The Empress's Twin

Chapter 3: Suprise

"Your Majesty, what do we do, all the maids have been killed?" Mei Mei spoke in a worried tone.

"It was all part of the plan... Did you pay the carriage rider?" Linhua inquired.

"Yes."

"Then we must leave now before the official arrives. This is going to reach the emperor's ears." Linhua said in a rushed tone as she held the children's hand to leave.

"But aren't we going to look suspicious, leaving right after the murder massacre took place." Mei Mei questioned.

"Don't worry, it's fine. Let's move before people come back."

Linhua and her two children boarded the carriage while Mei Mei rode outside with the new carriage rider.

"Where to?" He asked.

"The forbidden city." Mei Mei said curtly.

The man gave the maid a good look before setting off.

...

"Has the job been done? Has she been taken care of?" A woman sat with leisure, jewelry drooling all over her.

"Yes, it has been done, your highness." The masked man said.

"Good," she gave a sly smile before she said, "Kill him." She pointed at the masked man.

"No, no. We completed..." With a sharp move, the man was silenced forever.

"Dispose of his body and make sure it doesn't trace back to me." The expensive woman said.

"Imperial Noble Consort Shu, now you don't have to worry." Her closest maid, Diwei, said.

"I am so close to becoming empress, I won't let Linhua spoil my plans... again."

...

Linhua and Mei Mei entered the gate of the Forbidden City.

"Mei Mei, as we enter the Forbidden City, trust no one. There are snakes, and there are wolves in a sheep's clothing." Linhua said.

She looked towards her kids and said, "Xuan and Jia, address everyone you see there with honorifics. If you make the slightest mistake, they can have you punished."

"Muhao, we know." Xuan said with excited and seriousness.

"Xuan, when you get to the Imperial Palace, be humble and respectful but tactical. It will take you far." Linhia said, looking at her son.

"Okay, Muhao."

"What about me, Muhao." Jia said with excitement.

"Xia, your goal is to win your father's favor as his daughter. That will help you a lot. Then you don't have to marry out of the country." Linhua said.

Li Jia's eyes went wide.

"Don't worry, that is years ahead." Linhua assured as she patted Li Jia's head.

Linhua's carriage entered the gates of the Imperial Palace, and she said, "It's finally here."

Linhua got off the carriage with the help of Mei Mei and took her children's arms with courage.

Troubled times have come.

An eunuch appeared before Linhua and said, "Your Highness, please follow me."

Linhua moted that he called her 'Your Highness' and not 'Your Majesty'.

It seems that something big is about to take place. In that case, enjoy my gift.

As Linhua walked, she noted that the eunuch led her to the Hall of Preserving Harmony instead of The Court Of Supreme Harmony.

___

"Please wait here, your highness, as I announce you." The eunuch said.

The eunuch went inside and announced Linhua, "Her Highness, Zhào Linhua, and her two companions." Not forgetting to include the two children he saw at her side.

Linhua walked in with her head held high and her back straight.

"This lowly woman greets His Majesty, the emperor, Her majesty, the Empress, and guests." Linhua said while kow-towing.

Many people snickered, a once powerful empress, now bowing to mere concubines and lowly officials.

But a certain woman froze in her seat and shivered with fear.

"Stand up. How have you been these past years? Have you taught yourself well?" The emperor asked with power and inquisition.

A hidden question asked: Have you repented from your crimes?

"Yes, your majesty, these nine years I have learned of the duties and characteristics that a wife should have."

The concubines laughed before the former empress had all the power, even going head to head with the emperor, but now...

"It has been 9 years, let bygones be bygones, you are promoted to the position of Noble Consort Zhào and will be given your dowry back. You will remain in the Imperial Palace as a woman of the emperor." The emperor said with cold eyes.

"Your Majesty!" The empress said shouted with displeasure and anger.

"It is final." The emperor stated.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, The Emperor." Linhua said with grace.

The Empress, taking displeasure in the situation, said,"As his Majesty has forgiven and reinstated your position. What gift shall you give?" The Empress said, smiling wickedly while rubbing her stomach.

Linhua smiled, seeing that the Empress got wary and interrupted. "How about you give that female child beside you to Imperial Noble Consort Shu as a maid."

"Really." Linhua acted shocked. "But how can an Emperor's child serve a mere concubine." Linhua said, acting shyly.

The crowd gasped.

The emperor's eye widened as he said,"I have a daughter?"

"Not only that too, but a son as well." Linhua said as she pushed Xuan in front of her.