Chapter 11: Chapter 11
Ah Zhen!" I yelled as I came out of a nightmare. My body shot up and I immediately wrap myself around the person beside me. I tighten my grip, afraid that if I loosen for a moment she would really leave me. I felt a moment of relief as I assured myself that it was all an ugly dream. Ah Zhen was obviously here with me, she was still by my side. But then I felt that something was wrong. The person before me, although the warmth was similar the arms of the person was much bigger.
"Miss Xin Yi…" said a voice. I sucked in a breath as I come to realize whose voice this was. Slowly, I release him and he in turn pulls his arms away from me. Our eyes met as he slowly got up from the side of the bed. I saw that he was wearing his dragon robes with his hair tied up in a golden cuff. I was in a room that I did not recognize and it was much larger than the one I was used to. It was only us two in this room, it felt quiet and isolated unlike home.
"Where's Ah Zhen?" I asked. The person in front of me stood quietly for a moment before reaching into his inner robes and pulled out an envelope. He hands it to be without saying a word. Looking at the envelope in my hand I saw my name written in the middle and the handwriting belonged to Ah Zhen. I quickly ripped it open and pulled out a thin piece of paper:
"Xin Yi, I apologize for not telling you earlier. I wanted to enjoy my last days with you without the fear of you knowing that I will have to leave. The Empress Dowager has given me the death sentence as punishment. Shou Yi can tell you more about that later. But whatever you hear, I don't want you to be upset or angry. I want you to understand that this sacrifice of mine is not just for you or Shou Yi, but for the whole nation. If I were to fight this, it will not bring good to anyone. Shou Yi will be taking care of you from now on. Whether or not you choose to live in the palace with Shou Yi is up to you. If you ever wish to leave, you need to only ask him. I am sorry to have to leave this way. I only hope that you can live happily even if I am no longer standing by your side.
-Your Ah Zhen"
Tears filled up my eyes as I got up and grabbed hold of the man. I never cared that he was the Emperor and especially at this moment I could care even less. There was only Ah Zhen on my mind. "What's going on?" I screamed. "What death sentence? Why is she suddenly punished? What have you done to her?"
His firm expression did not waver and he did not try to push me off. I saw the guilt in his eyes, but I held no sympathy for him in my heart. And why should I when he has taken Ah Zhen away from me?
"It was my fault…"he admitted. "Zhen'er…found out that the Empress Dowager was not my real mother and was using me to control the throne. When the Empress Dowager discovered what Zhen'er has come to know, she accused Zhen'er of treason and wanted to kill her. Zhen'er was able to beg the Empress Dowager for a few months to live with her family in peace and then she will willing give up her life. Since the Meng family has served the country, the Empress Dowager agreed with a watchful eye over Zhen'er. Everyone else in the Meng estate is now being hunted down and slaughtered. Zhen'er sent most of the willing servants away and they are now under my protection, as are you."
"Where is Zhen'er now?" I hesitantly questioned. "Where is she?" The Emperor once again became quiet as sorrow accompanies the guilt in his eyes. A part of me had some hope, but my heart clenched at the possible answer.
"She died," he unwillingly uttered.
My heart sank and my legs became weak. I dropped to my knees with tears rolling more heavily down my face. I did not want to believe his words. "How could she be dead?" I cried with disbelief. "How did she die?"
He swallowed before opening his mouth again. "Zhen'er was given a poisoned cup of wine by the Empress Dowager's men. Once she drunk it her estate was lit on fire with whoever else was in there with her. The Empress Dowager's men was quick to clean up the mess. Now, there is nothing of Zhen'er that is left."
"What does that have to do with her?" I yelled. "The Empress Dowager is not your mother, why must Ah Zhen be involved? Why must she be killed? She was your friend and only wished for your happiness. Why must you be so cruel?"
His hands suddenly grab hold of my shoulders and firmly clasps down as he too falls onto his knees. I let out a little grunt but refused to let him see that I am affected by it. "It was not me who did this to her," he yelled back. "I would never want her to die this way. I could have never allowed anyone to touch her. But the Empress Dowager has killed and sent away many of the people that were once on my side. I need time to gain enough power again, that's the only way I can bring justice to Zhen'er."
"Why should I believe you?" I cried.
"Miss Xin Yi, perhaps you have forgotten I have also cared for Zhen'er as much as you," he reminded. "For this to happen to her hurts me as much as you. I would have risked my life if Zhen'er had not stopped me. For Zhen'er I am forcing myself to continue and the same goes for you."
He lets go of my arms and got back up on his feet. "Your chamber is connected to mine. Whatever it is that you need you can simply ask my servants. I will do as Zhen'er say and take care of you. But until this matter is settle I ask that you remain here for your own safety. I will come back another day."
As I watch him walk out the door I saw an image of Ah Zhen, as if she was the one walking out. I felt empty and alone, a feeling I am reintroduced to like when mother and father tried to sell me. Only this time, Ah Zhen is not here to save me like before. I continue to cry as the sunlight in the room slowly went away.
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