The throne is within his grasp... if only he would let go of Cheng—Lady Xia.
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A light knock sounded at the door of the garden room. A maid stepped in and bowed. "My lady, Prince Xuan is here."
Lady Xia was kneeling beside the small treehouse, trimming a line of fresh flowers into shape. She glanced at the maid beside her and gave a small signal.
Prince Xuan entered the garden a moment later. He bowed. "Mother."
Lady Xia stood and brushed the soil from her hands. "Xuan. You finally came." She walked toward him and gave him a gentle hug. "It's been far too long. Come, walk with me."
They moved toward the shaded path beside the treehouse. Warm light filtered through the leaves, and the air smelled of petals and damp wood.
"You always keep yourself busy here," Xuan said.
"I must," Lady Xia replied. "If I don't watch things closely, everything slips. The servants, the reports, they never end." She plucked a loose leaf from a vine and looked at her son. "Speaking of the palace, I've heard Cheng has been meeting your father a lot these days."
Xuan glanced at her softly. "And?"
"With his health concerns, I can't ignore the thought that he may be preparing for something important," she said. "I worry you aren't seeing the whole picture."
"Mother," Xuan said calmly, "you think too much. Father trusts brother Cheng because brother Cheng has always been loyal. I trust him too."
Lady Xia slowed her pace. "I'm only trying to protect you. And your brother. You know how the palace can be."
Xuan's voice stayed soft. "Worry can cloud judgment. Brother Cheng follows his path. I follow mine."
Lady Xia nodded, though her eyes never left his face. "You know, the palace needs a protective hand. Someone who pays attention to every corner, sees every move, and makes sure everything works for the good of our family and the people."
Xuan listened but gave nothing away. "A strong ruler listens to every voice but stays loyal to what is right."
She lifted her brow. "Exactly. Someone like you would guide the empire well."
Xuan smiled a little. "There are many people like me in the palace. That is why it stands."
Lady Xia hid her frustration behind a small smile. "Perhaps." But she didn't stop. "You may be—
"Mother, you seem tired lately. You've taken on so much here. How is your health?" Xuan cut in softly.
Lady Xia's eyes softened. "Xuan, you worry too much. I'm fine. Just a little tired. That's normal for my age."
He smiled and leaned forward. "Even so, it helps to be careful. I've studied medicine. I can help. There are herbs that ease tiredness and build strength. If you let me, I can make something for you."
"Your care means a lot to me, Xuan. I suppose I can try one remedy."
Xuan smiled and took her hand gently. "I'll make something light first. We can adjust it later. Your health matters to me most."
Lady Xia watched him in frustration. He was gentle but stubborn also, just like that troublesome Cheng. If only Cheng hadn't shaped him so much.
She had tried many ways to keep them apart. Small remarks, busy schedules. Anything to weaken their bond. Yet Xuan always returned to Cheng, drawn to him like a moth to a fire.
"If only you knew how Cheng clouded your mind," she thought with a frown.
She could guide almost anyone in the palace with a simple hint, but not her own son.
Still, she held on to some hope. She had not spent years shaping him for greatness just to let his loyalty to Cheng block his future.
Soon, Xuan would face a chance to claim the power she believed he was meant for.
Yes. The chance to take the throne. A choice no prince could turn away from.
He might resist now, but once power was close, he would understand her. Even the best heart had a price.
The Palace
Cheng bowed before the emperor's throne.
Emperor Wei sat among soft cushions, looking tired. "Stand, my son. What have you decided about our last talk?"
Cheng met his father's eyes. "The empire's well-being is always on my mind. We must protect stability and fairness."
The emperor nodded. "A marriage offer has come from the lord of Beifeng. His daughter, Princess Chan Juan, may be a good match. What do you think?"
"The princess seems suitable, Father. But choices like this must be made with care, for the sake of our people."
His father gave him a long look. "You speak wisely, Cheng. Still, securing your position soon is important."
"An alliance with the north would strengthen both sides. The lord of Beifeng knows the value of joining with us."
Cheng paused. "Father, I understand the reasons, but my heart does not lean toward this match. Must we proceed in haste?"
The emperor sighed. "You think too much. This marriage is needed for our people and your future."
Cheng saw there was no changing his father's mind. "As you wish, Father. I will follow your judgment."
A few days later
The emperor's call brought Cheng quickly to the throne room, where his brothers were already gathered.
Third-born Bai bowed deeply."Your Majesty, the bridge repairs are nearly complete, thanks to Master Tao's clever ideas. Trade will soon thrive again."
The emperor smiled."Well done, my son. And you, Prince Feng?"
Feng spoke proudly. "Our people enjoy prosperity through hard work and unity."
Then Yizong described new agreements with Southern tribes, bringing a time of peace and understanding. Prince Xuan shared his plans to build an institute for healing, to improve the health of their people.
Finally, all eyes turned to Cheng. "The soldiers remain vigilant thanks to my recruitment efforts, ready to protect the empire."
The emperor nodded with satisfaction."Our realm prospers because of each son's care and dedication to our people. In this way, our dynasty will last, through unity and goodwill." The royal court listened closely as the emperor's words were declared.
"As I have said before, my son, Prince Cheng, shall ascend the throne upon my passing. This decision is final." The emperor declared firmly.
Grand Chancellor Lei stepped forward. "With all respect, Your Majesty, we have discussed the matter of the crown prince. He faces the affliction of Lokiàn Shén. Can he bear the burdens of rule as well?"
The emperor's gaze hardened."Cheng's strength and wisdom go far beyond his illness. I see in him the future of our dynasty."
"My decision stands. Cheng will be emperor."
Murmurs filled the room until Minister Zhang inclined his head. "If this is the emperor's decree, then who are we to defy fate? The crown prince shall have our support from this day forward."
At this, the assembly bowed as one.
"Furthermore, an alliance shall be secured with the northern provinces through the union of the Crown Prince and Princess Chán Juān. Their marriage will unite our realms and strengthen our dynasty." Said the emperor.
The officials bowed deeply at this announcement, though some cast calculating looks toward Cheng.
Prince Xuan stepped forward to congratulate his elder brother.
"This alliance will bring prosperity to both regions. Brother, you have my utmost respect and my best wishes for your happiness."
Cheng accepted his brother's words politely.
The emperor's voice rang out one last time. "This council is dismissed."
As the officials bowed and departed, Xuan remained behind, his mind drifting back to his mother's warning.
Was Cheng truly influencing the king?