Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

Lure

(CAPTAIN WANG)

I reluctantly took Hua back to the Palace the next week to formally say goodbye to the Empress and the Princess.

I watch as my daughter was escorted by an attendant of the Empress to the Women's Pavilion in the Palace.

"General Wang," I turned to see the Emperor with his retainers and attendants approaching me.

"Your Majesty," I bowed down to greet him.

The Emperor smiled at me but I can see in his eyes that he is not pleased with me.

Older than me by half a decade, the Emperor is a tall and slim man. His presence imposing together with that colorful red robe and gold medallion around his neck with the crest of the Imperial Family. But more than his apperance, it's the intelligence of the man that is impressive.

Dissimilar from his predecessor, the new Emperor's willingness to embrace changes and foreign trade will bring new businesses and opportunities for China. That is huge change, according to Jiang who will greatly benefit on those foreign trade.

He is wise, this ruler. He knew that times are changing. He has a vision for more modern China. And as a visionary myself, I appreciate that.

What I don't appreciate is his Majesty's stubbornness about wanting an alliance with my family.

"I want Prince Jin to be protected," the Emperor said while we walk together through the empty halls of the Palace.

Prince Jin, the oldest Prince, is the one the Emperor wanted my daughter to marry.

"He can marry other noble girl. A daughter of a Minister perhaps..." I suggested.

"But a daughter of a mere minister won't give my son a proper ally against the Empress and the First Minister. Even those two are afraid of you..."

"I don't want any enemies, your Majesty." I said in brave honesty. "Not the Empress or the First Minister..."

"Or me?" The Emperor stopped walking and turn to me.

"Yes," I nodded. "But I won't mind having enemies if that will mean protecting my children. I don't want Hua to marry the Prince..."

"You don't want...or your lover is against it?" The Emperor stated while looking straight at me.

I was surprised for a bit then I smiled humorlessly. "Shall I question all my servants to know who is your spy in my home, your Majesty?"

"Do it." The Emperor wave his hand before walking again. "I wish you luck finding them..."

Them? More than one spy? Then it clicked on me...ahhh

"I should warn my manager in employing temporary harvesters then..." I said before following the Emperor.

"Manager? Is that what he is? I thought he is the one raising your children, General?"

I control the anger rising inside me. "He is many things, your Majesty." And believe me when I say that you don't want to see Dayu's every facets. More than half of them are scary...

"A former helper in Hanzong Military Base. A SiChuan native. Quite close to former Governor Feng. Even taking his name. Feng Jian Yu...is his name? The name of your manager?" The Emperor glance sideways at me.