Character Index
Zhou Xianchun: The Seventh Prince.
Zhou Mingda: The Sixth Princess, mother was from the Uyghur tribe.
Zhou Kuang: The Third Prince, deceased.
Heli: The teen chieftain of the Pugu tribe, was previously threatened by his much older nephew.
Hu Qing/Liang Hongfei: Oversight Officer and Lord of the Liang clan.
Zhou Ying: The Emperor, deceased.
Wei Guang: The Imperial Edict Bearer, Kayla's godfather.
Sun Ruhui: Right Secretariat of Justice.
Sir Yang: An old eunuch who served the Emperor.
Qiu Jinwei: Yunqis strategist, an eccentric man.
Housekeeper Li: Kayla's housekeeper.
Steward Liu: Wei Guang's steward.
Emperor Steward. The Emperor's grandfather.
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Kayla walked Xianchun and Mingda out of the building, bowing slightly as she saw them off. Mingda winced at the top of the steps when the eunuchs stepped forward to carry her down.
“In a moment,” she said, a tight note in her voice. “My back can’t stand the jostling–Xianchun, don’t wait on my account.”
“It’s alright, Sixth Sister,” Xianchun said.
“Don’t,” Mingda said, her voice growing tighter.
Nodding in understanding, Xianchun took his leave. Kayla stepped closer to Mingda, nodding for the eunuchs to back away.
“Are you alright, my princess?” Kayla asked softly.
Mingda gave Kayla a meaningful look.
“It’s been some time since you’ve bothered to ask me that,” she said in a warning tone.
“Forgive me, my princess. I have overlooked my etiquette. But I’ve never neglected our partnership nor my alliance with the Tiele, have I?”
“No, I suppose not,” Mingda said. “And I hope that you will not do so in the future either. Father’s time has ended…but surely our friendship has not.”
She probably cares least about the Emperor out of everyone, Kayla noted faintly. If it had been left to Mingda, she could have acted without a single note of hesitation.
It made sense to Kayla. Mingda had been neglected ever since she was found to be too sickly to make a useful political marriage. Her mother had died after living unhappily in an unfamiliar environment, while her father had barely even shed a tear over it. Unlike Kuang, unlike Yunqi, and unlike Xianchun, Mingda had no chance of ever inheriting her father’s power. Even if those princes had nothing, they were at least men. That alone qualified them for the throne, and so they longed to bask in their father’s attention as much as they detested him. The Emperor was the one who could grant them that coveted position, and he was also their rival for power. In some ways, the Emperor really had been right to suspect his sons.
Mingda, on the other hand, she was the one that the Emperor should really have feared. She could get nothing from him, and so she wanted nothing from him. Had she had the need or the chance, he would have died several times over by now. What Mingda wanted, she boldly demanded, and carried through on her end without complaint or hesitation. If she ever betrayed Kayla, it would only because Kayla had damaged her interests.
This here was the ally Kayla needed, the best ally she could have.
“Of course not,” Kayla replied. “Our friendship is as resilient as gold itself.”
Mingda’s face briefly flickered with a smile.
“It pleases me to hear you say as such. If we are still friends, then heed my advice. The capital is of course important,” Mingda murmured. “But you would do well to keep an attentive eye on your northern allies as well. It wouldn’t do to neglect them.”
“No, of course not,” Kayla agreed.
Mingda fixed her with a meaningful look. “Especially the Pugu chieftain. Youths at that age need support.”
Kayla stilled.
Heli? She hadn’t thought of the teenager since Hu Qing had successfully killed Heli’s rebellious, middle-aged nephew.
Did something go wrong?
“I understand, thank you for your advice,” Kayla said.
Mingda inclined her head slightly.
“Then I will be off first,” Mingda said. Kayla bowed as an eunuch stepped forward to carry Mingda down the steps.
Taking a deep breath, she headed back inside.
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Yunqi held the funeral with great honors, a ceremony that was neither too costly and ostentatious nor lacking the stately dignity befitting an Emperor. Even the harshest critic could find nothing to criticize.
After some brief deliberation, Zhou Ying’s posthumous title was decided as Emperor Xuanzong. It was a good title for an Emperor who hadn’t managed to turn things around but at least had tried. Emperor Xuanzong had caused his share of problems during over almost three decades of reign. But as a filial son, Yunqi had focused on the positive in the Emperor’s grave stele.
Under Xuanzong’s reign, the dynasty had established formal ties with the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, ending years of contentious strife at the border. Xuanzong had cracked down on the corruption and greed of Imperial in-laws that had plagued the reign of the previous Emperor. Though strict towards his own siblings, he had drastically reduced political strife within the Imperial family, which had been a persistent problem for generations prior.
He had reduced the foreign residency tax three times to promote trade, encouraged a diversity of religions and cultures to coexist throughout the country, and granted tax exemptions during times of natural disaster. Xuanzong cemented the relationship between the Wu dynasty and its Tiele subjects through both marriage and administrative reforms.
He conducted several campaigns to reduce corruption and crime throughout the country, enacting justice against large numbers of crooked officials. He had established the first ever large-scale communications network, and had reinstated the Court of Judicial Review.
Xuanzong had been filial to his mother and honored his teacher of old. He had fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, as well as one grandson and three maternal granddaughters.
He died in the summer of the one hundred and twenty-second year of the Wu dynasty, in the twenty-ninth year of his reign, at the age of fifty-four.
Wei Guang recommended the Hanlin Scholar with the best prose to write the obituary and the most-skilled craftsman to construct the stele. After that, he joined over fifty other officials in petitioning the Crown Prince to ascend to the throne.
Yunqi rejected them, claiming that he was unworthy, and ordered for the matter to be delayed for another time. Rumors spread like wildfire throughout the capital, and soon the entire region was praising Yunqi’s humility and filial piety.
The fifth day after the funeral, the court reached the limit of its patience. Every official above Fifth Rank congregated in the Imperial Hall, still dressed in their mourning clothes.
Despite what it might have seemed, Kayla had barely spent any effort to make it happen. Wei Guang had put out the rallying cry, and every official wanting to ingratiate themselves to the new Emperor flocked to join in, most not yet realizing that if Yunqi answered their request, he would become the one who had done them a favor.
Yunqi frowned in confusion as he entered the Imperial Hall, having been called for by Wei Guang.
“What is this? Court is not in session,” Yunqi said.
“Your Highness, your filial piety has moved both the heavens and the hearts of your subjects,” the Secretariat Director said. “We believe that this is the mark of a benevolent ruler, and beg you to ascend to the throne.”
Yunqi lowered his gaze, his frown turning contemplative.
“My prince, please do not hesitate any longer!” The Chancellor pleaded. “You must ascend to the throne!”
Delays weren’t uncommon after the death of an Emperor. In some cases where the heir apparent was at odds with the Empress Dowager, a bloodbath was hardly outside of expectations. But with everything that had taken place in the preceding months, which Yunqi had been careful to emphasize in the rumors he had Kayla circulate, it wasn’t just the civilians of the capital who were losing their cool. The officials were starting to panic too.
We have a clear line of succession for the first time in decades and he isn’t taking the throne? Surely Yunqi won’t hand the throne to Xianchun after we’ve all made public shows of allegiance to him? It’s not as if we wanted to. But the Emperor had been very clear about his choice! And what if there's a civil war? The capital’s military is out of our hands, would we even be able to run? Or would that insane Duke shut the gates against us?
Somewhere along the line, they had found themselves cornered. Supporting Yunqi had become the only choice.
It wasn’t surprising to Kayla that Xianchun was also here, with every intention of begging Yunqi with the rest of them.
He also knows that he needs to buy trust with action. Once Xianchun had come to terms with his father’s death, the prince had begun planning for the future. He had accepted the notification that his household would be relocated to a different part of the capital without complaint, or even any show of displeasure.
Now, the prince stood uncomfortably, glancing awkwardly at the Secretariat Director for help. Was Xianchun supposed to beg now?
“Brother, please. You are the most suitable person for the throne,” Xianchun tried.
Yunqi let out a troubled sigh, managing a strained but fond smile for Xianchun.
The Secretariat Director gave Wei Guang a pleading glance. Stepping forward, Wei Guang knelt to the ground.
“My prince, a country cannot be without a ruler for even a day! Please ascend the throne!” Wei Guang shouted.
“Your Highness, please ascend the throne!” Kayla joined in. The rest of the officials quickly took up the call. Like a wave, the sea of bodies knelt and bowed their heads.
“Your Highness, please ascend to the throne!”
Yunqi looked over them, letting out a deep sigh.
“Though I am unworthy, your heartfelt pleas leave me no choice,” Yunqi said. “Very well, I will follow the wishes of my beloved officials and ascend to the throne.”
Wei Guang lifted his head, eyes glimmering.
“Thank you for your magnanimity, Your Majesty!”
The rest of the court echoed the words of gratitude. For a moment, the sentiment of the crowd overwhelmed them all, genuine joy and relief flooding the hall. Discreetly glancing around, Kayla observed who was overjoyed and who was quietly contemplating.
Which ones to use and which ones to watch out for, she noted. In the crowd, she caught glance of Sun Ruhui’s thoughtful look.
Yunqi raised his palms, gesturing for them all to rise.
“Imperial Astronomer, determine the next auspicious date,” Yunqi ordered. “On that day, I will ascend to the throne.”
“It is in seven days time, Your Majesty!” The Imperial Astronomer replied eagerly.
“Minister of Rites,” Yunqi called.
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
“Please make the preparations for the ceremony,” Yunqi said.
“As you wish, my liege.”
“Imperial Edict Bearer,” Yunqi turned his gaze to Wei Guang.
“At your service, Your Majesty.”
“It is unsuitable for me to rise in rank alone, leaving my blood and bone without,” Yunqi said. “I would decorate my brother Prince Xianchun as an Archduke, and title my sisters as Imperial Princesses. Please write an edict accordingly and propose suitable titles.”
“A generous decision, Your Majesty. I will gladly do so.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty,” Xianchun said, bowing deeply. “Allow me to thank you on behalf of my sisters as well.”
“Praise to His Majesty’s magnanimity!” Someone shouted. “May His Majesty live ten thousand years!”
The rest of the court took up the call, and Yunqi watched over them with a serene gaze. The stillness radiating from him amidst the clamor only seemed to accentuate his dignity. Those who knew what Yunqi was doing, those who did not, however grudgingly, a keen sense of respect for their new ruler instilled itself into the hearts of the court.
Kayla left the Imperial Hall with the rest of the officials rather than going to Yunqi’s side. She had spent a great deal of time with the prince over the past few days, given how much they’d needed to get done.
I need to go home and get some sleep, Kayla silently groused. Other than fitful snatches of sleep here and there, neither she nor Yunqi had gotten much rest. She had no doubt that both of them would sleep like dead pigs that night.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Wei Guang’s steps flagged on the stairs heading down from the Imperial Hall, and Kayla took his arm.
“Take it slowly, godfather.”
Wei Guang didn’t seem to hear her.
“It is done then,” Wei Guang said wearily. “If that’s the case, then it’s time.”
“Time for what?” Kayla asked.
“For the new Emperor to demonstrate his abilities,” Wei Guang said. For some reason, the answer didn’t sit well with Kayla.
“Get some rest, godfather,” Kayla encouraged him. Wei Guang nodded, and almost as if he had been cued, staggered a little.
“Godfather!” Kayla managed to steady him before the old man could fall over.
“I’m alright,” Wei Guang said. “It’s age, just age.”
Kayla glanced around, and the officials who had been watching with hungry curiosity hastily turned away.
Fuckers, they’re waiting for him to die, Kayla realized in dismay. They think it’ll open up opportunities for them in the new administration don’t they?
She noted down their faces.
Then they’re thinking nonsense.
“Let me take you to your carriage, godfather.”
Kayla walked Wei Guang over in silence, keeping an eye out for those who were watching on with eagerness. Not having focused on Wei Guang, she didn’t realize that he was watching her pensively.
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As night fell, Yunqi leaned back on his couch, finally feeling the tension seep out of his body. It had tightened even the fillings of his bones, and now he felt as if his entire being was liquefying.
Sir Yang knocked on the door, stepped in, and bowed in a single fluid motion. In a shadowed alcove of the room, a form straightened up at the sudden entry and then relaxed again when he realized that the intruder meant no harm to Yunqi.
“Please pardon the intrusion, my prince,” Sir Yang said. “The Imperial Edict Bearer is here. Do you wish to see him?”
Yunqi blinked blearily and sat up.
“What?
“The Imperial Edict Bearer is here,” Sir Yang repeated. “Do you wish to see him?”
“Yes, I…of course,” Yunqi said uneasily. It was a routine visit from an old official to a young Emperor, but Wei Guang was a difficult man to make sense of.
“I will stand guard outside,” Sir Yang said, almost as if understanding Yunqi’s thoughts.
“Yes, thank you.”
Yunqi welcomed Wei Guang with a practiced smile.
“Thank you for coming to see me, Imperial Edict Bearer,” Yunqi said. “More so than that, I must thank you for all you have done for me.”
“It is my greatest honor to be of help to you, regretful as I am of my inability to serve you more effectively. You did wonderfully at the court session today, Your Majesty,” Wei Guang said.
Yunqi gave an opaque smile. “Thank you, Imperial Edict Bearer. It brings me much joy to receive your praise.”
Wei Guang gave an approving nod. There was none of the eagerness nor relief that Zhou Ying had once shown Wei Guang in the same situation. Even if Wei Guang had been the one to put him on the throne, Yunqi would not be easily swayed by him.
You will be rewarded, but your reward is what I give you, not what you demand. Without an insulting word or any display of intimidation, Yunqi had made that message clear.
Unlike his father, Yunqi took the reins of power with a sure hand. Both Emperors had taken their throne through less-than-legitimate means, but Yunqi had no insecurities about it.
We’re in good hands, Wei Guang thought with relief.
“Please, sit down,” Yunqi said.
Wei Guang declined with a shake of the head.
“Forgive me, my liege, but I cannot stay for long.”
At Yunqi’s small frown, Wei Guang bowed slightly.
“I am here to bid you farewell.”
“What?” Yunqi’s frown deepened. “Imperial Edict Bearer, can you not delay your retirement for some time?”
“That is not what I meant. My liege, I will follow my student in death,” Wei Guang said. “I came here to bid you goodbye.”
Yunqi jolted in shock. “You don’t have to do that,” he said in alarm.
“I must,” Wei Guang said.
Yunqi’s gaze sharpened. “Imperial Edict Bearer Wei, it seems that you have misunderstood what kind of person I am. I do not do things that way!”
“I know,” Wei Guang said. “But this is the choice I’ve made, my liege. Your father was the man I served, the man I placed on the throne. Yet I have killed him with my own hands. With this, I take away the sins of the previous generation, and I leave you a blank slate with which to write the future.”
“Imperial Edict Bearer–!”
Wei Guang continued on without giving Yunqi a chance to protest.
“With this, you need not worry about making use of Wenyuan. This is necessary, my liege. The future lies with your generation, and with the two of you. You can accomplish great things, but for that to happen, someone has to shoulder the sins of the past,” Wei Guang said.
“I cannot agree to this, Imperial Edict Bearer! You must not kill yourself, I command you not to! If not for your own sake, then at least consider my relationship with Wenyuan. I would be responsible for letting you go to your death!”
“I will explain it to him on my own terms,” Wei Guang said with a small smile. “My final letter will be delivered to him after it is all over, and he will understand. Perhaps he would be relieved.”
“No, surely not,” Yunqi protested.
Wei Guang shook his head. “Wenyuan never trusted me until the end. It was my fault–I never gave him reason to.”
Yunqi scrutinized Wei Guang’s placid face with a frown.
“We need you still,” Yunqi said.
Wei Guang shook his head. “I have betrayed two Emperors. This is the ending that I deserve.”
Yunqi silently considered Wei Guang for a moment before letting out a sigh.
“Then allow me to commend you for what you’ve contributed to this nation, Imperial Edict Bearer. Be assured that you will be buried with great honors, and your clan will know prosperity long after you are gone.”
“Thank you, my liege.” Wei Guang knelt to the ground and bowed his head three times before finally taking his leave.
Yunqi watched the old man walk away. Wei Guang looked more unburdened than he ever had in Yunqi’s memory.
“By not stopping him, it’s no different than asking him to go die as my scapegoat,” Yunqi murmured.
From the shadowed alcove, Qiu Jinwei stepped into view, bowing his head slightly.
“No, my liege, that is not so. Wei Guang is a true idealist. If this is his determination, then nothing, not loyalty, familial love, nor honor and glory could possibly stop him.”
Yunqi barely glanced in Qiu Jinwei’s direction, once more weighed down by exhaustion now that the shock had drained out of him.
“One of the best officials of the dynasty,” Yunqi muttered. “It’s truly a pity.”
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Wei Guang entered his study with slow steps, his heart heavy. There was only one thing he had left to do.
Wenyuan, you hated me at one point, didn’t you? But one day you’ll come to understand me.
People couldn’t be trusted–they could be swayed in any number of directions by countless factors. The only thing that one could hold faith in was not any specific persons, but that the people of the country deserved to live in peace and prosperity. And to that end, everything else could bow its head.
Whether that was his godson, whether that was an Imperial Prince, even whether that was the Emperor.
What was power anyway? Power didn’t serve as a purifying flame that removed the impurities of those who held its torch. The throne wasn’t sacred. Wei Guang had proven as much time and time again.
So much power in the hands of so few, it’s no wonder that they all crumble beneath it. Wenyuan, you thought that I saw you as disposable, and it was true. Yet if you come to see how hard it is to reform the nation, to undo the damage that short-sighted greed and negligence has dealt, then you will see why I thought that way.
Perhaps one day things would be different, in a way that Wei Guang couldn’t even imagine yet. But he would never live to see that day–he doubted that anyone would for generations to come. He unrolled a scroll of paper, lifting his brush and dipping it in ink.
It’s been a long road, Wei Guang thought, the exhaustion creaking in his bones. It was time it came to an end.
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Kayla collapsed onto the bed once she was in her room, not even bothering to remove her shoes. Out of her instinctive sense of keeping the bed clean, she kept her feet dangling awkwardly off the bed. The hard edge of the bed was cutting off the blood flow to her lower legs, which grew stiffer by the second. But she couldn’t be bothered to sit up and do something about it, nor to sully the sheets.
Just when the meaningless deliberation seemed to fade into static, a sharp knock came at the door. Kayla shot up with a start, stumbling at the pins and needles in her feet.
“What is it?” Kayla asked. She had already asked not to be disturbed–no one would come knocking–other than Ashina who didn’t knock at all, or someone with an important message.
“Apologies for disturbing your rest, my lord, but there’s someone here to see you from the Wei household,” Housekeeper Li announced.
“What? Godfather’s household? Show him to my study, I’ll be there shortly,” Kayla ordered.
Wincing at the uncomfortable sensation in her feet, she shuffled over.
It wasn’t long before Steward Liu entered.
“Your Excellency,” he greeted her with a deep bow.
“Steward Liu,” Kayla said. “Is there word from my godfather?”
“Yes, my lord. He asked me to bring this to you,” Steward Liu said, producing a scroll.
Kayla took it with a dubious glance.
“It is his final letter to you,” Steward Liu said somberly.
Kayla froze.
“What? What do you mean?”
Steward Liu spoke with infuriating calm. “I think you understand very well, my lord. What do you think he intended by shouldering the Emperor’s death alone?”
Horror slowly filled the pit of her stomach. Wei Guang was taking full responsibility just as Kayla had hoped, just as she had feared. It wasn’t that she couldn’t predict this outcome, but that Kayla had been resolutely ignoring the possibility.
“The Crown Prince–” Kayla began to say.
“He did not order this. Your godfather chose this of his own volition,” Steward Liu said. “He wanted you to know this.”
“No,” Kayla said blankly. “The Crown Prince didn’t even ask him to, why the hell would he throw his life away like this?!”
“My lord, it is as the ancient greats say. There are things that one loves more than life, and things that one hates more than death,” Steward Liu said.
Kayla felt the world squeezing in on her. Fumbling with the scroll, she shook it open with trembling hands.
“To my godson Wenyuan,
I write this to you as my final letter. I have been an official for over forty years, and while I have risen to the highest station I could have dreamed of, my virtue and wisdom have been lacking. At this old age I cannot help but feel ashamed, and lament this now that I am at the end of my life.
Since achieving some success in my first official examination, I have received the generosity and benevolence of the previous Emperor, your maternal grandfather. Having wished to serve the country from Gaozong’s time, it was of great joy to me as a young man in my twenties to achieve that goal. However, the factions that swarmed like flies, the hidden knives and open blades, the smoky air and putrid stenches of the court were nothing like what I had imagined.
By grace of Her Highness the late Empress Dowager, I was granted the honor of teaching the Imperial Princes. I was entrusted with countless talents, including your uncle and your mother. However, rather than nurturing them equally, I lavished attention and time upon the Empress’ children while neglecting those of concubines. This was out of consideration for both the nation’s natural line of succession as well as my own survival, yet it only stained my virtue and opened the door for further degradations of my own soul.
For the sake of your uncle, my foremost student and then the Crown Prince of this nation, I joined hands with the Empress Dowager to rescind the previous Emperor’s deathbed orders and instate your Uncle as the Emperor. And thus he has reigned ever since, until now. I assisted your grandmother in killing the Emperor’s youngest brother, a child of three. Though I did not take part in the assassination myself, my hands are stained with the boy’s blood.
Feeling that I could not reprimand your uncle on virtue after what I had done, I withdrew rather than supported him, and placed my hopes on your mother instead. The Imperial Princess worked tirelessly to advance magical research in hopes of serving this nation, and further dedicated herself to your protection. Her early passing prevented her from achieving greater things. It is by her wishes that I have become your godfather, yet I must admit my failures in this regard.
I have not been a good godfather nor a good ally to you, and for this I must apologize. I hope that you will not forgive me simply out of guilt for my death. It is my choice to seek redemption in the afterlife after staining my hands with unforgivable sins. The Crown Prince had never asked nor pressured me in any way, and in fact had hoped to entrust me with great responsibilities. And yet I cannot comply with those wishes.
The future of the country I entrust to your hands. You and the Crown Prince must strive to protect our people from the dangers that lie ahead. Support His Highness within an inch of your being. If you find yourself resentful, turn those emotions on your enemies or even your own family members rather than allowing it to damage your alliance.
And finally, my advice to you in handling the court, based on my years of experience.
Do not attempt to clean out corruption in its entirety. If the water is too clear, there will be no fish. In doing so, you risk banding them against you. Regardless of how much you look down upon them, make some of these greedy bastards your allies while crushing others so thoroughly that siding with you becomes the only option that most will consider.
Do not attempt to fight someone at their strongest unless you have either overwhelming advantage, or unless you have created an opening. If you wish to create an opening, the simplest way is this: shower incessant praise and flattery upon one man and indulge him in every manner, and he shall gorge himself to death. Even if you do not frame him, he will make a fatal mistake on his own accord. If he cannot be easily touched, then do so to one of his kinsmen. One falls, the family can be made to fall as well.
Always remember restraint at the moment of your greatest joy and humility at the moment of your brightest glory. Know that you have survived this far by stepping on the corpses of those who have helped or harmed you, and never attribute your success fully to yourself. In doing so, you will avoid the arrogance that was the downfall of so many men before you.
If you have a son, do not seek to place him in politics or the military, nurture his interest in scholarly or artistic pursuits instead. If you have a daughter, seek a son-in-law who is mediocre and kind rather than one who is overly capable or one of an illustrious family. In doing so, you can preserve your descendants’ prosperity rather than facing despair in old age.
Live well, and do what you can for this country.
Your godfather,
Wei Guang.”
The scroll was covered in characters, written together in a small hand to ensure that they would fit. The writing was undeniably Wei Guang’s, but the hand had been so steady that Kayla couldn’t bring herself to believe this was the writing of a man preparing to kill himself.
Why?
Kayla stared at the scroll, a faint sense of futility sweeping over her. Why had Wei Guang waited until the very end to be like this? Why had he chosen the hardest path to walk alone?
She dropped the paper to her desk, a sharp pain inside her chest. It was a familiar sense of intermingled despair, guilt, and gratitude, one that Kayla hadn’t felt since her last conversation with her mother.
Kayla let out a sigh, slowly turning her attention back to Steward Liu. He was watching her with seemingly infinite patience.
God knows what he must think of me, Kayla thought wearily.
“Thank you for bringing this to me,” she said.
“It was my honor,” Steward Liu said. He bowed deeply. “Then please excuse me, my lord.”
She waited until he was a decent distance away before flinging the scroll at the wall.
“Fuck!”
A sensation akin to rage zinged through her veins, jolting shocks through her arms.
“Damn it, you old bastard, why say this at the very end?!” Kayla snarled, horrified to find she was crying. She couldn’t even make sense of her own reaction, neither the anger nor the grief.
There was a strange wheedling sound, almost as if a dog was whining after being kicked by a callous owner. It took her a moment to realize the sound was coming from her.
Kneeling down to pick up the scroll, Kayla doubled over instead, pressing her forehead to the cold ground.
It’s up to me, she thought blankly. It’s all in my hands now.
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Cultural Notes
壹号/Posthumous title: Emperors were granted posthumous titles that kind of encapsulated their reigns. This includes good titles, mediocre ones, or bad pnes. 宣宗/Xuanzong is a good title, used for Emperors with some accomplishments during their reign. However it is not one of the best ones.
三辞三让/Three refusals three shows of humility: A practice in Ancient China, sometimes used by Emperors who want an entirely undisputed coronation.
良辰吉日/Auspicious date lucky hour: In Ancient Chinese culture, astronomy determines lucky days and hours.
王爷/King/Archduke: I've been using the term Archduke to avoid confusion but this is the equivalent to a king subordinate to the Emperor. Archduke is technically a promotion from Prince.
水清则无鱼/If the water is too clear no fish will thrive: A saying often used to justify corruption for the economic benefits it may bring to a region.
陛下万岁/May His Majesty live ten thousand years: The Ancient achinese equivalent to God Bless the King.
家书/Family letter: Usually a letter that one writes to one's younger generation (sons, nephews, etc) including the wisdom and advice they've accumulated. I've based this letter on a variety of existing family letters that have been preserved from Chinese history.
是故所欲有甚于生者，所恶有甚于死者/There are things that one loves more than life, and things that one hates more than death: A quote by Mencius, the Confucian Sage.