Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Although I do not come to this place often, I knew the layout of this house well. While those hooligans' eyes were set on that woman, my guard and I have already entered the house. I admit she had beauty, that was not something I lacked in the palace. On many occasions, officials would throw their daughters in my face, some even as pretty as fairies. However, I did not care for their company in the palace, much less my bedroom.
I distinctly followed the two to Zhen'er's chamber while my guard stood elsewhere in the shadows. Seeing Zhen'er hold the woman like that did bother me somewhat. Zhen'er is one who likes to joke around, but who is to say that woman is joking around too? As if bothered by something, the woman's figure suddenly stiffens and immediately I see a dagger flying towards me. With a small step, I manage to avoid the weapon as it found its new target in the large wooden column beside me. I could still hear the dagger echo as I look back to that woman's stern face.
"Your highness, you must have known that Xin Yi's defensive skills have improved. Why else would you also come this late to test out your own martial arts?" Zhen'er laughed. I beamed her an irritated look at first, but then seeing Zhen'er's smile soften my heart. "Xin Yi, have the maids prepare a bath for me. I want to have a few words with his highness."
Zhen'er lets go of Xin Yi's body and walks over towards me. "Let's go to the study for a moment," she suggested. Not letting me say a word, she places her hand in mine and pulls me along. Memories of our first meeting again repeats itself in my head.
In the study, she closes the door behind us to provide some privacy. "Zhen'er," I softly called out.
Looking back at me her smile widens, "Shou Yi, I still do not know who you are referring to," she joked.
Ever since that day my wife was chosen for me, I had a huge problem with my name. Mother said she was chosen for me because of the characters in our name matched. I was severely upset because not only did I not want a wife, but the girl chosen was a distant cousin from my Imperial Mother's side. I did not like that girl, she was just like everyone else who tried to use words to gain my favor. When I told Zhen'er about the issue she also didn't like the idea that I was to one day marry this girl. Instead, Zhen'er said I would be better matched with another girl she just met whose name also have the character "Yi."
An idea suddenly came to my head, if it all came down to was my name then I could change that. And if anyone should be my wife, it should be someone I like. And the only person I can say I really like thus far was Zhen'er. Someone who stands by her action and does not care to fight for any gain of her own. Someone who genuinely cares for me, not just because of my position in this world.
On my birthday, I asked my father to change my name. As his favorite son, it was not something hard to do, especially when that name means auspicious. And so from that day on my name simply became one character, "Zhen."
To my disappointment, Zhen'er would make fun of my name instead of taking the time to understand why I changed it. And so when I call her Zhen'er she would say that she was not sure if I was call her or myself. However, she is the only person whom I allow to use my birthname. In that way I still feel a little special when I hear my name come out of her mouth.
Unfortunately, the name change was not good enough to link my fate to Zhen'er. At the age of twelve when I ascended the throne, that other girl became the new Empress. Even though I at times openly express myself to Zhen'er, I know it's hard for her to let go of her life. For the sake of her grandfather, Zhen'er was forever adamant about playing her role as a male. She often talked about how we all have roles in life and must take on certain responsibilities. Especially me as an emperor, Zhen'er always encourages me to put the country first. That was a role that I am never able to escape from. But even upon her Grandfather's death a year ago, Zhen'er has still not opened up about her real gender and continues her role. Perhaps that doesn't matter right now though. Regardless, there would be many steps to take if she is to ever step foot into the palace as a woman, my woman.
"I'm only joking, why do you suddenly look so serious?" Zhen'er suddenly asked. I woke up from my imagination and again stared into smiling face. "I was initially going to come see your first thing tomorrow morning. But since you are here now, you can join me for one cup of tea."
I smiled in return and nod my head as we took a seat by the table.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone