Murong Jin sat in the side hall, waiting. The decree had already been issued. Following the ancestral rule that "The Empress comes from Murong," she was to be crowned Empress. Die Man was named Consort Die, given her own courtyard.
But the shock came next. A third woman was also named Consort. A beauty who could shame the moon and flowers. Guo Lingyu, the adopted daughter of Guo Shangzhong.
Murong Jin wore the phoenix robes, the golden tassels swaying before her eyes. She stared at her hands, pale against the crimson silk.
"General Murong Yan requests an audience!"
She looked up. Her father strode in, his armor black as ink, his face carved by time and wind. But his eyes were as resolute as ever.
"Your subject greets the Empress." He knelt on one knee.
She started to rise, then sank back. The rules of the palace bound her now.
"Father, please rise. A seat." She gestured to Ning Bi.
The maid hurried to place a chair beside her.
Murong Yan sat, studying his daughter. The spirited general of Wuchuan was gone. In her place sat a woman with lost eyes, staring at the floor.
"Jin, what happened?" He walked over, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Nothing." She forced a smile. "I'm fine, Father."
"Is he bullying you?" His face darkened. "Is it about the concubine?"
She froze, then laughed. "Father, he is the Emperor now."
"Ah." He laughed with her. "I'm getting old. I forgot."
She held his hand, silent.
"Jin, you can't hide from me. Your mother died early. You grew up by my side. Tell me."
"It's Qi'er," she whispered. "Someone tried to poison him a few days ago."
"What?" He grabbed her shoulders. "Who? Is he safe?"
"He's fine. We found the culprit." She tried to calm him.
"Jin, how could you be so careless?" He sighed. Raising a child in the palace was hard enough. "With Die Man and now this Guo girl… you must be vigilant."
"I know." She bowed her head, a sob escaping her lips.
He panicked. His daughter rarely cried. But every time she did, the general who commanded thousands was helpless.
"Jin." He pulled her into his arms, awkwardly patting her back.
"I just want him to grow up safe. To be normal." She clutched his armor, weeping.
"You know that's impossible." He smiled bitterly. "Born into this family, his fate is set. All you can do is watch over him until he is strong enough to face it alone."
"I know. I know." She shook her head against his chest. She understood. Empress Murong was the example. But understanding and accepting were two different things.
Xue Liulan stood at the door, watching. Her sobs cut him like knives.
"Your Majesty?" Ning Bi stood behind him with a basin of water, surprised. Why was he standing in the cold?
Murong Jin looked up. Her father turned.
"Your subject greets the Emperor." Murong Yan knelt. Even in anger, he followed the rules. One slip could doom his family.
"Rise, Father-in-law." Xue Liulan helped him up, but his eyes were on her. Red eyes, tear-streaked face. She looked away, wiping her cheeks.
"I would like a moment with my wife."
"Of course. The hour is near. I will take my leave." Murong Yan bowed and left.
Xue Liulan looked at the servants. "Leave us."
Ning Bi and the others withdrew, closing the door.
"Are you going to turn around?" he asked, standing behind her.
"Aren't you busy?" She kept wiping her face, trying to stifle her sobs.
"I was worried, so I came to check. I didn't expect to find you crying to your father." He walked around to face her.
"I wasn't." She reached for the towel.
He caught her hand, pulling her close. He looked into her startled eyes, tracing the wet path of her tears.
"Why didn't you tell me you were hurting?"
She looked away. "If I told you, would you not have taken her?"
He laughed. "If it matters that much to you, I'll depose her. Come." He pulled her toward the door.
"Where are we going?" She pulled back.
"To the study. I need a brush to write the decree."
"I… I was joking." She stared at him, then walked up to him, looking into his face. "Whether you mean it or not, I'm happy."
He stopped smiling. He looked at this woman who never flinched at death, now crying over a concubine.
"I'm sorry, Murong Jin." He used her full name, remembering her words. Once I marry you, I am just the Fifth Princess Consort.
"It was a joke." She smiled, though her eyes were sad. "I know. If you hadn't taken her, Qi'er's life would be in danger."
"But I failed to protect you." He pulled her into a fierce embrace. "I failed as a husband."
She raised her hand, patting his back. "I know you didn't want to. We have no choice."
"Not for long." He took a deep breath. "Trust me."
"I do. Just as I trust I can be as good as your mother."
"No. I don't need you to be like her." He shook his head, frantic. His mother had lived for his father, even in death planning his retreat. "I just want you by my side. Alive."
Her hand paused. Then she smiled. "It's a promise, Xue Liulan."
"Mm." He relaxed, releasing her to examine her ruined makeup.
"What?" She felt self-conscious.
He pointed at her cheek, then picked up the towel and gently wiped her face. He sat her down.
"What are you doing?"
"I can't have you going out looking like a mess, can I?" he teased.
"Don't worry. I won't embarrass you." She sat up straight, challenging him, just like on their wedding day.
They both laughed. He cleaned her face, dipped his finger in the rouge, and then picked up a porcelain jar.
Yinghong. His gift to her.
He took her hand and led her up the steps to the high platform. They stopped before the great bronze tripod. Together, they turned to face the sea of officials below.
He drew his sword and thrust it into the center of the tripod. Claiming the world. Ruling the court.
She watched the tassel on the hilt dance in the wind.
Here begins another war.