31 Unshed Tears (1/2)

BAI SHEN HONG

EMPEROR HUIZHONG

MILITARY GROUNDS CAMP

Bai Shen Hong footslogged himself back into the war room, still feeling nauseated though he had just relieved himself. Eunuch Nam kowtowed behind him in case he became of use to him since he had just rejected his offer to assist him in walking.

”Your majesty, would his grace like it if this servant had the palace maids prepare something to help calm your stomach?”

”That will not be necessary.” Shen Hong motioned his hand so the eunuch would leave. He had started to feel better but due to him joining his military servicemen in their daily dawn practise, his stomach had become upset again.

It was unlike him to have issues of the health, so he silently wondered whether his heart was no longer in good condition; would this spark to a bigger problem?

Huizhong breathed out and slumped his back on the zabuton cushions that padded his huge seat. The throne like seat was fashioned behind his massive table which he had used earlier with some of his generals to plot and strategize military matters.

Due to the setting and dimness of the room, it took him a while to realise that two subjects of his were bowed by the entrance, awaiting admission. Huizhong smiled, glad about the acquintaship they both had towards each other.

”Present yourself before me,” he grinned.

They both rose up and unitedly made their greetings.

”Your majesty, what a pleasant honor to be offered the chance to have your audience.” The twins tardily finished their greetings. Standing next to the other, they were definite replicas of each other.

Shen Hong nodded. ”What has caused Li Jie and Li Jun to follow me here?”

”Your majesty, we have witnessed something that may be of importance to you.” Li Jie was always the one who was keen to speak up.

Huizhong wondered what it could be; he had left everything in order at the palace.

Li Jie continued, ”Forgive your servants but it has been discovered that General Feng has a lover from among the palace maids.”

”And from the uniform she put on, it is right to think that the palace maid belongs to the Grand Consort Shu's entourage.” Li Jun added.

Shen Hong's eyebrows fleetingly raised, caught off guard by the news. General Feng was not one to get up to such nonsensical business. It didn't make sense that after having come through so much to be a renown general, he would give up everything for a unworthy maid, especially if the inner court were to find out.

”Can this be verified?” he asked skeptically.

”He held her against the tree intimately, right Li Jun?” Li Jie did not shilly-shally.

”Yeh… yeh… and they fought like romantically involved lovers.”

Emperor Huizhong shook his head in disbelief, but again, the twins had been his eyes and ears as he required for years. He had to trust their words.

”Very well, is that all?” He shifted in his comfort padded chair as his stomach rang loudly. His hand gently rubbed his stomach to settle himself down.

Li Jie hesitated for a moment before responding, ”Your majesty, forgive your servants but that woman is the one who also poisoned you.”

”Ridiculous.” The emperor rebuked, a fist now savagely pronouncing on his hand.

”Your maj─”

”Your Highness,” Eunuch Nam rushed in and threw himself on the floor. ”Your Highness!” He sobbed deeply.

”Eunuch Nam?” The emperor frowned.

”The Great Dragon has come, your majesty,” Eunuch Nam spoke through his tears. ”The Great Dragon has landed,” he weeped.

”Xianhuang?” [1] Shen Hong stood up, lost for words.

”Li Jie, Li Jun… stay in and serve at the gate for a while,” he looked down at the twins, still trying to wrap his mind around the situation. It was appropriate that they took a few days leave from the palace so not to rouse suspicion since they had already been caught in compromising positions a few times before.

”Good job,” he lastly appreciated them. What they carried was vital information he would closely look into later on. Besides, where there was smoke, there was fire.

Outside, everyone solemnly knelt on their knees honouring the arrival of the previous emperor. In front of the war room exit was a table that had a small wooden chest on it, and two serving guards shielded the piece on their knees.

”Reporting to his majesty,” Luo Meng stepped forward and gave his salutation, ”mission has been accomplished.” Huizhong knew that he could trust Luo Meng with his life but on that day his personal guard had exceeded his expectations. He had managed to take back his father's stolen heart from Huticah, which also proved that indeed they were the nation that killed his father.

”In such a short time you accomplished your mission Luo Meng, you have done well.” He praised him although not so proud because of circumstance.

Huizhong dithered before stretching out for the chest.

”Your majesty, it's not wise to hold that please let these servants hold it for you,” Eunuch Nam begged.