Under The Sky Of A Thousand Lanterns

Chapter 1: Long Live the Empress

In a matter of hours, the Emperor would breathe his last. The Emperor has sent for his only daughter, Su-ji. She stood tall at 5'6 with long black hair, reaching to her knees, glistened with a luster that seemed to catch the highlights of the sun. Just like her mother, she was an exceptional beauty. Proud and perhaps too arrogant, she had the confident and strength hidden behind her petite feminine figure.

The Emperor smiled as Su-ji bent closer to her father, taking his hand. At the touch of her fingers, his dim eyes brighten. Her pale lips trembled, and tears lingered, clouding her view of her father.

The Royal physician has announced the Emperor would not live to see the morning light. He'd been sick for months. The Emperor wanted to see his daughter, Su-ji before a final audience with the court was gathered to hear His Majesty's last wishes, and naming of the successor.

"Su-ji, my daughter," the Emperor called out to his daughter. his voice was weak and hoarse with the effort of speaking, "My time is near." Su-ji bite her lower lip to keep from sobbing, her father had prepared her for this day. It would be an insult to him to cry now that he was about to departure the world. "Death is as natural as the air you breath. It is a course of life we must all accept," her father continued, turning to meet her gaze, "My dear daughter, you have sat with me in court. You have heard every decree and judgements that have been issued. As you know a ruler has no friends. Trust your heart and gut, never stray from the truth and justice," he coughed.

"Father, please rest," Su-ji pleaded, eyes glittering as she watched her father drew a deep breath and closed his eyes as though willing his departing soul to halt its flight.

"I have all my life to rest," he said with a gasp, "I must speak now. No empire has ever been established without the spill of blood. Innocent or otherwise. A ruler will not succeed if the laws he makes stray from the will of the people, remember that. You are beloved because not only do you love your subjects but because you listen to your people with an open heart.

I would advise you to never doubt your heart, and never turn an ear to the pain of the nation. Though only a girl, you hold the wisdom of many wise men

. Take heed of those around you, they might smile to your face, but their hearts are wicked. With the matter of the heart, you might find yourself with the temptations of many young suitors, but remember no love is greater than that of your nation. Look to the southeast for alliance, secure your marriage mighty nation of Qing, but never turn a blind eye to them. Surround yourself with only those equal in intelligence and whose loyalty cannot be bought." The Emperor held onto to his daughter's hand tightly, "Remember many will challenge your reign, but for the people blood must be spilled. Also remember blood is not an equation to the making of a great ruler."

For a long time, he lay in silence, his lidded eyes sunken in his pale face, "I must now address my subjects."

"Father," Su-ji cried out, embracing her father one last time.

Inside the hall, the Emperor's bed was in the center of the throne's platform, surrounded by the Prime minister of the Cabinet, Hong Wan-yong and his cabinet members, the court ministers, and officials. All the subjects and royal household were on their knees as well.

Her mother was on her knees by the bed, dressed in a black robe, sobbing silently. Su-ji gazed at her father, her dark eyes still and watchful. Her father looked as if he had already died. He lay still, with all signs of vitality gone.

Time was frozen. Her father's passing did not seem real. She still remember the time; her father gave her his sword from his days of being a warlord. After the bloody assassination lead to the murder of all members of ruling Lee Household. Her father took it upon himself to bring order and was elected Emperor to replace the regime. Her father was a warrior, kind, caring, selfless and humble man.