“Stay in this tent. If you leave without my permission, I’ll cut your head off,” Ren commanded before he headed for the exit. I could feel Ren’s menacing glare on me, and my body felt cold with fear. Things have taken a turn for the worst. As Ren left the tent followed by Shin, I was left alone in the large tent. Probably unbeknownst to Ren and Shin, I was far from admitting defeat. If I give up now, then everything will be for naught. Somehow, I’m going to convince Ren to let me work to earn my keep. My legs gave way from the tension, and I flopped down onto one of the chairs. I felt like I needed to cry from all the bottled-up emotions and frustration. However, my brain was too busy planning my next move that no tears came to my eyes. This is not the time for me to shed any useless tears. …Knowing that Ren wanted to have a private talk with him, Shin led the way to his own tent which was located nearby. Shin knew that Ren was extremely mad right now, but he had already decided o
“Because you would have stopped me,” I replied honestly. “You’re right. I would have…but you still should have told me,” Ren said firmly. “I’m sorry…but I really needed to be here. This war concerns my town, my people…and you too…” I tried my best to explain. “If you told me, I could have better prepared for the comfort of your journey and for your safety here,” Ren said with slight regret in his voice. “Ren…” I whispered his name in disbelief. I can’t believe he had just said that. “If you thought that I wouldn’t allow you to be here, then it was your responsibility to convince me until I thought otherwise. I know that you have your reasons and I have mine,” Ren started reprimanding me.“You’re right. I should have confronted you directly about this rather than going behind your back. I was too desperate to come along and used Shin and the emperor as an excuse,” I admitted shamefully. “At least you seem to understand where you went wrong. I’ll deal with your punishment when we
Of course, I didn’t understand the details of everything that was in there. It seemed to have been sent to Ren from one of his senior war advisors. I put that report down and picked up another one. This one was written in a handwriting that was different and slightly neater than the one before. After scanning my eyes quickly through the writing, I figured out that this report contained various speculations for the real cause of this war. Wait! The cause of this war? Come to think of it, Ren mentioned that the people of my town were rebelling because of the tax increase after they joined the empire. However, the report in my hand seems to suggest that that isn’t the only reason. Increase in tax wasn’t even the main reason even if it was included here in this report as one of the contributing reasons. That’s what I thought earlier. The Elders agreed to pay the tax when they signed the peace treaty so I didn’t think that they would have a problem with it later on. My eyes quickly read
“Don’t thank me. You do realize that we have to win this war first and the people’s cooperation will also be necessary,” Ren said sternly. “Yes, I am aware. Thank you, Ren,” I said and ended up thanking him again. “Enough of this serious talk for today,” Ren said before he heaved a sigh. He seemed worn out and stressed. “When will the fighting start?” I asked one last question. Doctor Kai told us that it would probably start tomorrow. Ren should know best though. “It’s already ongoing but our army will probably join in tomorrow,” Ren replied flatly. “You too? Will you fight too?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking. “I’m not sure. It depends on how our first wave of reinforcement does when they join with the army that is already engaged in battle,” Ren replied honestly. I didn’t want to tire him further with talks of my worries and fear, so I just nodded in acceptance. Tomorrow or the day after or someday soon, Ren would be heading out to join the battle. I knew that and I knew
His hand stroked its way down my body along the plain of my stomach until it reached the heat in between my spread legs. Ren’s skillful fingers began stroking my wetness and my hips bucked at the sudden pleasure of being touched. My pussy throbbed with desire, and it felt so hot inside. “You’re wet…but so tight…” Ren groaned softly as he pushed two fingers into my love hole. I bit my lip to stop myself from crying out at the abrupt entrance of his fingers, stretching me, and filling me up deep inside. My pussy clenched around his fingers before I tried to relax around him. “I’m ok…so…please…Ren…” I whispered, inviting him to continue. I appreciated that he was concerned for me; however, I couldn’t wait any longer to be one with him. Apart from my heart, I guess my body also missed him more than I had realized. His hands were on my thighs before he spread my legs wider for him. Ren positioned his thick and erect cock at my entrance. I called his name softly before Ren thrusted his
I looked in slight confusion at the old man standing right outside Ren’s tent as he smiled politely at me. Ren must have sent him to take care of me while he’s gone. So, this is my new babysitter. Although Ren joked that he would put Shin to the job, I knew that they would both be extremely busy. Ren couldn’t possibly let Shin babysit me when he had so many things that he needed to do.“I’m Rin…nice to meet you,” I politely introduced myself. “I’m General Chang. Sorry but…you’re stuck with me until we wrap up the war here and head back,” the general said with a laugh. “Oh no…it’s my pleasure. Thank you for agreeing to do this…I will try my best not to be a burden to you,” I said humbly. The old general burst out laughing at my directness. He had a low and booming voice which echoed everywhere. The way his face creased when he laughed and smiled made me feel that he must be a very kind-hearted man. “I’m a general but I am a very old man. It’s enough that the crown prince still keep
If we don’t work fast, the number of patients will pile up in no time. Right now, the queue was manageable, and the wounded didn’t have to wait for long to get medical attention. However, if we slowed down now or if more soldiers arrived, things would head for the worst. Unfortunately, I was reminded of that fateful day when my village was attacked, and I had to work just like this. I closed my eyes and shook the thought away from my mind. Unlike then, we had more advance tools here and we had enough medicine. I had to be content with that for now. The rest was up to us. The same couldn’t be said for the other side of battle. The soldiers from my town probably didn’t have enough of anything to heal their injuries. The next patient arrived, and I banished all thoughts to focus on the work at hand. The sun had started to set when the messenger from the front line arrived bearing news that the fighting had ended for the day. Everyone, including myself, let out a huge sigh of relief. T
The first week flew by in a blur of events. The second day working in the medical tent was similar to the first. The worst was the third day. It wasn’t like the situation got better on the following days; however, the third day was when war truly broke out and we suffered a high number of casualties. It was brutal and extremely shocking. The other days that followed was the same until somehow, I had gotten used to seeing men dying right in front of my own very eyes. “He’s not going to make it; we should move on…” Mou said sadly. I looked down at the man laying on the stretcher as he struggled to breathe. Mou’s right, this man probably won’t make it. Before I knew it, I felt a sharp pain in the palm of my hands and realized that I was clenching my hand so tightly that my nails were digging into my skin. It was so hard to let go. If I stayed with him, he may live. However, that would mean that someone else here in this tent would have to die. Being torn by these life and death decisi
“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