My Sin

Who Are You?

The next day it was announced that the emperor was sick, and would not attent morning court. The decree shocked many, as the emperor was healthy yesterday, and showed no signs of being sick. This sudden new of illness of course caused a wave of speculations? Was the emperor poisoned? Was he drowned sadness for his fallen concubine? What prompted this sudden illness?

"So he is sick?" The Empress asked with an air of indifference, his voice cool and measured. His face remained impassive, his brows barely twitching, giving him an almost statuesque appearance. Delicately, he dipped his slender fingers into the rinsing bowl, the water hardly rippling under his touch. His hands, graceful and refined, moved with precise elegance as he withdrew them from the bowl.

After a moment, he extended his hands, silently indicating for them to be dried. A servant approached swiftly, handling his delicate fingers with utmost care, gently patting them dry with a soft cloth. Throughout the process, the Empress maintained his composed demeanor, betraying no emotion as he awaited the next course of action regarding the sick emperror.

Li Dani was stunned before quickly confirming. He was stunned by the empress's apathy, was the empress fully over the emperor?

Hearing Li Dani's confirmation, the Empress turned and faced his children seated at the table. His expression softened, a stark contrast to the cold and deadpan voice he had used earlier.

"Your father is sick, and you will all go visit," he said gently, his voice carrying a touch of warmth, Despite the gentleness in his tone, there was an unmistakable sense of finality, a command that brooked no argument.

"Mother," Though the other two did not raise any complaints how could Hu Feng not? 

"Feng'er, you are the crown prince, and as much as I love to indulge your usual willful wishes, you need to understand and fulfill your responsibilities," the Empress said sternly, surprising everyone around, including Feng'er. Since the Empress's drastic change, he had never been so stern with the crown prince.

"The Emperor, your father, lies bedridden. Yet, as the crown prince, you refuse to visit him," the Empress stated, each word deliberate and commanding. "Do you wish to be remembered as a crown prince who neglects his duty and shows disrespect to his father?" His words hung heavily, emphasizing the weight of tradition and familial obligation in their royal lineage.

Feng'er, taken aback by the sudden severity of his mother's tone, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His usually confident demeanor faltered as he felt the weight of her words. His eyes, usually bright and spirited, now glistened with unshed tears. He bit his lip firmly, his jaw clenched, fighting back the swell of emotion threatening to escape.

The Empress, observing Feng'er's struggle, softened slightly. Despite the sternness of his words, there was a hint of empathy and gentleness  in his gaze.

Sighing, the Empress spoke, his voice gentler now, though still carrying the weight of his earlier sternness. "Darling, I am not telling you to treat him like a father. You can treat him as your monarch if you wish." He reached out, his delicate fingers brushing against Feng'er's hair.

"You might not see it as fair, and that's okay," he continued, his tone softening further as he stroked the crown prince's head. "You're entitled to feel frustration, or any emotions. That is valid." His touch was tender, contrasting with the firm words that followed. "What's not valid is your behavior. Just because you're frustrated doesn't mean you can shirk the responsibilities of the crown prince and an imperial son."

Feng'er, biting his lip to hold back a cry, felt a mix of shame and relief. His mother's words and actions were a reminder of the balance he needed to strike between his personal feelings and his royal responsibilities.

"You're right mother, I am sorry for throwing a tantrum," Feng'er  apologized, seemingly valm now.

"You're seven Feng'er, the least I expect you is a tantrum," The empress said jokingly causing Feng'er to blush. 

"Mother!" Feng'er called out accusingly causing the empress to chuckle.

"Okay, Okay eat so we can visit your father," The empress ushered.

After breakfast the empress made way to Huáng Jí Diàn* to see the sick emperor.Huáng Jí Diàn was placed in the center of the royal residence, so the travel time ranged from thirty minutes to forty five minutes, so by the time they got there Tao'er was already sleeping,  

When they arrived at the palace the concubines were all waiting outside.

"Your humble servants respectfully greet Her Majesty, the Empress, and wish Her Majesty boundless blessings and eternal peace." The concubines greeted with a bow.

"You may rise," the Empress said lightly, his voice like a gentle breeze, before turning and walking gracefully into the palace. His expression was serene, yet his eyes held a distant, almost icy detachment.

"Your Majesty," Hereditary Consort Xuilan called out, causing the Empress to pause mid-step. Xuilan's voice was polite, yet there was a barely concealed edge to it, a hint of something unsaid.

The Empress turned slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly as they settled on Xuilan. "What?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and impatience.

"This concubine does not dare to stop Your Majesty,"  Hereditary Consort Xuilan replied, bowing deeply. "But His Majesty, the Emperor, has expressed his unwillingness to see anybody. That is why all of us sisters are waiting outside." Though her words were respectful, there was an unmistakable glint of gloating in her eyes.

The Empress paused, his lips curling into a smile before he burst into laughter. The sound was rich and melodious, but it held a note of derision. He laughed as if Hereditary Consort Xuilan had just told the most ridiculous joke. After a few moments, he regained his composure, his laughter dying down to a low chuckle. He stepped closer to Hereditary Consort Xuilan, his eyes now sharp and focused.

"Who are you?" the Empress asked, his voice dripping with condescension.

"I-I am Hereditary Consort Xuilan, Your Majesty," Hereditary Consort Xuilan stammered, confusion clouding her features. How could the Empress not know her? She greeted him all the time.

"Sorry, I phrased that wrong. What are you?" the Empress asked, his voice now laced with danger. The atmosphere around them grew tense, and those nearby could feel the Empress's imposing presence. Hereditary Consort Xuilan's eyes widened as realization dawned, and a look of humiliation crossed her face.

"I am a concubine, Your Majesty," Hereditary Consort Xuilan answered, her voice barely a whisper. Her hand, hidden within her sleeve, gripped her palm so tightly that it drew blood.

"Now, who am I?" the Empress asked, his tone softening, a smile playing on his lips.

"You are the Empress, the Mother of the Nation," Hereditary Consort Xuilan replied, her voice trembling.

"It seems that even with your limited intelligence, you are still able to distinguish our ranks. So why did you ever think that our treatment would be the same?" the Empress asked, feigning confusion. The question stung Hereditary Consort Xuilan deeply, and her eyes reddened with unshed tears.

"This concubine apologizes for offending the Empress," Hereditary Consort Xuilan said, kneeling, her voice choked with shame.

"It seems your brain has not completely rotted yet," the Empress sneered before turning away, his expression one of disdain.

"Announce my arrival to the Emperor," the Empress commanded the head eunuch.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the eunuch responded, bowing before hurrying into the palace. He couldn't help but cast a sneer in Xuilan's direction. When had it ever been a concubine's place to dictate such matters?

Hi Luvelies sorry for the late update, totally forgot I was suppose to update this today (technically yesterday since it's midnight), but enjoy!

Question of the day

What are your unpopular opinions? (Regarding anything!)