Chapter 11: A change in plan 2 (1/2)

”Oh…  then there is no need for that, '' Empress Lu replied softly. The Empress and Emperor had an estranged relationship. They both stayed out of each other's business. Since the Emperor sent over a doctor, there was no need for her to call another doctor.

Lu Yaozhu stayed for some time and conversed with the Empress before returning to Duke Wu's residence.

*****

Back at the Emperor's end.

Minister Zhu walked into the Emperor's study some minutes after Lu Yaozhu Left. Eunuch Caihong set up the ”Go” board as soon as Minister Zhu arrived.

Minister Zhu and Emperor Zhong's chess tradition was already known, Caihong dismissed the maids after the ”Go” board. He stood by tge Emperor's side as the game commenced.

*How is our plan coming up?” Emperor Zhong asked moving a go piece forward.

Minister Zhu see down the Go piece and sat forward ”Our plans are coming up well your Majesty, minister Sheng has settled in the border towns. The first tribute from Chu state will arrive in four days.”

Emperor Zhong laughed softly and replied, ”that's good, Lu Yaozhu never disappoints! I won't bother keeping him alive if he wasn't so useful”.

Minister Zhu picked up the cup of homered tea and brought it to his lips. The light brown liquid went down his throat warming him up. Out of his six unmarried daughters, he had finally decided on the best fit for the job.

Minister Zhu dropped the teacup on the table ”With the General back at the capital we should find a good opportunity to sent out the marriage decree”

”Hmm, your right” Emperor Zhong replied, ”it has been three years since imperial mother's death. The capital can do with some happy news”.

”I will get everything ready” Minister Zhu said

”Good, with the Empress Dowager out of the picture there is no one else that can restrain me. The Lu family has no strong ba kings apart from the Empress, getting rid of them would be much easier”

”Your Majesty, if we want to clip the Lu family's wing, we get rid of the Empress_”

”NO!!” the Emperor said in a tone more than two Octaves higher than normal. ”No one is allowed to touch the Empress. She is my wife, I will handle her”.

Minister Zhu smiled and nodded ” okay, then I will think of something else”. He continued to play the game as nothing happened.

******