The following day, Feng Li strolled towards the pavilion where the emperor and empress engaged in conversation, nibbling on snacks. A respectful distance was maintained by the servants, heads lowered in deference. As he neared the pavilion, the guards offered a salute, "Greetings, Your Highness, the crown prince!"
Both the emperor and empress beckoned Feng Li closer. With obedient grace, he settled beside them. As he did, the emperor inquired, "How are your studies progressing?"
Feng Li's response held a monotone quality. "It's going fine, Dad."
The empress's concern was palpable as she asked, "Feng Li, has someone troubled you?"
With a sense of purpose, Feng Li spoke, his words carrying a weight of determination. "Mom, there's something I need to discuss."
"What is it?" Her tone was a mix of curiosity and concern.
Taking a steadying breath, Feng Li addressed his parents, his voice resolute. "I wish to join the military. I have a strong desire to make myself formidable. I understand you might have reservations, but I truly believe this is what I need. And if you're concerned about the empire's future, I assure you, I'll step up when the time comes."
The empress's heart swelled with both pride and worry. To her, the prospect of her child venturing into the unpredictable realm of warfare was unsettling. Before she could voice her concerns, a reassuring touch graced her hand – the emperor's gesture of silent understanding. His eyes met hers, promising solace.
A thoughtful smile graced his lips as he embraced his son's aspirations, setting forth a proposition intertwined with an astute motive. "I'll permit your enlistment in the military on one condition," he began. "You must become betrothed to the eldest daughter of the right prime minister. This is a strategic move, allowing me to keep a watchful eye on him. However, worry not, my son, for you can dissolve the betrothal when you find your true love in the future. Does this accord align with your wishes?"
Upon hearing the emperor's condition, a whirlwind of emotions swept through Feng Li's mind. He grappled with the realization that his compliance with this demand might inadvertently cause someone heartache and sadness. A distant pang of guilt gnawed at him, though he couldn't quite place the origin of these feelings. Dismissing these thoughts as fleeting, he resolved himself, "I'll do it."
Yet, as the words escaped his lips, an unexplainable ache gripped his heart, a sensation that transcended mere physical discomfort. It was a discord of emotions – a feeling that he was treading a path not entirely right, and yet, he couldn't decipher why. In the recesses of his being, he sensed a presence, as if someone waited for him. The paradox lay in his lack of personal experience in love – how could he feel connected to someone when he had never loved before?
In an attempt to quell this emotional storm, Feng Li steeled himself against the heartache. The emperor, sensing his unspoken turmoil, interjected. "The betrothal will be formalized in a month's time. I shall assign a trainer to hone your martial skills – swordsmanship, archery, and beyond. Since you're well-versed in horse riding, there's no need for further training in that regard."
With a respectful bow, Feng Li excused himself. "I must attend a diplomacy class now." And with that, he departed, leaving the emperor, empress, and the retinue of attendants and guards to ponder the intricate dance of destiny and decisions that now lay before them.
As her son's figure receded, a shadow of concern darkened the empress's expression. She turned to her husband, her voice laced with worry, "How could you allow him to enter the military? He's only 15 years old."
Moved by his beloved's distress, the emperor enfolded her in a comforting embrace. "My dear, you know him well. Once Feng Li sets his mind on something, no force can deter him."
Her eyes brimming with both love and apprehension, the empress's query lingered, "Then why did you agree to betroth him to the eldest daughter of the right prime minister? You're aware of the loyalty of the right prime minister."
A tender smile graced the emperor's lips, his gaze soft yet resolute. "Indeed, I'm well aware. That's why I chose this path. Betrothing Feng Li to the right prime minister's daughter ensures our alliance. But beyond political strategy, I wish my son to find love. Without this arrangement, he might end up solitary his entire life. I desire a companion who'll stand beside him through every challenge and triumph, guiding him on a path of shared joys and sorrows."
The empress's understanding nod mirrored her husband's sentiments. A subtle exchange of glances held volumes of unspoken understanding. In a gesture that spoke of their unbreakable bond, she extended a mooncake, urging the emperor to sample its flavors. A warm smile curved the emperor's lips as he obliged, taking a bite of the treat. Returning the sentiment, he selected another mooncake and offered it to the empress, their shared enjoyment of the simple indulgence encapsulating their intimacy.
Around them, a hushed reverence fell like a gentle veil. The guards and servants, privy to this tender moment, lowered their heads in respect, an unspoken acknowledgment of the unbreakable connection between the emperor and empress. In their hearts, an internal dialogue of amazement and endearment played out. Whispers of admiration and playful imaginings echoed in their minds – "Look how the emperor and empress share such sweet moments, truly masters of romantic gestures." As the scene unfolded before them, their internal exclamations took a playful turn – "The emperor and empress are quite the experts at throwing 'dog food'."
The sun rose on a new day, casting its golden hues across the palace grounds. Feng Li's studies complete, he was beckoned by the emperor's summons. Following the path that led to the designated meeting place, his anticipation grew. Upon arrival, a tableau of camaraderie met his gaze – the emperor engaged in lively conversation with another figure. This man exuded an air of authority, his frame clad in imposing armor, a luxuriant beard cascading down his chest. Their rapport transcended mere formalities; their laughter resonated as if echoing through the corridors of time.
Approaching this scene of familiarity and warmth, Feng Li's respect for his father overrode any familiarity. Bowing with practiced grace, he paid homage to the emperor, an action that defied the emperor's earlier advice against such deference. The weight of tradition and propriety hung in the air, underscoring the importance of the moment – an affirmation of respect and the intricate tapestry of honor that enveloped the imperial court. Though the emperor might have dismissed such formalities, their presence held significance in the eyes of those who bore witness.
"Feng Li, meet the general of the north side. He's not only a trusted leader but also a friend from my childhood. He'll guide you through every essential aspect," the emperor introduced Feng Li to his new mentor.
Yu Ling, the general, received the emperor's words with a firm nod. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I won't go easy on him," he replied, his tone echoing the discipline he was known for.
The mention of the surname 'Yu' stirred something within Feng Li, a distant familiarity that tugged at the corners of his memory.