The throne hall was smelled of incense and floor of smooth marbles stone. Sunlight rays coming through the tall windows in shape of the dragon, rays sun look like golden light onto red carpets and bronze banner marked with the imperial seal. Though the hall was beautiful and grand, the atmosphere of hall was tense; everyone was waiting to speak something.
The Emperor of this empire was setting on the throne high made of jade, his face sickly and tired. His strong eyes now moving uneasily with dark circle under them from many night sleepless due to overwork of imperial court. His hands held the jade throne's arms shaking a little worry.
Ministers and Generals standing in straight rows around him, Everyone keep their eyes lowered and waiting to emperor or someone to break this silence in court hall..
The Financial Minister, a thin man with a sharp face and ink on his fingers, he bowed respectfully before speaking. His voice calm but carried hidden meaning.
"My king…" he began carefully, "these attempts on the life of the First Prince, Shen Yun, are unfortunate… yet unsurprising. The prince has, over time, offended many powerful figures in court and beyond. Those who hold grudges are many."
His words stirred murmurs among the officials. Some exchanged glances, some stiffened with discomfort.
The Right General stepped forward. He was an old fighter with wide shoulders and scars on his face. His eyes showed controlled anger.
"No," he interrupted firmly, "this is not the reason. All know well that this is a scheme for the throne. As the First Prince, Shen Yun bears the right to ascend. These assassination attempts are orchestrated by those who fear his strength and influence."
The Financial Minister shot him a sharp glance but quickly replied, lowering his voice yet ensuring it reached all ears.
"My lord," he said, "by law, by tradition, and by the judgment of the realm, the First Prince has no right to the crown. The reason is plain—you know it."
The General's eyes narrowed and he held sword's grip tightly. "I know only that the throne belongs to the rightful heir."
Before the argument could turn into debated any further, the Emperor lifted his hand quickly and his face became red with frustration.
"Enough!" His voice was clear and he silenced even the most whispers tongue in the hall.
Leaning forward, the Emperor focused his eyes on the two men before turning to gaze at the intricately carved ceiling, obviously seeking strength among the walls. He paused for a long moment before speaking again with determination and weight as his shoulders decreased.
"Enough of this argument. I will make it clear for everyone."
He take a deep breath and the release it. He spoke in authorize his voice.
"Shen Yun… will not become the crown prince."
Like the quiet before a storm, a silence descended upon the hall.
Every word he spoke was thoughtful and calculated and the Emperor's eyes grew ferocious.
"He is a man of twisted nature.... too dangerous, too unpredictable. A Empire cannot put itself in the future with one whose heart is filled with its own pride and rebellion."
The ministers bowed their heads, some in relief, others in silent disappointment. The Right General clenched his jaw but said nothing. The Financial Minister's lips sighed slightly with relief.
The Emperor leaned back heavily on his throne, his face showing weariness but still full of power and control. Yet exhaustion was clear on his face as if the weight of leading and managing Empire were more pressing than ever.
The court was still motionless the silence between them is heavy and oppressive.
The private palace of the Empress was far away from the formal impressiveness of the throne hall(Court hall). The wide halls had fine silk curtains with painting of phoenixes was hanging on the walls and the air was filled with softly of incense. Thick carpet lay on the floor and pretty carved screens made soft shadows in the corner from the morning light.
The Empress was setting straight on an elegant wooden chair, she was looking like beautiful and noble woman she was even though she seemed like a storm under her heart but yet she composed appearance. A maid was knee beside her with a fancy tea cup with steam gently rising from the surface. The tea was light in color, with the perfume of rare mountain herbs to calm the nerves and strengthen the body.
The Right General bowed deeply as he entered the chamber. His armored frame bent at the waist, his expression somber.
"My Empress," he greeted, voice steady but weighted with concern.
The Empress's eyes, dark and sharp, lifted toward him, waiting.
The General reported everything—the worried look of the Emperor, so he decided that Shen Yun would not be next ruler because he believed Shen Yun had bad or twisted character. The Emperor though Shen Yun wasn't the right person to lead empire because of this.
On the final order, the Empress's anger showed in her eyes. Without hesitation, she grabbed the tea cup from the maid's hand and throw that cup to the ground. The cup hit hard and broke with a loud sound crack; tea spilled and spread across the polished floor like spilled silk.
"My lord promised me!" she snapped, her voice ringing with bitter indignation. "He promised that my son—my Shen Yun—would be named crown prince! And now… now he dares to back away like a coward!"
The maid stood still, trembling, while the General lowered his head, quiet in the face of her fury.
Just then, Shen Yun walked into the room.
His white robe was clean and perfect. He stayed his usual calm and composed demeanor. His eyes, soft and seemed innocent as they quickly scanned the room before resting on the mess.
"Please maid," he said sweet-naturedly and just like he practiced for the purposes of fun, his voice calm and somewhat playful. "Clean this up quickly... it's not good for a tea to stain the floor."
With a soft and loving smile, he turned to his mother. "Please, Mother... don't get upset. It's not good for your health."
His tone was overflowing with love and obviously concerned for her health, but in reality it's opposite of what he said. His eyes gave away an amused awareness of the situation.
The Empress narrowed her eyes, fighting to remain composed. "You can't control yourself!" she replied with a angry response. "You know damn well the King has already learned of your nature!"
Shen Yun smiled playfully, trying to look innocent."Sorry, Mother," he whispered softly, tilting his head like a child trying to calm an angry parent. "I try to stop it... I really do... but how can I when people keep trying to kill me?"
The Right General, still standing nearby, nodded solemnly. "The First Prince is correct. These attacks are not his fault. Others are scheming against him."
The Empress's glance quickly in the direction of the General. Shen Yun looked in the same direction as her, and for a brief moment then his expression grew firm with a quick and sharp smile. .
"You should know your place," he said softly and without emotion, barely whispering his words.
But he clearly softened as he turned back to his mother and pretended to feel concern again.
But the Empress saw the edge in his eyes. Her own face tensed. She scolded him without further hesitation.
"Rude again!" she snapped. "You must act with utmost sweetness toward your allies! You must be gracious and win their hearts!"
Her words cut through the air. Shen Yun lowered his head and respectfully apologize to Right General. His face was calm and voice was sweet when he say "apologize Right General" but his mother noticed the light in his eyes showed he was not as obedient as he seemed.