Dynasty of Summer

Chapter Nine: The Empress

The next spring felt colder and lonelier than usual, even with my sisters' extended stay. Autumn and Spring waited until I was deemed in full health before returning to their home. I no longer heard from Winter since no one remained to smuggle letters.

My mother tried to spend more time with me, but I felt we'd grown apart. She sensed it too and often asked, "Summer, why I don't you share your thoughts anymore?"

I couldn't tell her what I knew. It'd put her in danger. So I shrugged, unable to answer. Frigid wind blew through my soul, sapping me of vitality.

Many of my father's officials felt I should leave the debate class. They thought being around too many males upset my feminine energy, contributing to mental degradation. They recommended qigong to stabilize internal struggles.

I'd heard of a few women who practiced qigong for health reasons. Mostly men used it in martial arts.

If Ting were alive, he would find who originated the idea of me practicing qigong. He was a meddler like that. If it were someone he labeled an enemy, Ting would voice a countering opinion. It would be like him to say something along the lines of a girl my age doing qigong seemed ridiculous. He'd tie up the decision, resulting in inaction.

I learned much later it was how he'd protected many people.

But Ting wasn't around anymore.

My qigong classes were easy, requiring little more than me sitting upright. I followed the master's instructions, picturing patterns through my body. A couple of times I became dizzy and keeled. The master told me, "This is normal. Start over."

I did feel relaxed. Light, as if floating out of body. I tried to remember if my brothers mentioned such experiences with their qigong, but fog covered my thoughts.

My lessons continued for many weeks.

As I left instruction one day, guards robed in elaborate armor approached, dismissing my maid. Upon scrutiny, I saw they were imperial guards who answered only to the Emperor and Empress. I assumed my father had sent for me.

Then, they announced the Empress requested my presence.

Calm slipped away. Before I could respond, as if to prevent escape, four guards made a square around me. I originally didn't have the intention of running, but with the tight box, second thoughts arose.

We walked swiftly through back paths I wasn't familiar with. "Where are we headed?"

"We're not to respond, Princess."

Sweat formed on palm of my hands. Besides the Emperor, the Empress held the most power in the Empire. To me she remained as elusive as a phoenix. I had no way to anticipate what she planned.

Agonizing moments later, I found myself standing before enormous red doors emanating power and prestige. Its designs danced in mystical patterns, beckoning. The four guards stood a few paces behind with heads bowed, blocking my escape. I remembered with embarrassment my last encounter with the Empress. She'd caught me hiding on top of the library roof. My feet itched to bolt and I feared I would if I didn't find a distraction.

I centered my eyes on the red door's details of intricate gold leaf. My palms sweat even more as my fingers turned to ice. How could they do both?

A call came from the inside the door, "The Empress has arrived!"

A soft creak reached my ears as the doors opened. I quaked, finding myself staring into a sitting room. Sweet incense greeted my nose as a magnanimous woman in gold robes swished to an onyx chair. When comfortable, she lifted dignified eyes.