Chapter 5

The Great Palace, Xiang Empire, 1479

The throne room was everything she'd imagined

and more. Shiny marble floors, strong yet smooth

walls and carvings of dragons. Decorated with

precious jade and rubies, along with other rare

gems and stones. Ministers, nobles, officials, and

anyone of important status were gathered there.

Lihua, the only woman in the majestic hall, could

feel their stares. Their judgmental, curious stares,

holding hints of confusion. They were all thinking

the same thing.

What was a woman doing here?

Could be she a new concubine? Another ***** for

His Majesty's harem?

How dare she interrupt a war meeting?

Her head was down the whole time. Minister Hyung

quickly stepped in front of her and continued

walking, leaving her behind him. She noticed that

and fought back a nasty scowl. Who does this man

think he is? Does he honestly--she shook her head

slightly. Of course you idiot! He's a minister, and

what are you? You're middle class. Anda woman!

You're pretty much a peasant, and worthless to him.

A tiny voice sternly reminded her in a scolding

manner.

Lihua suddenly bumped into him, not realizing

he'd stopped. She was instantly pulled out of her

thoughts. He sent her a glare that could've sent her

six feet under ground iflooks could kill. Why did he

hate her so much already? She never did anything

to him and it's not her fault her grandfather couldn't

come.

The minister sniffed in annoyance and turned

away from her, before bowing so deep that his

head touched the floor. "Your Majesty." He spoke

hesitantly, not wanting to anger the emperor in any

way.

Lihua, however, stood there like an idiot. Still

looking around with the expression of a curious

child. But when she heard the word 'majesty' her

eyes widened and she immediately got on her

knees, bowing as well. She didn't dare look at the

emperor, who sat on the beautiful throne, watching

them. The same throne that was bathed in the blood

of those who had fought for it and all the anger and

wickedness in their hearts.

"What is going on here?" His booming voice

echoed in the silent hall, bringing a sense of fear to

everyone's hearts.

The moment she heard his voice, the first thing that

came into mind were the words pure evil. There

was just something about him that gave her a bad

feeling. No, awful would be a better word.

And she wasn't wrong.

The girl frowned. But why did his voice sound..

familiar? She was sure she'd heard that voice

somewhere. But where?

"My sincere apologies for this sudden interruption,

Your Majesty. I am deeply sorry, but I was only

doing my duty, just like you asked. I brought Wu

Zhao Lin-"

"I did not know the herbalist was a woman." There

were a few soft chuckles and whispers at that.

"I meant to say, Wu Zhao Lin's granddaughter, Your

Majesty." Minister Hyung said slowly, allowing

the king to process his words. Goodness, he was

probably going to be beheaded for this. It went

completely silent. No one spoke, moved, or even

breathed. The only sound was the stubborn wind

blowing outside.

Then, in a soft voice and threatening tone, the

emperor broke the heavy silence by saying, "I

asked for Wu Zhao Lin. and you bring me his

granddaughter?"

Lihua gulped quietly. Oh god, what was going to

happen to her now? Or worse, what was going

to happen to her grandfather? What if he was

captured and brought to prison? What if he was

killed for this? With these thoughts running

urgently through her chaotic mind, they found her

lost voice and forced words out of her mouth.

Your Majesty," all eyes suddenly snapped to her

as soon as they heard a feminine voice speak up.

Lihua gathered all her courage and slowly stood

up, earning surprised and confused looks. But

unfortunately, she wasn't daring enough to look up.

yet

"I am Wu Lihua, granddaughter of the herbalist

Sir Wu Zhao Lin. My grandfather is very ill, and he

wasn't able to come here. So I came instead. You see

"

"Did I give you permission to speak, Miss Wu?"

Lihua froze entirely when he cut her off. What am

I doing?! Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, I'm

speaking to the emperor! Bow you idiot! Bow!

But she didn't.

She opened her mouth, choosing her words

carefully. "With all respect, Your Majesty, I believe

I am free to speak whenever I wish. Every citizen

in this empire has their own rights and a littlde

freedom. Whether you are a god or someone with

immense power and wealth, that does not matter

to me, for I am not afraid to use mine. I hope you

understand that."

Faint gasps of disbelief and disapproving whispers

returned to the hall, filling it like a lake. "How dare

a woman speak that way?" She heard someone hiss.

You're going to die, you idiot! Shut up! Shut up!

Fortunately, she did.

She heard the slight shufling of his royal silk robes,

and realized he was standing up. Then footsteps.

Footsteps, making their way towards her.

Gods, help me. Any deity out there, please help me!

"Out, all of you. The meeting is over." He ordered.

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