Ever since she was a child, she knew she was different and it is not because of any normal circumstances at all.
Sirilak was hidden for the first seven years of her life to avoid being murdered by her father's jealous concubine. Fueled by greediness and desire for power, her Father’s favorite concubine murdered as many of the emperor’s babies as she could find and often killed their mothers as well that her mother was forced to trust her baby to a eunuch to keep her safe for years.
Her Father was no better man. Driven by sexual desires and influence by self serving companions, the late Emperor was led astray and as a result, the government affairs ended up mostly in the hands of his favorite concubine who abused the power thoroughly, granting acres of land to her family and promoting her relatives to position unimaginable even for a normal person. Sirilak’s Father couldn’t care less about the nepotism and corruption but after realizing that he’s still left without an heir, the late Emperor was so distraught despite his debauched lifestyle.
The Emperor, who was still childless during that time was relief when one of his imperial eunuch informed him about the existence of Sirilak, then seven years of age and despite the gender of the child, made her the heir apparent that even the vicious concubine couldn’t do nothing but watch as Sirilak, the child she managed to kill grow in power.
But Sirilak was different not because of that.
Throughout history, the Imperial family was widely known to have multiple wives and hundreds of sexual mistresses at their behest, History even states that the Emperor had access to upwards of ten thousand consorts in and within the palace. But not her, which was already unusual given her stature and power even as the heir apparent.
“Your Majesty, you still need to select a wife to assure the peace all throughout the realm.” Ying, one of her advisors stated, she was currently on kowtow, an act of supplication made by anyone inferior to her by kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground in worship and submission. “The Imperial court already honored your decision to have whatever you want but it’s been a year and we are still empty handed.”
Those old geezers! Sirilak sighed and massaged her temple. The meeting for the application of new tariffs and deduction of taxes on important commodities which is an imperative topic just wrapped up and Sirilak, who ascended the Dragon Throne for 3 years now just wanted to rest.
The Northern borders were having a problem with the Manchurians and the Southern provinces were having a drought so addressing them simultaneously while making sure that people wont get burdened by the taxes and them having enough supply for the upcoming winter is her priority, not finding a wife.
“Isn’t making my baby brother as the heir apparent not yet enough for those fools to calm themselves?” Sirilak said through gritted teeth, trying her best to compose herself as she felt the fury rising within her again. If she wants, she could have just beheaded those pariahs who love to act high and mighty in the royal court but she doesn’t want to be the exact reflection of her Father who drove the whole empire to destitution just because of his vices. She badly needed to calm her temper.
Ying, who was forced to talk to the emperor about the situation at hand could feel the poison dripping from the Empress’s words but despite it, she smiled to herself. Being the daughter of an Imperial Chief, she came to know the then Seven years old Sirilak and became her friend despite the social status. The Empress is usually calm and reserved while in front of everyone, facing each complaint with equanimity and composure so seeing her old friend expressing her anger means that the Empress is comfortable in the mere presence of her closest advisor.
