Within the walls of the guarded courtyard, the Marquess of Jiao, Ding Tao, stood beside his nephew the Crown Prince. They were inside the emperor's temporally chambers, and the emperor sat before them on a cushioned seat, his face a mask of ice — hard, cold, and emotionless.
But Ding Tao could see through that mask. He could see the broken man behind it — a man who had lost his lover and his daughter; a man who had given up the will to rule and to live.
Ding Tao felt no pity for him.
He cared not whether the emperor lived or died.
Ding Tao only concern was the fate of his own family.
The Ding family.
Ding Tao sister was the current Empress, the mother of the Crown Prince. If the emperor's grief drove him to an early grave, the Crown Prince would ascend the throne, his mother would become the empress dowager, and Ding Tao would become the most powerful man in the empire.
He would expand his wealth and influence, securing the Ding family's future for generations. A smile crossed Ding Tao lips at this thought, but it vanished when the emperor called his name.
"Marquess," the emperor's voice was low and calm, but it carried a chilling coldness. "How is your daughter?" he asked.
Ding Tao bowed respectfully. "She is well, Your Majesty. Her wounds were but minor cuts and scratches, and thanks to Your Majesty's kindness, the imperial physician has already treated her."
The emperor give a slight nod. "This emperor is relieved to hear that," he stated. Then he raised a curious eyebrow at his son. "And what of those who harmed her? Have they been caught?" he asked.
The Crown Prince bowed in reverence. "Imperial father, this son has already ordered the guards to draw the faces of the assassins who died in the attack, and spread them among the people. If anyone recognizes them, then we will have some clues to follow."
"Good," the emperor said. "You must find the mastermind behind this plot quickly, so that your uncle can be at ease."
The Crown Prince bowed obediently. "Yes, Imperial father, this son will not rest until the villains are brought to justice."
Ding Tao watched his nephew with pity in his eyes. He knew that the young Prince constantly strove to gain his Imperial father's favor, but he also knew it was a hopeless dream. The emperor would never love the Crown Prince — or the Empress, as he had loved his dead consort and daughter.