Pragy's POV
Two weeks have passed since I secluded myself in my room. I've destroyed all the mementos of my family, my wedding presents, even my promise ring. Vin Zhang informed me that they've already mourned me as deceased. They may have performed my final rites by now. It's time for me to move on. People lose their loved ones to natural disasters, wars, and various other causes. What makes me any different? I am human too. I've lost all my loved ones to a disaster. Perhaps Jing Zheng is correct. A bright future might await me, and recalling Li Mei's words from the other day, I realize I have a purpose here.But believe me, accepting this reality was not easy. My family and Samrat were my everything; they were my world. Yet, I cannot battle fate and destiny. There are many things in life one must accept without understanding why they occur. I wish my parents and Samrat a life of happiness and quality.This morning, the king visited my residence palace. Is the king truly this thoughtful? He seems to be a good man. I believe people change according to their circumstances. I doubt the king was cruel before he gained his powers and ascended the throne. Nevertheless, as long as I'm here, I must transform the conditions of this area. If I'm here to make a difference, then I will certainly do so.My father once said, "By observing the leader, you can gauge the nation's character. People mirror their leader, and a leader is part of his people." He was indeed correct. The King commands respect and fear throughout the country. I can envision the nation thriving under his proper rule."The king has arrived," announced the herald's voice. Following his announcement, my door opened, and the king entered. It dawned on me that I must leverage his methods to alter my environment."Greetings, Your Majesty," I said, rising and bowing my head in the manner he prefers. A king deserves some respect, I reasoned, noticing the amusement on his face."You may stand," he commanded. "How are you feeling?" he inquired, his voice laced with concern."I am managing, Your Majesty," I replied. "May I inquire as to why Your Majesty is here?" I asked respectfully, acknowledging the need to adapt."This is my harem, and you are my concubine. Is it not my right to be here?" he said with a smile. It was the first time I saw him smile; it was endearing. "I merely wished to visit my concubine," he explained."Your concern is appreciated, Your Majesty," I thanked him."'Your Honor' suits you better," he remarked playfully. His newfound humor surprised me; I was curious to learn more about him."Yes, Your Honor," I responded, greeting him as others did before he departed. Once he left, Li Mei arrived with breakfast and served me."Li Mei, join me for breakfast," I invited her."I wouldn't presume to," she demurred. Yet, upon my insistence, she sat down and began to eat."Mei Er," I addressed her. "Yes, my lady?" she responded. "Tell me more about this place," I requested."Whatever My Lady wishes to know, I shall answer," she offered, her respect for me evident."Speak to me of the imperial concubines," I prompted her."The three Imperial concubines hail from noble families. Lady Lan is from the Han state. Her father, the late King Han Wang Ho, only had his daughter, Han Ai Lan. His Majesty, to demonstrate his power, executed him and his wife after testing his patience. To instill fear, His Majesty compelled Lady Lan to become his concubine. Nonetheless, she is highly favored by the Grand Empress," she recounted. I was stunned. Could the king be so merciless? My heart went out to Lady Lan."What about Lady Li?" I inquired.Mei Er resumed her story. "Lady Li hailed from the state of Wei, the same as His Majesty. Rumors abounded that she had fallen for Prince Yan Dan of Yan. Her father approved of their union. However, when the rebellion erupted, His Majesty executed the entire Wei royal family. Upon seizing control of Wei, he claimed Lady Li as his second concubine. After the conflict, she learned of her father's demise," she explained. I couldn't help but feel pity for Lady Li. What could have turned him so heartless? I pondered what led to his cruel and malevolent transformation."And what of Lady Fei?" I queried regarding the third concubine, whose tale I had also come to know."His Majesty spares girls on his campaigns. At most, he takes them as servants, or if they are princesses or crown princesses, he makes them his concubines. Lady Fei was a Chu princess, offered to him before the hostilities began. Her father, the late King Chu Wan Li of Chu, opted to avoid war with Qin's king by sending his daughter as a concubine. Despite her displeasure with the decision, she was powerless to change it. Yet, weeks later, she received news of her father's death at the hands of bandits. But 'till today she is not sure of his death,"Learning of the concubines' fates, I felt deep sorrow for all three. They were princesses of their respective states, and it's dreadful to be subjugated. I recalled Mei Er mentioning a title known as 'Grand Empress'."Mei Er, you spoke of the Grand Empress. Could you elaborate on that hierarchy?" I valued her extensive knowledge of palace affairs. Without Li Mei, such insights would be unattainable. I prefer the familiar address of Mei Er, as her close associates do. It's customary here to refer to intimates in such a manner."Yes," Mei Er continued, "The Grand Empress is not related by blood to either the Mother Empress or His Majesty," she revealed."Wait," I interrupted her. "What do you mean, Mei Er? Are you suggesting that the king's grandmother isn't his biological grandmother?" I asked, astonished."Yes, My Lady. The late King of Qin was not His Majesty's biological father. When Zhao's forces invaded Qin, Wei, and the other states, His Majesty and Mother Empress Ting Lu were residing in the state of Wei. The Mother Empress, a widow, lived with her only son, His Majesty. Emperor Ting Ming, upon conquering Wei, was smitten with the Mother Empress at first sight. After the war, he took control of Qin, becoming its king, and initially, the Mother Empress was merely a concubine. However, she was later elevated to Empress by His Majesty. Despite having ten concubines, the late Emperor had no heirs."Five years ago, His Majesty served as a general. Nevertheless, the king named him Crown Prince. The Grand Empress disapproved of this decision. But two years later, the Crown Prince deserted the army and rebelled against his father, eventually seizing control of Qin and the other states, even killing his stepfather," Mei Er finished. I was dumbfounded; this revelation was utterly unexpected."Where is Mother Empress Ting Lu now?" I inquired of Li Mei. "She resides in the Southern Palace," she replied. The urge to visit the Mother Empress welled up within me."Mei Er, could you escort me there?" I requested, approaching my cupboard."Are you certain, My Lady? The Southern Palace has been deserted for three years. Since the death of her husband, the Mother Empress's mental state has deteriorated. It's perilous," she expressed her concern."Don't fret, Mei Er. I'll be safe. I'm adept at handling such situations," I assured her with a smile."But my lady, I am at a loss for words with His Majesty should you come to harm," she said, her face twisted in horror."Fear not, Mei Er. I assure you, you will not be implicated in this. Just escort me to Mother Empress Ting Lu," I replied. Reluctantly, she consented to guide me to the southern palace.The time had come for us to depart for the Southern Palace. Mei Er had informed me that the journey to the residence of Mother Empress would be brief. However, our departure was delayed by an unanticipated visitor, Lady Lan."Oh, what an unexpected pleasure, Lady Lan," I said, masking my irritation with a courteous smile. "My maid informed me of your illness. How do you fare now?" she inquired. Why do I perceive Mehek in her guise?"I have recovered, thank you for your concern," I responded with a feigned smile, eager for her swift departure so I might visit the Mother Empress."I heard a rumor that His Majesty nearly suffocated you. What transpired?" she probed slyly. Why broach such a subject now? This concubine is insufferable."That matter is strictly between the king and myself. It is not your affair, Lady Lan. As you can see, I am unharmed, so please, feel free to leave," I retorted, concealing my fury."Why so agitated, Lady Pragya? Is it due to your liaison with General Jing Ke? Or is it because you abetted his desertion from the king's service?" she accused, leaving me stunned. Has General Jing truly deserted?"What? General Jing Ke has deserted? But why?" I realized I needed to hasten to the king's palace without delay."Lady Lan, I appreciate your visit, but I must excuse myself," I said, hastening to the king. Upon arrival, the guards barred my entry. "One moment, let me consult His Majesty," one said before disappearing inside. He returned shortly and announced, "Lady Pragya is to be admitted," and I was ushered in.After greeting him, I immediately addressed my concern. "Your Majesty, I must clarify that I am not involved in General Jing Ke's escape," I stated.His cunning smile emerged. Could he suspect me of aiding the General's escape?"Why do you say this?" he inquired."To prevent any misinterpretations. I've explained my visit to General Jing Ke's residence. It may not be of much assistance to you, but I need to express something," I continued."Proceed," he gestured."I overheard General Jing Ke mention his plans to return to his hometown to reunite with childhood friends he used to spar with," I revealed. However, I doubted he grasped my implication."And?" he pressed."Your Honor, I believe he's hinting at something significant," I suggested."Such as?" he prodded."Your Honor, he intends to meet his sparring companions. Clearly, they won't just reminisce about old times. They plan to conspire against you. He's rallying his forces. You must act before it's too late," I urged."Lady Pragya, please join me for dinner. There's a matter I wish to discuss with you," he proposed. I nodded in agreement and departed from his palace.At nightfall, I visited the King's palace upon his invitation for dinner. I greeted him respectfully. Upon my arrival, dinner was already served, accompanied by a drink. I took my seat opposite him, and we ate in silence.After dinner, he initiated a conversation, "Do you think I should use all my power to deal with him?" I had heard of the lengths he would go to vanquish his foes."I don't believe you need to exert so much power over one individual. You alone are sufficient for him," I replied, recalling the legends I had heard at midday."Are you suggesting I'm exaggerating?" he inquired, half in jest."Not at all. Your reputation precedes you. You've been in his position before; how could he possibly defeat you, Your Honor?" I responded with a smile. He leaned in close, his breath warm on my ear, stirring a flutter in my stomach. "Lady Pragya, are you spying on your king?" he teased."I'm not spying. Where there's a hero, his legends will be told, Your Honor," I answered, noticing his excessive drinking."Legends," he scoffed. "I am entitled to this throne, Pragya.""But you have spilled innocent blood, haven't you?" I probed."Don't be so quick to judge, Pragya," he retorted loudly, which I anticipated. I persisted calmly."Your Honor, there's no justification for taking innocent lives," I stated firmly."I told you not to judge, Pragya," he exclaimed, pulling me closer. "You haven't heard my side of the story," he whispered."Then what is your story?" I asked as he let go and moved towards his bed."I was only five when King Zhao Ting Ming of Zhao invaded Wei. My father was compelled to defend our state against Zhao's forces. During the battle..." he paused, looking at me intently. I listened with rapt attention. He resumed his tale."One day, as I returned home, I caught my mother and Ting Ming together," he revealed, a detail previously unknown to me. I could see the pain in his tear-filled eyes. He had never opened up to me like this since my arrival."But my poor father... My father..." he couldn't complete his sentence. I approached him, knelt down, and held his hand. I recalled his words to me when I had lost all hope."Even though I haven't walked your path, I have certainly felt the emotions you're grappling with right now,""My father was slain by Zhao troops. Upon hearing of his death, I fled from my mother. I knew life would be arduous under Ting Ming's rule. He took my mother as his concubine to this palace. To survive, I resorted to begging. I dodged death numerous times. Ting Ming's forces sought my demise. But survival was imperative to avenge my father. At ten, I enlisted in Ting Ming's forces. I had to embody evil itself to fulfill my duties. While serving, I learned that Ting Ming had made my mother the Empress. That's when I returned to the palace. I had to become the Crown Prince first. I manipulated my mother, and she compelled Ting Ming to declare me the Crown Prince.Once I was named Crown Prince, I initiated my vengeance. I usurped his troops, his Imperial guards, and eventually his throne. I executed him right here," he indicated the spot. I was horrified."Now, who is to blame? Do you still think ill of me?" he asked. Tears streamed down my face, though I couldn't fathom why. Maybe because we share the same pain? I don't know."In the forest, I endured so much, Pragya. My father was but a humble peasant. Why?" Witnessing the tears of a king, once so strong and assured, I couldn't contain my own."Please, calm down, Your Honor. You are not at fault. Please, no more tears," I attempted to soothe him.