宮殿 Gōngdiàn×The Palace

CHAPTER 8

Seated upon the royal throne, I found myself accompanied by the esteemed Empress Dowager, attentively listening to the tax eunuch as he presented his detailed accounts. Adorned in my customary garments, a regal tonic, I opted to wear a delicately beaded veil, gracefully concealing my countenance in accordance with the court's protocol.

"The year has bestowed its blessings upon us, Huang Shang," the eunuch continued, his voice resonating with a sense of accomplishment. "The farmers have been favored with an abundant harvest, leading to a fruitful tax collection."

Engrossed in the eunuch's report, I remained seated, my senses heightened as a servant girl gracefully approached, kneeling before me with a tray adorned with fragrant tea. Acknowledging her presence, I raised my hand in a gentle gesture, inviting her closer. With utmost humility, she maintained her head bowed as she carefully placed the tea upon the table beside me. Afterward, she gracefully moved towards Empress Dowager, kneeling before her, awaiting permission to approach.

"That will be all, Eunuch Mai Hai," I commanded firmly, interrupting his recitation of the seemingly endless list. He immediately ceased, bowing his head in respect. "You are dismissed," I informed him, allowing him to leave the hall.

"Shi, Huang Shang," Eunuch Mai Hai responded, his hands clasped together in a reverent gesture, head still bowed. Slowly, he backed out of the hall, the grand doors swinging open to accommodate his exit before closing behind him.

Shifting my attention to the man kneeling before me, I acknowledged his presence with a single word.

"General."

"Greetings, Huang Shang," the general responded, his head still bowed in deference. "The situation with the Mongrels is being closely monitored. We have established our camp in the western territory and dispatched scouts and spies to gather intelligence on their movements, your majesty."

Curiosity piqued, I inquired further, "And what have you learned thus far?"

The general raised his head slightly, meeting my gaze. "I am currently in the process of developing a strategy to effectively attack, your majesty. The information gathered by our scouts and spies will be crucial in determining the best course of action."

I pondered on the Mongolians, observing how they pillaged the villages along the western regions and arrogantly proclaimed themselves as rulers. They were gradually evolving into a significant predicament, much like a group of unruly mongrels.

"Ensure that you swiftly and prominently resolve this issue, General. I am not yet inclined to engage in a conflict with the southern forces," I expressed with determination.

"However, should you uncover evidence of their collaboration with the Mongolians in their relentless assaults on my domain, I will not hesitate to wage war against them. I shall obliterate any obstacle that lies in my path." I conveyed this message sternly to the General. "Do you comprehend the gravity of my words, General?"

The general bowed once again, acknowledging my command. "Yes, your majesty. I will ensure that our forces are fully prepared to face the enemy."

"I perceive that there is a new addition to your household," I remarked to him.

"Yes, Your Majesty. It is true. I have taken in my son, Cai Lung Er. His mother is not suitable to raise my potential heir, Your Majesty," he responded.

"Should he choose to serve in my army, I am certain our paths will cross in the future. You are dismissed," I gestured with a wave of my hand, signaling him to leave. With his head respectfully bowed, he rose and backed out of the room. As soon as he departed, I rose from the throne, feeling the weariness in my body from sitting in that chair all day.