridges of his knuckles, a connecting touch when he would rather be hugging his husband.

The rules of his homestead and how they have affected not only his life, but Wei Ying's as well, has always left a bitter taste in his mouth. Talks of harsh punishment just strengthen his own resolve in wanting to prove that violence isn't the way, and that not all rules are good. There might be just cause for having the silence-in-court rule - an image of multiple Sect Leader Yaos fills his mind and he shudders - but if anyone had something important to say, then what was the protocol?

He asks his question.

"In recent weeks, family friends have told us that all questions or matters of interest to His Highness must be previously discussed with the Emperor's Imperial Advisors. He has three, but his most trusted is a eunuch by the name of Tang Pei. It would be ideal if you could meet with him at some point. The other two, Ciao Huji and Xue Nanping have lesser roles but are nonetheless as important as the Imperial Crown Prince."