I felt a shiver run down my spine. I think Ren did mention something to that effect about his uncle before. “Then…if Ren decides not to punish her…” I said as I reflected on Shin’s words.“Stop! I did not tell you this for you to beg Ren again to have mercy on Jeely,” Shin intervened with my suggestion immediately. “Then why are you telling me this?” I asked, not quite getting it. “I’m telling you this so that you will know that Ren has already shown her mercy in his own way. The law is still the law, no one, not even the crown prince, can simply ignore the law,” Shin explained. “I’m sorry. I don’t follow…” I admitted softly. “You’ll see soon for yourself. Just know that Ren is a very fair and merciful person. Don’t you dare act selfishly and burden the crown prince,” Shin said strictly. “Ok…” I replied. Basically, the best thing that I could do was sit still and watch what Ren would do in Jeely’s case. I closed my eyes and prayed that he would indeed have mercy on her. …A fe
“I do appreciate what you’ve done for me. However, I just wanted you to know that I’m happy enough already. When you apologized to me, I was so surprised but at the same time I felt so happy,” I told him honestly. “Apologies can’t be slept on like a new bed or sat on like a new chair. It can’t keep your body warm like new clothes and it cannot decorate the hair on your head like a golden hair pin,” Ren said as he tried to make his point. He’s right…but…“But if you meant it when you apologized, it goes to show how much you care for me and my feelings. That to me…means more than comfort in my sleep, warmth in my body or the beauty of my hair style…” I replied with an argument of my own. Ren paused as he stared at my face before he put his teacup down and started laughing. I watch Ren bend over and laugh loudly while I wondered what he found so funny. “As my woman, I don’t see why you have to choose between those things. You can have my apology and the gifts as well and let’s leave
We continued to kiss as he ran his hands over the curves of my body, making me sigh and moan into his kiss from the pleasure. His caresses were making my body heat up as desire started building up inside of me. It was clear that Ren was trying his best to be patient and gentle with me. He took his time undressing me, trailing small kisses on all parts of my body as he unveiled them. My neck, my chest, my stomach and then finally my thighs. “Ren…” I called out his name softly once he had undressed me completely. “Are you ok?” Ren asked with concern. “Yes. May I undress you?” I asked a little shyly. Ren was definitely surprised by my suggestion, but he just nodded his approval. I helped him out of his clothes before we fell down onto the bed together. I laid under him as he got on top of me and all I could see was Ren. For some reason, Ren seemed very hesitant as he sat in between my legs. “Is something…wrong?” I asked. “No…sorry…I was just distracted…” Ren replied. I wasn’t sure
“Ren…” I called out his name lovingly.Ren thrusted wildly into me a couple of times before he climaxed. I closed my eyes in bliss as he filled me with his heat. I stayed still as his cock shot his hot seed deep into my womb. As always, there’s so much of it. …We laid side by side on the bed exhausted from our intense love making. Ren looked at me and I smiled a little at him. He pulled me into a hug, and I gladly accepted. His arms around me felt so warm and secure. I was glad that I could experience peace like this in Ren’s arms once again. It wasn’t easy to return to how we were, although, I would like to think that our relationship had gotten stronger after we had made up. “Ren…” I called out to him softly. “Hmm?” Ren made a questioning sound. “Is it possible for you to help lower Jeely’s punishment? Jeely belongs to you so…” I asked feeling slightly hopeful. I did promise Shin that I wouldn’t push Ren but asking a little wouldn’t count as pushing him, right? “Did Shin tell
Time passed by and little by little I managed to return to my peaceful life. It has been around a month now since Jeely’s public execution. Although that was the talk of the town at the time, people have since moved on. No one spoke of her anymore and it was just like she had never existed in the palace. As for me, I still mourned over her from time to time. However, I knew that I had to move on too. Never will I forget her and all that she’s done for me. People tend to forget her years of good deed after she committed her crime; however, I beg to differ. I returned to work, train, and study at the hospital with my mentors. With the exam coming up, I needed to focus on both my patients and also studying from textbooks. The exam was a combination of working on actual cases and a written test. I wasn’t at all concerned about the actual case; however, I was scared of the written test. After finishing work at the hospital, I would return to my room and study from medical textbooks. I wa
Does Ren know about this?Ren…I need to see Ren! I was running towards the exit of the hospital before I knew what I was doing. It didn’t matter that I didn’t know where Ren was at that moment. I just had to start moving before my mind would drive me crazy. “My Lady!” I heard someone call after me, but I paid that person no mind. I ran past the gate of the Medical Office and out onto the main pathway of the Imperial palace. Where do I go from here? Ren…is he at his palace? Calm down, Rin…I tried to control my breathing as my mind raced to decide on what I should do. Everything is going to be ok. All I have to do is talk to Ren about this… …After being told that the crown prince should be returning soon from his meeting with the emperor, I decided to wait in his work room. I paced around anxiously as I waited for Ren to arrive. Time was passing by so slowly and my chest felt like it was going to explode. I was so worried, and my mind wouldn’t stop conjuring up the worst possible
“Rin…I appreciate your concern, but this is my job…” Ren said calmly. “Can’t you just send someone else?” I asked hopefully. “This is my job and I intend to fulfill my role and responsibilities. I won’t shrink back and send someone else in my place,” Ren said before he gave me a pointed look. “Ren…” I whispered his name, not knowing how to convince him otherwise. “You do your job, Rin…and I’ll do mine,” Ren said firmly. “When are you leaving?” I asked. “In a few days…” Ren replied without hesitation. My head felt light, and I was certain that I was about to faint. I closed my eyes and concentrated on breathing. The situation had gotten much worse than I could ever imagine. Firstly, there’s a war…again. Secondly, the war was at my hometown. To be precise, it was between my hometown and the empire. On top of all of that, Ren is going to war…There’s got to be a way that I can stop Ren from going to war. If that was not an option, then I will have to resort to my own back up plan.
“Don’t worry so much about it. As always, just smile and stay close to my side. If anyone asks anything, I’ll do the answering,” Ren instructed before he smiled reassuringly at me. “Ok. Thank you, Ren…” I replied. “No, thank you…for going through this with me…” Ren thanked me and I was sure that my heart just skipped a beat. …It didn’t occur to me when Ren invited me to the gala that it would be such an extravagant event. Clearly the standards for birthday celebrations in the palace were very different from what I had in mind. The day of the gala had finally arrived and to prepare me for it, the maids along with Auntie started dressing me at a little past noon. “Doesn’t the gala start at dinner time?” I asked in confusion. “It’s going to take until then to dress you up appropriately for it,” Auntie replied.“Really?” I asked in disbelief.“Really. Every year the dowager empress’s birthday celebration has a theme. Of course, the theme is chosen by her and everyone, especially the
“Really? I think you’re as young and as pretty as before…if not more pretty…” Ren said reassuringly before he bent down to kiss my cheek tenderly.Although I knew that he was probably just saying it to please me, I couldn’t help but feel my heart flutter at his words. The truth was that I have aged, and I definitely don’t look as fresh or young as I did all those years ago. Even I wasn’t foolish enough to believe that I haven’t aged. “Thank you, Ren…but that’s not really the point…” I replied with a small laugh. “Can’t we try for one more? Please…just one more…” Ren pleaded sweetly. “But we already have three children…” I pointed out. “But we don’t have a daughter yet…” Ren said with a sigh as he looked depressed and deflated. I wanted to roll my eyes at fate. Most women had problem pleasing their husband and his family because they couldn’t produce a son. In my case, I had no problem producing sons, but my husband was adamant in wanting a daughter so that he could spoil her like
My political influence changed again when I became pregnant with my second child and soon gave birth to another very healthy son. Having two sons for the emperor gave the entire empire confidence that the line of succession is secure. Despite Prince Kin’s women giving birth to a few sons as well at that point, it was clear that the line of succession will continue in Ren’s branch of the family, much to the dowager empress’s joy. Strangely, I have developed an amicable relationship with the dowager empress over the years as she had taken much interest in her great grandchildren. Naturally, I was favored without needing to do anything much. Unfortunately, the dowager empress passed away from old age before she got to see the face of our third child. To my utmost surprise and to many others’ jealousy, she had chosen to leave all her treasures to me so that I could distribute it to my children’s wives when they got married. I cried so much at her funeral that Ren had to step in and lead
Lately Ren has found his work as the emperor boring and repetitive. As a result, he has been spending more time with me and our children. That was a great thing for me and our family, but I wasn’t sure if it was best for the empire. “Shin can take care of most things. He’s unmarried, has no kids, and loves the empire. He’s perfect for the job,” Ren said before laughing loudly. That was his response when I asked him about skipping out on some of his royal duties. It’s been around 7 years now since Ren and I got married but Shin was still as single and free as a bird. Despite our efforts to get him to settle down, Shin had some how successfully evaded the topic of marriage all together. Even an arrangement by the previous emperor couldn’t tie him down. Shin now considers my children as his own and acts as their loving godfather. …When we arrived back at the main palace, I was greeted by my second son, Rem. Rem is more of a carefree spirit compared to Rou. He doesn’t seem super devot
“It sounds very complicated. In my town, weddings are something that you celebrate with your close friends and family in a simple way…” I mumbled. “I’m sure that doesn’t apply if you marry a prince or if you’re becoming the next empress,” Ren said with a laugh. “I guess you’re right…” I said with a nod of my head. “Don’t worry too much. We’ll both have it easy until the day itself. If you’re not too picky, you can leave the preparation to the officials and the staff. They’ll get everything done and if you have any special requests, just let them know and they’ll figure it out,” Ren said before he patted my head. I guess planning my own wedding was out of the question. I was sure that whatever the officials in charge had in mind would be very different to what I wanted. Recalling the minimal version of the wedding dress that Ren once made me wear to appear in court, I shuddered at the thought of the real wedding dress itself and the ceremony involved. “I’ll leave it to them then.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the baby?” Ren asked the moment the door to my bedroom closed behind us. “I…I was just waiting for the right moment to tell you,” I said honestly. “When did you find out?” Ren asked. “About a month ago while we were still in the middle of war,” I confessed softly. “You should have told me,” Ren insisted. “But you were so busy, and you were out there fighting every day. I didn’t want to add to your burdens,” I explained. “Regardless, you still should have told me,” Ren repeated his same opinion. “I’m sorry, Ren. It wasn’t like I was trying to keep it from you,” I apologized sadly. “I would have taken care of you better…” Ren muttered. Is that why he was so mad? “You’re so sweet, Ren,” I said before giggling. It was probably the first time that I think I saw Ren blush. I couldn’t stop myself from giggling at the sight. “Thank you, Rin. I can’t wait to raise our baby together,” Ren said as he hugged me close to him. “Me too…” I replied before sm
“But if you go, they might kill you…” Shin said. “Isn’t there someone who can help me?” I asked as a thought struck me. “You can’t be seriously thinking about…” Shin muttered as he probably caught on to what I was thinking. “Please, Shin…please help Ren…please help me…” I begged. “Shit…this is crazy…” Shin said in pure disbelief. I watched as Shin sprinted off. After he was gone, my legs lost all its strength and I eased down onto a nearby chair and concentrated on keeping my breathing calm. I placed a hand on my tummy as I prayed that all three of us would be safe. …**Back to the present**Everyone looked towards the entrance of the hall, where a frail old woman walked in slowly with her most trusted eunuch supporting her arms on both sides. Despite her age and her weakened body, the Dowager Empress walked with a straight back full of pride. In unison as if they had practiced it beforehand, everyone stood up from their seat and bowed. Ren and I did the same. “Mother…” the em
After quite a long while had passed, all five doctors were done with inspecting my body. Ren returned back to my side before he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder as we all waited for the verdict from the doctors. “So, what is your opinion regarding the Lady White Lotus,” the emperor asked impatiently. Each doctor was asked to present his view one by one starting with the least senior and ending with Doctor Pai, who was the most senior of them all. “Your Majesty, I believe that the Lady White Lotus is with child,” the first doctor stated before bowing deeply to the emperor. The whole hall erupted in whispers and gasps of shock. Some members of court who had undoubtedly been eagerly waiting for the next royal heir cheered and clapped their hands. “Silence. Next…” the emperor said firmly as he invited the next doctor to give his opinion. “Your Majesty. The Lady White Lotus is indeed pregnant,” the second doctor said before bowing to show his respect. “Next…” the emperor said
I can do this. I can do this. I can do this! “There is no need to punish the crown prince because I am without a doubt loyal to this empire. I wish for a bright future for this empire because that would mean a bright future for our child…” I said, making sure that my voice rang loud and clear. “Rin…” I heard Ren whisper my name. “What are you saying?” the emperor asked as a frown formed in between his brows. “I am with child. I am pregnant with the crown prince’s child,” I stated firmly. I could feel and hear everyone’s shock. Loud gasp of surprise filled the room followed by whispers. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, and I placed my hands over my stomach as if to protect the baby that was inside. “What are you saying? Leave with Shin right now,” Ren hissed to me as he came to my side. “No…I am not leaving you…” I said stubbornly. “Is it true, Rin?” Ren asked softly, I could feel his gaze on my stomach. I smiled weakly at him as I nodded. His eyes widened in surprise befor
Ren stood up from his seat and all eyes were on him. He took in a breath to calm himself before facing the emperor and the members of court. “I believe that the punishment decided for the town of Amber Leaves is just and fair. The emperor who also approved it seem to share my beliefs. The people of the town had no knowledge of what was going on and did not benefit from the enemy. Because of this, I believe that they should not be punished. I spent more than three months fighting the war. Compared to someone who had never stepped foot on the battlefield or the town itself, I believe that it should be fair to say that I am more knowledgeable about the situation,” Ren said calmly.“What about the punishment for Lady White Lotus? It is indeed her town that rebelled against the empire,” a senior member of court inquired sternly. “The Lady White Lotus has failed to deliver a royal heir for this empire as well. It has been a very long time and she is not yet with child,” the empress spoke