The Last Empress
Chapter 1: The News
The Lin Dynasty was ruled by a tyrant Emperor.
People died, crops perished and war came.
After the failure of the empire then came a reconstruction.
A reawakening. It was changed to the Tang Kingdom.
Tanya danced happily on the street as she finally gained freedom after so many years of being locked in her father's mansion.
Tanya
Finally! Sweet buns.
She jumped from one shop to another. Tasting and admiring anything that caught her attention.
Fortune Teller
Hey, young lady...
She looked around and back at the man.
Fortune Teller
Wouldn't you love to check your future fortune?
Tanya
No. All these are known to be fake.
Fortune Teller
You won't know unless you try it.
She decided to give it a go and the man observed her for a while.
Fortune Teller
Young lady, you really have a mysterious yet great future.
Fortune Teller
You will get married to a great man but their will be ups and down.
Tanya
That's why I wasn't interested.
She dropped a coin on the man's desk and ran off.
After enjoying herself, she returned to the Zhao's mansion.
The mansion was a gift given to his father by the Emperor soon after he retired from the military.
She shouted as she entered the quiet yard.
She didn't see anyone, so she rushed into the inner chamber.
Her father, mother and personal maid was discussing sadly soon after they saw her, they stopped.
Tanya
Why is everyone moody?
She asked skeptically staring at their faces.
Lord Zhao
You will be getting married soon.
Her father broke the news, and she exhaled, smiling brightly.
Tanya
That's a good news, why is everyone sad about it?
Madam Zhao
You will be getting married to the Emperor.
Her mouth hung on the air in shock.
Tanya
That's impossible. I can't get married to that old wack!
Lord Zhao
Mind your mouth. It has already been declared.
Lord Zhao
The royal carriage will be here in two days time to take you to the Palace.
He turned his back on her.
All through the night, she couldn't sleep.
After all the terrible tales she has been hearing about the Palace and the Emperor, she wouldn't love to be the victim.
Most of all, she doesn't love him at all.
Tanya
Can't I get a peaceful love story...?
She didn't know when sleep took her off, and she woke up the next morning.
Si, rushed into the bedroom with a bowl of water and towel.
She was very excited. Tanya sat upright on the bed.
Si' eyes lowered to the ground unable to face Tanya, then she knew something was wrong.
She got up from the bed and beeline to the door.
Si matched pace with her as they exit the bedroom.
Madam Zhao was standing in front of boxes of jewelries.
She was admiring them and gasping in happiness as Tanya approached her.
Tanya
Mum... What are all these?
Madam Zhao
These are gifts from your future husband.
Tanya
Mum, you know I don't want to marry the Emperor.
Madam Zhao
Stop being a cry baby dear, what else would one ask for?
Madam Zhao
You will have the prestige and wealth all to yourself.
Lord Zhao
No buts. You are getting married to him and that's sealed.
Tanya
And what if I don't want to marry the Emperor?
Lord Zhao
You know the consequences given to anyone that declines the Emperor's Decree.
Si was worried and Tanya was confused.
Her life has just taken another big turn, causing her to stumble.
Was she really going to marry the Emperor?
Chapter 2: Arrival
Tanya paced around her room, confused on what next to do.
Her father has known her so well that he blocked all the exit route.
She sighed staring at the beautiful purple garment that her mother has already prepared for her.
For such auspicious day, the dress looked lovely, but she was unwilling to put it on.
Maid Si
My Lady, the royal carriage is waiting...
Her maid's voice came through behind the door, and she sighed.
Tanya
Let's just do this...
Everyone awed and gasp in admiration as Tanya walked out of Zhao's mansion.
The street people and passersby felt she was so lucky to be marrying into the palace.
Her mother's eyes glimmered in hope while sadness gathered around her father's eyelid.
Their only child was leaving.
Madam Zhao
Tanya'er. I'm going to miss you so much.
Madam Zhao
Make sure you eat good food and stay safe...
She turned to her father and the sudden urge came, she embraced him tightly.
Lord Zhao
I'm so sorry, I wasn't able to protect you.
Lord Zhao
Don't worry, I will keep an eye on you in the Palace.
Lord Zhao
No harm will befall you.
He pulled away from the embrace.
Lord Zhao
Now go ahead and don't make your old man cry.
She chuckled as she briskly approached the carriage.
She shoot a last look at her parents before entering the carriage.
Thankfully, she left with Si. She wouldn't be alone.
The ride was quiet as she peep through the window.
She sighed and turned to Si.
Tanya
Si, do you know anything about the Palace?
Maid Si
The Palace? It's a very good place.
Si quickly rushed and sat close to her.
Maid Si
I heard in the Palace, there are good food and...
Si continued speaking as her mind swayed back to the window.
They were already in the Imperial Palace.
Some other women close to Tanya's age were also standing in the yard.
Dowager's maid
Greeting to you, Ladies.
Soon, a maid walked up to them.
Tanya decided to join the other ladies.
Concubine Lousi
What's this? Are you the one in charge?
Dowager's maid
I'm the Empress Dowager's maid.
Dowager's maid
Please, join me.
The maid led the way and every one of them followed from behind.
The maid ushered them into an enchanting hall. Of great design and antique.
The Empress Dowager was sitting on her throne with some other women beside her. They were also the Emperor's women.
Dowager's maid
Your Majesty, these are the ladies.
Concubine Xinger
Xinger greets you, Your Majesty.
Lady-in-waiting
Tie greets you, Your Majesty.
Concubine Lousi
Lousi greets you, Your Majesty.
Tanya
Tanya greets you, Your Majesty.
The new women greeted the Empress Dowager, and she smiled - looking happy to see them.
Tanya
[That smile doesn't look sincere.]
Tanya figured immediately.
Empress Dowager
Welcome beautiful ladies...
Consort Ruo
To what do we owe these women? Your Majesty, do we need them?
Noble Consort Lifei
Calm your nerves, Consort Ruo.
Empress Dowager
The Emperor already made the final decision and I can't change that.
Suddenly, Consort Ruo spotted Tanya out of the others.
Consort Ruo
What's your name?
She squeezed out a smile which fooled Tanya.
Tanya
Tanya, Your Highness.
Consort Ruo
I see you can't wait to start seducing the Emperor, huh!
Empress Dowager
Take it easy, Consort Ruo. These are daughters of noble family, they ought to dress decent.
Empress Dowager
Or do you wish to see them *****?
There was a brief silence and the Empress Dowager sighed heavily.
Empress Dowager
Enough, now show them to their chambers.
She instructed her servant.
Noble Consort Lifei
Seriously?
Noble Consort Lifei
Your Majesty, are you really taking them in?
Noble Consort Lifei
Do you want to cause problems in the harem?
She was ignored curtly which embarrassed her.
The ladies bowed shortly and left the hall with the servant.
After all the turns and ceremonies, Tanya was finally shown to her chamber.
Dowager's maid
My Lady, this shall be your room until a title has been announced.
Dowager's maid
And this is your new guard, Li Wei. He shall be with your often.
Tanya
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Guard Li Wei
Greetings, My Lady.
Dowager's maid
I will take my leave now.
The servant left and she exhaled deeply.
Tanya
Li Wei? You can also leave.
Guard Li Wei
Sure, My Lady.
Guard Li Wei
I will be outside if you need anything.
He left and Si rushed out from the inner room.
She has been exploring the place all these while.
Maid Si
My Lady, I told you life in the Palace is not so bad.
She walked in to changer her garment.
Tanya
The eyes of those women are scary. They can't wait to devour me already.
Maid Si
There is nothing to be afraid of, My Lady.
Si pushed the cup of water closer to her.
Maid Si
My Lady, I heard the Emperor is not as old as we think.
Tanya
Oh really? That's good then.
She gulped the water and took her seat on the wooden chair.
Maid Si
My Lady, I also heard about something.
Tanya
When have you turned to a gossiper?
Tanya
We just arrived today and you know about everything.
Maid Si
What do you think?
She wiggled her brow and Tanya smirked.
Tanya
What did you hear this time?
Maid Si
I heard the Emperor is about to choose the woman he is going to consummate with.
The statement came so unexpected that she almost sprout the water in her mouth.
Chapter 3: Night with the King
Concubine Xinger
Are you being serious right now?
Lady-in-waiting
Of course, I'm.
The new women were seen discussing in the yard.
They just returned from the Empress Dowager morning greeting.
Concubine Xinger
Now, I'm so anxious to meet him.
Lady-in-waiting
It's also true that the Emperor is a ******.
Lady-in-waiting
Out of all these women, I don't think he has slept with any...
Lady-in-waiting
You know servants are the best at gossiping, I heard that too.
Concubine Xinger
This is more reason I want to make the Emperor mine.
Concubine Lousi
Do you think a peasant like you deserve to be his?
Lady-in-waiting
Take it easy, Lady Lousi.
Concubine Xinger
And who do you think deserve the Emperor?
Concubine Lousi
Of course, it's me.
Concubine Lousi
My father's position alone surpasses yours.
Tanya happened to meet them at the exit.
She wanted to avoid them, but she wouldn't dare.
Tanya
And who is talking about status here?
Tanya
Every one knows my father as the best, right?
Lady-in-waiting
That's true, Lady Tanya's father is the prime minister.
Concubine Lousi
Despicable!
Concubine Lousi
You are all annoying.
Concubine Xinger
I wonder why you are so busybody.
Concubine Xinger
We are all here for the same purpose.
Concubine Lousi
I'm above you all, take it or leave it.
Tanya
Actually, I don't care about the Emperor.
Tanya
He can favorite any woman he wants.
Concubine Xinger
That's what they say at first.
Concubine Xinger
And then... they surprise everyone.
Soon, the Eunuch approached them holding a scroll.
Eunuch Bai
The Emperor's Decree!
Immediately all the women fell on their knees.
Eunuch Bai
The ladies of my noble ministers have been found worthy, therefore:
Lady Lousi, shall become the senior concubine and will be residing in the Hall of Delight.
Eunuch Bai
Lady Xinger, shall become the second ranking concubine and will reside in the Hall of Fame.
Eunuch Bai
Lady Tanya, shall remain with her title and still reside in her chamber, Hall of Beauty.
Eunuch Bai
As for Tie, she shall be the lowest ranking lady-in-waiting till another session.
Eunuch Bai
Accept the Emperor's Decree.
He lifted the scroll above his head.
Concubine Lousi
Your servant is highly favoured by your grace, Your Majesty.
Concubine Xinger
Your servant is highly favoured by your grace, Your Majesty.
They bowed accepting the decree. Tie, didn't look disappointed in her status. Neither did Tanya cared.
They all rise from kneeling.
Eunuch Bai
Listen to the Emperor's oral decree.
All these ended in Tanya's mind. She didn't say any word.
Eunuch Bai
The woman I will be spending the night with is no other person than...
As popularly known, no one dared question the Emperor.
Tanya was facing the mirror as Si gathered her hair into a nice hairstyle.
Tanya
Si, will I be okay? What if the Emperor doesn't like me?
Maid Si
Don't think too much.
Tanya
I.. I really don't want to do this, you know.
Maid Si
But you have to. Your father has trust in you.
Tanya
Right? I'm doing this for my family.
She sighed sadly facing the mirror. She just had to do it.
Guard Li Wei
My Lady, it's time.
Li Wei announced courteously with a loud voice.
She stood up from the chair and gave herself a last look.
Lousi screamed in annoyance, throwing the porcelain cup to the ground.
maid
Take it easy, My Lady.
Concubine Lousi
Take what easy?
Concubine Lousi
What should I take easy when the Emperor is about to sleep with another woman!?
maid
My Lady, I have stayed in this Palace for a very long time.
maid
One thing I know is that, acting rash isn't the best.
Concubine Lousi
So what do you say I do? Sit down and watch?!
Concubine Lousi
I came here to be the Empress, to be the Emperor's only woman and not some concubine!
guard
Your Highness, the Empress Dowager is here.
The door guard announced with a very loud voice.
Concubine Lousi
Get me the mirror quick!
She started putting herself in other before the Dowager arrived.
The Emperor's Chamber - Night
Eunuch Bai
Your Majesty, Lady Tanya is here!
Tanya walked elegantly into the Emperor's bedroom chamber.
A young man was facing her with his back and she wondered what he looked like.
Tanya
[His back is broad, and he is standing upright. This can't be an old man.]
He gradually turned to her and her jaw dropped at the sight of the Emperor.
Tanya
Greet.... Greetings to you, Your Majesty.
She stammered uncontrollably as she tried to take her eyes away from him.
He walked closer to her, observing the woman before him.
He was Emperor Wang - the only Emperor who has survived the storm without an Empress.
It wasn't like he didn't want one - but every one that sat on that throne ended up dying from one crime or disease.
He decided to give it a break.
Tanya
My Lord, I will serve you now.
Her hands were shaking as she turn the tea into the small cups.
He grabbed them. His unexpected touch sent sharp shivers up her spine that she gasped softly.
Emperor Wang
You don't have to force yourself.
Emperor Wang
Don't you want it?
At the end, all the stories turned out to be full of lies.
She never expected him to be so concerned and loving like a normal husband.
This was every woman's dream, to get laid with the Emperor. But that thought never crossed her mind.
Tanya
You see, I don't think I can do this.
Tanya
I know I'm your woman but I...
He touched her shoulder tenderly thereby stopping her.
Emperor Wang
I won't force you, Lady Tanya.
Emperor Wang
When you are ready, I will make you mine.
Tanya
[Why am I having this feelings?]
Her cheeks were flushed with hot blushes as she lowered her gaze to the ground.
He used his finger to lift them up, with a cold smile resting on his lips.
Emperor Wang
But the Dowager is watching, I can't let you leave so soon.
Tanya
What do you mean.., Your Majesty?
Emperor Wang
I will let you have my bed for the night.
He blew off the candles making darkness to take charge of the room.
Tanya had no choice but to seek solace on his bed, while he took his seat on the wooden chair.
She gradually drifted to sleep, on the Emperor's bed.
No woman has ever done that in Tang history.
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