It was early in the evening that I heard a knock on the door to my room.
“Who is it?” I called out questioningly.
“It is me…Auntie here,” I heard Auntie’s voice call to me through the wooden door.
“Please come in,” I said as I sat down on a chair and waited for her.
“Good evening, Lady White Lotus,” Auntie greeted me with a bow while carefully balancing a bowl on a tray.
The bowl and its hot content caught my attention and I wondered what it was. Since I was particularly interested in medicine, the aroma of herbs coming from the bowl in question stirred my curiosity as I tried to figure out what herbs were mixed in there.
As if noticing my interest, Auntie smiled at me as she carefully placed the bowl on to the table. I watched, intrigued, as the hot smoke swirled up from the hot liquid inside the bowl. I couldn’t figure out what herbs were
“It is indeed getting late. Can you do me the favor of accepting the letter in my place and bringing it to me here?” I asked.“Sure, My Lady. Please…wait for a moment,” the young maid said before bowing politely and leaving the room.I had been so focused with Ren since he came back from the war that I had completely forgotten the promise that I made to have a meal with Prince Kin. Ren was surely against it, and I knew that. However, I had given my word and it wasn’t like I could back away from Prince Kin’s invitation. Perhaps the best way is to somehow sneak off to meet him without Ren finding out.I sighed at the limited options available to me. If I told Ren, a fight would break out for sure and there was no way that he would allow me to keep my end of the bargain with Prince Kin. On the other hand, if I sneaked out to see Prince Kin, I would be hiding a secret from Ren…and going directly aga
Prince Kin’s palace was further away than Ren’s palace which I guess was to be expected. Afterall, it made sense for Ren’s palace to be located closer to his inner court. Due to the distance, a carriage was prepared for me so that I didn’t have to walk.Upon my arrival at Prince Kin’s palace, I was greeted politely by his maids and was led inside to where they told me that Prince Kin was waiting. Prince Kin’s palace was large and glamorously decorated. The place had a different vibe from Ren’s palace and seemed less traditional and newer. Unlike Ren’s palace that was decorated with many traditional motifs and the symbol of the empire, Prince Kin’s palace looked more like an entertainment theatre.The building was full of various bright colors and the shape of the roof resembled performance theatres. Judging from the various performance masks on display on the walls along the hallway of his palace, I coul
He went on describe his efforts to support aspiring artists in honing their skills and creating trade around artwork to make art a profession for more people to make a living from. Prince Kin also constructed and help support many performance venues in various large cities in the empire. I guess even Prince Kin has found a way to contribute to the development of the empire.I wasn’t sure if it was the pressure of spending time with Prince Kin or today’s hot weather, but I was starting to feel dizzy and I felt a slight headache. My mind struggled to keep up with the things that Prince Kin was talking so animatedly about.“That’s pretty amazing. I didn’t know that so much effort went into art…” I complimented honesty. In a different way to Ren, Prince Kin was helping people in his own way by doing things that he likes.“You have a very beautiful face and figure, I’m sure you’ll make a g
I closed my eyes shut tightly as I prayed for help. I prayed for Ren to save me. Tears stung the back of my eyes as regret and guilt filled my heart. All of this is happening because I didn’t heed Ren’s warning. I’m such a fool…‘…if a woman takes this herb and then sleeps with a man, taking in his seed into her womb, she will become pregnant with his child, without a doubt!’Auntie Chen’s words came to me in that moment. No…I drank that medicine. I never imagined that I would be in this situation when I drank that medicine.If he plants his seed into me now…then…Ren…help me!Ren…is he still mad at me? Would he come to help me?Ren…please forgive me…“Ren…” I called out his name, my voice sounding like a sob.“Too lost in lust to realize that someone has entered your room. It&rsquo
Ren has heard of various love potions used to induce sexual desire and yearning in women before, but he has never seen the effect of one in real life. However, from Rin’s reaction to his touches and what he has heard about the potions, he was sure that what he was witnessing was the result of a very strong love potion.He didn’t have to guess who gave Rin the love potion. This time his younger brother clearly went too far, and he would make sure that his brother received the punishment that he deserved. Using a love potion on another man’s woman is beyond forgivable.Ren’s face darkened further as he held Rin’s hot hand in his. He doubted that Prince Kin wanted Rin for himself that badly. After all, there were so many other women in Prince Kin’s inner court, and he has never hesitated to give his younger brother any women he wanted from his inner court before either. So why Rin?The answer was simple, and it
Ren slid the door to Rin’s bedroom closed after he had ordered the doctor to return from wherever he came from. There was no way that he would allow anyone else to see Rin this way. Ren walked over to the bed immediately. Sitting down on the side of the bed, he took Rin’s hand in his. Her hand was on the hot side, and she had begun sweating more than before. Her breathing was labored and unsteady.“Shhh…hang on, Rin. I’ll cure you now…” Ren whispered gently as he began kissing the back of Rin’s hand.Ren planted small and soft kisses on the back of Rin’s hand before proceeding to kiss her fingers. Rin moaned softly at the attention; her eyes still closed. Ren couldn’t tell if Rin was till conscious or how much she could perceive of what was going on.“Rin…can you hear me?” Ren asked as he looked down at Rin’s blushing face.Rin did not reply to R
Ren realized that Rin’s insides were hotter and wetter than normal as he began feeling around the inside of her love cave. He felt the walls of her pussy clenching hard around his intruding fingers, sucking his fingers deeper and deeper into her body. Rin’s moans had gotten louder and higher and Ren knew that she was getting close to her climax.He began thrusting his fingers in and out of her hole in firm and deep strokes. His fingers stroking the walls of her pussy as he stretched her opening. Rin cried out with pleasure as she started rocking her hips up and down to match the rhythm of his thrusting. The wet and lewd sounds of Ren’s finger stirring up Rin’s love honey deep inside of her pot filled the room along with her heated moans of lust.Ren started thrusting his fingers in and out of her harder and faster as she drew closer and closer to her orgasm. He used his other hand to stimulate her clit as his fingers pumped wildly in
The dress was nothing short of amazing and breathtakingly beautiful. I never imagined that I would have the honor to see such a dress in real life, let alone have the opportunity to wear it.This isn’t what I think it is…is it?It was slightly different from the ones commonly used in my town, but the motifs present on the dress were quite similar. This was also the most elaborate dress that I had ever seen. More like, I have never dreamt that such a wonderful dress existed.“Umm…this…isn’t a wedding dress, is it?” I asked suspiciously.Since I wasn’t from a royal family, I have never seen a royal wedding dress and definitely not one from the Flame Dragon Empire or the city of Darukai.“Of course, it is, My Lady. Well, to be precise, this is a minimized or simple version of the real wedding dress. It is not for wearing on the day of the wedding itself but worn for a mon
“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