The Emperor's private chambers were bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun. As Zhen Hua entered the room, the silken curtains rustled gently behind her. Draped in crimson silk that complemented her rosy lips, she knew she was a vision of regal allure. This was her husband's favorite color on her. She wore his favorite musk-scented sachet and dabbed a precious oil behind her ears, a blend of rare minerals and fragrances only she knew how to make. She gave a curt nod to the attending eunuch, whose face flushed as he promptly vacated the chamber.
The Emperor, weary-eyed, sat in his study chair, his broad shoulders slumped. His once-vibrant eyes had dulled over time, his brow furrowed. He was typically lost in thought around this time, pondering the growing unrest in the empire. She glided over and knelt by his side. Her delicate hands began to massage his tired shoulders, pressing into the knots of stress that had accumulated over months of war and turmoil.
"Your Majesty," she whispered, her voice soothing and melodic. "You have worked tirelessly for the empire. Even the mightiest of men need rest. You are not alone in this. Your son stands ready to help bear your burdens."
Her husband closed his eyes and smiled warmly at her touch, inhaling deeply. "I know, my love," he murmured. "But Fei'er… He is still too young. Too impetuous. I had hoped to pass on the crown when the empire is in a better state."
Greedy old man. He just didn't want to let go of his crown. Everybody knew that Long Fei was not impetuous. The sooner he ascended the throne, the sooner she could dispose of her husband. She needed to become the Empress Dowager — only then could she reign free.
Zhen Hua forced a serene smile, though her eyes held a flicker of resolve. "A father's love for his son is undeniable, but your son is of age. It is his duty, after all. You cannot carry the weight of the empire alone, especially with the rebels threatening the peace of the land."
She continued to knead the knots in his muscles as they slowly loosened. He let out a low, contented groan as his weariness lifted.
He opened his eyes, his gaze soft as he leaned back. "But it is a great responsibility. What if he's not ready?"
"He takes after you, and perhaps he will surprise you if you give him the chance. This rebellion is his opportunity to prove himself. To you and the people."
He would soon yield to the idea, as long as she didn't make her son sound like an immediate threat to his power.
She brushed her fingers against his neck, blowing a warm breath by his ear as she massaged his temples. She whispered, her voice low and coaxing, "Think of it, my love. This is not just a chance for Fei'er to show his loyalty. It would be a test of his strength, and his capacity to rule. And what better way to prepare him for the throne than by quelling this rebellion?"
The Emperor sighed as he held her hands and lightly kissed them. She leaned in closer to him. "You have always said that the throne cannot pass to a weak ruler. This rebellion is his test. Let him prove himself."
He opened his eyes, meeting her gentle gaze. "You are right, as always," he said, his tone softening. "I will raise it in court tomorrow. If the court agrees, I will send Fei'er to handle the rebellion."
Zhen Hua smiled, satisfaction blooming behind her serene expression. She leaned in close, her glance lowered to his lips as she brushed her fingers against his jaw. Her intoxicating perfume lured him in, and he closed the distance.
***
A few days later, Long Fei stood at attention as a eunuch unfurled the golden silk scroll and announced the Emperor's decree:
"The Crown Prince is to lead the army into the borderlands to quash the rebellion and bring peace among the people."
A chill ran down the prince's spine as the decree rang out. Why did his father want to test him all of a sudden? Was this his mother's doing? He endured the invisible noose of responsibility tightening around him and forced his shoulders to remain firm.
Ling Yue approached with a knowing look. "Your Highness, did my ears deceive me? Are we marching to war soon?"
Long Fei nodded without looking at her.
Zhao Bai, standing by her, nodded resolutely. "Your Highness, we will follow your lead to victory. Together, we will crush this rebellion."
The Crown Prince sighed, his gaze lingering on the distant mountains. "I don't want unnecessary bloodshed. But if it is the only way..."
Ling Yue spoke up, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. "Shall I infiltrate their camp, tie them all up while they sleep?"
Zhao Bai rubbed his chin, furrowing his brow in thought. "Only if you want to get caught. Though, I suppose with you around, it might be possible."
She brushed her thumb over her nose, hidden beneath the sleek mask. "Hah! Child's play. Just you wait."
Long Fei swept his gaze over his soldiers. Were these men ready for this campaign? Was this war even necessary? The rebels were camped at the border, but had not invaded their land. And still, he hadn't found the mole hiding within his own ranks.
"We leave at dawn," he said, his voice steady despite the storm raging inside him. "Come into my tent. We need to plan our strategy."
There must be a way to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. War should be the last resort—it would devastate his people. If this was his mother's idea, she was more cunning than he had ever imagined. Was she forcing him to send Ling Yue and Shui Yi onto the battlefield?