ENLIGHTENED

FOUR

            A couple of days after the Spring Festival, Yanan found himself in the Eastern Palace, preoccupied in his study; on his hands laid different books on the matters of the state, the amendment of the laws, warfare tactics, and virtues in politics. He was already concerned about the ministry's attitude towards the throne, power-hungry shenanigans, he thought. And being the Crown Prince, it was something he had to face and somehow resolve as he takes over his father soon.

As he was flipping through the pages of the thick book, the image of a girl dancing in red and gold robes and a bejeweled mask appeared on his mind all of a sudden. The sight of her as she spun around the center, surrounded by dancers waving their long velvety sleeves took over his thoughts; not minding that he had already took his book down. And the memory of her sitting under the lantern-lit cherry blossoms and her lips gave him the reason to smile.

How he wanted to go to that place again and see her, but looking over things, it was not the right time.

"The Emperor arrives!" His attention shifted immediately as he heard the Emperor's eunuch call from the outside, announcing the monarch's arrival.

He stood as he saw the doors open and bowed as the aged royal came in.

"Your highness," he said as he bowed.

"At ease," the Emperor replied as soon as the doors closed.

"Why the sudden visit?" Yanan could not simply hide his curiosity as she took a step forward to go closer to his father.

"Am I not allowed to see my own son?" The older man gave a hearty laugh as he looked at his son's face who looked utterly surprised. "The Imperial doctors told me that I should take some time off to clear some things in my head. They say I am a little too preoccupied with so many things lately."

"It's a well-deserved rest, sire."

"Cut the formality for now," he said with ease. "I want to talk to my son, not to the future Emperor of China."

As they walked around the palace grounds, they talked about matters that didn't give them any time to worry, even the memory of the Empress who has been long gone was still clear to them, as if it was only yesterday that it happened.

"Your mother likes to light the banquet with little lanterns on the table to remind us of how thankful we are to surpass winter," the emperor sad as he took his cup of tea as they sat on the terrace. "Speaking of Spring Festivals, where were you and Yuan? I haven't seen you two after the feast."

"We went out to the town outside the palace and walked around," Yanan replied as he eased himself on the chair. The emperor looked at his son apprehensively, but the former only gave his father a smile and assured him. "I brought guards with me, father. I know you'd worry if I didn't."

"Have you enjoyed your stroll around town? It's a lovely sight, they say." Yanan only nodded. "The palace celebrated the festival like always but the ministers were pestering me beforehand requesting an audience with them. Apparently they brought their daughters, who dressed extravagantly for the occasion." He paused as an idea suddenly came across his mind and looked curiously at his son. "I know shouldn't meddle with these kind of affairs – your mother will really oppose if she knew I'd ask, but I just want to know... has there been someone who caught your eye lately?"

Yanan was surprised as he looked at his father. Why would he ask such question so suddenly? But nevertheless, he was ready to give an answer.