The imperial court was like a zoo, with minsters and generals howling at each other like wild animals. Tensions were high and it seemed as if they were just 1 step away from throwing poop at each other. Near the throne the 8 sons of the emperor sat across from each other.
The eldest son wore a blue silk robe with white cloth underneath; he sat composed with a confident smile on his lips as he scanned his surroundings.
The 2nd son wore a crimson silk robe; he stood up and yelled aggressively at one of his brothers, like a tiger ready to devour its prey.
The 3rd son wore a bright pink silk robe; he sat on his cushion as he rolled his eyes at the court in boredom, as he continued to apply more make-up powder to his face.
The 4th son wore a yellow silk robe; he sat quietly, his eyes scared and his body timid.
The 5th son wore a black silk robe, he sat crossed legged, eyes closed and lips smiling, but there was no warmth from his smile.
The 6th son wore a brown silk robe; he paced around his own seat, seemingly eager to get out of court.
The 7th son wore a white silk robe; he sat knees folded with tea in hand and wore a peaceful smile on his face.
The 8th son wore a bright orange silk robe, he laid back on his cushion and stuck his tongue out at his 2nd brother, while continuing to fondle the rubric's cube in his hand.
In frustration, the 2nd son pounced on the 8th son, which the latter responded by climbing the nearby pillar, narrowly dodging his brother.
"You can't be up there all day you bitch son!" the 2nd son roared.
"It's a shame you can't climb mofo!" the 8th son retorted with a laugh.
"I will cut you into pieces myself!"
Before the two can hurl more insults at each other, came the sound of a great gong.
DUANG!
The minsters and generals piqued down at once. The once noisy chamber was now silent as a grave.
"The emperor is here!"
Just like machines, everyone in the room dropped to their knees and bowed their heads unilaterally, even the arguing brother returned to their seat and paid their respects without a word.
The emperor was in his sixties, he was also a wide man, his golden silk robe made him look like golden ball, and on his head sat the Nine Beaded Crown. His grey beard and tied grey hair gave away his old age, his wrinkles like folds of sand paper. His eyes were milky white, as if his soul wandered out of his body. His servants carried him to the throne on a royal stretcher, and made sure he didn't fall; after all they didn't want their own heads to fall. Trailing behind his servants was his beautiful consort Dong-Hua, dressed in black silk, lined in red.
There was a collective gasp when she appeared in the room.
The throne was a gilded golden chair, with dragons carved on its armrest, legs and back. With careful hands, his servants placed him on the throne with Dong-Hua standing at his side.
"The emperor summons all of you here today for something very important." Dong-Hua said in a sharp voice.
The whole court waited in silent anticipation.
"My husband's health has been falling."
"You shouldn't say such a thing about our majesty!" One minister spoke up.
"Our majesty is the heavenly son! Not even the gods have the authority to take you away!" Another minister piqued up.
Several ministers joined in on the flattery, but Dong-Hua held up a hand to silence them.
"The emperor himself wanted me to tell all of you about his health, I am merely carrying out his wishes. So I will get straight to it now. It is time for him to choose a successor."
That moment, it seemed as if all the oxygen in the room has been sucked out.
"Unlike the days of the old, where the eldest son gets priority to succession. The emperor is setting a new precedent."
The room held its breath.
Dong-Hua took over a scroll from one of the servants, and began to read it out loud:
"In my name, I shall send each and every one of my sons to a province within my empire. They shall govern the province for 4 years. And whoever makes their province prosper the most, shall become my successor. My sons, your task shall start on March 1st this year, my officials shall give you the rest of the details."
The announcement dropped like a bombshell, as ministers argued with generals, while the emperor's sons seized each other up.
Dong-Hua held up the scroll and turned it, so everyone can see the emperor's seal on it.
"ENOUGH!" Dong-Hua's voice pierced the room. "The emperor's message isn't finished and I could have all your tongues cut off for interrupting his majesty's word."
The chaos paused.
"Prince Wang-Yi shall be relived from his duty as governor of the capital, and be given the honorary title of: 'Protector of the realm'. The court is dismissed for the day."
The room erupted into chaos once again.
The 5th son took a quick glance at the eldest son, which the latter noticed. The 5th son darted his eyes away as quick as a snake.
He's smiling?...
The 5th son thought.