The crowned prince rode on his horse as his army followed him into the palace grounds.
Prince Jia-hao had not been in the palace in a very long time.
Especially since his brother had died.
It was almost a year ago and he had been so far gone from gone from the palace hunting those who had killed his brother.
Trying to gather as much information as he could.
But then now his father was dying and he had been called back home.
It had been expected of him as the crowned prince to ride in the carriage.
But he was a warrior, he was the commander of the Chinese imperial army.
He did not want to be the future emperor and he had never wanted to be.
He sighed as he came to the steps of the palace.
He came down from his horse and saw that all who were around were down bowing to him.
"Your majesty." The guards who watched over the palace greeted him.
The councellors and ministers were also present.
They were bowing down to him too.
Then he saw the Empress coming down the steps.
Her maids following her behind like puppies following their mother.
She had a stiff smile, a smile that Prince Jia-hao never trusted.
"Welcome home my son!" She said her arms open to him.
It was all a farce.
All a pretense.
He knew that she did not like him! Not one bit!
Look at her calling him her son!
She graved the floor with her flowing and expensive silk royal regalia.
His second in command Xi stood beside him knowing what his majesties reaction would be like.
"We have missed your presence in the castle." She said.
She opened her arms for a hug but then Jia-hao simply bowed, stopping her from hugging him.
Xi bowed too.
Her face became hard like stone at the insult but she quickly hid it before he rose his head.
"How was the army?" She asked him.
"Fine." Jia-hao said going straight to the point. "I desire to rest."
She gave him a very beautiful and fake smile. "But of course. Everything has been set in order for you."
He looked around for his step brother who was nowhere in sight.
"Where is Prince Tai-hua?" Jia-hao asked his step mother.
"Your brother is dealing with some important issues. He has been doing a good job of taking over things while you were gone."
Jia-hao knew what was not said in between the lines.
Prince Tai-hua was slowly trying to replace him and take over.
Jia-hao said nothing and in his army gear, he walked on ahead.
The empress dowager gave him way to pass.
Everyone had their head down on the floor as he passed and headed straight to his chambers.