Chapter 8: Chapter 8
This was not the first time Zhen'er has called me out to go outside the palace walls and explore. But this time her request seemed a bit weird. I went to go find her a few days ago because I found it odd that Tutor Lu has stop coming to the palace to see me. When I ask about this, it seems no one knew the answer. Then a note came to me last night during a thunder storm from my trusted guard. In the note, Zhen'er demanded that I come see her by a waterfall we had once discovered the next morning. The rain was not expected to stop and surely it did not in the morning. However, Zhen'er was not giving me an option in that letter.
I did not know what she wanted to tell me or even show me. But I never doubted her words as her worries were always my worries as well. I arrived early in commoners clothing with a straw umbrella over my head. My guard was beside me with his own umbrella. I spotted her beside the waterfall and to my surprise there was nothing sheltering her from the harsh rain. From head to toe, in a body of black, she was completely soaked. In between the rain drops I could see her defeated face holding signs of uneasiness.
I ran over to her, as my guard steps away to give us some space. I threw the umbrella over her as quickly as I could as if that would make a difference. "What's wrong with you? Why did you allow yourself to become like this? How long have you been standing here like this?"
Among the loud sound of the rain and waterfall I heard the mumbled words, "I've been here since yesterday…" Before I could say another word Zhen'er pulls me closer to her. "I have to tell you something very important. Whether or not you believe me it's up to you, but you need to know."
I was stunned for a moment, but then nod my head showing that I understood. "The Empress Dowager is not your mother," Zhen'er quickly said. I felt my breathing stop and my head a little jumbled, almost wanting to convince myself I have heard wrong. "The Empress Dowager is not your mother," she repeated.
"How dare you?" I screamed without thinking. "Who are you to say such things?" For the first time I saw Zhen'er show some sign of fear. And the fear was because I have yelled at her for the first time since we've been kids. But we were no longer kids, my voice has become more deep and held more power. "Don't say such things again," I warned her.
"Shou Yi, for as long as you have known me, why would I say such outrageous things for fun?" she yelled back. I was at a loss. I know her personality, I knew that she was not the type to lie or say things she did not believe in. But how could I accept this?
"Are you trying to say I'm also not a son to the previous emperor?" I barked.
"You are the son of the previous emperor, but that woman is not your mother. Have you not noticed her influence over the court since you ascended? Did you really think she was simply trying to help you rule? Think about all the officials that were either executed or exiled. Think about which families that are connected to the Empress Dowager that are now in power. Do you not see that she is using you?"
"Enough!" I screamed. Zhen'er swallows her remaining words upon hearing my shout. Although Zhen'er holds a high position in my heart, how could she accused my mother of such deceitfulness? That Empress Dowager has always treated me well despite a few things. She is the reason I am the Emperor today. She would never use me as a pawn for her personal gains. She wouldn't!
"Meng Yu Zhen," I said while trying to hold in my anger. I was not able to say the usual Zhen'er with endearment, my puzzled heart would not let me. "These words, do not say them again. That is if you want you and what's left of your family to live."
Her eyes suddenly grew firm and her jaw tightens. "Is your highness threatening me now?" It was not usual for her to use this title with me when we are alone. For her to say it now was to cast aside our relationship of many years.
"I will pretend I have heard none of this…until I call for you, do not enter the palace anymore or else…" I could not continue.
I quickly left and did not look back; I dared not look back. Whether her face was angered or sadden, I could no longer look at it.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone