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In mid-step a courteous voice interrupted him.

“Your Highness please wait, the Empress has requested to see you.”

Rong Tian halted and turned around to find Xiang Fen, the Empress’s most trusted maid.

“Was there anything in particular the Empress wanted to discuss?”

Xiang Fen bowed, “This lowly servant doesn’t know what the Empress has in mind. I was only instructed to bring King Rong to the Empress’s palace once the morning proceedings were over.”

Rong Tian gave the sky a quick evaluation for time before deciding his move.

He nodded, “I will meet with her now.”

Before leaving he motioned for a guard to approach, “Go and inform King Ming I have an audience with the Empress. I will return soon and our trip outside of the palace will take place later.”

After his order he followed the lead of Xiang Fen towards the Empress’s residence.

The servant guided him outside of the room where the Empress was resting.

The Empress had not changed much apart from her clothing. Her attire was upgraded from a Queen to a more extravagant Empress Dowager.

Inside the room she was reclined on a lounging daybed where she peacefully read.

“Empress, I have arrived.” The King announced.

Hearing her son’s voice just beyond the door the Empress’s face eased into a smile. She placed her book down and greeted her son.

“The King is here? Come in, sit beside me.” She opened the door and took the King’s hand in her own to guide him to his seat.

The Empress never had the opportunity to be so intimate with her own child. Although her son was now a fledging adult she was eager to use all the chances she had to become closer.

Rong Tian has always behaved in an elegant and collected manner in front of his mother. For the woman to lead him by hand, he couldn’t help but to feel a bit embarrassed. The hesitation was short lived as he quickly threw away any reservations.

“Empress, what is the matter?” he asked genuinely concerned.

“What could bother me now? You have safely ascended the throne and your head is in the right mindset to guide this kingdom. I feel nothing but ease.” Then she let out a sigh.

“I’m just waiting for the day Xi Rei will have a sturdy foundation for the future.”

“Empress needs not to worry. I will oversee the growth of our army and the wealth of our nation to enrich the lives of every citizen.”

“Your Highness,” the Empress paused before explaining herself, “I speak not of such issues. Rather the King’s heir. You will soon be eighteen, taking a wife is the natural step of a King.”

Rong Tian’s face froze momentarily with her announcement.

“Taking a wife?” his face was dumbfounded.

The issue of marriage had previously been mentioned by the court officials. Rong Tian would have none of their badgering. In fact he lashed out and demanded his peers to never mention the topic again.

For years Lou Lan had carefully watched over Rong Tian from the shadows. She restrained her emotions when her own flesh and blood was placed into a foster family. She silently stood beside him to see the day he could rise to his rightful place. Her journey to this point of their lives had been uneasy. Fill with self sacrifices and lifelong commitments. Rong Tian knew his mother had devoted her life to him and the kingdom, although they were not familiar he still held her in high esteem.

Instead of bluntly refuting his mother, Rong Tian replied, “Empress, I am still young, it is not the time now. Besides…”

His mother stopped him midway.

“There is no need for the King to evade the subject. What the King’s heart desires how can I not understand?” The woman’s eyes held a bright glimmer, she could see right through her son.

“After all, isn’t everything for the sake of King Ming?”

“Empress…” he stammered.

“I understand the importance of King Ming’s stake on your heart. However, I would like to give you a word of caution. Regardless of his worth and standing in your life, he is unable to bear an heir. King Ming is a man of logic, he will understand the situation. After your marriage and the new Queen is with child. There are no longer any problems that can divide you from King Ming.”

The Empress studied her son’s expression.

She continued to persuade him in a soft and slow voice, “I have heard that the King of Li’s sister’s appearance is nothing special, however the young maiden is tactful and intelligent. These virtues may be beneficial to Xi Rei. Given she is posted at our city for sometime, does the King feel that she is suitable?”

Rong Tian’s eyebrows knitted in a frown and with a deep voice he demonstrated his distaste.

“Ruo Yan has wild ambitions, why would I ever consider marrying his sister and give her the title of Xi Rei’s Queen?”

The Empress laughed.

“Oh, when it comes to a woman’s inclinations, I am more experienced than the King.”

The Empress motioned to her servants to leave the room.

She leaned in and whispered in Rong Tian’s ear, “I have surmised that the Princess is here with bad intentions. Once a woman marries, her heart naturally grows fond of her husband. With Miao Guang’s knowledge we can easily overtake King Ruo. Surely subduing the Princess will pose no challenge for the King?”

The Empress had a good point.

Moreover, Ruo Yan was the only real obstacle standing before his own dreams to unify the lands under the heavens.

Without further thought, Rong Tian shook his head, “Empress, there is no need to further discuss Princess Miao Guang. I will deal with her. As for my wedding we can deliberate at a future date.”

The words had left his lips in a harsh manner and he stood up.

His eyes met with hers, he wanted to make things clear. “I once said something to you, and it seems like you have forgotten. I will say it again.” His eyes pierced through her. “If you treasure Rong Tian you should treat Feng Ming as your own child.”

His impassioned words took her by surprise. Her eyes looked blankly back at her son.

Rong Tian dismissed himself giving her some parting words, “For countless years the Empress has fretted over Xi Rei’s future. It is time for you to live and enjoy a happy and prosperous life. As for the wedding, I will be my own judge. King Ming is awaiting my company and I shall not keep him waiting. Empress must take care, when I am able to, I will come more often to pay you a visit.”

Rong Tian has always respected his mother for her efforts over the years. However, listening to her mention his marriage drove him to a breaking point. His short and uncharacteristic outburst was to defend Feng Ming. At this point, he felt like his supporters were targeting his lover. After he placed his foot down on the matter he disappeared quickly.

• - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Originally Feng Ming was excited and anticipating his trip with the King. He didn’t expect their plans to be halted. When the servant arrived to inform him about the delay Feng Ming was disappointed. Additionally, Lie Er had disappeared somewhere with his own agenda, leaving Feng Ming bored and agitated. Chiu Yue noticed her master’s need for companions so she quickly gathered the other usual suspects to cure him.

Chiu Lan, Chiu Xing and Chiu Yue attended Feng Ming and the little party gossiped about recent news.

“Drastic changes have been occurring in Xi Rei since King Rong’s rise. They say that the King will host a competition to recruit the best heroes among the ordinary people in our Kingdom. People who rise up to the challenges and portray strength, intelligence and talent will be selected to become officials in the court.”

“In that way, people who aren’t nobility can also become an official?”

Chiu Xing wriggled with excitement and blurted, “Had I known earlier I would have sent word to my hometown! My fellow brothers are all strong and fit. Maybe the King would come to appreciate them.”

Chiu Lan laughed at the maiden’s positive reaction, “Chiu Xing you are really quick with your hopes.” She clapped her hands.

Feng Ming was secretly please. Rong Tian had adopted his principle of meritocracy.

Chiu Lan continued, “Another strange thing is happening in Xi Rei. I’ve been seeing many people digging on the hillsides. It looks like a messy number of channels and they seem to be plowing the ground in preparations to plant. There are also strange pipes around. Is the King using the mountains to farm?”

“How could that be? Hillsides are too steep and where would the water come from?” Chiu Yue looked skeptical.

Feng Ming laughed.

“You guys are silly, have you never seen terraces before? But then again when I told Rong Tian about it he was surprised.”

“A terrace?” Chiu Xing asked. The three young maids looked at each other.

Having the opportunity to flaunt the essence of Chinese culture, Feng Ming asked the maids to fetch several flower pots. Once gathered he tipped the dirt on top of the ground and went into lecturer mode.

The girls were no way near the perceptive level of King Rong, they were left a bit confused.

Chiu Lan prompted, “I still don’t understand, how would there be any water uphill?”

“I’ve explained this for so long, how can you not understand?” Feng Ming let out a big sigh and helplessly looked at his three confused students.

“Being a teacher is not an easy task…” he sighed again.

“What ever it is and where the water comes from, shouldn’t we just go and see it?”

This proposal was quickly swallowed by Feng Ming’s appetite. His eyes lit up like a child with candy he gently tapped Chiu Yue’s cheek and exclaimed, “Not bad, you are my brightest student! Given Rong Tian isn’t around I’m going to die of boredom. So we should go on a field trip and see terraces so I can teach you how the system works. It’s called seeing something in practice.”

Chiu Lan has always been the more mature and responsible voice of reason in the group, “If the King finds out we left the palace without his consent he won’t be happy.”

“What should we be afraid of? I am King Ming! We can freely move about the palace right? Anyhow, it’s not like I’m going alone, I have three beautiful maidens to accompany me.”

Chiu Xin jumped up and agreed, “We should take a look! We’ve been cooped up in the Prince’s quarters ever since King Ming returned from Fan Jia.”

Chiu Yue pouted and grumbled, “Well, it has been fine for King Ming. King Rong often takes you out to accompany him. You’ve had no need for us to attend to you outside of the palace.”

“Yes, yes. I understand this time I will take you all with me!” Feng Ming generously promised the girls.

Chiu Lan finally came around and nodded, “Going out is possible but we shouldn’t stray too far from the palace. Otherwise…”

“Chiu Lan, don’t be a worry wart!”

Feng Ming was never strict on ranking and how the maids should act around him. The three girls were completely spoiled under his rule. They knew King Rong doted on Feng Ming and seeing their master would have their backs covered they immediately reached for the opportunity to have a scene change.

The girls giggle as they assisted their master into his riding gear. They ordered the stables to prepare four good steeds. They flashed the guards Feng Ming’s royal seal and were out of the palace in a jiffy.

In an unhurried manner, they made their way towards the busy slopes within the capital and near the palace. The terracing and irrigation works were well underway. With a better visual aid Feng Ming could properly lecture his students. Pointing out the start of the construction and answering any questions the girls had.

“Oh, I see now!” Chiu Xin nodded her head as she was getting around the idea.

Chiu Lan laughed gently, “This is indeed the thinking of our powerful King Ming!”

“Well, of course! Ming Wang is beautiful and talented but…”

“Chiu Yue you can stop now! We all know Ming Wang is handsome and talented!”

After guiding the girls about the terraces and completing their objective they should have returned to the palace. But the beautiful scenery and freedom was enticing. The sky was still bright and the day was still young. Feng Ming felt like a pet monkey that was released out of a cramp cage. He wasn’t willing to go back to it immediately.

Chiu Xing egged him on, “Ming Wang, Fan Jia’s third Princess lives in the outskirts of the capital. Shall we pay her a visit?”

After the Third Princess arrived she made a request to live on the outskirts of town. Rong Tian kept his promise and treated her as the ranking of a Queen. He bestowed land with breathtaking scenery and ordered Xi Rei’s best craftsman to construct a mansion fitting to her tastes and requirements.

She didn’t ever have to worry about her meals or clothing. Compared to living a lonely and impoverished life in Fan Jia this was the better alternative. It was a great suggestion to pay the Princess a visit. This would provide an opportunity for Feng Ming to practice some of the mathematical theories he had learnt recently.

In truth, Feng Ming was reluctant to cut their road trip short. He wasn’t that eager to return to the dull residence inside the palace.

Their master issued a nod.

Chiu Lan mothered them again, “The Princess’s residence is in the outskirts of the capital, King Rong is not here. Perhaps King Ming should not leave the capital.”

Chiu Yue was the most playful of the girls, “What is there to be afraid of, we have King Ming’s seal! We can leave the capital easily!”