Scent of Cherry Blossoms (Ongoing)

Chapter 5 - The Schemes of the 3rd Prince

Hi everyone! So here's the 5th chapter that you've all been waiting for. Enjoy! P.S.: If some contents are unable to load (like things being repeated, missing, or out of place) let me know. I would appreciate it.
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Chapter 5 – The Schemes of the 3rd Prince

The lands within the imperial palace grounds were divided into different sections. Each section served different purposes such as the kitchen area, the harem, the servant residences, the manors of the princes, the imperial court meeting hall, and etcetera.

The manors inside were beautiful and lavishly decorated. However, there was one manor that did not display such extravagance. It did not possess an air of luxury and it was not overly beautiful. However, to say that it was humble and plain would be incorrect. The manor was simple yet elegant in its design and décor. An aura of dominance and order emanated from every corner of the manor. Everything and everyone within its walls were neat and well organized. Rules were strictly followed, and punishments were firmly enforced. Punishments were given according to the level of their crime and to which rule within the manor that they violated.

This manor belonged to the 3rd prince of the Red Star Kingdom.

Inside a private hall of the manor was a man of 24 sitting atop a chaise. In front of him was a low table stacked with scrolls, paper sheets, brush and two types of black ink. His erect figure exuded strength and a sense of a commanding authority. He held an opened scroll in his hands as his eyes took in its contents. His eyebrows slowly furrowed in disappointment as he read towards the end of the report given in the scroll. He set the scroll down to the side and contemplated for a moment, thoughts circulating within his mind. Then his right hand reached for the brush and dabbed it into a bottle of black ink. The bristles of the brush moved swiftly across the smooth surface of the paper sheet, leaving behind elegant strokes of black characters.

Eight words were written: A tree that does not bend must be broken.

The ink quickly dried and then faded away. The paper sheet became blank with no hint of any blemish. The man dipped the brush in his hands into another bottle of black ink, and drew a picture of a lofty tree with bulky roots.

Just as the man completed the drawing, another man entered the hall. This man wore the ordinary clothing of the servants within the manor; however, he was clearly not a servant working there. His appearance was average; it was the sort of look that would get lost within a crowd of people. His attitude and temperament matched that of a regular servant. There was almost nothing that gave him away as anything other than a manor servant. The only thing gave him away was the fact that he had entered the hall without asking prior permission. This hall prohibited the entrance of anyone other than the master of the manor. Only those who obtained permission could enter.

He walked up to the man that was sitting on the chaise and bowed. A sly and proud smile suddenly appeared on his face, contradicting his ordinary facial appearance.

“Greetings Master. I have come to make a report on the Emperor’s decree.”

This man was obviously a trusted follower that worked as a spy for the other man. His name was Zeng Fang.

“How did it go?” asked the man Zeng Fang had called Master.

“Replying to Master, The Emperor did as you have requested. The bride is the one called Xiao Ming of the Xiao house. The decree has been successfully delivered; however,…” Here Zeng Fang smirked as his voice dragged the last word, and then continued, “the recipients of the decree did not seem too thrilled about it, especially the bride-to-be. Minister Xiao is currently seeking an audience with the Emperor in the imperial court to dissolve the decree.”