"Everything Wei does is calculated, thought through before it is implemented in their kingdom. Infiltrating that place is like asking for war or going into a war zone with no weapon to help you"
The prime minister clearing his throat to say something probably to counter the emperor didn't deter the court attendant from shouting at the arrival of someone.
"His highness the crown prince has arrived!" The two double doors opened, the guards holding the knob for Li-Rong as he came in, everyone stood besides his father in greeting until he walked to his seat and sat which they also did.
"You are late crown prince Li-Rong" his father, the emperor rebuked him, "The court started minutes ago"
Li-Rong sat motionless on his seat, his eyes on his father who openly regarded him, it was obvious he was trying to abash him. Word about his little show yesterday must have reached and disgusted him and he was trying to tell him who was in charge.
He inclined his head where he sat, his voice low and contrite "I had to attend personal matters your majesty"
Everywhere was quiet, a pin could be dropped and the sound would echo like there was no one inside this room. Everyone's breath was caught, they knew he and his father's head always butted.
"And what could be more important than the court that couldn't wait?"
Li-Rong exhaled, and he settled back into his seat "Personal matters. Your majesty" His father squinted at him and he almost smirked.
This morning when he woke up alone on his bed, his brain drove back to yesterday and what happened. After their little breakdown with each other, he knew he couldn't take Xin-Yi into his palace or his quarters.
He decided to order a palanquin but she outrightly refused, he instead ordered a guard to see her through to the maid's quarters and that had his blood boiling to a high degree.
Only if she wasn't a maid in the first place, she wasn't supposed to be a maid. Everyone knew. The palace and his father. If his mother was alive, his father wouldn't dare subject her to such.
He went to bed drunk, he never drank but when he did, it mostly was after a rigorous assignment from his father that always had his head in shambles. That left him thinking about ending him and running away with her.
Wu empire could burn for all he cared but no, that thought was tempting but beyond the bounds of possibility. He would die before leaving his chambers.
His head swam with ideas, ways on how to free himself from the disgusting control of his father and even when he did to free himself alone he couldn't leave her under his thumb.
He stayed in bed, aware there was court this morning but couldn't leave. He was drained. Today was going to be a long day, his father had people coming and he was going to welcome them.
"You shouldn't be slacking in your duties as the crown prince. The court may decide to take the crown away from you" his father said, stretching his hand for a minister to hand him a scroll.
He almost snapped "Take it away. I never wanted it" but the words like his opinion when it concerned his life and not his great and strategic ideas and decisions for the benefit of the court died down on his lips.
His father was taunting him, this court was for formality. All the decisions made here came from his father.
The prime minister, the noblemen and some few people recruited to give advice to the emperor were all to make Wu look reputable like other kingdoms.
The only people he considered important enough to give a cent about their opinions on how he ran a kingdom he didn't build himself were the patriarchs of a few noble families that had no one in court to represent them.
The emperor sent reports on the happenings of the kingdom to them, he knew his father was in the great search of a way to abolish such ritual but he prayed it was unattainable. He loved how he still answers to a few people.
"So many people are coming in today, Your Majesty," the prime minister said from his seat, "the last time in court. We mentioned those assigned to welcome them. Do you have any suggestions? The empress reported she was ill and unable to handle any strenuous activities"
His father raised his head up from the scroll in his hand, his gaze moving to the seat beside him like he was seeing the vacancy now, which he was. Unfortunately, noticing his wife was absent.
"She is ill" someone reiterated like the prime minister hadn't, the emperor raised his brow at him "This morning. Her court lady reported it to the court."
"And has anyone gone to check on her?"
Li-Rong sighed, the low hissing sound bounced through the walls, everyone dipped their heads like he unsheathed his sword. The emperor cleared his throat, definitely thinking about penalising him.
"Someone—"
"She—"
They said simultaneously and his father cleared his throat again however Li-Rong continued "I will go check on her, your majesty. If that will ease your worries?"
The emperor only nodded his head, briskly changing the topic "The head of Yulong Clan sent a letter he won't be able to make it but assured his siblings would be in attendance and are on their way right now" he turned to Li-Rong "I want you to welcome them. There should be no scowling. Give them your best"
He inclined his head, right now he couldn't say anything. The court continued with other matters but Li-Rong's thoughts were clouded with one thing.
After this party he was going to find a solid ground with his father. He was going on another visit to Wei, an unofficial one, he didn't know when he was going to return and needed to keep her safe.
The court ended and everyone dispersed, going out in two and three out the door. He stood to follow after but his father calling out his name had him sit back.
The door closed, the loud bang would've caused a shiver in one of the ministers body but not him. His father antics could never intimidate him.
The emperor came down from his throne, his steps measured with intent, his hands behind his back. He took a turn around the court chairs in silence, only the soft sliding of his dress shoes made a noise.
"I always knew she was going to be a problem but I never thought that problem would take the attention of the crown prince even in the court!" The emperor stood before him, close enough to see he was simmering "Is she a problem? You have duties, obligations that you must fulfil for this empire, Li-Rong. A woman should never vie for that. Your existence is to serve this empire—"
"But I don't want to"
"Which you will. No one cares, it's inescapable" ignoring that, the emperor went on "There's a territory I want to take and it's at the borders of Wei. It is not their land but sometimes the people go there for help however it's still a free land and I want it"
"How does that affect me—"
"The land is—"
"You can have—"
"Shut your mouth!" The emperor's voice boomed through the walls, his shoulders shaking with fury as he pointed a trembling finger at him "I am still talking. The emperor is talking and you should listen, so shut your mouth." He enunciated every word, glaring daggers at Li-Rong.