“That’s to be expected. This festival was designed to bring in food, clothes, art, performance and various other things from many cities across the empire. So, it’s normal if you don’t know them all,” Ren replied casually. “Do you know them all?” I asked curiously. “No…but I do know most of them,” Ren replied with a grin. “Tell me…please…” I pleaded as I smiled sweetly at him. We walked around hand in hand and Ren pointed out and explained the various dishes to me. For a while, we forgot about buying anything to eat. Ren was busy explaining things to me, and I was busy listening to him. We walked around like that for a while until we almost reached the end of the first row of food stalls. Seeing that it would take forever for Ren to explain everything to me, I suggested that he recommend some food to me instead so that we could buy some and start eating. “This is so good. The flavor of these spices is so unique, I’ve never eaten anything like this before,” I complimented as I sta
Ren saw a horse that had gone wild charging further into the crowd, heading towards where he was standing, and he immediately understood the situation. There are so many people here, if that horse isn’t dealt with or brought under control many people will get hurt and some may even die. The horse will trample on many people and while they are in a panic, there will be a stampede in the crowd. He furrowed his brows as he thought hard about his next move. He should find Rin but at the same time he had to do something about that horse. His people are at risk and the harm is charging directly towards him.Stopping the horse would keep people safe and that also included Rin. Rin should not be badly hurt as long as she doesn’t encounter the wild horse. Without another thought, his body began moving towards the oncoming beast. Wait for me, Rin……Where am I? While being swept by the crowd I was somehow able to separate myself by stepping aside from the main path into a small alley. Peekin
There was no one here who could help him look for Rin and going back to the palace to bring a search party would take too much time. If he asked for help and his or her identity is revealed, she could be in even more danger from thieves and the like. He had no option but to go search for Rin himself. The biggest question was where to look. Ren looked down the path that the crowd seemed to have travel. If Rin was swept up by the crowd, then she probably went that way, he thought before he began running at full speed down the path. The path was quite clear of people now as most people had already left. Running past a couple of men, Ren paused and asked them if they had seen a woman that resembled Rin. “Sorry, we’re not sure…” the man replied, shaking his head. “Thank you…” Ren thanked them softly. It wasn’t like he was expecting any leads. Rin was dressed up well enough, but she still looked just like any more well-off commoner. There was nothing on her that would be memorable to a
“What happened just now was crazy!” “I know, right. Where did that mad beast come from?”“I just heard that it’s all good now. Some guy managed to stop the horse and calmed it down,” “Really? Wow…who would have thought that was possible…”The sound of two men chatting loudly brought me back to my senses. They just mentioned that someone had managed to calm down the horse that was causing trouble earlier. For some reason that I could not place, I knew immediately that the man those men were talking about had to be Ren. As if some magical spell had been casted on me, my legs regained strength and so did my resolve. Without any struggle and without any more thoughts, I was heading out of the alley back to the main road. My destination was clear in my mind. I wasn’t sure if he was there, but I have to go there. I must make it back to the town square where the festival was. I must make it back to Ren. …The sun had just set, and the sky was quickly turning dark. Still unable to find a
Ren didn’t say a word to me, and I didn’t dare to start a conversation with him. That meant that the whole ride back to the palace past by in silence. I couldn’t understand why Ren was so angry all of a sudden and I wasn’t sure if I had the courage to find out. What I knew for sure was that I would find out when we got back to the palace…It was completely dark by the time we arrived back at the palace. Without saying a word to me, Ren took me to his palace. To my surprise, a worried-looking Shin was waiting for us when we arrived back. It seemed as if he had been waiting for us there for a while. “You’re back later than I thought. I heard there was some trouble at the festival…” Shin said, clearly worried. The news regarding the incident with the horse must have reached the palace. It wasn’t surprising, considering that the festival was a big one and so many people attended. I figured that Ren must have told Shin that we would be going. Ren was silent and didn’t answer Shin’s que
“You thought it was the perfect opportunity for escape because you were out of the inner court and out of the palace,” Ren stated coldly. “What are you saying?!” I cried out in shock. He’s getting it all wrong. “Look me in the eyes, Rin. Tell me that not once did the thought of escaping cross your mind. Can you tell me that?” Ren challenged. “I…” I whispered quietly. I felt a warmth against my forehead as Ren touched his forehead to mine. It was such a gentle and tender gesture yet at that moment, it did nothing but scare me. For some reason, it felt like Ren could read me and he knew exactly what I was thinking. My body shivered in fear. “You can’t say it, can you?” Ren asked in a disappointed whisper. I bit my lower lips in frustration. He was right. I couldn’t say it. If I did, I would just be telling Ren a lie and he would realize it straight away anyways. He was right, I did think of escape. I even went as far as to think about how to make it feasible with the resources tha
Ren kept on kissing me while his hands continued to pleasure my breasts. He’s being so rough with me, but I couldn’t stop body from wanting more of his rough caresses. I wanted to feel his hands directly on my naked skin and I wanted him to touch me more. Ren’s hands left my breasts as he sat up a little before his hand quickly began pulling on my clothes to undress me. Impatiently, Ren’s hands tore at my clothes, parting the fabric to the side to reveal my naked chest and stomach to him. His hands then pulled the fabric away from my legs and removed the sleeves from my arms until I was laying naked beneath him. Ren sat up just enough so that he could rip his clothes off his body as well. It wasn’t long before his muscular and beautiful body was naked on top of me. I felt the heat of his skin directly on mine as he lay on top of me, skin-on-skin this time. “Ren…” I called out his name softly. Although he was giving me immense pleasure that I couldn’t help but want more. It just fel
“You look like you really enjoyed that. Does it feel good having my seed deep inside of you, Rin?” Ren asked as he smirked down at me from above. Ren lifted both my legs up and held them close together. I felt his shape even more distinctively now that my legs were closed tightly together. “Ahhh…Ren…” I whimpered when I felt his cock slowly sliding out of my pussy. “Keep my seed inside you, Rin. Don’t let any of it leak out…” Ren said, and his voice sounded so cold. Ren held my legs up, keeping the mix of our love juices from flowing out of my entrance. He’s trying to keep his seed inside of my womb. No…I’m going to end up getting pregnant this way. “Ren…” I whispered his name. His large hand held my ankles together and kept my legs lifted up. I could feel the mix of our love juices in my lower abdomen and my love tunnel. I wondered what caused this sudden change in Ren. He had never been this aggressive before and never had he shown interest in making me conceive his child. Is
“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