WangXian Forever Book 10

Chapter 64: Intention

Healer Fei is just leaving the Emperor's quarters when Hui Gai and Zago with the bound prisoner turn up, along with Wei Ying, Lan Zhan, and the children. He scowls at all of them.

"What part of resting, don't you understand?" He says with a crotchety frown.

"It'll only take a few minutes, but we might be able to take away his stress," Wei Ying explains quickly.

"If it was up to me, I'd put him in a forced seclusion where none of you could reach him. Keep it short, though," he warns as he stomps off.

"Absolutely!" Wei Ying waves at him cheerfully, under no illusions that it would be up to them. How long they take depends on how long the Emperor takes to understand what they're suggesting and whether or not he agrees, but as a foolproof plan, it's a fantastic idea.

They knock on the door, and General Huang opens it.

"Come in," he offers with a small smile.

"Is his Highness asleep?" Wei Ying whispers.

"No, I am not," the voice comes from the bed.

The Emperor is not even trying to rest, sitting up in bed and going through ledgers. "What is it?" he asks, rubbing his tired eyes.

"We think Li XiWang came up with a great idea that solves your problem about what to do with the First Prince, and it's without killing him." Wei Ying says, bowing to him.

All the rest follow suit.

The Emperor is already shaking his head. "It would not work. No matter where my eldest son is, he will always represent a danger to my youngest one. The only thing keeping Prince Wu alive up until now has been his natural uninterest in anything relating to ruling the kingdom. If even for one moment he suspects his position is in jeopardy, the First Prince will not hesitate to strike."

"That depends, though, doesn't it?" Hui Gai scratches his chin nonchalantly. "What if your delightful offspring was in a place where he couldn't leave? This may sound unbelievable to you," and Hui Gai sounds like he doesn't care about that at all, "but nothing happens in the Nether World without my knowledge. We can keep him there indefinitely. Alive, though, that part is on him."

"Please think about it, Your Highness," Wei Ying urges him. "You can trust Hui Gai. I do, and I know there's nothing he wouldn't do for me. I trust him with my life."

"We do not want to put any undue pressure on your decision," Lan Zhan adds, "but a solution such as this is not offered every day. If you have any doubts, perhaps you can share them with us. Your own evaluation results in your eldest son's death, whichever one you choose. Surely this is better?"

"What is it like in the Nether World?" the Emperor asks, after thinking about it.

"As with any other place, there are different climates and terrains. You can pick one, and we can go along with your design, or you can leave it up to me. However, given his personality, I shall not be making any allowances," Hui Gai tells him. He does not like the First Prince at all. "We have tropical terrains, an ice desert, a hot sands desert, a wet place, and I think that one might be the most miserable one out of the lot of them. The capital is similar to yours, except we don't have many homeless children now. Manu and Chiku take care of that for us."

"Or, if you're worried about him escaping, we could always make him forget about you and Chang'An," Wei Ying pipes up enthusiastically. "We once had to restore the memory of a friend of ours, Master Dashi. It turned out that the plant that could do that also had leaves that could reverse the effect."

"No." The Emperor sounds very sure and adamant about this. "Above all, I do not want him to forget a single thing. I want him to know that whatever happens to him, it is a direct result of his own actions. Nobody else is responsible, only himself. It will be a just punishment for him to understand that he cannot do as he likes and that there are consequences for his actions." The Emperor sighs. "All I ever wanted was to love my family and provide for them. I would have been content to know that the Empire would continue to thrive after I was no longer around. Instead, I have an embarrassment for a child. So, I want him to know what he's missing out on. Do not give him any kindness, Sir." The Emperor bows his head slightly.

His eyes are dry, and his features are full of a grim determination.

"But your Highness, I hope you know you'll have to have a thorough clean out. Remove the rot entirely and start afresh. New soldiers, new cooks, and new servants. And hire a taster. Hui Gai can take the old ones and split them up in the Nether World so they can't conspire against the royalty." Wei Ying rubs at his nose, thinking about it.

"How soon can you do it?" the Emperor asks Hui Gai.

"Now, if you like. Why waste time?" Hui Gai examines his nails as if he doesn't care what the Emperor decides.

"If you did it now, that might put his Highness in a difficult position," Wei Ying jumps in. "He would have to return to Chang'An immediately because a throne cannot remain empty for long. But he's in no condition to work, and if his people see him as less than stellar, then rumours will be sure to catch fire and spread. The Emperor must always show his strength. I bet if we asked really nicely, Healer Fei could make you daily tonics to improve your health faster," Wei Ying winks at him. "They taste great," he lies.

"Unfortunately, you are correct," the Emperor says quietly, weighing his options. "I must be seen as a strong ruler, infallible and just, ready to strike down any opposition. Perhaps we can wait a few days and see how my condition improves. But I do not like not knowing what is going on in Chang'An without my presence there."

"Do you want someone to go and check on it for you?" Wei Ying asks him. "You can probably send Porta Daven and Tang Pei, and that way, they can come back safely. I would offer to go, but neither Lan Zhan nor I know anything about how you rule, so it's pointless for us to go there."

"That is another good idea." The Emperor stares at Wei Ying. "If you ever want to join the Royal Court, the offer is here. I think you would do well, and I could appreciate a pair of honest folk."

Wei Ying shakes his head and laughs. "I'm happy here. I have my family to look after, and that's enough for me. But you should definitely ask Hao Bai. I think she'd make a fabulous Advisor, given that you'll be short by two soon."

"Very well, then. Send for Porta Daven and Hao Bai. Let's start things moving," the Emperor says.