This Royal Life

Crisis

(DAYU)

"Family Values in Crisis"
-Divorce cases in the country moved up to 22% nationwide. Meaning roughly 1 in every 4 married couples ended up getting separated. Is this a sign that the morality and sanctity of marriage and family values in the country are in peril? And what could be done to reverse this trajectory? What part could the current Royal Family play to help in this crisis?

"What I can't understand is why they are putting the pressure of the large number of divorce cases on the Royal Family? And what could the Majesties do for those couples who grew tired of being married to each other aside from recommending couple's counseling?" Chong snorted before folding back the newspaper he is reading. "This is ridiculous,"

"Ridiculous or not, the country is now looking to the King and his Consort to lead an example for married couples all over the country." Lao said. "Since ancient times, the Royals symbolize family values and ethics. Royal couples serve as an example of what a harmonious union should be. This is the modern times but family values are family values, nothing will change on that front."

Qing, who is sitting beside me on the breakfast table, frowned slightly. "What are the words swirling on the internet and the streets, Lao?" My husband asked his Chief Aide.

As Chief Aide of the King and Royal Manager, Lao is in charge of knowing the people perceptions on the Royal Family. The people's opinion is important to Qing and Dayu because the Royal Family exist to serve the masses.

Lao glanced at me with careful eyes. "The King has an unconventional marriage to another man. How will you two show traditional family values when you are husband and husband, not husband and wife? Those are what the conservative media and voices are saying. On the other hand...we have lots of progressive voices who support your marriage to Dayu. The problem on that part is they think Dayu is too pretty and could pass as the King's wife."

I choked on that, "It's a crime to be beautiful now?" Chong sounded incredulous.

Lao winced. "Apparently so if you are in a position that should show grace, wisdom and serenity, is it a crime to be pretty. The spouse of the King must be a moral model, not so much as in the look department,"

"Then they should blame Qing for marrying for beauty instead of serenity," I grumbled. "Why is it my fault if he fell for my prettiness?" I blinked several times as I think if what I just said is right.

Qing chuckled humorlessly. "So are you telling me that my Consort has no one championing his position as my spouse? They all have complaints...is that it?"

Lao winced before nodding. I groaned before drinking some tea. "Why do I even try?" I sighed in defeat.

"Yes, that's a nice question. Why do you even try pleasing anyone? You are the Consort, they should stop demanding things from you," Chong said in a disgruntled tone.

Since Chong is the Chief Security Officer of the Palace and the Royal Family...he also works closely with the King and his Consort. So it is not strange for Chong and Lao to join Qing and I in meals. We usually eat breakfast with them so that after every morning meal things can progress smoothly to daily briefings and schedule readings.

But Chong is not feeling particularly cheery today. No one in that table is looking particularly pleased to be honest. Even Lao looked disturb at the article subtly putting the fate of family and marital values on mine and Qing's shoulders.

Qing scratched the side of his right eyebrow, "We just solved the problem about my alleged illegimate son and Yong's ascendence to the Crown Prince's position yet now...they want to question my marriage's effectiveness on being an example for the public? I see..."