Solstices

Chapter t.i.tle: Loud and Clear

Chapter no. 3

Author: Ahce Darato Torres (@BunnyDeanAhce)

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(Yao Xue Rong"s POV)

When I entered my room the sight of a lavishly spoiled imperial chamber greeted me. This palace was called the Phoenix Realm, which was eyed and envied by the princesses, imperial concubines and even n.o.ble ladies. But all of them knew I am untouchable, as I take hold of so much favor from my elder brother, Emperor Yao. It was a common occurrence that I receive the best treatment in the whole empire, which actually made my head so big. And let"s me trample others from the n.o.ble society, but that won"t mean I harm the common people, instead I pity and help them. Even build foundations to cater the needs of the citizens and employ the jobless.

Every furniture in the room was made from red- purple Santal wood and Phoenix tail wood which priced very expensive in the market, and even higher than gold itself. And some of my things were customized using gold or White cedar wood that has a distinct fragrance. The walls have exquisite carvings, dressed in white satin curtains and the ceilings retell a different story. I look at the open window, and sighed as the garden still bloom in summer.

Wardrobes line up like a fashion boutique and I noticed the elegance of the dresses inside, not childish and neither revealing. I changed my robes into a simpler one, a white hanfu with golden edges and longer sleeves. I removed the thick makeup on my face and applied a natural looking vibe. Then I untangled my hair and let it fall softly, I braided the top and inserted an imperial hairpin.

"The emperor has arrived!" Eunuch Fang announced

I sat down and grab a book from the corner, attempting to make myself presentable and engrossed in reading. I need to convince my brother that I have not gone anywhere today and stayed peacefully in my chamber. A beautiful act will let"s any person to believe in my lie without a doubt.

"Rong"er!" The emperor rushed towards me and hugged me tightly, I acted like a dumbfounded sister who saw her brother wiping his tears and patted his back acknowledging that he lost something so important to him.

"This is the third time that I saw you act like a crybaby dear brother." I spoke softly

He broke the hug and stared at me. He pinched my cheeks so painfully and flicked my forehead. I rubbed my forehead in anger.

"Why do you need to do that?" He asked

"Do what?"

"I almost burned the whole city, servants from the palace made a commotion proclaiming your death and here you are, reading like nothing is happening! Come on, you need to deal with them." He held me hand and dragged me out of my room.

I threw the book before I totally went out. n.o.bles from the court session were standing like n.o.ble wives ready to spread rumours. And servants are voicing their rejoice. Do they really want me gone?

I slipped my hand out of my brother"s hold and patted his back while I step in front of him. I smiled.

"Greetings to everyone who"re present today, this princess came out of her study to adhere a rumor of my death from the servants of the palace. But as you see, I am fit, I am well and I am mortally alive in front of you. All of the ministers here will by my witnesses that nothing of sort has happened to me, as for the servants who delivered the wrong news they will be punished with death penalty for slandering a member of the imperial family." I spoke coldly

"But you have died, you should have died! We saw you die!" A maidservant shouted

"It seems like you"ve brought a conspiracy theory that lead you all to your downfall. If I am dead then why am I still standing here? Guards clean the court! I shall supervise their punishments and make sure to cut the roots of evil. This princess excuses herself, brother I"d be busy for a while. If his majesty need something, let eunuch Fang deliver the message to me directly."

"For commiting blunder your families will be exiled from this kingdom and never return. Sister take care of yourself and don"t make me worry like that."

"Do not stress yourself brother."

I took my leave and shadow guards accompany me to the entrance of the palace as they killed those servants slowly and painfully.

"Mistress, do you have instructions left for the suspects?"

"Burn their bodies"

The guard cupped his hands as he saluted. Then they proceed with burning the bodies, if such era exists it won"t be long for other souls to reincarnate or transmigrate and that I should avoid. I need to know my mission and start as soon as possible. This kingdom"s enemies will arrive soon, and I need to prepare.

I went back to my palace and sat on my bed as I took the book of prophecy out.

I opened the book.

But I only saw a name.

I thought their will be a list of names, why am I only seeing one?

Or could it be one at a time?

Mission: Keep her alive.

This is the first mission but where will I find this person?

Name: Feng Jiang Lei

Feng.

Feng.

Feng.

Feng manor!

Feng manor, the general"s place.

But how will I meet this person?

When night falls I will sneak out of this palace and go there, someone must be plotting misfortunes. The name is certainly familiar for me, but I have not remembered where I heard it. It"s not a common name either.

"Fu Liang!"

"Yes mistress?"

All of my maidservants are skilled in martial arts and them appearing out of thin air is a normal occurrence.

"Do you know someone named Feng Jiang Lei?" I aksed

"Reporting to mistress, indeed the whole kingdom knew of that lady"s name. She is Feng Manor"s good-for-nothing first miss."

"Hmm, interesting."