We mounted the horses, and we headed to the path up the mountain trees surrounding the pathway. It has been some time since we’ve been this way. Why do they want to come here suddenly? This silence is making my mind wonder, why did they want this trip?

  As we reached the top, the light shone, seeing the trees spread to the outer part of the road. We reached our destination at the top of the mountain. We sat on the edge of the cliff. My brothers sat next to me, handing over the wine for us to drink. We silently watched the city from where we stood. My little brother breathed out a sigh.

  “Why do our parents have to pick our spouses?” he mutters.

  “It’s always been that way.” I say.

  We sat there for a time it seemed like old days, remembering our childhood coming up here just to get away from the pace who knew as adults we could be close in the pace seems like sometimes the fight for dowager is more important than brothers getting along.

  Looking at the view of the area, it is so peaceful you almost forget the battle for the throne. We sat there a little longer in silence. I am thinking to myself that this was seeing the crown prince announce I don’t want to be on guard against my brothers, but I know their mothers is not just a fight for the crown; it’s a fight for dowager.

  We stood up, all just looked at each other, knowing what we were thinking, and went back to the stables in a somber mood, knowing this was the st chance we would get to be brothers before the true battle started. I hope it does not though.

  Arriving at the stables as I dismount my horse, there is a lot on my mind even though me and my brothers said little, but there was a lot said. Do I need to watch my back because of this battle for the throne or are they just going to be depending on who it is? Yes, I already know my father has been prepping me, but what’s saying he hasn’t done the same for them?

  Heading back to my pace tonight to look over the case of missing taxes, Shuming meeting me at the stables. He had uncovered that Fen’s father had something to do with the taxes, but he couldn’t pinpoint the what. As we walked to my pace, we went to the prison to interrogate Fen’s bodyguard. After all, they were having an affair, wondering how much he knew about the taxation case as well.

  As we walked down, the blood soaked and the smell of dried blood corridor. The smell is so rancid that it would make your stomach turn then hearing the sounds of the tortured screaming in the distance. Thinking about the torture that will issue for her guard. I was going to use Gongxing. It was common for that type of torture for adulterers.

  As we get closer and closer to the chamber, I hear that the torture has already started as I sit down at my desk in front of him. I directed my eyes towards him as he screams out in pain. He confessed his love for the Fen. How he would do anything for her. As he gets dragged back to his cell, he is screaming out of agony, watching his blood drip off his body and making a trail back to his cell covered in straw on the floor.

  As I was walking up the stone stairs smelling the fresh blood, really wasn’t putting me in the mood for one of my consorts. Just all this bloodshed tely has taken me out of my mood. I did promise Na that I would visit my other consorts, Diu; I haven’t seen her yet and how she had set up her pace.

  She’s a little more weight to her than the other consorts. She is cute though I can also rex around her and talk about anything with her. She has a friendly quality about her, it just radiates right off of her. She is the traditional Tang dynasty woman that loves to go out and about.

  She is so comfortable to be around. It’s like with Na, where I can talk to her as I walk into her pace. I feel at peace, like I belong here. In her courtyard, the floral scent is more of a really sweet flower, but looking around, all I see are pnts, no flowers. Then I look closer. There are cherry blossoms in the corners of the courtyard. As her door slides open, she bows down and the smell of amazing food comes rushing through the door. My mouth watering, I didn’t even realize how hungry I was until now.

  “Your Highness.” She stated.

  “Rise” I responded

  We walked into her pace as we sat down. I know it’s not custom for me to eat with my consorts but I feel this way I can get to know them better in a rexed sitting with them one on one. Each time I am with them, I find out more and more about them. Diu loves to dance. I don’t restrict their passions at all. As we were eating, she stood up. I hear her maid py music as she danced for me; I felt my dragon rise as she gets closer to me, dancing seductively. I can’t help but grab her by the waist and guide her to the bedroom. As we move as one, I slowly remove her articles of clothing, kissing her neck softly. As I feel her nails go up my spine, it sent a chilling but satisfying feeling. It aroused me even more. I id her genitally on the bed, running my fingers from her neck down, closing her curtains so no one can see.

  As we woke the next morning, she helped me get ready for court, my mind wondered over to Na how was she doing, but I know I can’t stop by right now because I need to report to my father on one of his advisors being involved, I still don’t know the why for the extra money right now it is just a thought of him trying to overthrow the emperor makes my blood boil.

  Heading towards the court, Shuming walked by me.

  “Your Highness, we need to head over to Na’s pace. There was a lot of commotion st night from what the chatter was this morning.” Shuming informed me.

  I rushed over there as fast as I could seeing destruction all around in the main house but not seeing her in the main house, my heart raced I couldn’t find her so I ran into the library I hear a faint scream and it was fading. I open the secret door; I see her ying there holding her breath. She cracks her eyes and closes them. Finding a cloth to put over her head, I carry her out to her room to y her down calling for the physician.

  “She will be fine, just in shock.” He says as he left.

  Cao brings in the porridge and she asks, “What happened st night?”

  I can’t hide my anger over what happened st night. I shouldn’t of been at Diu’s I should have stayed here, but I know how important my time is to her. She gave me a stern look.

  “See, this happens when women get jealous!” with anger in her voice.

  “Go find out what happened here and follow other leads as well.” I instructed Shuming.

  Shuming seemed surprised that it could be another concubine.

  “We don’t have time to worry about it. My mom is coming. She must not know what happened here.” She stated.

  As she changes her clothes and eats her breakfast, I can tell she wants the awners on who did this and I know she won’t accept excuses on the why.