Chapter 5

The Imperial Court is thrown into chaos. The ministers and court officials assembled have long since abandoned any semblance of propriety, throwing their usual dignified calm manner out the window before the Northern Guards Commander could even end his verbal report. Only a few ministers remained calm along with the other parties assembled in court. The Emperor who summoned these people in order to address the situation in hopes to come up with a counterattack is growing increasingly irritated but hid it behind a mask of calm…. Which was as noted by Head Eunuch Hong mentally, closed to breaking as the noise increased.

Head Eunuch Hong gulped as a cold sweat broke out on his skin as he switched his attention towards the squabbling group of imbeciles…. Cough cough… I mean……respected ladies and gentlemen who are in charge of assisting the Emperor in governing and safekeeping the empire. the pillars of their great empire with the hopes that some of them would notice the state the emperor who was about to lose his patience.

As soon as Commander Li Hongshin arrived, he immediately sought audience the Emperor. The report presented prompted His Majesty to issue an emergency court session.

The Emperor’s eyes swept over his court, first gazing at those who remained calm and compared those ‘respectable’ imbeciles arguing amongst themselves in the middle of the court. He let out a long sigh as he resisted the urge to massage his temples.

“I should have thought this through before summoning this entire lot of them.” He thought to himself regretfully.

The ministers, generals along with their commanders are discussing possibilities of enemies identities, listing down all threats to the nation to the point it was becoming ridiculous! How could a beast straight out of ancient folklore appear as their enemy? For what? To eat them?

Not only do baseless and ridiculous theories appear but also accusations began flying out!

“This shouldn’t have happened!”

“The Hell were you doing when this occurred? Sleeping on the job?”

“You were supposed to monitor the situation on the border, weren’t you?”

“What was I doing? What were you doing hah!”

“Hey calm down.”

“What are we going to do if the enemy invades?”

Those who were sitting aside avoiding getting dragged into the situation did not directly interfere but their expressions were beginning to darken. And so was the Emperor’s!

“Really why did I hire them again?” The Emperor thought to himself.

Sitting at the side of the court removed from the ridiculous chaos occurring amongst these people, General Fan Longwei sat alongside the others who are of the same mind as he thought to himself.

“What in Heaven's name are they arguing among themselves for? Are these the so-called ‘dignified” and “talented “people that represent the hope of the nation?” As he thought to himself stoically, he exchanged looks with his other like-minded companions.

Fan Longwei then shifted his gaze towards the front of the court where the two younger members of the Imperial Family Prince Jin Ling and Princess Jin Xiuying, both of whom already debuted in both military and political affairs despite their young age, sat in their seats facing the Emperor. Both seem to be indifferent despite the commotion before them and neither bat an eye at this behavior though the Princess seems to be losing patience s time passed but managed to reign in her temper when her brother discretely touched her hand which was folded on her lap in gentle reminder.

“Hmmm. Prince Jin Ling and Princess Jin Xiuying truly behaved like royalty and truly are worthy of their reputation and fame. Regardless of their age, they behave like true royalty without seeming arrogant despite their status.” Fan Longwei thought to himself approvingly. After all, he himself has served alongside them in the past as he has worked with all the Imperial Siblings except for the children who are too young. The Emperor trusted him to both looks after his children and to serve them well. But they were all very talented and skilled that he hardly ever needed to look after them instead he and the rest of the troops which accompanied them respected them enough to follow their lead and taking orders. The empire is truly blessed to be gifted such talented individuals to be their pillars.

His thought on the Imperial Children shifted on to the meritless Fourth Prince Jin Huan.

“Well I suppose a black sheep could be born even in the Imperial Family.” He sighed as he remembered the prince’s recent misconduct who is currently undergoing punishment. He was truly unremarkable especially since his younger sibling overshadowed him. Though it’s not like he ever made any effort to stand out and he doesn’t cause troubles for them despite him being overshadowed.

 After many years of mingling among the Imperial Family Fan Longwei like many others realized that the Fourth Prince has no ambition to succeed the throne nor make a name for himself.

 He also noticed that this Imperial Family is unlike many others before them as noted in history. There was no hatred among them merely healthy competition and respect for one another. Sometimes there are occasions where genuine fondness is shown for one another. Though one thing is certain that they love one another and familial bond is quite strong. The Imperial Children tend to look out for one another just like how the prince silently and discreetly grounded the princess earlier to avoid displeasing the Emperor.

Though these are observations he made after many years of serving the Imperial Family since childhood. The Imperial Family hardly showed affection openly due to the many malicious eyes of the overly ambitious which lurks the Imperial Palace and the capital. Sometimes certain interactions could be considered harsh in the eyes of the less observant. The situation with the Fourth Prince Jin Huan is an example of the tough love of the Emperor towards his wayward son. The older ones also often berate him for his own good in hopes he could turn over a new leaf to make himself useful but to avail. Though despite this the older princes often secretly covered for their fourth brother whenever they caught wind of it to avoid the wrath of the Emperor.

Fan Longwei himself was often asked as a favor from them to assist in covering up for the prince before the Emperor caught hold of him. However, this time the Crown Prince and the Second prince were away from the capital on missions entrusted to them by the Emperor himself and the Third Prince was attending court with the Emperor and did not get the news and unable to act thus he was not aware the Prince was even missing till the ruckus caused by the Frost Palace servants who were in a panic when the Imperial Tutor reported the prince was not in his residence. By then the news already reached the Emperor and he sent Fan Longwei to retrieve his son.

Silently he laughed to himself, the situation he himself is in truly is amusing. Being used by both father and sons who are the most powerful people in the empire into wrangling another son like he was a naughty puppy. Pffftt... He did not think this was in the job description when he entered the palace as both a scholar and part of the military. Despite the circumstances, his heart felt lighter and mood slightly improved, reminiscing on his memories.

Over the years he realized that the Emperor was aware of him being “employed” by his 3 older sons to look for their younger brother yet still used him to drag that son back to him. It somehow became a game of which side would reach him first. If it was on the behest of his sons the Emperor would let the prince be ‘saved secretly’ let it go and pretended he knew nothing and if the Emperor got to him first the sons would have let their brother face his punishment. It was an amusing……situation known to many except for the key person who was the cause of the whole thing in the first place the Fourth Prince himself remained oblivious to the tug of war he was in the middle of between his older brothers and father. He would probably faint if he knew!

Despite the stoic mask he put on he was silently laughing fondly inside at the ridiculousness of this Imperial Family. They were all distinguished people of their trade revered and respected and has the ability to move mountains and the sea yet were engaged in such childish games between father and his children. Only the great Imperial Family could achieve such a feat. Hahaha.

The Fourth Prince Jin Huan would probably faint if he knew he was in the middle of such games by his own father and brothers whom he admired and respect so much! Forget fainting! His soul would have probably flown to the Heavens!

Fan Longwei was then brought out of his musings abruptly with a jolt as the doors to the throne room was opened. The guards outside announced;

“His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Jin Qiqiong is here to see his Majesty The Emperor.”

The court was immediately silenced and turned towards the entrance where the Crown Prince walked in.

At last on their Princes has returned!