Conquering the Emperor

“Emperor, there is no such thing in my possession,” Prince Kin denied immediately.

“It won’t be hard for me to track down the exact person who sold it to you…and then I will go on to destroy their whole chain of trade and production. After all, you are aware that love potions are illegal in this empire, are you not?” Ren said as he stared down his younger brother.

Prince Kin seemed shocked at Ren’s apparent threat.

“It is based on the emperor’s and the high court’s will that My Lady and I have been working hard on producing the next heir to the throne. I am grateful for My Lady’s love and devotion and believe that we will achieve our objective in the very near future,” Ren said as he came to stand next to my chair and placed a hand on my shoulder.

Ok…what the hell is he saying now?!

If Prince Kin could lie smoothly, apparently, so can his older brother. Did these two men take acting classes when they were younger? Was it part of the training curriculum for the princes?

I plastered the most loving smile on my lips as I glanced up and smiled at Ren. I think I need to take acting classes too in order to survive living here.

“Prince Kin’s inappropriate behavior doesn’t just hurt our honor and pride, but it may have caused irreversible damage to My Lady’s body or our child. Afterall, it isn’t altogether impossible for My Lady to be carrying our child at this very moment. If anything were to happen to my child or his mother, who is going to take responsibility for the instability of the royal family and the empire?” Ren passionately appealed to the emperor and the court.

“Going against the will of the emperor and the high court is indeed a crime…” a member of the court commented.

“Anything that would threaten the stability of this empire and the line of succession could be treated as an act of treason…” another member said as he glanced over at the Emperor.

My eyes widened in shock. Ren…is he going so far as to try to get his younger brother executed? Really?

Of course, I felt mad beyond words at what Prince Kin did to me but to have him killed because of me is just…going too far.

“I leave the judgement to the revered emperor and the members of the high court,” Ren said as he bowed respectfully.

“Emperor…what the crown prince has said…” Prince Kin began defending himself, but his words were cut short by the emperor.

“Enough. I would like to discuss this with the high court members. I ask that everyone wait here,” the emperor said as he abruptly got up from his seat as if he had heard and seen enough.

Everyone bowed as the emperor and the members of the high court turned around and began walking into a room that was connected to this large hall. They were proceeding into a meeting room to discuss how to handle this dispute. Everyone in the hall bowed low to show their respect and I got up from my seat and bowed as well.

The hall was dead silent and filled with tension as everyone waited for the verdict from the emperor and the court.

…

“What are you going to say in court, Ren? What’s your plan?” Shin asked his dear friend as he stared at Ren.

His friend was sitting opposite him on a long wooden sofa, and he looked tired and drained of energy and emotions. Shin had never imagined that the power struggle between the two brothers would lead them here today. Prince Kin had clearly gone too far, and his move was very risky; however, if he had been successful, it would have dealt a sever damage to Ren and his chances of succeeding the throne.

“I’m not sure…” Ren murmured, honestly.

“Accusing Kin will surely be difficult. Getting him punished will be even more difficult,” Shin said as he rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

Ren knew that better than anyone. Apart from being second in line to the throne, Kin had the backing of the empress. Although the emperor was objective, one could never predict how much weight he would place on the word of his consort.

The emperor’s objectivity was also the main issue here. That man valued the line of succession more than his own life. That was why it was extremely unlikely that he would order the execution of his back up plan, namely, his second son who was second in line to the throne.

“My guess is that the emperor would never order Kin’s execution. There’s no value in losing his son to defend the honor of a concubine, regardless of what the rules say…” Ren said emotionlessly.

“If you push the case too hard, it will affect Rin’s reputation as well. If the damages are seen to be too sever, they will likely punish her for it. The least would be removing her from her title of Lady White Lotus…” Shin said thoughtfully while intentionally not mentioning the worst-case scenario for Rin.

“I know that. However, I’m not just going to let this slide without gaining anything for what we’ve lost…” Ren said as his face darkened.

“Please be careful, Ren,” Shin warned sternly. Above all else, he was worried for his friend.

“Don’t worry. By the way, I asked Rin a couple of questions and I have a feeling that someone else is assisting Kin on this. Can you investigate this for me?” Ren requested.

“Of course, My Prince,” Shin said as he attempted to lighten the mood.

“Thank you…” Ren said softly, his mind already on the court session.

“You’re my friend, Ren. Regardless of what you wish for, it is my ultimate wish to see you become the next emperor,” Shin said with determination.

Ren looked at his friend for a moment before laughing loudly.

“What’s so funny?” Shin asked.

“You and your dumb wish…” Ren answered as he got up from his seat.

“I know why you don’t want to force Rin to bear your child if you could help it; however, I’m sure you don’t want her running away from you either…” Shin said, causing Ren to stop in his tracks.

“What are you trying to say exactly?” Ren asked as he turned narrowed eyes towards his friend.

“Sleep with her, Ren. Women will usually become more docile and obedient after you’ve made them yours. From what I can see, Rin seems to like you enough. Also, I doubt that Rin would leave if she became pregnant. No woman would leave their own child behind, right?” Shin said with certainty.

“Not unless she’s like my mother…” Ren muttered.

“Well, you’ve got a point. I can’t argue with you on that one…” Shin said with a shrug.

Shin wasn’t sure what Ren had planned but he knew that look on Ren’s face well. It was the same look that he had when he had figured out how to handle his enemies on the frontlines during times of war. Prince Kin has no idea what’s coming for him. He also knew that Ren would become the next emperor regardless of what he said. After all, there was no other option that was better for the people of this land.

--To be continued…