Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

Falling

(PRINCE JIN)

"Take our gifts to Master Jiang in their estate this afternoon."

Such a strange order from his Majesty, the Emperor, but I had no choice but to follow like a dutiful son.

The Jiang family gave a great service to the Emperor when Master Jiang successfully negotiated a business treaty to the nearby Persian territories to open trade route from China to Europe. This will mean that products from our Empire can now enter Europe and vice versa without the hassle of bribing government officials from the Persian country.

Master Jiang proved to be a great negotiator and a diplomatic speaker for the Emperor that is why my father readied gifts for him and his household.

And I am tasked to deliver those gifts.

I was welcomed by the estate manager and their housekeeper.

"Master Mei is currently busy with another visitor but he will come to greet you in a short while, your Highness. Please don't be too disappointed." The housekeeper explained.

"That is quite fine," I smiled to her and to the estate manager to reassure them. "That visitor came in first and it's only logical that your master entertained him first. If you can point me to a quiet place where I can wait for Master Mei, that will be greatly appreciated..."

The estate manager smiled, "You can wait in the inner garden. Master Mei will see you there after he is done with his other visitor," he gestured for me to follow him.

We entered the beautiful home of the Jiangs. It's spacious and airy with tall ceiling and wide windows. The estate manager went through a double door and as I followed him, I saw an inner garden with trees, a pond, benches and flowery shrubs.

"Please wait here for a moment, your Highness and we will inform Master Mei that you have arrived." The estate manager bowed. "The housekeeper will prepare refreshments, do you have any preference? What does his Highness like to drink?"

"Some cold water will do," the weather is getting hotter as summer arrives. The air is still cool in the night and early morning but the heat is starting to get brutal at noon time. This afternoon, the air is blowing but it's humid. But it's still bearable.

The servants of the Jiangs left me and I look around the garden. It's not as big as the inner garden in the Palace but it's impressive none the less. The Jiangs is a wealthy family. Merchants and traders, they control at least one eighth of the total product flow in the country. In every province, you can see a warehouse and storage owned by the Jiang family.

And it's common knowledge that they are close to the Wangs. General Wang and Master Jiang both served as military men in Hanzong province. They forged a tight friendship there together with another military man. Master Jiang and General Wang are rumored to be loyal to each other.

Two powerful men in different fields. One in the military. One in trade and business. How good it will be if I will have them as my ally? But alas, it looks like that alliance is not meant for me.

I close my eyes and sighed heavenward.  I don't know what I will do now. How do you exactly fight an Empress and a First Minister with limited power on your side? I don't know.

I think I am doomed.

"Excuse me..." I open my eyes and look down to see a girl in bright red robes pulling my cloth to get my attention. "Have you seen my Jiejie?" She asked while looking and blinking up at me.

I smiled. She looks adorable with her chubby cheeks and rosebud mouth. I wonder who she is.

I crouch down to level my face to her, "Why? Where is your Jiejie?"