NORTHERN WEI, THE TWENTY-NINTH YEAR OF EMPEROR ZHONG'S REIGN.
The main gates of the Imperial Capital.
A soldier in dusty full battle armour rode into the city at full speed on horseback. It was past 10 pm, and the city gates were already shut. He presented the military messenger identification card at the gates before he was let into the city.
The soldier rode swiftly to the palace, he once more presented his identity card at the palace gate to be allowed into the palace. When he got to the inner palace gates, he got down from his horse. The soldier ran to the Household department and requested an audience with the Emperor.
*****
Meanwhile, back at the Emperor's hall.
At one end of a chess table, Emperor Zhong sat opposite Minister Zhu a powerful courtier and the leader of one of the top factions of the government. A chess game was ongoing between them with Minister Zhu taking the lead.
The Emperor moved a white chess tile forward, he dropped it on a free spot when a noisy commotion began just outside the hall. Emperor Zhong's lips paused, his eyebrows needing as he tried to make sense of the commotion.
As the voices at the door got louder Emperor Zhong turned to his chief eunuch standing beside him "Caihong, go find out what all the disturbance is about"
Chief Eunuch Caihong was familiar with the Emperor's temperament. He has been with the Emperor since he was young, as soon as the instructions were given he hurried out of the hall.
Minutes later he ran back in with the soldier in toe. He knelt a few steps from the Emperor and said "Your majesty there is an urgent report from the northern border".
The soldier followed Chief Eunuch Caihong and clued the Emperor in on the possibility of a military report from the border generals, but the mention of the northern borders got the emperor's interest.
It has been silent at the northern borders after the sudden attack by the Chu state that resulted in the burning of the black armoured tigers military camp.
After weeks of no report Emperor Zhong felt relaxed, he waited patiently to receive the military report announcing the death of the young General Wu.
The Emperor sat straight and looked down at the kneeling soldier. He caught Caihong's gaze and nodded. The balding Eunuch turned to the soldier and prompted him to continue then stood by the Emperor's side.
The soldier held up the military report and said "Your Majesty, General Wu has successfully conquered and occupied the northern border towns of Chu state. Chu state's Reagent Prince surrendered two iron mines to your majesty as a show of good faith.
"Your Majesty, due to the burning of the camp we have run out of military resources. Most of the troupe is injured and in recovery, General Wu requests more resources"
The Emperor's expression grew dark as soon as he heard the words 'General Wu successfully conquered the northern border towns of Chu state'.
The room suddenly grew colder, the soldier looked around subconsciously. The Emperor was quiet for some minutes, he couldn't quite understand why. The soldier looked up discretely, he was surprised to find that the Emperor had a sour expression like he swallowed something bad.
The soldier looked down immediately thinking 'what's going on? Didn't I deliver good news? Why us his Majesty expression bad?'
Minister Zhu Noticing the awkward silence spoke up, "General Wu made a good contribution your majesty. This soldier must be tired from his trip, he should be given a place to rest and some food. if he is to deliver his Majesty's response Tomorrow"
Emperor Zhong couldn't care less about a measly soldier, but he understood that Minister Zhu was giving him a way out. He nodded and waved Caihong over.
Emperor Zhong whispered some instructions into his ears and waved him away. Caihong on receiving the instructions escorted the soldier out of the hall.
When Caihong and the soldier were out of hearing distance Emperor Zhong dropped the empty cup on the table with force and began pacing, "How could this happen?"
Minister Zhu carefully placed his teacup next to the chessboard and replied "Your majesty the young general has made a good contribution to the nation, we will have to reward him for that to avoid raising any suspicion".
The Emperor paused, hi paced and said "His so-called contribution is disastrous to me. This is one more point to the already powerful Lu Family"
Minister Zhu and the Emperor have been allies and friends for decades. He was aware of his majesty's fears and ambitions. Since the young general once again destroyed their plans, they would have to result to more drastic measures.
Minister Zhu a tall, good-looking man in his fifties stood from his seat and walked over to stand opposite the Emperor. He was about to offer some words of consolation to the Emperor when the Emperor let out a deep laugh. His eye brightened up and said, "To defeat the enemy you must know the enemy".
Minister Zhu Looked up at his friend confused, the Emperor laughed and patting his shoulder said "We have been trying to beat the Lu family without taking necessary precautions. You either plan to win or plan to lose. Why don't we put in a spy among the Lu family? Someone that would never betray us…"
Minister Zhu immediately got the direction the emperor was going, his lips curved up quickly "someone like a wife. The Lu family are your in-laws, Your Majesty. Since the young Duke is the head of the family and is still unmarried, as his elder you can arrange a marriage for the Young Duke"
"Yes, that's what we need, someone who would provide us with firsthand information….. Do you have anyone in mind? Emperor Zhong returned to his seat.
Minister Zhu replied, "Yes, as a matter I do."
*****
A short while later, there was a fast flash of lightning followed swiftly by a deafening thunder strike. A huge breeze blew sacking the entire capital, seconds later it began to rain heavily.
A few streets away at Minister Zhu's manor at the servants sleeping Quarters, the room was empty save for a shivering thin figure on a bed. The rest of the occupants went out to take things in to avoid any damage from the rain.
A bright light came over the stiff feminine figure wrapped in blankets. Su Liya opened her eyes wide as the light disappeared.