In the Court of the Crimson King

Chapter II: 难得糊涂 (Where ignorance is bliss, it's folly to be wise)

Please read the author's note for the explanation about the system, place, etc. Happy reading and happy learning about history.

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroko no Basket and Empresses in the Palace/Legend of Zhen Huan. I don't make money from writing this fanfiction. The story contains spoiler for both Kuroko no Basket and Empresses in the Palace/Legend of Zhen Huan and other palace dramas. Also, there are quotes from manga, anime, wiki and other sources. This fic isn't betaed yet. You've been warned.

In the Court of the Crimson King

Chapter II: 难得糊涂 (Where ignorance is bliss, it's folly to be wise)

The day for Furihata Kouka to leave her home had arrived. She wanted to cry, but she tried to hold back her tears. Being chosen as Imperial Concubine was a great honour that she was expected to smile. Her family was also expected to feel proud.

"Father, mother, little brother ..." she looked at her family.

Her father smiled while her mother was in tears. His little brother still acted as usual. He was too young to understand about the situation.

"Kouka, before you forget, please take this," her mother held out a wooden box.

Kouka looked at this wooden box with surprise. "Mother...this is grandfather's go board."

"Yes," Ayumi said, "you love to play go, don't you? Bring this with you."

Kouka understand what her mother was trying to convey. Once she was inside the palace, she would never see her parents and her brother anymore. If she didn't take the go board with her, she would never have the opportunity again in the future. She hugged the wooden box tightly. "Thank you, Mother," she rasped out.

Ayumi nodded, unable to say any more.

Kouka turned to her brother. "Please take care of Father and Mother in my stead."

The child nodded vigorously. "I will do my best, Sister."

"Thank you." She said and ruffled his hair fondly for the last time.

"We must leave now," Aunt Fuu reminded her.

Kouka nodded.

"Second Class Female Attendant Kouka is ready to leave," the male attendant shouted.

Her whole family and the servants knelt down to pay respect to her as she now was an Imperial Concubine. With her appointment, she was now a noblewoman while her own family members were not, and thus they had to pay their respects to her instead because they're considered as her subjects now.

"You may rise," she said.

It was then her family got up from their kneeling position.

"Come," said Aunt Fuu.

Kouka entered the carriage that would take him to the Crimson Forbidden City. Aunt Fuu climbed to another carriage.

"Go!"

The carriage started to move. Kouka couldn't resist anymore. She poked her head out of the train to see her family until finally they weren't visible anymore.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

They arrived at Crimson Forbidden City two days later.

"We have arrived," Aunt Fuu said.

The carriage passed through the Gate of Divine Pride which was the north entrance of the Crimson Forbidden City. They were brought to the side door as concubines were only allowed to enter from the side door. Only the Empress, as the principal wife, could use the main gate.