At a remote corner of a deserted street, few men stood closely as they made a secret deal.
"Is the goods genuine?" the first man asked cautiously.
"You can check the authenticity here", the other man replied and opened the chest.
The oldest man among them ordered that the goods be transported while he paid them in gold.
Smuggling had become rampant in the Shu dynasty , the flow was consistent and all ways employed to curb it proved abortive.
The emperor had focused on investigating smuggling activities because of the incessant reports he received from his officials.
He sent out secret investigators who brought to his knowledge the involvement of some nobles ,especially those from the West faction
He met his empress, and after observing that she knows nothing about the incidents, left rapidly.
The empress may be indulgent with the activities of her west faction party, but she will never condone anything that might harm her son's future. She knows fully well that if some illegal activities are not stopped before her son's ascension, he will have a lot of mess to clean up.
"Are you there?"one command and the shadow appeared.
"Send a secret letter to my brother, l need his help with the assassins, tell him to kill all the smugglers caught and leave no traces". The shadow bowed in acknowledgement and disappeared .
The empress heaved a sigh of relief. If not for the services of the shadow she sometimes forget that it's always with her. With the presence of the shadow comforting her, she feels less lonely.
The crown prince was in sparing session with his brother as whoever losses will grant the request of the other.
With that promise in mind, Prince Song lost himself in the imagination of being surrounded by pots of wine and assortment of food. The thought made him salivate and he swore to win .
Meanwhile, the crown prince lost himself in the heat of the battle as he had a reasonable request though irritating to his brother.
After about 30 minutes of the spar, the crown prince won while the disappointed Prince wanted to drill the ground to disappear.
He's well aware of what the crown prince wants and he has no intention of indulging in it. He had accepted the bet because he thought he would win, who knew the crown prince's battle prowess had improved the past few months.
Finally the moment came.
"Older brother, l want you to visit the palace tomorrow and celebrate the festival with us, I will get royal mother's permission for your entrance", he finally said just as Song thought
"I don't want to".Prince Song huffed unhappily.
"I don't want to see so many unhappy faces tomorrow", he said with vehemence.
" Little brother, you are aware the only two people that makes me enter the palace is you and undoubtedly my royal mother. So you see, in the midst of more than one thousand people living in the palace only two persons are happy to see me" .
The crown prince reminded him of the consequences of not upholding the bet and pacified him with a promise to visit outside the palace with him on the second day of the festival. In addition, the wine cellar would be opened for him.
This was too much of a temptation for the prince so he promised to come very early the next day. He straightened his back and placed his hands on his chest in a manner of oath taking.
" I promise to be here first thing tomorrow morning and fulfill your royal comman... erm... request", he said in a shameless tone after a mock bow.
Prince Soon almost vomited blood at the height of his brother's shamelessness. Acting righteous especially when there are lots of benefits but whatever his brother likes, he will give him.
Smiling happily at this shameless side of his older brother, he went to his mother's palace to get the permission.
"What? the crown prince is here? hurry, invite him in, Lady jang prepare the chrysanthemum tea and best cookies from my palace"
The crown prince walked in amused at his mother's servants franticness but sat quite still after the customary greetings.
The overjoyed mother stood up from her seat to sit closer to her beloved son. Immediately, tea and snacks was served.
"Imperial mother, hope you are fine ?"
The empress smiled, touched her son's cheeks lovingly and told him as long as he is fine and healthy, she also is fine, because she knew the crown prince's well-being is linked to her happiness and well-being too.
"Mother, l came to ask permission for my older brother imperial visit for tomorrow's festival' , he said, breaking the ice.
The empress fingers trembled but she composed herself.
"Is that why you came to visit your mother today, on your own volition?"
The crown prince felt guilty but told her it's secondary for the main reason for his visit is to share a meal with her.
Feeling happy, the empress beamed in happiness and granted his request immediately.
"Done!", she softly said, her voice the epitome of maternal love.
Allowing the boy inside the palace doesn't make her feel good,but she will do anything to make her son happy and the crown prince rewarded her with a smile.
"Lady jang, announce to the kitchen staff that the crown prince is here. Make a lavish dinner", she commanded in her domineering voice, her royal crown swaying because of the impact.
After dinner was done, the empress escorted him halfway to his palace, and returned to her palace with a satisfied expression.