The First Emperor

Chapter Three: Road Trip

        "So," Lü muttered in Yiren's ear as they packed up their saddlebags, "how was last night? Should we be expecting an heir sometime soon?"

        Yiren blushed and pushed a lock of his dark hair behind his ear. "I didn't - we didn't -"

        Lü snickered. "What are you going to name the child?"

        "Look, I think I'm in love with her, Lü. She's not just some dancing girl. She's a human being and she means a lot to me, and I don't want to ruin anything. What if I embarrass myself?"

        "I'm a human being?" Lady Zhao shouted from where she was preparing her bags. She led her horse up to Lü and Yiren and kissed Yiren on the cheek. "That was quite a speech."

        Yiren's cheeks flamed. He hadn't expected Lady Zhao to overhear him. "I - I didn't - We should get moving."

        As he struggled to get onto his horse, Yiren saw Lady Zhao and Lü share an amused look, and he scowled. Lü and Lady Zhao were treating him like a little kid, and Lady Zhao couldn't be much older than 19. They had better start respecting him, because Yiren was going to be their king soon! Well, only if Lü managed to kill Yiren's father... On second thought, maybe it was best to stay on Lü's good side.

        "Yiren!" Lü exclaimed. "Come on, snap out of it. It's time to go." He turned his horse into the stagnant almost-summer air and trotted off towards Lady Zhao, who had rounded a corner and was out of sight.

        "Wait!" Yiren called, spurring his horse forward.

        Lü slowed down and twisted in his saddle to face Yiren. "What do you want? Oh, I get it. Look, I won't lay a hand on your lady friend. Is that what this is all about? Lady - Hey!"

        Yiren galloped past Lü, laughing. He looked back and saw Lü speeding to catch up. "Future kings do not interrupt others while they are talking!" Lü shouted out. Yiren stuck out his tongue and hurtled on.

        Yiren caught up with Lady Zhao, who gasped and then chased after him, followed closely by Lü. The horses seemed to be enjoying the competition as well, and all three teams careened on, leaving Luoyang and passing into the state of Han. 

        Their horses grew tired soon after they entered Han, and Lü called an end to the race. He and Lady Zhao led their horses to a nearby stream, and Yiren followed suit. While the horses lapped up the clear water, Lü pulled Yiren aside.

        "Is my teasing bothering you?"

        Yiren looked away. Was he that obvious? "A bit."

        "Well, I'm sorry." Lü paused, then rushed on. "And I'm not going to apologize again, so you'd better treasure this moment."

        "I will," Yiren laughed.

        "You know I chose you because you'd make an incredible king." 

        An awkward silence followed, until Lü gave up waiting for an answer and continued. "I've been looking for a good leader for years. As you know, I am a merchant. Merchants are rich but have little power. But you and I, we can rule all of China."

        Yiren gave Lü an odd look. What was the man getting at?

        "I will stand by you as you work your way towards kingship," Lü said grandly. "You're in love with Lady Zhao - I will give her to you. I just need you to promise me one thing."

        "Sure, what?"

        "When you become king, remember me. Make me your chancellor. I will rule beside you, and be your trusty advisor. You are young, Yiren. You need someone more mature to make difficult decisions for you."