“Your Majesty,” Eunuch Song pleaded for the fifth time, his voice trembling. “Your Forefathers decree that no outsiders shall be allowed within our Great Huaxia for a reason!”

The Emperor leaned back on his throne, frustration boiling within him. His gaze swept across the Palace Hall, noticing the growing dissent among his eunuchs—eunuchs who had sworn loyalty to him upon his ascent as Emperor of the Great Huaxian Empire.

Taking a deep breath, the Emperor sat up, heat wafting from his lips as he narrowed his eyes at Eunuch Song, suppressing his irritation. "Eunuch Song," he said coldly, “are you suggesting that you know my Ancestors’ decree… better than I do?”

The atmosphere in the Palace Hall shifted from anxious to stifled in an instant. The Emperor scanned the faces of his eunuchs again, searching for signs of dissent, only to see fear creeping into their expressions.

Eunuch Song’s face turned pale, as if the Emperor’s words were a sword poised at his throat. “I wouldn’t dare, Your Majesty!” he stammered.

The Emperor slammed his hand down, shattering the table before him. Splinters flew across the hall, silencing the whispers and murmurs to his satisfaction. I am the Emperor! My decree is what matters… but fine. I’ll play your game if you insist on pleading for ancient decrees, The Emperor thought ruefully.

Turning his gaze to Imperial Guard Hong, the Emperor signaled with a glance. Hong bowed deeply, then clapped thunderously, startling the eunuchs into silence. The Imperial Guards stationed within the hall moved to the center, forcing the eunuchs to disperse.

Hong nodded to someone in the distance and then approached the Emperor, slamming his spear against the ground with a hollow thud that echoed through the hall. Servants hurried in, removing the broken table and sweeping up the splinters.

The Emperor watched the eunuchs closely, hoping to catch any muttered defiance, his mind seeking justification for their demise. It wasn’t often that the Emperor displayed his dissatisfaction, but sometimes he had to remind everyone who ruled Huaxia and who served.

Dissent. Will. Not. Be. Tolerated, he thought bitterly, shaking off the dark thoughts.

As the servants finished their work, they brought in a new table, one befitting an Emperor. The edges of the table were adorned with a coiling dragon, its intricate design hugging the surface.

The eunuchs began to exchange uneasy glances, and the Emperor’s lips curled into a smile. He knew exactly what they were thinking.

“Your Dragon Table looks exquisite, Your Majesty,” Eunuch Wei said, smiling brightly.

“Thank you, Eunuch Wei,” The Emperor replied with a smile. He leaned forward, running his hand across the surface of the Dragon Table. “The woodcarver you recommended does intricate work indeed.”

“I’m glad you like his work,” Eunuch Wei said, bowing reverently.

With a glance, the Emperor dismissed Imperial Guard Hong back to his station. The other guards followed suit, leaving the eunuchs in silence.

As the quiet grew oppressive, the Emperor finally spoke. “Have you all read the quarterly death reports for each city?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the eunuchs responded in unison, their compliance grating on The Emperor’s nerves. If you have, then you should not be so against this!

“If you truly care for my people,” the Emperor continued, “then you should understand the need to open our borders.”

“We care for everyone under the stars of Huaxia!” Eunuch Wei declared, his voice ringing out.

“I don’t believe you do,” The Emperor retorted. “If you did, none of you would have clung to the First Emperor’s decree against outsiders!”

“Your Highness,” Eunuch Wei said calmly, “it’s not that we oppose outsiders, but the ideas and ways of life they bring. They could corrupt our people and undermine the stability of our great empire.”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the eunuchs, as the Emperor expected. But he didn’t care. The war with Axsum ended four hundred years ago. Huaxia was stronger and more united now, while Axsum remained a shattered empire since Emperor Endubis’ failed conquest.

“Are you suggesting I can’t control my borders if they’re opened?”

“I would never think such a thing, Your Majesty—”

“Eunuch Wei,” the Emperor interrupted, his voice soft but menacing. “My. People. Are. Starving!” He snarled the last word.

“You are not to blame for the six-year drought!” Eunuch Song interjected. The Emperor gnashed his teeth and snapped his gaze toward Song, who visibly recoiled.

Foolishness! I will not tolerate your meddling. The Emperor’s thoughts burned with frustration. He had learned of Song’s clandestine communication with Prince Liang—a cousin who believed the throne should have been his, not The Emperor’s.

“Is that what you’ve heard from the people of Luoyang?” the Emperor chided with a wry smile. The eunuchs exchanged confused glances, but Eunuch Song froze, realizing the Emperor’s implication.

Yes, I know about your dealings with Prince Liang, Eunuch Song… but we’ll discuss that soon, The Emperor mused.

“No!” Eunuch Song declared, trying to stand firm. “The people speak only of your Patience, Humility, and Right to rule the Great Huaxian Empire!”

“What about Justice?” Eunuch Wei interjected.

“Justice?” Song asked, puzzled.

“Do they not call him a Just Emperor, despite the ongoing famine?”

“They would never, nor could they,” Song affirmed.

“Your Majesty,” a voice called from the far corner, closest to the pillar on the right.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

“Yes, Eunuch Tong, what is it?”

“The deaths throughout the Empire are a grave concern, but why have you suggested opening our borders?”

“We need food, and we have more than enough gold to purchase it.”

“Depleting the treasury would turn us into a Turtle Kingdom, would it not, Your Majesty?” Tong asked, concerned.

“An Empire with starving people is already a Turtle Kingdom, Eunuch Tong. You should know that better than I. Are you not from Yan, where the drought has hit hardest?”

Eunuch Tong’s eyes widened, startled by the Emperor’s knowledge of his background. He quickly composed himself. “Yes, Your Majesty. I am. And I understand the gravity of the situation. But we must consider the long-term effects of opening our borders. Wouldn’t it be wiser to establish trade relations?”

“It would,” the Emperor said calmly, “but Axsum is a seven-state empire. If we set up trade with one state, the others would undermine it. It’s best to trade with all seven and ignore their petty schemes.”

“But—” Eunuch Tong began, only to be cut off.

“I understand your concerns, Eunuch Tong. But we cannot let our people starve while we sit idly by. We must act, and opening our borders is one way to help. I’ve already ordered an additional twenty thousand troops to be drafted to each provincial army for security.”

The eunuchs exchanged uneasy looks, unsure of how to respond. The Emperor saw their hesitation and knew he needed to convince them further.

“Some of you may worry this will strengthen my rivals. But the people are most important.”

“But the outsiders—”

“Let me worry about them,” the Emperor said sharply. “We are a great nation. Our culture and traditions are strong and will withstand any outside influence. Have faith in our people.”

“It’s not just that, Your Majesty,” Eunuch Wei interjected. “Four hundred years ago, the Demon Emperor of Axsum tried to subjugate us. If it weren’t for the First Emperor, we wouldn’t be here.”

“Eunuch Wei, must I remind you that four hundred years ago, there was no Huaxia, only the Four Provinces in constant war?”

“No, Your Majesty. We know of the First Emperor’s greatness. Not only did he defeat the Demon Emperor of Axsum, but he also united Huaxia into what it is today.”

“Then let me ask you this: Do you think the First Emperor would sit idly by and watch his people starve?”

The eunuchs fell silent, lost in thought. The Emperor pressed on, “If there’s a chance to bring seeds that could grow into a bountiful garden, must we reject it? We must adapt and evolve to survive, and that means opening our borders.”

The Emperor could see his words resonating with the eunuchs. He knew he had to tread carefully, but he also knew he had to be firm in his resolve. “Change can be frightening, but we cannot let fear hold us back. We must have the courage to take risks and make bold decisions. That is what I am asking of you today. To have faith in our people and our ways.”

The eunuchs began nodding, one by one, their resistance crumbling. The Emperor saw the relief in their eyes and knew he had won them over.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Eunuch Wei said with a bow. “We understand your concerns, and we will do everything in our power to support your decision.”

The Emperor smiled, feeling the weight on his shoulders lighten. He knew the path ahead would be challenging, but he was ready. The people came first, regardless of his rivals’ machinations.

However, The Emperor knew this wasn’t enough to placate the Princes of Huaxia. They cared little for the people, a lesson he had learned from his father.

Being Emperor is a duty, not a right, his father had once told him. There will be times when you must make difficult decisions, even if they are unpopular. Remember, my son, the people are your strength. Never forget that.

I haven’t forgotten, Father, The Emperor thought, a sense of calm washing over him.

“Let us proceed,” the Emperor said, his voice strong and resolute. “The people of Huaxia will not starve on my watch…That will be all," the Emperor said firmly, watching his eunuchs bow reverently before leaving his Palace Hall.

The Emperor turned to Imperial Guard Hong, who nodded. The rest of the Imperial Guards who stood in their positions motioned to the entrance of the Palace Hall.

The Emperor pushed himself from his throne, feeling the ache in his knees from sitting too long, then turned right, making his leave.

The moment he stepped outside, rays of sun shot down from the sky, scorching his skin and forcing him to squint as he looked up.

An umbrella appeared over him, blocking the sun to his amusement. "I didn't ask for an umbrella," he complained.

"You didn't, Your Majesty," Hong replied, "but the Empress would have my token if you ventured to her chambers with heat marks again."

"Are you the Empress' own or mine, Hong?"

"I've always been yours to command, Your Majesty, but there are certain things the Empress outranks you in, especially when it comes to her chambers."

A rueful smile flashed across the Emperor's lips as he nodded in agreement. "You're right," he said with a laugh, "but don't let her know I said that."

"My lips are sealed tighter than the Crypt of the Imperial Family, Your Majesty."

"Good."

The Emperor and his Imperial Guards ventured through the Dragon Palace. His first stop was at the Gardens of Yuan, named after the First Empress of Huaxia. A garden commissioned by the first Emperor to soothe the First Empress, as she was never fond of the Dragon Palace of Huaxia.

The subtle splashes of the waterfall did well to soothe Tian's mind, but only for a short while, especially when he felt like a failure. A man who couldn't even protect his friend's daughter when he asked him to watch over her. "Where are you?" the Emperor whispered painfully, looking into the artificial waterfall. "It's been six years, and yet I cannot find you."

A green-spotted dove floated down in front of Tian and splashed a puddle of water on him. He gritted his teeth, looking at the wet spot that now rested on his robe. Hong stepped forward, but he shook his head, stopping the Imperial Guard from attempting to wipe off the water. "Take a break, Captain," the Emperor said firmly.

The Imperial Guard handed the umbrella to him and stepped away, clapping thunderously as he did so. The remaining Imperial Guards shuffled out of the garden, leaving the Emperor alone for the first time since he woke that morning.

"Are they gone?" the Emperor said, folding his hands behind his back.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Shi said softly.

"Good... Have you found her?"

Shi appeared next to Tian and knelt. He bowed reverently and waited for his Emperor to look at him, then he shook his head. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. We've scoured Sichuan to Yan, and there hasn't been a sign of an Axsumite child six years of age."

Tian balled his fist and felt his nails dig into his palm, trying his best to hide his anger. He wasn't just angry with himself, but remorse coursed through his body like a thunderstorm, reminding him how he failed to protect his friend's daughter and concubine. “Nazir, it's been six years. I haven't found little Dambele. I'm sorry," he whispered.

The Emperor stood there for ten minutes, gathering his thoughts on what his next move should be. He knew he was exposed because the letter Prince Zou sent to him was intercepted, but luckily for both of them, they had kept the letter coded in Axsumi.

Whoever intercepted the letter would know of Concubine Hiari and little Dambele’s arrival in Huaxia and would use that against him, but who? And why haven't they used it against him?

"Have you found Shisan?"

"No, Your Majesty," Mo Zhu Shi said firmly.

The Emperor harrumphed and shook his head in disbelief. He had placed Shisan within one of the Imperial Guards that were roaming throughout Huaxia hunting bandits. He'd hoped that once he'd reached Taizhou, he would've been able to spot the Axsumite party after Prince Zou had allowed them to pass through Taizhou.

As much as Tian didn't want to admit it, his enemies were moving against him, and with him rescinding the First Emperor's decree, he anticipated that his enemies would work against him.

"Shi, tell me truly... are the people saying that I did something to cause the drought?"

The Leader of the Black Cauldron shifted uncomfortably as he knelt, filling the Emperor with doubt, but mostly confirmation. They do believe such a thing, he muttered sourly. Maybe bringing an Axsumite into Huaxia was wrong because of our past history, but how could I turn away the man who saved my life? I am sure the First Emperor would understand.

"Forget I asked," the Emperor said firmly. "Recall your brothers, Mo Zhu Shi. My enemies will be looking to strike soon."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Mo Zhu Shi disappeared from the Emperor's side. The Emperor continued watching over the garden, pacing back and forth, keeping one thought in his mind: his lost little niece, the linchpin he'd hoped would bring Huaxia and Axsum together. But like a flower, most plans wither when not given enough water to bloom.