Scent of Cherry Blossoms (Ongoing)

Chapter 15 - An Arrangement (part 1)

Within the Maple Leaf manner's koi garden, the Emperor and Tian Jin walked along the stone bridge arching above a koi pond. From afar you can see their lips moving as if they were discussing something important. They stopped at the highest point of the bridge as if to appreciate the view in front of them. Tian Jin eyed a black spotted koi fish swimming beneath a lotus leaf.

"Father, this matter cannot wait any longer. If nothing is done, there will be more serious consequences. The ones who will feel the most impact are the people in Jiang An."

The Emperor combed his fingers through his beard in thought and gave a slight nod. "Hmm, this matter is indeed serious and should be handled immediately." He looked at his son. "It seems Jiang An Province needs new leadership. Is there anyone you would recommend Jin'er."

Tian Jin cupped his hands, "I boldly suggest scholar Wei Song of the Wei family in Chen Province. He is an intelligent and educated talent with deep moral integrity. He is also one of the top 10 in last year's imperial exam. With a humble background, he will care more for the people's suffrage in Jiang An and use his intellect to help and lead the people there."

"Good," the Emperor nodded. "Send in a more detailed report on Wei Song to my study. I will consider him. If he is as you say, I will appoint him as the provincial leader of Jiang An. As for the previous provincial leader," the Emperor sneered, "he will retire from the government and live out in the borders as a commoner for his punishment of neglect of his duty to help the people of my Red Star Kingdom."

The Emperor gave Tian Jin another glance. The look of determination on his son's face has not yet dissipated. "Is there another matter?"

"Yes."

The Emperor sighed, "Is it about your consort?"

Tian Jin turned to look at his father with a smile. "Marrying this prince has brought a burden on my consort. I wish for father to bestow a title to Ming'er to restore his honor and dignity. I do not want others to slander him?"

Immediately, the Emperor flicked his sleeve. "Who would dear to slander a royal?" Thinking again, the Emperor coughed twice and said, "As you wish. It will be done tomorrow."

"Thanking father for your generosity!" Tian Jin beamed and started walking down the bridge to the other side. The Emperor shook his head and followed along. Their tone of their conversation changed to a light and relaxed one.

.......

Tian Jin held Xiao Ming's right hand as they made their way back to their manner. Xiao Ming was holding a long cylinder container in his left hand. He looked glaringly at Tian Jin's hand holding his. He tried to shake it off but couldn't.

"How long are you going to hold my hand like this. We are already far from Maple Leaf manor."

"Holding my wife's hand has nothing to do with being near my mother consort's manor or not." Tian Jin quickly pecked the back of the hand he held before Xiao Ming could react. A big satisfied grin appeared on his face.

Xiao Ming scowled, "You disgust me. Do you know that? I am a man. It's like your eyes are blind to that fact. Plus, I don't like people touching me."

Tian Jin merely smiled at him. "And you tempt me. Do you know that? As for your dislike of physical contact, I'll fix that up for you!"

Xiao Ming looked at Tian Jin dubiously. "Tempt? Tempt." He pointed to his face. "This thing tempts you? Bah, then I would rather not have it. It's my lifelong curse."

Tian Jin laughed and then peeked at the thing Xiao Ming was holding in his right hand. Xiao Ming noticed and shifted the cylinder container behind him. He looked to the side and smirked as if he was in on a secret.

Tian Jin had on a curious look on his face. Xiao Ming had gotten that from his mother's place. "You know, I have been wondering... what do you have in there?"

"Nothing." Xiao Ming replied with innocent round eyes. He was obviously ignorant about how cute he looked at the moment while he tried to play it off. Tian Jin wanted to give him a kiss.

They finally reached themanor. His hand holding onto Xiao Ming's left hand loosened. Xiao Ming took thischance to run in with the thing in his hand.