Was there ever any country that didn’t have to detain chaos within their nation and fend off trouble from abroad?

　　Rong Tian spent an unhealthy portion of the day deep in discussion with the officials which a.s.sisted his efforts to run Xi Rei. The moment business concluded the King hurried towards the direction of the Crowned Prince’s quarters.

　　In mid-step a courteous voice interrupted him.

　　“Your Highness please wait, the Empress has requested to see you.”

　　Rong Tian halted and turned around to find Xiang Fen, the Empress’s most trusted maid.

　　“Was there anything in particular the Empress wanted to discuss?”

　　Xiang Fen bowed, “This lowly servant doesn’t know what the Empress has in mind. I was only instructed to bring King Rong to the Empress’s palace once the morning proceedings were over.”

　　Rong Tian gave the sky a quick evaluation for time before deciding his move.

　　He nodded, “I will meet with her now.”

　　Before leaving he motioned for a guard to approach, “Go and inform King Ming I have an audience with the Empress. I will return soon and our trip outside of the palace will take place later.” 

　　After his order he followed the lead of Xiang Fen towards the Empress’s residence.

　　The servant guided him outside of the room where the Empress was resting.

　　The Empress had not changed much apart from her clothing. Her attire was upgraded from a Queen to a more extravagant Empress Dowager. 

　　Inside the room she was reclined on a lounging daybed where she peacefully read.

　　“Empress, I have arrived.” The King announced.

　　Hearing her son’s voice just beyond the door the Empress’s face eased into a smile. She placed her book down and greeted her son. 

　　“The King is here? Come in, sit beside me.” She opened the door and took the King’s hand in her own to guide him to his seat.

　　The Empress never had the opportunity to be so intimate with her own child. Although her son was now a fledging adult she was eager to use all the chances she had to become closer.

　　Rong Tian has always behaved in an elegant and collected manner in front of his mother. For the woman to lead him by hand, he couldn’t help but to feel a bit embarra.s.sed. The hesitation was short lived as he quickly threw away any reservations. 

　　“Empress, what is the matter?” he asked genuinely concerned.

　　“What could bother me now? You have safely ascended the throne and your head is in the right mindset to guide this kingdom. I feel nothing but ease.” Then she let out a sigh.

　　“I’m just waiting for the day Xi Rei will have a st.u.r.dy foundation for the future.”

　　“Empress needs not to worry. I will oversee the growth of our army and the wealth of our nation to enrich the lives of every citizen.”

　　“Your Highness,” the Empress paused before explaining herself, “I speak not of such issues. Rather the King’s heir. You will soon be eighteen, taking a wife is the natural step of a King.”

　　Rong Tian’s face froze momentarily with her announcement.

　　“Taking a wife?” his face was dumbfounded.

　　The issue of marriage had previously been mentioned by the court officials. Rong Tian would have none of their badgering. In fact he lashed out and demanded his peers to never mention the topic again.

　　For years Lou Lan had carefully watched over Rong Tian from the shadows. She restrained her emotions when her own flesh and blood was placed into a foster family. She silently stood beside him to see the day he could rise to his rightful place. Her journey to this point of their lives had been uneasy. Fill with self sacrifices and lifelong commitments. Rong Tian knew his mother had devoted her life to him and the kingdom, although they were not familiar he still held her in high esteem.

　　Instead of bluntly refuting his mother, Rong Tian replied, “Empress, I am still young, it is not the time now. Besides…”

　　His mother stopped him midway.

　　“There is no need for the King to evade the subject. What the King’s heart desires how can I not understand?” The woman’s eyes held a bright glimmer, she could see right through her son.

　　“After all, isn’t everything for the sake of King Ming?”

　　“Empress…” he stammered.

　　“I understand the importance of King Ming’s stake on your heart. However, I would like to give you a word of caution. Regardless of his worth and standing in your life, he is unable to bear an heir. King Ming is a man of logic, he will understand the situation. After your marriage and the new Queen is with child. There are no longer any problems that can divide you from King Ming.”

　　The Empress studied her son’s expression.

　　She continued to persuade him in a soft and slow voice, “I have heard that the King of Li’s sister’s appearance is nothing special, however the young maiden is tactful and intelligent. These virtues may be beneficial to Xi Rei. Given she is posted at our city for sometime, does the King feel that she is suitable?”   

　　Rong Tian’s eyebrows knitted in a frown and with a deep voice he demonstrated his distaste.

　　“Ruo Yan has wild ambitions, why would I ever consider marrying his sister and give her the t.i.tle of Xi Rei’s Queen?”

　　The Empress laughed.

　　“Oh, when it comes to a woman’s inclinations, I am more experienced than the King.”

　　The Empress motioned to her servants to leave the room.

　　She leaned in and whispered in Rong Tian’s ear, “I have surmised that the Princess is here with bad intentions. Once a woman marries, her heart naturally grows fond of her husband. With Miao Guang’s knowledge we can easily overtake King Ruo. Surely subduing the Princess will pose no challenge for the King?”   

　　The Empress had a good point.

　　Moreover, Ruo Yan was the only real obstacle standing before his own dreams to unify the lands under the heavens.

　　Without further thought, Rong Tian shook his head, “Empress, there is no need to further discuss Princess Miao Guang. I will deal with her. As for my wedding we can deliberate at a future date.”

　　The words had left his lips in a harsh manner and he stood up.

　　His eyes met with hers, he wanted to make things clear. “I once said something to you, and it seems like you have forgotten. I will say it again.” His eyes pierced through her. “If you treasure Rong Tian you should treat Feng Ming as your own child.”

　　His impa.s.sioned words took her by surprise. Her eyes looked blankly back at her son.