Short Chapter today, that's why the next Chapter will follow up tomorrow, same time!
(づ ᴗ _ᴗ)づ ♡ ৻( •̀ ᗜ •́ ৻)
.
.
.
.
.
.
The Inner Court of the Imperial Palace exuded a tranquil ambience in the soft light of the morning sun. The air was filled with the gentle sounds of birds trilling and insects buzzing softly, complementing the serene atmosphere. Lush gardens, bursting with vibrant flowers in a variety of colors, adorned the area. Their sweet fragrance mingled with the fresh morning dew as the trees swayed gently in the breeze, casting shadows on the stone paths, where servants moved gracefully, tending to their assigned work as they whispered.
"Did you hear? The Crown Prince has yet to find a Confidant," one of the servants started as she lifted the basket full of laundry.
"Still? Isn't his Mirror Rite just around the corner?" another one replied.
"The Emperor might just choose someone for him at this point. It's his coming-of-age ceremony—the most important event of this season."
"The poor prince is ill and already burdened with responsibility. He hasn't had the time, much less the strength, to explore options." One servant carefully folded a silk robe, the fabric so soft that it slipped right through her fingers.
"Well, I heard rumors that he's just pretending to be ill. An excuse to avoid becoming the next emperor—" Before the young servant could continue, another interrupted her by smacking the back of her head lightly.
"Don't spew such nonsense. The Crown Prince had been sick since birth. He's working hard despite his misfortune."
The scolded servant rubbed the back of her head, pouting.
"Right. I often see him training with his advisor as well. I must say, he doesn't look so scrawny anymore," the older one added as she hung the fresh laundry on the line.
"What a fate…"
As the women busied themselves with their morning chores, the Emperor's informant passed through the Inner Court, making a beeline for the inner sanctum. The vibrant colors and sweet scents of the garden faded behind him as he stepped deeper into the heart of the Palace. Met with the suffocating drabness of the residence, the space grew colder—a quiet stillness. The carved wooden doors shut firmly behind the older man, sealing him inside the chamber, which was dimly lit by shadows and incense. The informant dropped to his knees, bowing low to the Emperor.
"Your Majesty," he intoned respectfully.
The Emperor stood with his broad back turned, gazing out the window where little light filtered through. Holding a tobacco pipe, he took a deep drag before exhaling a curl of smoke.
"The preparations for the ceremony are proceeding steadily. The imported goods from the southern ports are expected to arrive on schedule. Everything is set to align with the opening of the Mirror Rite."
The Emperor exhaled again, saying nothing.
"Also, Lady Shen of the Grand Consort's family has sent gifts for the Crown Prince's coming-of-age. Likely hoping to secure favor for her niece—though rumor has it the young woman had promised herself to General Bai."
The informant's voice curled with amusement at the gossip. He slowly raised his head.
"But most importantly… the forest unleashes chaos upon the west."
The Emperor's ears perked up as his movements paused. His voice was deep and raspy, capable of sending a shiver down anyone's spine.
"Chaos?"
"The wolves of the forest are blocking the main road to the capital, venturing into the village to steal food and destroy goods. The villagers have no other resources left. They are now pleading for help, not understanding what is driving those beasts to act this way."
"Such trivial matters..."
The Emperor sounded profoundly bored as he carefully tapped his pipe against a nearby tray to loosen the stubborn ash. The news annoyed him more than it concerned him.
"I'm tempted to ignore it."
"You're absolutely right, Your Majesty!" the other man sputtered. "Such filthy lowlives—who do they think they are? They are not even worthy of choking on the air of your glorious empire—"
The Emperor let out a quiet huff of amusement at his pathetic informant. So eager to agree blindly...
"Though…" he murmured, "this might come in handy. I know exactly who to send to deal with this matter."
The informant glanced up at the Emperor in surprise.
"The oh-so-eager Huaijin…"