Is this the only way? Being stuck up at home like a goods in a warehouse. My mates are out there chanting and playing happily here I'm thinking of attending one imperial court meeting or the other. I'm just 16 and for heaven's sake --- I'm too young to think about politics. I need to think of a solution that won't harm me or my love ones --- being away for sometime doesn't hurt --- I guess.

Mother and Father left me when I was 7years till then I'm being treated like an adult --- all my maids hardly play with me even the one that plays with me is cautious. I'm a human right? Why am I being treated differently? What if I die --- won't there be a new emperor or empress? Yeah my parents always told me Xuanyuan Kingdom is my responsibility and should be protected with my last breathe but then I don't care --- I want to eat street food, road side sugar figurines, travel all round the kingdoms, meet my age mates and --- find the love of my life.

I want to be addressed as "Lin" or "Lin Zhou" --- I hate been called "Your Majesty" sometimes I even forget my name. I want to live a simple perfect life. Sometimes I wish my parents were fishermen, store keepers or truck pushers at least I'd be free to explore and eat any meal I wish too. I love Sorrowless cake but the rule of the palace forbid that so can a young teenager like me survive it? Others say I'm lucky but for me, it's a torture.

I'm Lin Zhou, 16years the only descendant of Xuanyuan throne "The Empress", I'm very young and one of the most beautiful lady in Xuanyuan Kingdom. I'm white in complexion --- maybe, I have a sharp purple eyes, a round sharp face, an ocean blue hair I can't get rid of and a small cherry red lips ... Duh! I'm perfect.

(Empress Lin Zhou of Xuanyuan Kingdom)

(Empress Lin Zhou of Xuanyuan Kingdom)

I have to find a way, I have to pave my path, I have to think of a solution, I have to act fast --- the palace is full of old grannies and any young man is a General.

Will I ever find an antidote to my problem or this is my fate?

[NOTE: This is a Chinese historical romance, that tells a complete story of different dynasty and royal relationship. The quest to revenge those who revolt and to seek love in the midst. The ambition to grow away from being a puppet Emperor.]

[If you're a love of Chinese Historical Romance, that feels like Chinese Drama, keeping you in touch with every feelings. Don't stop halfway because Missing Empress is for YOU]

[All locations, character names, incident, dynasties and death are all fictitious. They are made out of the author's imagination. This book is rightfully owned by the author who wishes to display her talent on NovelToon]

It was called "Lin Dynasty" during decades but after the huge raid and war between Yanbie, Houyun and Jiankjang kingdoms, it became "Xuanyuan Kingdom". During the war, rich and potential officials and families were massacred, it was a bloody war.

Zhou Fen and his Empress (Chun'er Zhou) fought thick and thin thus peace was restored in all regions.

Zhou Fen and his Empress (Chun'er Zhou) fought thick and thin thus peace was restored in all regions

Two years after the war, Lin Zhou was born. Xuanyuan Kingdom became very peaceful and rested on the shoulder of a young descendant "Lin Zhou".

°^°^°^°^°

An ancient imperial bedroom, very wide and spacious consisting of a comfortable bed, reading desk with untouched ink, arranged library of ancient tablets, the serene was isolated.

Lin sat on her bed looking pale and worried as a troop of maids walk into her bedroom and they all bow "Your Majesty", the chief of maids being "Xinger" ask:

"Your Majesty, are you okay?"

"Do I look like it?" Lin responded sarcastically

"You all can leave now" Lin added, the maids dropped the materials they came in with and exits.

∆ Xinger is pronounced as - Zinga∆

Xinger is Lin's best maid in the palace so they were quite close

Xinger is Lin's best maid in the palace so they were quite close.

"Your Majesty, what is the problem?".

"I'm sick and tired of this Palace, this place is too boring".

"But Your Majesty, this is your responsibility".

"Responsibility you say but I'm not interested".

"Your Majesty you can't runaway from this, you have to succumb and take on the legacy of the Lin's Dynasty".

"Is not as if you'd decision matter --- prepare my things and wait for my order. No need to argue".

"Yes, Your Majesty" Xinger bows and leaves.

Am I doing the right thing? Finding my wish isn't a bad decision to take. I'm too young for this --- maybe when the time comes, I'll face my responsibility but for now I have to catch fun.

Indeed the imperial court is prestigious, the imperial court officials were all lined up waiting for the arrival of the empress. The imperial court officials were all old maybe late 60's early 70's.

Thud, thud, thud, a heavy footstep runs into the imperial court, it was the palace guard he shouts from the entrance "Report!" and immediately bows when he got to the central point.

"The Empress is missing" the guard reported still on his knee while the officials panic and murmur within themselves.

The eunuch comes from the inner room.

"Send the soldiers to increase their defense and guard the gate, no one should go out or come in. Close the back entrance and send some troop of soldiers, make sure you increase the soldiers in the Empress quarter".

"Noted!" The guard replied with a bow and exits while the eunuch exhales.

Truly Lin was missing, after all the defense planning and searching. Was she abducted or she left deliberately?

"Where is the Empress?" Eunuch asked her maids.

"She didn't tell us".

"I was not on duty".

"She was in her room all day".

Eunuch was weary about their answers, he was worried and confuse.

"Where is her personal maid?" Eunuch asked after much thinking.

"She is absent".

"I saw her last night".

"She served the empress for days".

"Maybe they left together".

"Left together? To where?" Eunuch asked immediately after taking in their answers.

"Erh --- errmm " the maid stammers.

"Fret not and speak up!" Eunuch assured.

"I overheard the empress discussing with Xinger about leaving the Palace, her reason was that --- the -- the Palace was full of rules, too boring and quiet".

"Why didn't your report to me?".

"I didn't have such courage".

Eunuch sigh as he rubs his forehead weary.

°\=°\=°\=°\=°\=°

Lin Zhou

I left home or should I say I escaped from the palace with the help of Xinger and in two days time we arrived at Qimen city.

Chatters, story tellers, young children everywhere the city was huge and busy, it surface looks peaceful.

"Wow, so this is what outside looks like. I have been isolated for over 16years --- now I feel alive" I said to myself.

No rules, no "Your Majesty" I can finally live like an ordinary person.

"Sugar figurines! Xinger get me one please" I plead.

"Yes, Your Majesty".

Lin stare at Xinger angrily.

"I mean yes --- Miss Lin".

"Better".

Miss Lin -- finally I was addressed properly. It was really fun escaping from hell, I love Qimen already and I can't wait to settle in.

"Miss Lin since we just arrived, we will have to stay in someone else's manor".

"Sure, I'm okay with that".

Xinger and I entered the very big and beautiful manor, other people were already inside drinking and eating. I waited at a side as Xinger walk up to the counter man and they made some dialogue soon the counter man shouted:

"Prepare 2 big rooms for them!"

I guess he was addressing us, Xinger walk up to me.

"Miss Lin our rooms will soon be ready. Let's seat and eat first".

"Sure".

"What will you love to eat?".

"I have been eating vegetables all my days. I need tufo and wine".

"Your Majes --- Miss Lin, I can't permit you to take wine. How about tea?".

"Whatever, let's just eat".

We ate and discussed happily, it seems Xinger knows more about Qimen thus it made me anxious.

"Are you from Qimen?".

"It's my maternal home but I grew up at Xuanyuan".

"Oh".

So fast, I ate all the tufus and drink the tea swiftly; indeed the food was delicious.

While heading to our room upstairs, I bumped into a young man at first I didn't see him clearly not until he raised his head.

While heading to our room upstairs, I bumped into a young man at first I didn't see him clearly not until he raised his head

Oh my goodness, is he an immortal?.

I couldn't stop staring at his sharp and angrily looking gold eyes, his angelic milk crazy hair, fine arched eyebrow, he is handsome but why is he angry?

"Miss, are you okay?" He asked.

Damn! His voice kept me dauntlessly speechless.

"I --- erhm" I couldn't help but stammer, thank goodness for Xinger.

"Please forgive my young miss".

"It's okay, sorry about that".

He was about to leave but I don't know, I really don't know but my hand held his fine white robe and he turns back facing me.

"Anything?" He asked and I tremble.

"I'm Lin Zhou --- can I know yours?".

He pulled my hands off his robe still looking angry.

"It's not necessary, be careful next time" he replied and left.

Is he staying in one of the rooms upstairs or just visiting?.

I stand on the stair in awe still thinking about him.

Where have such a beauty been? What is his name? Did I offend him? Do I look beautiful enough to catch him?.

"Miss Lin, are you okay?" Xinger tapped me when she noticed I zoned out.

I lay on my bed reading an old play I took from the palace titled "Doomed Love" maybe truly the love whole thing is doomed.

The mysterious guy I met today was still on my mind, I couldn't concentrate while reading and I can't stop thinking about him --- what has he done to me?

When I was little, since I was being isolated I do act the plays I read so I got up from my bed and started reading at the same time acting according to the role. The night wasn't blossom enough to make me sleep --- it was indeed a sleepless night.

"I'm finally out of the prison called "Imperial Palace" but now I have an issue.

Though my first night outside the palace wasn't the best but it was worth it.

As soon as I woke up, I stepped out of my room to check on Xinger but luckily I saw "him", my mysterious crush leaving the motel and I quickly followed him from behind --- maybe he noticed me and choose to ignore.

"Where is he going to? What if I lost track? I know nowhere here!" These run through my mind and the worse happened. I found myself surrounded by some bandits

"Look what we have here"

"What a pretty lady --- pretty"

"Ouch! Did your husband forgot you at home?"

I was so speechless and afraid, who are these people they look dangerous, what if they abduct me or --- assault me. Two of the bandits charge towards me and I began to walk backward still afraid.

Slsh, slsh, slsh the sound of sword and punches were all I heard with my eyes closed

What was going on?

I was so scared of opening my eyes and then a voice sent shivers down my spine

"Are you alright, Miss?" The voice asked with concern and --- it was him!

I opened my eyes with a wide smile

"You-- you saved me! Are you hurt?"

"I'm okay, please stay out of trouble" he said and was about to leave again, I called out

"Mr! What is your name?"

"Yuwen Yu"

"You-- Yuwen Yu?" I repeated but he sigh and left. I couldn't even thank him, he didn't even stay longer. Who is he?

"Miss Lin? Miss Lin!" A familiar voice called out from afar and I walk toward it, it was Xinger.

"Miss Lin where have you been? I searched around for you."

"I was strolling, sorry for making you worried"

"It's okay, are you hungry? I ordered some food already"

She continued discussing but my mind wasn't with her, I was thinking about "Yuwen Yu". He saved me, he protected me --- I'm so grateful, he deserved an appraisal from me.

Then it struck me, as soon as we enter the motel I walked to the counter

"Young Miss Lin, how may I help you?" The counter man asked

"Eherm --- which room does Mr. Yuwen Yu stay?"

"Room 6, the room after yours"

"Thank you so much" I reward him with some coins for the tip and walk to the direction.

I knock on the door twice and finally he opens.

"You again?"

"I-- I -- thank you for saving me earlier today"

"It's nothing just be careful"

"I'm new in town I was hoping if you'd love a stroll with me"

"No"

That was too harsh, no one has ever declined my request or am I not beautiful enough? I succumb and made a come back.

"How about we drink tea down stairs?"

"Not interested lady"

"How do I pay you then?"

"I never asked for a price --- did I?"

I was so sad and quiet

"If you have nothing else, goodnight" He said sternly and banged the at me.

Seriously? I stood in front of his door so angry and in awe --- what is wrong with him?

Doesn't he like me even little? After some couple of minutes, I sluggishly walk back to my room

Doesn't he like me even little? After some couple of minutes, I sluggishly walk back to my room.

He ruined my day, he made me sad, he doesn't smile at me. I was indeed worried.

******

"Miss Lin, it's time to eat" Xinger said from the entrance and walk in with a tray containing food, she bows and serve.

"Miss Lin are you alright? You look worried?" Xinger ask sadly after she had noticed my mood

"Have you seen that guy lately?"

"That guy --- you mean Yuwen? Yes, he hardly talk to anyone here"

"Where is he?"

"How will I know miss?"

"Fine!"

I ate the food still pale and sad, I really miss him. Don't call this love -- please.

"Miss Lin, you look pale --- is there any problem?"

"Why are you so worried? I won't die anyway"

"I'll call the physician"

"I'm okay Xinger, it's my first time being away from home remember?"

Xinger exhales after her deep thought and said

"I heard today is lantern festival since you are bored here, how about you join me to the lantern festival?"

"Seriously? I have never gone to one before."

"Okay miss, eat up and let's go"

To me, Xinger is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She was like a sister to me and cares so much like a mother, I really love her and thus she knows how to make me feel happy.

I changed into the new dress she got me as a surprise the dress was so amazing, Xinger combed my hair and I looked perfect.

I changed into the new dress she got me as a surprise the dress was so amazing, Xinger combed my hair and I looked perfect

We walk together to the venue and I couldn't stop blushing as passer by continue to compliment me

"Miss Lin, I picked the right dress for you and it suit you well --- look the young men won't stop staring."

I felt flattered by her alluring compliment and I smiled, she went off to get the lantern while I pace around.

Everyone looks happy and excited, lovers tied knot at the edges of the bridges, others closed their eyes making wishes while I keep looking from one direction to another till my eyes met him --- "Yuwen Yu?"

Everyone looks happy and excited, lovers tied knot at the edges of the bridges, others closed their eyes making wishes while I keep looking from one direction to another till my eyes met him --- "Yuwen Yu?"

He didn't hear due to our distance but he could see me, he changed his clothes and even his hairstyle, he looked at me but his gaze was emotionless while I stayed speechless. A beautiful lantern was lit up by a lady at my corner

"Isn't it beautiful?" He said -- no, no he asked me!

I was speechless at first

"It is -- the lantern look good"

"I didn't expect to see you here" I added, he ignores and then turn to me

"Are you alone?

"No, I'm with my mai--- I mean a friend."

"How about we share my lantern together?"

Why is he so different tonight? How can I say no to a "Water God"?

"Of course we can"

For the first time, Yuwen Yu walk close to me and stretch his arms while I reach out for the lantern, our both hands brush each other and for some minute we shared an emotional stare, then he clears his throat

For the first time, Yuwen Yu walk close to me and stretch his arms while I reach out for the lantern, our both hands brush each other and for some minute we shared an emotional stare, then he clears his throat

(Pretend they on on exact outfits shown before)

"You will close your eyes and make a wish"

Like a fool I'm, I nod courageously and we both shut our eyes. The gap between us wasn't much, I was close to him --- I never knew such a day will come in my life, I really like him.

We opened our eyes after some minutes

"What did you wish?" Yuwen Yu asked me.

"I -- I wished for ---" I paused as I remembered my wish were all for him.

"I'm listening" he reminds.

"I won't tell you".

"Okay".

Immediately, Xinger walk up to us.

"Miss Lin, who set up that lantern? It's one of the best and different lanterns tonight".

I look up, it was then I noticed how big and beautiful "Our" lantern was and it had a very beautiful picture on it -- who drew it? I gazed at the lantern in admiration.

"Do you like it?" Yuwen Yu asked me after a brief moment of silence.

"I like you" I replied absentmindedly

"Ehn?"

Then it hit me, what did I say?!

Yuwen Yu clears his throat again while Xinger walks to a distance, I felt shamefully embarrassed.

"What I meant was, I like the lantern".

"Alright".

We moved around the environment this time, Yuwen Yu walk together with I and Xinger. I was so happy and excited even if he doesn't like me, being with him and walking with him are my contention. We steal glares and sometimes stare at each other for couple of seconds, Xinger who understands walk faster leaving I and Yuwen Yu to walk privately.

Lantern festival is my best night ever, after all we stayed in the same motel --- I thought and soon after a quiet walk, we were home.