The Breeze of Dusk with the Scent of Musk

Chapter 15: The Merlin School

Zixin Quon, the new emperor of the Chinese Empire, lives with his family in the Crown Kingdom in the Peace Province in the Jasmine City. He enjoys his new life as the emperor and he learns and practices how to manage the affairs of people on a nationwide scale. His past experience in managing his farmers and his subsequent position as the Imperial Minister of Finance has helped him greatly in being a competent leader for the nation. Chinese people conceal their hatred for Zixin and his coup because they were living a decent life under the reign of Emperor Wei Jian. They consider Zixin and his coup a threat to the national unity of the Chinese Empire. Moreover, they detest the brutal actions of Zixin such as killing the emperor, the empress, the Imperial Family and some of the ministers. The Chinese citizens are aware that Yueliang and Taiyang have survived the coup along with Junjie Song and that they are now hiding somewhere. Many people speak about Yueliang Jian as the Crown Prince of the deposed government who might seek revenge for the murder of the Imperial Family. They look at Yueliang as the potential competitor to Zixin but they doubt his ability to retaliate. This is because Zixin has so much power now and he recruits armies of tens of thousands of soldiers across the Chinese Empire.

One night, Zixin stayed up late chatting with the new empress, Xiulan Yongnian. Here is a snapshot of their conversation:

Zixin: Dear Xiulan, are you happy now that the coup succeeded and now I am the emperor and you are the empress?

Xiulan: Of course. I am the happiest woman on earth now. I am now the First Lady of the Chinese Empire. What else should I dream of?

Zixin: Glad to hear that. Do you remember when you opposed the coup and wanted to turn my mind away from proceeding with the coup?

Xiulan: Yes, I remember. At that time I was extremely afraid that the coup might fail and all our power and fortune would evaporate overnight.

Zixin: I know. I told you before that you were considering the worst case scenario and I was considering the best case scenario. Things worked in our favor and now all our dreams have come true.

Xiulan: I like the luxurious life of the Imperial Palace. I have not imagined such pleasure, happiness and comfort are possible.

Zixin: Everyone here is at your disposal and service. Just utter a word and maids will be serving your diligently.

Xiulan: What a great honor! Sometimes I feel that it is like a dream that I am the new empress.

Zixin: It is no longer a dream. You are the real empress now. Enjoy your authorities to the maximum.

Xiulan: Zixin, do you feel that your position as the new emperor is firm and well-established? I mean do you sense any dangers that might thwart our plans?

Zixin: To be honest, I feel secure in my position to a great extent. However, I am afraid of Yueliang, Taiyang and Junjie Song. They might create troubles for us in the future.

Xiulan: Yueliang and Taiyang are still in their youth. I doubt they can be a serious threat for us. Junjie Song has hidden connections with his employees in the Ministry of Intelligence of the deposed government and they might play various tricks against us in the future.

Zixin: Underestimating Yueliang and Taiyang is unwise in my opinion. They have all the motivation to retaliate and avenge their loved ones. I am afraid that one day they will rise like a phoenix from the ashes. I also consider Junjie Song as a great threat to my dominion. He has influence and control over the Ministry of Intelligence and they might devise various plans in the future to hurt our government.

Xiulan: I agree. Do you remember the failed assassination attempt in the Imperial Palace? I conjecture that it was planned by the Ministry of Intelligence.