With that thought in mind, Jing Lian ran to her brother and father's side.
In the great hall of Tianmeng, where the pillars were carved from jade and the ceiling mimicked the night sky with golden stars, the atmosphere was more tense than ever. The emperor had called the imperial court to an emergency meeting. The people were beginning to murmur, reports of minor conflicts between clans were multiplying, and on the western border, the patrols weren't returning.
"We can no longer ignore this, Your Majesty," said Minister Xua, kneeling but with a firm voice. "The people don't understand how there can be riches in the palace while the southern villages have rice to survive the winter." Jing Shao was inwardly restless and worried for his people, but outwardly he appeared calm, his back dripping with cold sweat.
"Are you implying that the imperial family is to blame for such an imbalance?" Minister Liu, a fervent defender of the throne, interrupted before Jing Shao could say anything. The entire room began to murmur.
But Xue was not intimidated, he slowly turned his head, his eyes sharp as blades.
-External war is a useful excuse. What has truly weakened this kingdom is internal division. An immortal prince who commands respect, and a second son who doesn't even attend audiences—the people see this and comment on it.
At this, Jing Shao frowned and spoke calmly but firmly. "Minister Xue, how can my younger brother's private life affect the kingdom? Please watch your words." Under such a gaze, Minister Xue broke out in a cold sweat, but he couldn't back down. He lowered his head and said, "Your Highness Crown Prince, the situation is critical. Everyone in the town is talking and has many doubts about you and your younger brother." Minister Liu, unable to bear it any longer, said impatiently. "Nonsense, what doubts could you have?" Minister Xue said cautiously. "Your Highness, people are saying and commenting on rumors about your brother. He goes to different brothels every day, humiliating and trampling on civilians." The room once again erupted in whispers. Someone said, "That's right! I heard that rumor too." Another person said, "How despicable." Jing Lian, who was trembling, stammered. "That's not... It's not true. I... I've never."
The emperor closed his eyes as if the weight of the years and his crown weighed more that day.
"My son Jing Lian," he said slowly, "has never humiliated a civilian, nor is he any less worthy of walking a different path. Virtue is not always born of duty, but also of the heart."
But neither the nobles nor the people had that patience.
That afternoon, among the marble corridors and ancient tapestries, Jing Shao found his brother drinking sake in the plum garden, his slightly reddened hands looking like he was about to cry.
"The situation is getting worse every day," Jing Shao said bluntly, "and you still pretend you're deaf and don't hear."
Jing Lian could barely look up. Her eyes were moist. She said in a hoarse voice, "Why would I listen? Will listening give me back my dignity? They're just waiting for me to be you."
"No matter what they say about you, I don't need you to be me either," Jing Shao said with pent-up frustration. "You're my brother. I need you, not another me."
Jing Lian smiled bitterly, she felt that she didn't deserve it, she didn't deserve this life or this brother, with that she burst into tears and put herself on Jing Shao's chest with sobs she said to Jing Shao, "I'll change, brother, I swear, don't abandon me."