Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroko no Basket and Legend of Zhen Huan. I don't make money from writing this fanfiction. The story contains spoiler for both Kuroko no Basket and Legend of Zhen Huan and other palace dramas. There are quotes from manga, anime, wiki and other sources. Please read the author's note for explanation about the setting, place, history etc.
This story isn't betaed yet. You have been warned. If there's any of you who can help me edit this chapter, please tell me. Thank you.
In the Court of the Crimson King
Chapter VII: 女人心是海底针 - A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea.
A week had passed since Mayuzumi Chihiro fell into the pond. Thanks to the physician, she was alright now. To celebrate the happy news, Sakurai Ryuna and Furihata Kouka already arrived since morning at her residence.
"I do not think that His Imperial Majesty would impose such a terrifying punishment," Kouka said with a shudder of horror. "I think Moriyama will be sentenced to death by beheading."
"I think so too," said Ryuna. "When I heard the meaning of a meter of red, I thought I was going to pass out. It's better to die than to suffer like that. "
"That's what the punishment is," said Chihiro.
"What do you mean?"
"The punishment is meant to frighten people so that no one else would dare to commit a mistake."
At first, Chihiro also did not think that emperor Seijuurou would be that merciless to his own concubines. But after further thinking, she was certain that emperor Seijuurou had many wives simply because he had to have successor. They were nothing more than a means to an end. Therefore, he had no sentimental attachment to his own concubines. Of course, she did not dare tell anyone about this.
Life in the forbidden palace was really not a glamorous life as it seemed. Literally any mistakes could cost not just their own life but also the people they love. As for their status, history had proven that at one moment a concubine could be so loved, the next she was no better than dirt.
Ryuna nodded. "It's a pity Moriyama did not rat Haizaki out," she complained bitterly. "I know that Haizaki sent Moriyama to push you."
"We can't accuse her without a proof," Chihiro warned.
Ryuna snorted. "I hate her! It's better if she die."
"Shh!" Kouka hissed, "don't talk like that." She looked right and left, as if someone was eavesdropping.
"Since when you act like Chihiro?"
Kouka pursed her lips defensively. "Walls have ears. Our position is below Haizaki's position. Her father position is also higher than my father or your brother."
Chihiro understood why Ryuna hated Chihiro so much. But somehow she was certain that Haizaki was not involved. Chihiro watched her and Haizaki was genuinely surprised that Moriyama was the culprit. But Ryuna couldn't be dissuaded. Ever since she was a child, if Ryuna already believed in something, it was almost impossible to change her mind.
"Eunuch Reo arrived!" the eunuch who guarded the door shouted.
Chihiro, Ryuna Kouka looked at each other. What was eunuch Reo doing here?
Eunuch Reo stepped inside. "Greetings to First Class Female Attendant Ryuna, greetings to First Class Female Attendant Chihiro and greetings to Second Class Female Attendant Ryuna. Servant brings edict from His Imperial Majesty."
Chihiro, Ryuna and Kouka knelt on the floor.
"Edict from His Imperial Majesty. Due to the kindness of Imperial Empress, Mayuzumi Chihiro is bestowed with the rank of Noble Lady."
"Thank you for the kindness and the generosity of His Imperial Majesty," they replied in unison and bowed until their forehead touched the floor to give respect. "Thank you for the kindness and generosity of the Imperial Empress."
"Please." Eunuch Reo gave the tray containing the edict and the seal of Noble Lady to Chihiro.
She accepted the tray.
"Allow servant to congratulate Noble Lady Chihiro."
"Thank you, eunuch Reo," said Chihiro, mind swirling from the sudden promotion.
"I shall take my leave then."
Chihiro could only nod.
Once eunuch Reo disappeared from their view, Ryuna immediately opened her mouth and shouted excitedly. "You are bestowed Noble Lady rank! Very good! Now your position is equivalent to Haizaki and Hanamiya!"
"But why this happen suddenly?" Kouka asked, confused.
"The important thing is the position! Why we should worry about it?" Ryuna argued.
"But it's weird."
"I wish my position is also raised..." Ryuna started to daydream.
Chihiro just stayed quiet. She was busy thinking. Kouka was right. Emperor Seijuurou had no reason to raise her position. The only thing that could be used as a reason was an accident that befell her. Was this some sort of compensation or consolation from emperor Seijuurou? Or was this the desire of empress Tetsuya? But one thing for sure was with this edict she would have more enemies at inner palace. Moriyama had tried to kill her in the past. Who knew what else would happen in the future? She just wanted a quiet life in the palace but instead she was dragged into rivalry and intrigue. She sighed forlornly. Why was her life so complicated now?
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At Palace of Earthly Tranquility:
"Greetings to Imperial Empress."
Tetsuya raised his head from the paper he was reviewing. "Come in," he ordered.
The door opened and Aida Riko stepped in, followed by two maids, each carrying a tray of drinks and fruits.
"Servant brings drinks and snacks for Imperial Empress," said Riko.
Two maids had put vanilla milk jugs, ceramic cups and a plate of fruit on the table before leaving the room.
"Thank you, Riko," said Tetsuya. Except vanilla milk, he didn't really like eating sweets. Perhaps the effect of his grandfather who raised him so Tetsuya prefer to eat healthy foods like fruit for a snack.
"Take a rest first, Imperial Empress," Riko advised.
Tetsuya smiled. Although Riko right now was his head of maid, she was actually a childhood friend of Tetsuya. They used to be a neighbour and her father worked in Tetsuya's grandfather clinic. Until now, Aida Kagetora still worked there. When he married Seijuurou, Riko chose to go with him to the palace.
Tetsuya finally rose from his seat and moved to sofa. From where he sat, he could see the garden outside from opened window. Riko swiftly poured vanilla milk into cup and served it to Tetsuya.
"Thank you, Riko," he said. He lifted the cup and drank it slowly. Hmm...It was very delicious.
Riko waited until Tetsuya finished his drink, put the cup back in the table, and then she spoke. "Your Highness, in accordance with your wishes, His Imperial Majesty has raised Attendant Chihiro's rank to Noble Lady. The news has spread to the rest of the imperial court. "
"How is the situation now?"
"Everything is safe, Imperial Empress. It seems that they chose to lay low for now." Riko paused. "Moriyama Tomomi has attempted suicide in the Cold Palace rather than living with disabilities. She refused to take any medicine or food. But His Imperial Majesty said he would kill all her family so Moriyama did not dare to do anything."
Tetsuya was silent. He had predicted that this would happen. And for the moment, he couldn't do anything yet. He could not rush in making decisions.
"Does Imperial Empress intend to take action?"
"Currently we can't do anything."
"Servant understands, Your Highness."
"Could you bring the financial report on my desk to me?"
Riko did as instructed by Tetsuya. "Please, Imperial Empress."
As an empress, Tetsuya was in charge of the imperial palace. The financial report book was kept by Tetsuya. He was the one who determined the amount of eunuch and servant's salary, up to a monthly allowance of emperor's concubine. All expenditures in the palace ranging from the smallest to the biggest had to get his permission.
"These figures do not match," said Tetsuya. "I never give so much monthly allowance to any concubines."
Each concubine earned monthly allowance in accordance to their positions. The allowance could be used for anything, from paying their maids to buying whatever they want. However, because the concubines were not allowed to go out of the palace, purchase of goods had to be done thorough Palace Household Bureau so Tetsuya knew exactly about the spending habit of the concubines.
"Maybe the money came from her father," guessed Riko.
"And the salary of a minister will not be enough for all of this," he sighed. It seemed that his and Seijuurou's suspicion was correct. But who would not be suspicious when Haizaki Shougo's lifestyle and family was too luxurious for someone in his position.
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At the Hall of Mental Cultivation:
In Teikou Empire, the highest power was in the hands of the emperor. All of his orders were absolute and must be executed. Denying emperor's edict meant death sentence. Below the emperor, there was Chancellor who was tasked with providing input and suggestions. That position was held by Nijimura Shuuzou in Akashi Seijuurou's reign. In addition there were six ministries. There was also military force that was divided into army and navy.
Emperor Seijuurou received reports from each ministry every day. In addition, every week all the ministers and the deputy had to gather in palace to report their performance. Like today, for example. Nijimura Shuuzou was the first to arrive. He took a seat in the front right end which was closest to emperor Seijuurou. Shuuzou was a few years older than emperor Seijuurou. In fact, they were cousin for the late Empress Dowager Akashi Shiori was born as Nijimura Shiori.
After Shuuzou, the next one to arrive was Midorima Shintarou, which wasn't surprising at all. The man was always a stickler to the rules. One by one, the officials started to arrive. The last one to arrive was Murasakibara Atsushi.
Finally all officials were present.
"His Imperial Majesty arrived!" the eunuch who guarded the door shouted.
Akashi Seijuurou stepped inside. Shuuzou must admit that his cousin was born to rule. Seijuurous' charisma, aura and prestige were unmatched by anyone. He was also very talented, both in terms of knowledge and martial arts. Even Aomine Daiki had never beaten Seijuurou in a martial arts competition. As if that was not enough, Seijuurou also possessed a very handsome face. Seijuurou did have everything.
"Greetings to Your Imperial Majesty!"
"Have a seat."
The first one who gave report was Midorima Shintarou, Minister of Finance and Seijuurou's closest friend.
"Report from Finance Ministry, Your Imperial Majesty. Teikou Empire recorded a surplus in the first month. Total spending reached 1 million silver coins, while total revenue reached 2 million silver coins. Overall, the amount in treasury reached to 61 million silver coins which were driven by changes in tax policy."
Seijuurou nodded in satisfaction.
One by one, the minister reported their works. It could not be denied that Seijuurou was a very capable emperor. He did inherit a strong and prosperous empire, but under his rule in just three years the empire thrived. He punished corrupt officials, revised law and built infrastructure. But the most important thing was tax reform which had succesfully increased revenue. Shuuzou was very confident that Seijuurou would lead Teikou Empire to new era of glory and prosperity.
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In the evening at Palace of Earthly Tranquility:
"His Imperial Majesty arrived!"
Seijuurou stepped inside.
"Greetings to Your Imperial Majesty," said Tetsuya.
Seijuurou held out his hand and Tetsuya welcomed it. Together, they walked into the dining room. A variety of meal had been prepared at the dinner table.
"You all may leave, I'll serve His Imperial Majesty," Tetsuya commanded.
"Servant obeys the command of Imperial Empress." All the maids left the dining room.
"How was your day?" Seijuurou asked once they were seated.
"As usual," said Tetsuya. "What about Seijuurou?"
"All the ministers reported a good thing. But I must admit that they are competent in their respective fields." Seijuurou paused. "Even though there are among those who engage in corruption."
"Then will you do nothing?"
"Of course not. I'm just waiting for the right moment to finish them."
"I suspect that Seijuurou will begin with Haizaki Shougo."
Seijuurou smirked. "You truly know me."
"His lifestyle is too flashy. Many people in the court talk about him. Many do not like him. Sooner or later he will fall." Tetsuya paused. "Haizaki is very much different from Hanamiya Makoto. Hanamiya is polite and well-spoken that so many people are fooled. A wolf in sheep's clothing is the most appropriate proverb to describe Hanamiya."
Seijuurou looked amused. "You're seldom interested in this topic."
"I never like it," said Tetsuya frankly. For power and wealth, people were willing to do anything including twisting the facts, slandering innocent people and eliminating their conscience. No friends and foe, everything could change in the blink of an eye.
"Well, shall we eat now?" Seijuurou asked. "We can save the talk for another time."
Tetsuya nodded in agreement.
In silence, they began to eat.
"You have to eat more, dear," his spouse commented when he saw Tetsuya's small portions.
"Please don't start again," he retorted irritably.
"How much did you drink vanilla milk today?"
"Vanilla milk has nothing to do with my appetite. I always eat like this."
"Maybe I should not allow the delivery of vanilla into the palace."
"If Seijuurou did that, I would ban tofu menu inside the palace." Tetsuya responded. Although he was an emperor, Seijuurou's favourite food was surprisingly simple. Seijuurou could eat tofu soup for days without being bored.
Seijuurou chuckled. "You never change." He took Tetsuya right hand, brought it to his lips and kissed the back of his hand gently.
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At Prospect Hill Park:
The end of spring was marked with the blooming peony. Currently Sakurai Ryuna, Mayuzumi Chihiro and Furihata Kouka were in the middle of Prospect Hill park to enjoy the view of the peony flowers. Empress Tetsuya was kind enough to allow all the emperor's concubines to get out of the palace during the day. This was a rare opportunity not to be wasted.
"It's really beautiful," Kouka murmured in awe.
The whole park was filled with tens of thousands of peonies that bloom simultaneously with different colours. It was truly beautiful to the eye.
The three of them sat in one of the gazebos in the park. Haizaki Shiina, Fukuda Hiroko, Hanamiya Misaki and Kawahara Sayuri were somewhere in another part of the garden. After Moriyama's punishment, it was really calm for weeks. Fukuda and Haizaki were polite every time they met, especially now that Haizaki and Chihiro were on the same rank. If Ryuna's position was also raised, Haizaki certainly would not dare bothering her again. But how? She was busy thinking. It seemed that there was only one way.
"I must have children," she said suddenly.
Kouka spluttered.
Chihiro looked at her quizzically. "Why did you suddenly say that?"
Sometimes Ryuna felt annoyed at Kouka and Chihiro because they were not interested in emperor Seijuurou. Kouka feared the emperor but Chihiro wasn't interested at all about life in the palace.
"If I had a child, His Imperial Majesty would raise my rank. No one would dare to bother me again."
Kouka and Chihiro looked at each other.
"Ryuna ..." Chihiro began, momentarily bewildered.
Ryuna pressed her lips together. "Is not the child is the only hope in the palace? The etiquette teacher said so. Especially if I had a boy..."
Ryuna was aware that she was not as smart as Chihiro, but she knew that nothing was eternal in the palace. Crimson Forbidden City was the capital of woman. The most beautiful women in Teikou Empire gathered there. But even the most beautiful woman would inevitably grow old. Time was the unbeatable enemy. Smooth skin would get wrinkle with age.
Selection for emperor's concubines was held every three years. This meant that every three years there would be new rival, beautiful young women who had only one goal. Whilst emperor Seijuurou still visited her the most, Ryuna should take advantage of thechance. If she had children, her position would have been ensured.
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At Moon Pavilion:
After coming back from the park, Haizaki Shiina was enraged. "That useless Moriyama is dead!" she cursed. "And Mayuzumi is still smiling! She is also bestowed with Noble Lady rank because the Empress felt sorry for her. Her position is now the same with me! At this rate, she will trample my head later!"
"Please calm down, Noble Lady Shiina," pleaded Fukuda Hiroko.
"Calm down ?! How can I calm down?" Shiina growled, her patience beginning to wane. Lately, she was forced to treat the trio nicely. This was because Moriyama's failed try to kill Mayuzumi. Fortunately the incident didn't drag her because it was not her who sent Moriyama. "Whenever I remember the three of them ... Mayuzumi, Sakurai and Furihata ... I really want to kill them all."
There was a pause.
"Does Noble Lady Shiina wish to get rid of all three of them at once?" Hiroko asked, looking at her calculatingly.
"Of course!" Shiina replied firmly. She looked at Hiroko. At least Hiroko was smarter and was more useful. "Do you have idea?"
"I just heard them talking about a baby on the way home to the palace. Sakurai wants a son."
"What did you say?!" Shiina almost couldn't believe it. Sakurai who looked innocent and naive from outside turned out to be power hungry too. She truly couldn't judge a book by its cover.
Hiroko nodded. Her voice gained confidence as she went on."This gives us an excellent opportunity. I only ask that Noble Lady Shiina to be patient waiting for the right moment. And also..."
"And also what?"
"I need people who are willing to die."
A sly smile slowly broke across Shiina's face. "Then, I'll ask my father to arrange everything."
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At Pavilion of Joy:
End of spring meant moving from Crimson Forbidden City to Mountain Resort Chiba, the summer residence of the imperial family in Kaijou province. All concubines were very pleased with the opportunity go get out of the palace, including Furihata Kouka.
"What else should I bring?" Kouka stared at her trunks. "I hope this is enough."
"Everything is available there, Attendant Kouka," Mao, her personal servant said reassuringly. "You don't need to worry about it."
"Have you been there?" Kouka asked curiously.
Mao nodded. "Mountain Resort Chiba is very beautiful. The place is divided into four main areas, namely palace area where we will stay, lake area, grass area and mountain area."
Kouka was amazed to hear it.
"We can move around in palace area and lake area freely but we need permit to enter grass area and mountain area because we can get lost without guide."
Kouka couldn't wait to leave tomorrow.
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Trip to Mountain Resort Chiba took several days by boat and horse-drawn carriage. There were thousands of people who participated in this yearly trip. For Tetsuya, this was his umpteenth trip.
"Are you alright, Tetsuya?"
Tetsuya turned to look at his spouse. He was enjoying the view at the right and left of the river. Vast stretches of green paddy field and mountains in the distance. The sun began to sink in the horizon, creating beautiful array of colours.
"I'm fine," he said.
"You're seasick in the past," teased Seijuurou.
"It was only once and that was because I was unwell at the time." Tetsuya pouted. The incident happened during his first trip and Seijuurou was really worried at that time.
"You have poor stamina, dear," Seijuurou reminded him. "You should rest now."
Tetsuya waited until they were inside their cabin to talk. "I'm sure resting isn't what you have in his mind right now," he said frankly.
"Really?"
Seijuurou walked around Tetsuya and then hugged him from behind.
Tetsuya leaned on Seijuurou's body.
"You're right," whispered Seijuurou before he started kissing the neck Tetsuya. For a long time, he just kissed Tetsuya's neck. But the hot breath fanning Tetsuya's sensitive skin made him shiver. Receiving positive response, one of Seijuurou's hands crept inside the fold of Tetsuya yukata and began stroking his inner thighs.
Tetsuya moaned.
Quick as a flash, Seijuurou spun Tetsuya and then carried him to the bed.
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At Mountain Resort Chiba:
After travelling for a few days, they finally arrived. Sakurai Ryuna looked around in awe. This place was amazing. Existing buildings didn't spoil the landscape, but instead complemented it.
"Welcome to Mountain Resort Chiba." An army of eunuchs was waiting, each served as guide for each concubine.
One young eunuch approached Ryuna. After introducing himself as eunuch Jun, they began to move. Just like Crimson Forbidden City, every concubine obtained place for them to live for the next three months. On the way, eunuch Jun explained about the places there.
"In the Palace area, there are four main palaces: Main Palace, East Palace which is the residence of His Imperial Majesty and Imperial Empress, Pine Crane Hall and Soughing Pine Valley."
Ryuna was surprised to hear that Emperor Seijuurou and Empress Tetsuya stayed in the same palace. But she did not dare to comment. After passing through the winding streets, they finally arrived in front of a magnificent pavilion.
"We have arrived, Attendant Ryuna," said eunuch Jun. "You are expected to come pay respect to Imperial Empress at beginning of each week at Pine Crane Hall."
Ryuna nodded.
"I shall take my leave then."
A young maid was already waiting. "Welcome to Rose Pavilion. I am Aki, a maid who serves in this pavilion. I will serve Attendant Ryuna during your stay here. I have prepared tea and snacks for Attendant Ryuna. You must be tired after a long journey."
Ryuna was quite happy to get a maid like her.
She then walked in. Rose Pavillion was even bigger compared to her residence in the palace with big windows so that fresh air could freely enter. There was also a back terrace with chairs, sofas and tables.
"Please, Attendant Ryuna."
Ryuna stared at purplish blue cake at the table in confusion. This was the first time she saw a strange-coloured cake like this. Was this safe to eat?
As if knowing Ryuna's hesitation, Aki then explained. "I made this cake with blueberries, Attendant Ryuna. Berries are very good for a woman's fertility."
Ryuna's eyes widened. "For fertility?" she questioned.
"I apologize, Attendant Ryuna. I don't mean anything by it." Aki looked worried that she had offended her mistress.
"No. I'm very pleased to hear this. Are there other foods that are good for fertility?" she asked excitedly.
"There are many, Attendant Ryuna, such as seaweed, salmon, green vegetables, oysters and nuts."
"Then, you have to cook those for me every day."
"I understand."
Ryuna was very happy. Among all concubines in the palace, emperor Seijuurou came to her place the most. The chance for her to get pregnant was obviously much bigger than the other concubines. Especially if she ate those foods every day.
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Several days had passed. Ryuna, Chihiro and Kouka spent it exploring the park. Because Mountain Resort Chiba was very vast, every day they always visited new places. Today, for example, the three of them visited Lake Area. As the name implied, in Lake area there were eight artificial lakes. Currently they were in the gazebo on the shore of Lotus lake. The pink lotus was blooming. It was very beautiful.
"Do you want to eat lotus seeds?" Kouka asked.
"Sounds good," said Chihiro.
"I will get it for you, Attendant Kouka," Mao said. She then walked to the edge of the lake and chose some big lotus seeds.
"Thank you, Mao."
Eating lotus seed while sitting leisurely was great fun. Perhaps because they were not in the palace so the atmosphere was more relaxed. It was as if they were on holiday here.
"Do you know that Princess Satsuki is also here now?" Ryuna asked.
Kouka shook her head.
"She arrived yesterday with her children," said Chihiro. "The capital is very hot right now. Do not be surprised if we all stay here during the summer. Moreover, I heard the health of Imperial Empress is not so good. The empress can't stand the hot weather so we leave the capital by the end spring and will return by the early autumn. "
Kouka just nodded. Because she came from Seirin and her father was only a low official, she didn't know much about member of the imperial family.
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The next day, Sakurai Ryuna woke up with a stomach ache. Both Anko and Aki were very concerned for their mistress' wellbeing.
"I will call a physician," said Aki.
"Wait!" Ryuna suddenly called. She just remembered something.
"Yes, Attendant Ryuna?"
"Don't let Chihiro or Kouka know that I'm sick. I don't want to worry them," Ryuna hastened to say.
"Servant understands," said Aki and she hurried went away.
Ryuna sighed. She told Aki to keep it secret because she didn't want Chihiro to reprimand her. Kouka would wish for her to get well soon but Chihiro would lecture her nonstop.
"Attendant Ryuna, I have advised you not to eat too much sour berries. It is not good for your stomach," Anko complained. "You've been eating various kinds of berries every day."
"But Aki said that it is a way to increase fertility," Ryuna tried to defend herself.
"Everything good that excess will turn out to be bad."
Ryuna had to admit that she was wrong. She ate without regard to the rules in the hope to get pregnant as soon as possible. Could it be that easy? Perhaps she was too naive.
"Healer Yamada has come, Attendant Ryuna," Aki was back, followed by a middle-aged physician.
Upon examination, it was only a stomach ache due to eating too much fruits. The physician then advised her to eat regularly and also gave her medication and supplements. Ryuna was very relieved.
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At the East Palace...
Tetsuya was talking with Satsuki, his close friend as well as sister-in-law when Aida Riko walked in.
"Greetings to Imperial Empress. Greetings to Princess."
"What is it Riko?" Tetsuya asked.
" Attendant Ryuna called for healer. The prescribed medication is stomach medicine," Riko reported.
Tetsuya and Satsuki exchanged glances.
"Who is her healer?"
"Healer Yamada, Your Highness."
"I've never heard about healer Yamada." His late grandfather was the Great Physician and had served in the palace so that Tetsuya knew all the physician in the palace. One could even say that they all were under his command.
"Healer Yamada is new. He also only works in Mountain Resort Chiba." Riko explained.
"Please investigate his background." Tetsuya said, his mind spinning.
"Servant obeys the command of Imperial Empress."
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Later that night at the East Palace...
Akashi Seijuurou looked at his wife who was asleep on the couch with amusement. Tetsuya must have fallen asleep while waiting for him. There were a lot of documents that he needed his attention so it was late when he returned. He walked towards Tetsuya and picked him up.
"Hmmm ..." Tetsuya awakened and blinked his eyes groggily.
"You fell asleep. I'll take you to bed."
In response, Tetsuya buried his face in the curve of Seijuurou's neck.
Once they arrived, he carefully put Tetsuya in the bed and took off his yukata. His wife was already asleep again. Tetsuya looked so adorable when he was sleeping. Seijuurou smiled fondly and then leaned over to kiss Tetsuya's forehead. He then took off his clothes and joined his wife in bed, pulling the covers to cover their naked bodies together.
Time passed so fast. From two small children who did not know each other to friends and eventually lover. And now they were husband and wife. They had gone through so many obstacles before. Seijuurou was even forced to take a wife when he came of age although he was able to make Tetsuya his empress when he ascended the throne.
Unfortunately, as an emperor he had to have many concubines. He had to have a successor to the throne. The more concubines he got mean more children he could have. But, no matter how many concubines he had, for Seijuurou, he only had one lover and wife, Tetsuya. Seijuurou also knew that among his concubines, many had great ambition to replace Tetsuya. And of course, Seijuurou must protect his wife. He could not let anyone who had the potential to threaten Tetsuya's position to live.
Author's Note:
Hi everyone!
The Mountain Resort of Chengde was built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and took about 90 years (1703-1792) to construct. It covers an area of 564 sq meters (218 sq miles) and was originally built for the royal families to spend the hot summer months. The Mountain Resort of Chengde is divided into four parts: the Palace Area, Lake Area, Plain Area and Mountain Area.
Hanamiya Makoto here is inspired by Heshen. He was an official during Qianlong emperor's reign and was considered as the most corrupt official in China history.
The structure in the government is inspired by Three Departments and Six Ministries system. It was the main central administrative structure adopted in China during its imperial period. The Ministry of Personnel or Board of Civil Appointments, The Ministry of Revenue or Board of Revenue, The Ministry of Rites or Board of Rites (礼部; 禮部; Lĭ Bù), The Ministry of Defense or Board of War, The Ministry of Justice or Board of Punishments, The Ministry of Works or Board of Works (工部; Gōng Bù).
Thank you for reading and please review.