Wu Huan adapted quickly to his new life. Madam Dai had adopted his sister as her own though he was still allowed to see her. With their new names, they were safe for meantime. Back at the palace, the emperor had gotten very sick after hearing the news about the death of Madam Zhou. Although he tried not to show it, the Empress knew.
Many physicians rushed in and out each day trying to restore his health but it was furtile. The head physician came out looking at the Empress as he shook his head. The emperor's condition was getting worse. Entering inside the room, the empress saw the emperor sitting on the ground with a jar of wine. Walking up to the emperor, the empress hit the jar of wine of his hands watching as it fell to the ground and broke .
“What are you doing here?” The emperor asked staggering as he stood up. Nevertheless, he could hold his liquor well. The emperor fell to her knees immediately seeing the emperor's anger.
“Your Majesty, please punish me. But you cannot go on drinking. That person has died. You should have thought twice before killing her husband. Now that she is dead, time can't be reversed. Why don't you continue living?” The empress asked watching as the emperor turned his face away.
“Its none of your business.” The emperor said while the empress stood up.
“Ming'er still needs your guidance. Although the dynasty has been peaceful, unforseen trouble always comes when we least expect it. Are you really going to abandon your people? The people that need you because of a woman?” The empress asked but this provoked the emperor.
“I said get out! Get out! You are in no position to judge me at all! Get out! Anyone?” The emperor asked shouting.
The empress sighed gazing at the emperor before leaving. When she opened the door, the head physician was standing outside.
“Your Highness, any way?” The head physician asked watching as the empress shook her head.
“This time, I fear it will be hard to convince him.” The empress said worried about the emperor.
“Your Highness, the emperor isn't getting any younger. If he continues down the path, it isn't going to be long before death comes knocking on his door." The head physician said making the empress's eyes go wide as she looked around.
“Cousin, don't say rubbish. This is the palace. The emperor is in the prime of his youth. Nothing will happen to him.” The empress said.
“I am the head physician. It is my duty to always say the truth. Your Highness, you must do something to stop him. If you don't mind. “ The head physician said excusing himself.
The day grew dark and the empress opened the back door of the palace that was being used by servants. Wearing a long white cloak, the empress hid her face as she left with her perosnal maid entering the carriage.
At the Duke's manor (Zhou Dong), Zhou Dong was sitting down in his study. It had been some months since he married. The emperor urged him everyday to hurry up and have a child so he/she would be Zhou Ming's playmate. Zhou Ming was the crown prince. As young as he was, he was already outstanding and intelligent. He left a mark wherever he went and people admired him. Lately, he had gotten news of the emperor disregarding political affairs and always drinking.
Even though his brother, The emperor seemed like a cold hearted person, Zhou Dong knew the death of their third brother had affected him the most. Zhou Wu Tang. He was the most affectionate outstanding one among the three of them. Such a pity he had to die.
“Your Highness, the empress is here." Zhou Dong heard his bodyguard say making his eyes go wide from suprise.
“Where is my wife?" Zhou Dong asked.
" Second Madam Zhou is in the kitchen. I heard from the maids that she wants to suprise you with something she created in her free time.” Zhou Dong's bodyguard said.
“Don't let her in. Tell her that I have important things to do. Dismiss all the maids and make sure they don't suspect anything.” Zhou Dong said to his bodyguard watching as he nodded his head leaving.
Few seconds later, the empress entered the study being led by another servant. Turning to her maid, the empress signaled her maid to wait outside as she entered. When Zhou Dong saw the empress, he immediately stood up from his seat coming to meet her in the front.
“Greetings, Empress." Zhou Dong said bowing his head while the empress removed her hood.
“There is no need for formalities. I have something to discuss with you." The empress said taking her seat first and Zhou Dong followed.
“Your Highness, you came so late at night. Whatever you want to discuss with me, you can just do it at the palace.” Zhou Dong said.
“You know that's not possible. The palace has ears. And you know the emperor has always been keeping an eye on us." The empress said.
" If you know this, why did you still take the rsik and come? Zhou Wu Tang died because he was my father's favorite. The only reason I am alive is because the emperor believes that I will never turn my back at him.” Zhou Dong said.
“Its precisely because of Zhou Wu Tang that I came here. Did you know? Third Madam Zhou is dead. She died with the baby she was carrying.” The empress said.
“What?” Zhou Dong asked suprised.
“Yes. After hearing her death, the emperor has abandoned political affairs. He doesn't longer care about the state.” The empress said.
“You think this is because of my brother's wife? Impossible." Zhou Dong said.
" Back then, your brother was able to marry the person he loved because he was well favoured by the late emperor. But you don't know that the emperor also liked Jiang Bai Lin ( Wu Tang's mother). The emperor is getting what he deserves. I just wish that he wasn't the emperor. Even after all his bad deeds, he can't afford to fall. Because he is emperor. Along with his fall comes great diaster.” The empress said.
The next day, Zhou Song took the empress's advice and went to see the emperor. Just like the other days, the emperor hadn't attended court meetings leaving the crown prince to do all the work.
“Your Majesty, your brother is here to see you.” Zhou Dong said standing outside the emperor's door. No one had dared to go inside after the argument he had with the empress the other day. They knew the emperor was furious about something.
“Zhou Dong? Come in.” Zhou Dong heard the emperor say from inside.
The servants immediately opened the door allowing Zhou Dong to enter. Zhou Dong entered seeing the emperor lying weak in front of the portrait of his brother 's wife. The empress hadn't been wrong. The emperor had been in love with Jiang Bai Lin.
“Your Majesty, what is happening to you? You don't attend court meetings. The crown prince is worried about you. I am also worried about you.” Zhou Dong said as he sat down near the emperor.
“Dong'er, look. All of them have left me one by one. They have all left. Look.” The emperor said pointing to the portrait.
“Your Majesty, do you regret it?” Zhou Dong asked watching as the emperor's eyes suddenly turned sober.
“Regret? What should I regret?” The emperor asked turning to look at his brother.
“Everything. Your Majesty, you are the son of heaven. There is nothing that you cannot get except the things heaven withholds from you. Its either the throne or love. Since you have chosen, do not backslide nor regret.” Zhou Dong said while the emperor drank more wine from his jar.
“Its not worth it. Its not! Lin'er. She's dead." The emperor said as he got up staggering.
“Your Majesty! There are some words that shouldn't be said out loud. Jiang Bai Lin is your brother's wife. What will the peoe say of they hear that you were in love with your brother's wife?” Zhou Dong asked watching as the emperor walked around staggering.
“I know I don't have much time left. Although I am at fault for many things, you have never abandoned or betrayed me. My Dong'er." The emperor said holding the back of his brother's neck as he stood.
“Your Majesty, please get well." Zhou Dong said staring at the emperor face to face.
“I have written a decree. You. I trust you too much. That's why I want you to take care of Ming'er. Promise me you will take care of him." The emperor said as he shook Zhou Dong.
“Yes, Your Majesty." Zhou Dong said closing his eyes.
A few minutes later, Zhou Dong came out of the room and knelt down in front of the door bowing his head. It was his way of bidding his brother goodbye. Zhou Dong left the palace riding in his carriage when he stopped in front of a shop selling candied haws. Suddenly, he remembered when the emperor and him were younger. Their father would be so preoccupied with Wu Tang so they had the opportunity to sneak out often. They would run into the main street and but as much candied haws as they could.
“Return back to the manor.” Zhou Dong said getting out of the carriage.
Unfortunately, Wu Huan was also standing in front of the shop selling candied haws. He had come out to buy some for his sister. It had been a few months and his sister was already so big. Well, not big enough to eat candied haws but she could lick them. Madam Dai had been taking very good of them. In the brothel, he was sent to run some small errands while the brothel was open. This was done in order for him to disturb the girls who had become very fond of him. Pointing at the one he wanted, Wu Huan waited as the shopkeeper removed it. Just as he was about to pay, Wu Huan realized he had lost his money.
Zhou Dong walked to the shop also wanting to buy some candied haws. Seeing Wu Huan, he watched as Wu Huan searched for his money.
“You don't have money? Where you trying to fool me?” The shopkeeper asked.
“No. I was with my money just now. I must have lost it somewhere. I will just go back and get another one." Wu Huan said.
" You liar. You msut have tried to trick me. Don't come back! “ The shopkeeper shouted at Wu Huan.
“Little boy, do you want some candied haws?” Wu Huan heard someone ask.
Turning around, Wu Huan realized it was Zhou Dong. Wu Huan recognized immediately as the one his mother had pointed out. This man had killed his father and now, his mother. Clenching his fist, Wu Huan struggled to control his anger. He was sti little. There was nothing he could do to hurt such a powerful man like his uncle.
“No. No need ” Wu Huan said gritting his teeth as he talked.
“Its okay. I can buy you some. I heard you were going to buy for your sister too. Shopkeeper, please give me…” Zhou Dong said but Wu Huan stopped him.
“I said no! " Wu Huan said shouting as he stook to his feet running away as fast as his legs could carry him while Zhou Dong stood speechless.
“What just happened?” Zhou Dong asked himself.
“Don't answer him. He must have felt embarrassed that he was caught. You must he careful with these children. They look innocent but are actually devils.” The shopkeeper said as he went about his work.
Wu Huan only stopped when he reached the brothel. He had made sure no one was following him. Although Madam Dai had told him not to enter the brothel during business hours, Wu Huan went straight up to look for his sister.
The brothel was very busy full of people going up and down. Music was being played on the stage while on the side was a gambling table where all the nobles would come to gamble. Running up the stairs, Wu Huan didn't notice that some of the girls had seen him. Glancing at themselves, they looked worried as they saw Wu Huan run up. Since Madam Dai had introduced him, they had all take a liking to him. Not long after, the news reached Madam Dai's ears. Trying not to show any expression since she was attending to a customer, Madam Dai nodded her head before glancing at Dai Chan. Just like Wu Huan' s sister whose name became Dai Zhao Yao, Dai Chan was found when she was a baby. Madam Dai adopted her and raised her. Receiving Madam Dai's glance, Dai Chan immediately knew what to do. Excusing herself, Dai Chan smiled at the rich noble she'd been playing the zitter for before heading upstairs. Meanwhile, Wu Huan had holding his sister tight playing with her. He had remembered every word his
Wu Huan stood hiding at the corner watching Zhou Dong and the crown prince. Staring at the crown prince, Wu Huan finally realized that the crown prince liked Dai Chan. “She's a performer? Crown prince, anybody that works at the brothel is a prostitute. You are the crown prince. You shouldn't be found at such a place. Do you want your mother to be worried about you?” Zhou Dong asked angrily. “Uncle, don't be so angry. After I watch Dai Chan perform, I will go back to the palace and you will never see me come out. I promise." Crown prince (Xing Ming) said holding up his three fingers up making Zhou Dong sigh in defeat. “After you watch Dai Chan perform, you will go back?” Zhou Dong asked as he stared at his nephew knowing he couldn't refuse the teenage boy. He was probably infatuated with the prostitute. “I promise. Thank you, uncle." Zhou Dong heard the crown prince say and turned catching a glimpse of Wu Huan. Realizing he had been seen, Wu Huan took off immediately and Zhou Dong
At the palace, a eunuch entered the emperor's room carrying his meal when he saw the emperor lying on the ground. Throwing the tray out of shock, the eunuch shouted falling to his knees and bowing down. Few minutes later, the head physician examined the Emperor while the Empress and the other concubines stood waiting. The Empress was very anxious as she didn't yet know what the Emperor had told Zhou Dong. Without a formal decree from the emperor, Xing Ming couldn't ascend the throne even if he was crown prince. The only way would be to offer a sacrifice to heaven hoping they would reply. Then, Xing Ming would become the official son of heaven. This method was quite stressful as she would have to make a plan B should heaven fail to reply. Being anxious, the Empress stood posed but rubbed ger hands together. No matter what she had to either get a formal decree from the emperor or find out what exactly the Emperor told Zhou Dong. “Your Highness, you look deep in thought. Don't tell me
Wu Huan stopped clenching his hand round his cup as he heard what one of the girls said. Indeed, the brothel was the place to know everything.“Are you sure?” Madam Dai asked stopping what she was doing as she stared at the girl.“Very sure. This was said right from the mouth of one of the soliders that was sent to the Grand Military Prince's manor yesterday.” The girl said.“He who lives by the sword must die by the sword. It's what he deserves.” Dai Chan said briefly before turning back to the mirror.All the older girls immediately turned staring at Dai Chan. Wu Huan noticed it and pinched Dai Chan lightly on her leg giving her signal. Turning back, Dai Chan gazed around innocently.“Did I say something wrong?” Dai Chan asked staring back at everyone looking at her.Wu Huan watched as everyone turned looking at Madam Dai who got up from her chair. Suddenly, Dai Chan became scared watching as Madam Dai approached her. Before Dai Chan could react, Madam Dai slapped her hard across th
Wu Huan stopped after hearing what Zhou Dong had said. It was hard to believe. Was Zhou Dong really defending him? “I have been at the boarder and I have seen many things. Many people suffering. The capital is blessed. Here, we don't have sandstorms or flooding. The land is rich. If we see someone being alleviated, shouldn't we happy? You said that this boy stole his money but there is no prove. Just because he is poor and is holding a big amount of currency, is this how this place treats his people?” Zhou Dong asked scolding the waiter. Letting go of Wu Huan's hand, the waiter fell to his knees immediately. “Your Highness is right. Please forgive me. I've made a very big mistake." The waiter said. " I! I was the one that stole the money.” A thin looking boy said coming out from a corner with the pouch in his hand. “See?” Zhou Dong asked. “Please forgive me. I…I wanted to return it but I was afraid with the way he was scolding the boy so, I dared not come out.” Wu Huan hear
The empress chuckled when she saw Zhou Dong getting angry. Indeed, he was jealous. Unknown to him, she meger had any plans of sleeping with the emperor. That's why she had sent her maid to him. Who would have thought he would go to the extreme of injuring himself to stop her. “How is your injury? I think you're the one who careless." The empress said pointing to his shoulder. “None of your business." Zhou Dong said still angry. " And you? Haven't you consummated your marriage yet?” The empress said and the mood suddenly became silent as Zhou Dong raised his head. “Why ask when you already know the answer?” Zhou Dong asked. “Can I trust what you are saying?” The empress asked. “The both of us have our own ambitions. We are willing to do anything for that ambition. Anything except betraying each other. No need to go through great length to find out something from me again. I will tell you. The emperor gave me a decree. He asked me to take care of Xing Ming in the future." Zhou Don
Wu Huan sat down watching as Dai Chan looked around briefly before leaning in to whisper to him. “I've been thinking. You said that your uncle has been following you. He almost found out that you live at the brothel. Wu Huan, do you know the safest place for you to hide when your enemy is looking for you?" Dai Chan asked. " Where?” Wu Huan asked. " With him. I don't think your uncle will ever give up and leave you alone. You said you are sure that your uncle hasn't seen you before, right?” Dai Chan asked. “He has always been at the baorder. He rarely came back." Wu Huan said. " Then, why don't you live with him? You must not tell him that you are his nephew. Sibfe he wants to take care of you. Wu Huan, listen. I am saying this for your own good. If this continues, your uncle night start digging around. Then, he will find out that you were running away from people. After much digging, he might even find out who you are. By then, you and Zhao Yao might be in trouble. Besides, you k
Madam Dai stood stunned as she saw Zhou Dong's bodyguard draw out his sword. Their confrontation seemed to be affecting the brothel as everyone gasped in shock. Even after threatening him with the king, Zhou Dong didn't seem to be anxious even a little bit.“Are you threatening me with His Majesty?” Madam Dai heard Zhou Dong ask.Seeing the commotion it was about to cause, Madam Dai decided to take a step back.“Your Highness, of course not. I dare not. I'm just trying to make you understand my position. I'm just really worried about Wu Huan." Madam Dai said." Don't worry. I have no intention of keeping Wu Huan from his parents if they come looking for him. If they do come, just send them to my manor. Anything else?” Zhou Dong asked.“No, Your Highness." Madam Dai said having no other choice.“Wu Huan, go upstairs and pack your things." Wu Huan heard his uncle say.Watching as Wu Huan ran upstairs, Madam Dai became even more anxious as she thought of Zhao Yao. Smiling at Zhou Dong, M
(Two years later)Wu Huan walked across the palace with his entourage following him as he entered into the court room. All the ministers stood up and immediately greeted him before he took his seat. This was his life now. After dealing with all the matters of state for the day, Wu Huan went to visit someone. Opening the door, Wu Huan was suprised as he saw greeted with someone running to meet him. “Your Majesty." Wu Huan heard his wife say and nodded his head at her too. “Royal father." Wu Huan heard Huanxing say and smiled. Day by day, Huanxing resembled the woman he had loved to the ending. The fact that he wasn't at her side at her last ending was forever a big regret to him. Nevertheless, she left him a perfect gift. Her son. Wu Huan didn't mind who was Huanxing's father. To him, he was his son and he would take care of him as long as he was alive. Few months later, Wu Huan left the palace and arrived last on the mountains. All the other members of Liming were already there wi
Hearing Nan Cheng talk, Han Ying became even more nervous. The more Nan Cheng talked, the more he was revealing too many things. Things that she didn't want the world to know. Signaling a guard with her hand behind her back, Han Ying collected his sword. Tightening her hand around the sword, Han Ying threw the sword aiming for Nan Cheng. The rest members of Liming gasped in shock as they saw me that Nan Cheng was about to be killed. Luckily, Nan Cheng has seen it coming and jumped up into the air to avoid the sword. Even when she saw that she had failed, Han Ying didn't stop. “Kill him. Make sure you kill him!" Han Ying said exposing herself while Han Ling remained calm. The royal guards that she had come with, immediately brought out their arrows showing their true intentions. Wu Huan saw the arrows being fired at Nan Cheng and immediately went to block it for him. The two of them blocked all the arrows watching it fall to the ground. But the more they blocked the arrows fired at
“What? What did you say? Wu Huan is holding Duke Chengzhou hostage for his deed?” Han Ying asked as she stood up. Staring at her toys, Han Ling heard everything yet she didn't say anything and continued to play with her toys as if she wasn't concerned. “Has he gone mad? Let's go immediately." Han Ying said about to leave but stopped when she realized that her daughter was not with her. Turning back, Han Ying signaled her daughter to get in line and Han Ling stood up obeying immediately. Few minutes later, they all arrived at Duke Chengzhou's manor where Wu Huan was still holding Duke Chengzhou hostage. He had alreadygotten the deed and was coming out of the manor when Han Ying's carriage stopped iln front. Holding her maid's hand, Han Ying came down and Han Ling followed. “Wu Huan." Wu Huan heard his name and stopped watching as the royal guards that had followed Han Ying rounded him. “Wu Huan. Stop this madness immediately and drop the deed. You have finally exposed yourself in
Few seconds later, Wu Huan was rushing out of the house in order to go and find who had been behind everything from the beginning. This unknown person was finally ready to show his face which meant that Han Ling's suspicions had been correct. Anger blinded his eyes and all he wanted to do was to destroy that person. But just as angry as he was, he was also afraid. “Wu Huan." Wu Huan heard his name only after he had felt something grab him. Lifting his head up, Wu Huan turned and saw Zhi Hao. He had already forgotten about Zhi Hao who had followed him. Unlike Wu Huan who was blinded with rage, Zhi Hao was not. Therefore, Zhi Hao could see that it was a huge set up. “Where are you going? Don't you know that it's a trap?" Zhi Hao asked. " Trap or not, do you expect me to leave my sister and allow her to get killed?” Wu Huan asked. Hearing what Wu Huan said, Zhi Hao sighed knowing that there was actually no way that he could stop Wu Huan. Later that evening, Zhi Hao sent a message
“ Who am I?" Han Ling asked as she laughed walking across the room. Wu Huan and Zhi Hao who had been watching her stood suprised as they watched Han Ling move to the window. Just then, the doors opened and the guards came in leading Duke Fenghao. After leading him inside, they left leaving him alone with Wu Huan and Zhi Hao. Glancing at the room, Duke Fenghao already knew something was wrong. “Your Majesty, what is happening here? Do you mind telling me?” Duke Fenghao asked as he looked around the room. “Duke Fenghao, Wu Huan is saying that someone kidnapped Princess Zhao Yao. Did you do it? I believe that you might be the one since you have a grudge against his family for stealing your family's deed.” Han Ling said. “Your Majesty, that's impossible. I would never do such a thing. At all. Even though it is true that he did steal our family's deed, I have no reason to kidnap his sister.” Duke Fenghao said. “But it won't be the first time you have done that. As I have heard, the pr
Han Ling walked from her royal chair where she was supposed to be and walked to the window gazing through it. “In this palace, there are a lot of things that cannot be said. I only hope on others till I can gain my own power. There are a lot of things happening but I can't do anyone about it. Please help me.” Wu Huan heard Han Ling say. After remembering what Han Ling said, Wu Huan left the palace gate about to enter his carriage when he saw Zhao Yao hiding by a corner. Glancing around confused, Wu Huan stepped away from his carriage walking to where Zhao Yao was. “ What are you doing here? Hiding like that.” Wu Huan asked Zhao Yao. Few seconds later, Wu Huan and Zhao Yao stood in an alley talking. Wu Huan had dragged her hand immediately he saw that she had been holding a bag. “Where are you going?” Wu Huan asked Zhao Yao even though he he already knew the answer. Zhao Yao was leaving so suddenly. It could only he because she had heard something about Song Huo. At this moment,
Shao Wen's eyes widened as he heard what Zhao Yao had said. Hearing that it was about the gate of heaven, Shao Wen drew closer near to Zhao Yao and glanced around to make sure no one was around. “Gate of heaven? Did you just say the gate of heaven? How is that possible? You don't think that Brother Song has something to do with this, do you? I can sincerely vouch for him. He would never do such a thing.” Shao Wen said immediately trying to convince Zhao Yao. Shaking her head, Zhao Yao sipped her tea before glancing at her cup as she dropped it down. She already knew that Song Huo wasn't behind it. “I know that he isn't the one behind it. You don't need to convince me otherwise.” Zhao Yao said. “Are you really not going to return back to Chu with me?” Shao Wen asked. Zhao Yao looked at Shao Wen and sighed not knowing if she was doing the right thing. At this moment, she knew it was better to reason with her head rather than her heart yet, she couldn't find herself doing it at al
Glancing up at the ceiling, Han Ying took a deep breath before putting her head down. Lately, she was losing a lot to Zhi Hao and she didn't like it at all. Not wanting to comprise, Han Ying opened her mouth to speak but looked at her personal maid and saw her signal her to not do it. This was more than them just accepting whatever Zhi Hao said, her pride was slowly diminishing. Deciding to heed to her personal maid's warning, Han Ying looked at Han Ling and nodded her head. “Thank you, mother." Han Ying heard Han Ling say as her daughter jumped into her arms hugging her. “Thank you, Queen Mother." Zhi Hao said bowing his head as he smiled. Leaving the palace, Zhi Hao smiled as a part of his plan had worked. He was one step away from revealing the truth. Few days later, Zhi Hao set the trap he wanted in the palace without anyone knowing. Meanwhile, Han Ying was getting anxious by the minute every single day. Zhi Hao had told them that he was going to set a trap but he had not told
Few minutes later, Song Huo woke up with blurry vision as he opened his eyes for the first time. Glancing around, Song Huo looked and saw that he wws still in the same room as his unconscious father. Seeing his father in a coffin, Song Huo immediately got the idea of had really happened. Although their royal family had learned the magic that could be used to preserve a person in between the gate of life and death, there was a price to be paid for it. Sitting up, Song Huo looked to trying to avoid Nan Cheng's gaze as he knew his younger brother very well“There is no need for you to continue staring at me. I know very well what I am doing." Song Huo said" What you are doing? I don't think you know at all. The price of you performing such magic, you must know yourself.” Nan Cheng said making Song Huo stand up immediately. “Enough. You don't need to continue telling me about such trival matters. I will handle myself. Just make sure that you help me perseve my father's body.” Song Huo