Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

Announcement

(PRINCE JIN)

The fluttering on my stomach won't settle. That is why I opted to not touch any food but just drink some fruit wine. Guo is the same, I watched him from my seat. Guo sat in the middle table, between me and Han.

I checked on our youngest too. Han ate slowly yet heartily. He still has his nanny and head carer with him. Ready to straighten Prince Han if he spilled anything.

But I trust Han will behave tonight. He is already ten. Han might come across as playful and laid back but he knew how to act in front of the important guests of our father.

I turned my head to look at General Wang on the Military table. Together with the other Generals from different provinces and bases all over the land, General Wang looked at ease while talking to another military officer.

Behind his father, stood Wang Dao. He is just a few phases away from the Princes' guards. Yong and Manchu stood on the side with Guo and Han's guards. Ready to protect us if things became suddenly tense.

It's a tense yet merry night. The guests all took their cue from the Emperor who called his governors one by one to get news about what is happening on his land. The Emperor will tease his guests, jest with them and laugh.

That relaxed most people. But not me and Guo. I think like me, Guo is alert.

I look at the Ministers table and saw the First Minister looking at the Emperor. In a calculated stare that measures my father.

I decided to divert the First Minister's attention. I stood up holding my wine goblet.

The noise on the throne room stopped. I felt all eyes going to me. I glanced at Guo and caught my younger brother's gaze before turning to our father. I hope Guo is good in improvising.

"Your Majesty," my voice almost echoed around the suddenly silent throne room. "Let me and my brothers say a few words before you announce who you have chosen to sit on the Crown Prince throne.

All eyes turned to the empty right seat beside the throne of my father. The Crown Prince throne. On the left of the Emperor sat the Empress.

"Go on, Prince Jin. What do you want to say?" The Emperor signaled for me to continue talking.

I bowed to him, "Thank you for raising me and my brothers, your Majesty. Because of you, we have lived a peaceful and priviledge lives. My brothers and I can only give you our whole loyalty as a payment for everything you have done and given to us. Thank you...Baba..."

This is the first time I am calling my father "Baba" in a formal gathering. In our family, we always observe formal etiquette in front of guests.

"Thank you, your Majesty." I heard Guo talking after me. "For giving us life and blessing us with continued wisdom and wealth. My brothers and I, we owe a great debt to you. Let us repay you with protecting your Kingdom and legacy. Thank you...Baba." Guo followed in my suit.

"Baba," I cannot help but smiling as we gaze at our youngest. "Thank you for giving me a big room, toys and good food." Prince Han bowed to our father. Some of the guests chuckled at Han's cheekiness. "Thank you for giving me siblings. And thank you for being a helpful Emperor that everyone loved. Thank you, Baba. I love you..."

Guo and I look at each other. Envy in our hearts that Han can say those last three words to our father without inhibitions while Guo and I can't utter them to our father.

Han is truly special.

The Emperor gazed down at us. He nodded, "I am a blessed father for having the three of you as my sons. I know all of you will make me proud. Tonight, the three of you will show the world and the whole Middle Kingdom what being my son means. I am truly blessed." The Emperor raised his glass. "To my sons. May they always live in happiness. That is my heart's wish as your father.."