The palace was just as I expected. Beautiful ancient halls and well cultivated plants. The palace was truly as amazing as those in the movies. Its just that it all felt unreal.
All the maids we passed by kept on greeting. So this is what is felt like to be a princess in ancient china.
"Princess, please come this way. The emperor is waiting but your maids can't enter with you princess." the palace maid said
I turned round to look at Ruomei and Suyin. I had no idea what to do at this point. They are the only ones who had an idea of what I should do. How will I face His Majesty? What do I say when I see him?
"Suyin, what should I do? How do I face his majesty? I don't remember any etiquette." I say in panic.
"Don't worry young mistress. His Majesty and you have been friends. He wouldn't mind." Suyin said.
" Princess, please come in." the palace maid said.
I could hear the sound of my own heart pounding so fast. The kings palace was so beautiful. Decorated in gold. The palace was astonishing.
"The princess arrives!!" A voice said announcing my presence.
This must really be a dream. Beautiful places like this are only seen in books and movies and maybe, the presidential house of China.
"Greetings to you, Your Majesty." I say bowing the same way I did for my father.
"Raise up Princess Li Juan" His Majesty says.
Daring to look up, I expected to see a middle aged Emperor. But unexpectedly, I find a young Emperor. Exactly about my age or at least 2-4 years older than me. How could this be possible?
By the time I took a good look at him, he had removed his royal headpiece. Even the guys in modern times where not as handsome as this guy. Its no wonder they made him king.
"At the oceans side, I lie and wait. When can I see my beloved again? Not my wish that she departs, but once again my hands are tied. Juan'er, are you okay?" he said.
Now, am shocked!!! Obviously the king was in love with Li Juan. And now, I am so so so.... Note; I said three so's. Am in love with the king.
Although in the modern days, I was known to crush on super handsome men but you can't blame me. The king is so handsome. And he knows poems.. Love poems... Why aren't they guys like this in the modern days?
But if the king likes Li Juan, then why did he issue a decree marrying her off to Duke Meisheng? Could it be that Li Juan planned it with him? Turns out my body too was a schemer.
"Juan'er, I know you are angry with me. You even tried to kill yourself. Fate is fate. Just accept yours and stay by Chaoxing's side" he said.
"Your Majesty..."
"Juan'er, we have not come to that yet. I am still your Hui'er. Han Hong Hui. There is no need to use the formalities. The late emperor once said I was born to rule and have great splendor. That's why I was named Hong hui but you... You once said "Wine is both sweet and addictive but wisdom has both splendor and greatness. One cannot have the both." he said leading me to my seat. He then, sat down beside me.
"Just call me like you used to" he said.
The emperor had a gloomy air around him. In ancient China, the palace was a place that was surrounded with both foxes and sheeps.
Something tells me things were about to get worse.