Chapter 8: 1.7 Star Dancer
The Emperor left his main study and headed directly towards Chen Su Su's courtyard.
He didn't take his escorts or palanquin, he wanted to be discrete, he already has too many eyes on him now that he's Emperor.
When he was nearing the small courtyard behind his residence, he could already smell the scent of fresh lotus blossoms. This place had always given him a sense of comfort, he especially enjoyed the scent of her presence.
When he got to the front of the courtyard, he didn't see Su Su's figure, he panicked a bit, but soon, he calmed down when he noticed her standing in the gardens by the lake.
"Su Su." The emperor hugged her tightly from behind, relishing in her comforting fragrance. Su Su only enjoyed his warm breath for a moment before tugging on his arms to release her. As if expecting her reaction, he reluctantly released her.
"What brings His Majesty to Su Su's courtyard?" Chen Su Su looks questioningly at her past beloved lover.
Huang Wang Lei gathers himself and looks seriously at his one and only love in front of him. He was a bit afraid to ask her about their daughter, once she confirms it, their current fragile relationship might break apart. He knew that the reasons she had left him all those years ago was because he wasn't strong enough to protect her, so he had no right to be upset with her for hiding the existence of their daughter. But starting from today, she won't have to worry about that anymore, the Dai family's forces will soon be fully wiped out and the three of them can finally be a family.
"Su Su, when we separated, were you pregnant with our child?" Huang Wang Lei asks cautiously.
When Chen Su Su heard him mention their daughter, her pupils couldn't help but dilate in shock. How did he find out? I've never told anyone about the identity of Tian He's father, not even her younger brother who's been raising his niece for all these years knows.
When Wang Lei caught the shock in her eyes, he knew that his conjecture was true. The mysterious girl was his daughter! His and his beloved Su Su's daughter! He couldn't help but be excited at the news. He wondered how she fared for all these years without their care and love, worry suddenly washed over his face.
Chen Su Su looks at her past lover's ecstatic facial expression, although she was glad he liked their daughter, she couldn't help but worry now that he knows of her existence. However, it did no good to continue to hide her, the forces that he amassed these years can easily investigate their daughter's whereabouts.
"Correct, Wang Lei, when I left you, I knew that I was already carrying your flesh and blood. However, I do not regret it. If I had let you acknowledge her, only danger would follow her."
Wang Lei hugs her deeply in his embrace, "Su Su, I don't blame you, it was me who was too incompetent then to protect your mother and daughter pair, but not anymore."
Su Su looks at him in surprise, "You mean—"
"Yes, I have given free rein to Qiong'er to deal with the Dai family's powers. I have long wanted to take down that old fox in Dai family and I'm sure that Qiong'er share my sentiments. There is enough evidence and preparation to wipe out all the influences and forces in their hands."
"Wait, what about Consort Dai? What are you going to do about her and her son, weren't you hesitating all this time because Huang Jian Guo is your only flesh and blood son? Since the other imperial family members have more children than you, won't it be dangerous for Qiong'er once his identity is exposed?"
"I have already won over the majority of the forces in their hands, you don't need to be worried that Qiong'er will be in any danger, even if something happens, with the influences and forces in his hands, no one has the ability to question his authority. As for Guo'er, because he is my only flesh and blood besides our daughter, disciplining him is what I should do, he has gotten far too arrogant and atrocious in his actions lately. Hopefully, he'll change his attitude once we finish wiping out the influences his maternal family has on him. But if Consort Dai doesn't adjust her behaviors after this lesson, then I hope she won't blame me for being merciless."
Chen Su Su looks at Wang Lei seriously, sensing his confident and firm attitude, thinking that perhaps justice will finally prevail and their family of three can have the hope of reuniting in this life.
When her thoughts began to recall how she was chased and almost killed by Consort Dai family's forces seventeen years ago, Chen Su Su's eyes couldn't help but reveal a hint of deep resentment.
Dai Wang Yan! Once you no longer have your family's backing, let's see how long you can last. You have viciously tried to murder our daughter and mother pair, I will absolutely make sure you feel my pain.
Su Su buries her head into her lover's embrace, once Dai family and Consort Dai is finally taken care of, she'll at long last get to meet her daughter. When thinking about Tian He, she couldn't help but smile brightly, for the first time ever in seventeen years.
As Chen Su Su and Huang Wang Lei both began sharing their stories about their daughter, the 2nd Imperial Prince had finally returned to his residence and started implementing his plan to take down the Dai family.
"General Jun, I will trouble you to cover this area of Dai family's main residence, once my forces start surrounding it, this mountain area behind that old fox's courtyard is the only place where they would have a chance to escape."
After hearing 2nd Imperial Prince's decisions, some of the leading officers in the room started showing uneasy expressions.
"That sly old fox will flee once he catches wind of any news that imperial father has decided to remove him from power, so to make sure we eradicate all of Dai family's influence, we have to capture him first, then question him later in court jail."
"2nd Imperial Prince, since you are carrying out orders on His Majesty's command, my squad and I will not question your decisions, please rest assured that we will be ready at any time to implement your orders." General Jun of the 1st division imperial army answered solemnly.
Li Qiong nodded in acknowledgement to his commitment. After the other leading officers saw General Jun agree with 2nd Imperial Prince, they all followed suit and nodded in compliance.
It looks like 2nd Imperial Prince is finally done enduring.
After Li Qiong organizes the summary of details for the arrest operation with the rest of the leading officers, he dismisses them immediately to begin carrying out their plans. He didn't want to waste any more time, from his experience, the longer something dragged out, the more variables there will be.
"2nd Imperial Prince, please hold your steps." A scholarly gentleman dressed in white clothing called out.
"Official Li, what can I help you with?" Li Qiong knew this officer, although he was young, his accomplishments in the court have always been outstanding, even his 'Imperial father' would often take his opinions into consideration. In this time's operation, he was appointed as his vice-head and responsible for coming up with some of the strategies.
"2nd Imperial Prince, I was wondering if you could resolve a mystery for me." Official Li looks at 2nd Imperial Prince for confirmation, after seeing him nod, he continued. "Since Consort Dai has probably already received the news of your survival, she would immediately suspect Dancer Su for helping you, but from what I heard, Dancer Su did not leave the palace after her performance on the lake. I wonder if 2nd Imperial Prince can introduce me to this savior of yours, my grandfather would deeply appreciate 2nd Imperial Prince's help." Official Li bowed politely.
Li Qiong looked at Official Li skeptically for a moment. Although he heard that Official Li's grandfather has been unwell recently, any of the other artists who could evoke healing sacred powers could easily solve his condition. Also, his grandfather's faction is neutral and hasn't joined his or his elder imperial brother's faction for the struggle of the throne.
So, what could have caused his interest?
In any case, although he didn't want to risk any uncertainties before this apprehension operation of Dai Family has been completed, he also didn't want to introduce him to Tian He.
"Official Li, I'll have to disappoint you, the mystery expert that saved me doesn't want his identity to be known, if it wasn't because he was just passing by, and felt that he had fate with me, I wouldn't be standing here today." Li Qiong lied perfectly with a straight face.
Official Li was taken aback for a second, but he didn't let his face show it, "I'm sorry to have bothered you with my request. Since I must return to carry out the operation, please excuse me." Official Li politely saluted to 2nd Imperial Prince and left swiftly.
2nd Imperial Prince looked at Official Li's disappearing back and wrinkled his eyebrows, contemplating this Official Li's purpose.
Shaking his head lightly, since he couldn't figure it out, he won't waste time thinking about it. Instead, he turned his thoughts on Consort Dai, if she hasn't left a back window for herself, he wouldn't believe it. Although that old fox in Dai family is hard to deal with, Consort Dai is going to be the trickiest to get rid of, especially her evocation of poison gases. On the surface, she would only evoke purple roses that emit a nice fragrance, but ever since his poisoning event, him and his 'imperial father' had long suspected that she could also make them emit poison gases.
However, since she was smart enough to not leave clues for herself, they weren't able to find enough evidence to convict her, and because her family had managed to control most of the court at that time, his imperial father couldn't risk making a move before he amassed his own forces.
Nevertheless, that doesn't matter now.
"Kang Li." 2nd Imperial Prince calls out.
Suddenly, a masked man dressed in black came out from the shadows. "What are your orders, Master?"
"From today onwards, increase the vigilance and men around Consort Dai, immediately report to me on any suspicious activities."
"Also, send some men to the capital's most famous artist academy, secretly protect and investigate a first-year student named 'Li Tian He'."
"I have received your commands, Master." The masked man swiftly departed.
Li Qiong taps the tables with his fingers, "I hope you guys don't get beaten up too badly if she discovers you." Li Qiong mumbles softly with a mischievous smile.
After he reluctantly gets Tian He off his mind, he says to himself, "Now then, let's go visit my elder imperial brother." Li Qiong knew that Consort Dai's son was her weak point, he needed to make sure he secured a last card for him to play just in case she tries to do something.
When 2nd Imperial Prince arrived at his elder imperial brother's residence, he saw him lying on a soft golden couch while two of his recent concubines were taking turns massaging his private parts. His eyes didn't even blink at the obscenity in front of him, looks like he was used to seeing this kind of scene.
"Elder Imperial brother, I see that you are fully enjoying yourself, mind if I join you?" Internally he felt nothing but pity towards this elder imperial brother of his, however; he would never let it show.
"Ah, what do we have here? If it isn't my beloved younger imperial brother. What brings you here today?" Huang Jian Guo waved off his concubines and they respectfully saluted him before retreating off to the side.
Seeing how his elder imperial brother didn't even offer him a seat, he didn't even bother mentioning it. His elder imperial brother had always been lacking in manners and respect towards him. Ever since they were young, and he showed intelligence and talents that gained his 'imperial father's' love, his elder imperial brother became bitter and eventually fell under the influence of Consort Dai, morphing his personality until it was what it is now.
Although his elder imperial brother isn't vicious like his imperial mother, his recent actions in the past years have already caused too much chaos in the court, lessening his good impression as a competent Prince to the court officials and the people.
"Elder Imperial brother, today I have come to discuss a serious matter with you." Before 2nd Imperial Prince could let his elder imperial brother interrupt him, he quickly added, "It concerns our responsibilities as members of the imperial family."
Seeing how his younger imperial brother was being persistent in his speech, he casually signaled for all the servants to leave the room.
"What sort of important news that requires my younger imperial brother to personally make his way to my residence?" 1st Imperial Prince straightens out his clothing and sits up lazily on his couch.
2nd Imperial Prince ignores his lazy attitude and causally finds a seat to sit down. 1st Imperial Prince eyelids twitched a bit but didn't say anything in response.
"I don't know if elder Imperial brother is aware of the recent assassination attempt on me? I was originally supposed to investigate news of a weapons smuggling event, but before I could get the full details, I was chased by five of their most powerful guards. Although, it was obviously a set up for me, but the news for smuggling of weapons to other countries is real, or else I wouldn't have been easily tricked. The culprit behind it took a huge risk to expose this event in order to assassinate me."
As Li Qiong was describing such dangerous events with a nonchalant calm attitude, seemingly like this incident had nothing to do with him, however; the people who know him well, would know that the calmer he seemed, the more furious he is. Suddenly, as if responding to his anger, an overbearing aura started to emit from him, covering the whole room, causing anyone who possess a weak mind to feel immensely pressured, this included 1st Imperial Prince. If one looked closely, they would be able to see that he was clenching his fists so hard that veins were showing up. It seemed like he was trying to maintain his composure, but the beads of sweat falling from his forehead was giving him away.
After Li Qiong saw his elder imperial brother's reaction, he grew disappointed. He was hoping that his elder imperial brother didn't know of this incident, he could have spared him, but unfortunately it looked like he aware of his mother's schemes.
"Elder Imperial Brother, although my assassination attempt may not seem like it will affect the dynasty to you, but smuggling weapons to other countries is blatant treason and threat to the throne and the people of our dynasty, I hope you are aware of that."
Li Qiong did not wait for his elder imperial brother's reply, his figure was already leaving his seat and walking towards the door.
"Younger imperial brother, please wait!" Jian Guo shouts in a hurry.
Li Qiong smiles slyly as if expecting his reaction and pauses in his steps, but his eyes remain on the door in front of him.
After Jian Guo reaches a few feet away from Li Qiong's figure and composes himself, he softly begins talking, "Younger imperial brother, what imperial mother did to you, I apologize to you in her stead, but please know that she only did this because of me, without me as her burden, she wouldn't be obsessed with trying to amass funds to help me ascend the throne. We both know that between the two of us, imperial father favors you more, even the court and the people wish for you to succeed the throne, so my imperial mother only did it because she had no choice."
"Younger imperial brother, although you don't seem to care about what imperial father thinks of me, my imperial mother does. Even if she had wronged you and the country, I of all people cannot betray her, because she is my imperial mother. Perhaps, you may not know this feeling since your imperial mother has already left you, but please try to understand it from my point of view."
Li Qiong fisted his hands for a second, "You are correct, elder imperial brother, I don't know the feelings of having an imperial mother, so I apologize that I will never be able to understand your feelings of accepting the murderous and treasonous actions of your imperial mother."
Li Qiong turns his head slowly back, meeting with Jian Guo's eyes, and says seriously, "But what I do understand is that betraying the country by smuggling weapons is an act that's betraying oneself as a member of the imperial family. Please seriously consider whether protecting your imperial mother's crimes is more important than protecting this country as its First Imperial Prince. When you have thought it over, you may come and see me anytime, I'll be waiting for you, elder imperial brother." Li Qiong turns around and leaves swiftly through the doors.
When Li Qiong left behind those words, he knew that his elder imperial brother would waver in his choice and that's what he was hoping for. His elder imperial brother had always wanted to impress their imperial father and gain the love of his people, so the last thing he would do was to disappoint them. It was only because he wasn't competent enough that he ends up causing chaos in the court, however; he knew that his elder imperial brother had never stopped trying.
When Li Qiong exited his elder imperial brother's residence, he looks at the setting sun in the distance, "I wonder what Tian He is doing right now." Just after a moment he said that, a masked man dressed in black appeared beside him.
"Reporting to master, here is the information you've wanted us to investigate about."
After receiving a small booklet from his guard, he waves his hands, signaling for the guard to retreat.
However, after reading the all the information gathered about Tian He, he couldn't help but be amazed, "Since the 'parents' that raised her were only restaurant owners, they couldn't have been able to afford the tuition fees for the academy and an individual teacher."
Tapping the small booklet with his nicely tanned fingers, while lost in his thoughts, "Then, the question remains, how did she get so good at dancing even though she's just a first-year student?"
Suddenly, Li Qiong laughs amusingly to himself, "Ha..ha…it looks like it'll only get more interesting courting you now, Tian He." Li Qiong says her name endearingly.
After getting onto his palanquin and lifting the window covers, he looks in the direction of the academy, "I wonder what other mysteries lies beneath those clear bright eyes of yours?" 1st Imperial Princes couldn't help but be exited as the palanquin makes its way towards his residence.
…..
"Plop!" Two masked men dressed in black finally caves in and lies injured on the ground, not a single bone in their body wasn't aching.
"Talk! Who sent you?!" Tian He was furious, how did these people manage to get into Yu Yan's courtyard without the academy guards and teachers noticing?
Seeing that the masked men were still not willing to reveal the person behind them, she lifts her foot and brings it down, hard, onto one of the men's chest, "Thump!"
"If you don't start talking, do you believe me if tell you that I'll start dismantling your manhood? It's such a pity though, judging by your statures, you two seem so young, it would be a shame to your future ladies if you were missing that one important part to pleasure them."
Thankfully, she sent Yu Yan and Liu Wei out on an errand, or else she wouldn't hear the end of it if they discovered these people and her rogue like speech, especially Yu Yan, she got the feeling that she would start conjuring up manner lessons on how to be a lady. Although, she had taken classes for that as an Imperial Princess back in her world, but she knew that being polite to these fellows would just backfire and she wouldn't be able obtain any news.
"Hmph, it looks like you guys won't know when to give up until you see your graves." She casually takes out the small knife she had hidden in her shoe for self-defense, and raises it above her, then suddenly plunging it towards one of the men's manhood.
The masked men who was about to have his manhood cut off finally relented, "It was our Master!"
Tian He pauses her knife just inches from her target, "Oh? Who's your master?" Tian He asks skeptically.
Seeing the sharp knife, the masked men hesitated a bit before answering, "It is 2nd Imperial Prince." Since his master seemed to be interested in this lady, the worse that will happen to him is being sent to the border area, it was way better than having his manhood cut off.
Tian He couldn't believe her ears, 2nd Imperial Prince?! Why?
Looking at the scared masked men on the ground, she questioned them, but they also didn't know the exact reasons, they were just told to watch over her and protect her.
Tian He's mind was working rapidly to try to understand their words. If one looked closely enough, they could also see that her eyelids were twitching, trying hard to contain the disbelief and annoyance she felt. Protect her? More like stalk her! This 2nd Imperial Prince, besides being her bad luck charm, he's a stalker now, too?!
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