Yao Ling has heard far too many things about how magnanimous the Emperor is. How he is better than the previous lazy Emperor who cared more about protecting his empirical seat than protecting the country, letting it bleed and rot in war.
Yao Ling didn't care who was sitting on the dragon throne, but as he was a soldier and being taken care of by General Yao he had to know some things about the man who ruled the country and what to do if he ever went to the capital. However, that darn old General didn't deign to describe his looks because he imagined a middle-aged man, with graying hair due to old age, and a long beard to match.
Not some handsome young man, with silky black hair tied up, and a well-sculpted face that could easily blend with noble scholars he saw in the markets.
Dark eyes look down at the child, those eyes barely hold any recognition and affection. It made Yao Ling's hackles rise, and his body tense as he stepped back. He saw those stares from adults back when he lived in the streets, from men who cared very little for those below them.
" I thought you said he was sick, Lang Wuying." His voice was low and calm yet accusing.
Something about the way he said it made Yao Ling internally wary. He didn't like it. Not one bit. His hand slowly went for the blade that always hang on his hip, only to grasp air and subsequently remember his current tiny state.
Tch.
The Emperor took a few steps in. The few maids and eunuchs were already bowing lowly on their knees, foreheads touching the floor.
The Empress calmly walked forward and bowed. He grabbed Yao Ling's shoulder and pushed him to his side. Yao Ling was too stunned to throw a fit about being manhandled.
Both adults stared at each other until the silence became uncomfortable. Then the Emperor finally looked away after a few painfully long minutes and ordered everyone to leave.
Yao Ling bit his cheek. Unconsciously grabbing tightly onto the robes of the Empress. He thought the rumors were exaggerated when they said the Emperor and the Empress didn't get along, but seeing it now.. was an understatement. The Emperor's gaze felt like molten lava; heavy and scorching, surely making any normal man want to look away and beg for forgiveness. On the other hand, the Empress's gaze was unmoving like a mountain, looking straight to the eyes, chilling to the bone and infallible. Not a hint of weakness.
"Care to explain, Empress?" The Emperor asked.
" What's there to explain? I told you he was sick days ago. He's getting better."
The Emperor tilted his head, looking around the room that belonged to the Empress. Simple. Never decorated too ostentatiously despite his high status. The complete opposites of his higher-status consorts.
The Emperor hummed gazing down at the child holding on the simple yet elegant silver clothes of the Empress like a lifeline. Yet looking up at him with curiosity in those big hazel eyes with a beauty mark on the right eyelid, a face that shared a striking resemblance to the Empress. "Then why did you send that maid away? She was a gift from me to take care of the prince."
The Empress huffed, "You mean one of the maids of Noble Consort Gao. Who notoriously would prefer me gone than sitting on the Empress seat? Which you are very much aware of, aren't you Jin Heng?"
The Emperor hissed through his teeth. " Where's your decorum? You can't use my name Lang Wuying, and I surely never gave you permission to either."
Lang Wuying merely blinked, " Well I didn't give you permission to use mine either, yet here we are." He said curtly.
Jin Heng scoffed, eyes narrowing "Don't make me punish you again for your lack of manners, Lang Wuying. I've been merciful since you gave me a son, but don't push it."
Yao Ling can see from the corner of his eyes as the Empress's mouth twitches into a frown and his hands clench under his sleeves.
"...As if making me Empress wasn't punishment enough." He said sternly.
The room became silent again, both sides stewing in their thoughts.
God's Yao Ling wished to be anywhere but here, it was stifling, war rooms felt more calming and less dangerous than this! The tension in the room could cut rocks and it seems no one is backing down. Fuck, he can see his dream paradise of living lavishly crumbling away.
Maybe this life wasn't as promising as he thought...