8 The East

Today was an important meeting with a representative of Jin's eastern neighbors to discuss a beneficial alliance. It was to ensure that if ever the North decided to attack again, they'd stand together as allies.

The Eastern people were known to have one of the better trained military units throughout the lands.

It was crucial for Central Jin to demonstrate respect for their culture and genuine interest in partnership.

But this morning, Dragon demonstrated anything but that.

"Did you not rehearse the lines I've spent hours carefully writing for you? You couldn't even recite one?"

Pan Yue, though obviously angry, was still as handsome as ever as he paced back and forth in front of Dragon who sat wordlessly behind his desk.

"…"

"It is fine to spend time at your harem, but you mustn't neglect your work like your brother! At least skim it over and throw out a few key terms," he said, pointing at the stack of carefully handwritten papers with his fan.

"…I did look at them."

"But why didn't you reference any in today's meeting with the Eastern Ambassador? He thought you a fool when you simply sat there!"

"…"

At the sound of nothing, Pan Yue placed a hand to his creased forehead.

"It is already over so you don't have to lie. If you didn't bother to even go over the papers, you can let me know," Pan Yue said when he regained composure.

"Like I said, I DID look at them. I did TRY to read them…"

"Then why didn't you…" Pan Yue was about to click his tongue again, before it hit him. "Oh no…don't tell me…"

"…."

"Don't tell me you don't know how to read?!?"

"…"

"But how? Before you became king, it was a universally known fact that you've read over a thousand books! How can a fall rob you of your ability to read?"

Pan Yue headed over to a chair and sat down for he didn't think his knees could support him to look at Dragon any longer.

...

Following the assembly, the Eastern Ambassador announced that he'd be leaving the following day, blatantly stating that he hadn't the slightest interest in striking a deal with Jin.

It was so humiliating that Pan Yue shut himself in his room because he couldn't handle the realization that his perfect plan to win over the East was ruined by an oversight on the emperor's inability to read.

Not only him, but Dragon's trusted strategist, adviser, and informant all sat idly at the dinner table, obviously depressed with the outcome of their first big chance of boosting Dragon's reputation among not only the council but that to the surrounding nations.

'When would such a great opportunity ever come again?' they all sighed before glancing across the table at Dragon who still managed to have a big appetite.

"Long-Ge, how can you still eat at a time like this?" little Sun sighed as she placed her chin on her palm.

"Little Sun, Ge is overcome with devastation right now too. Jin is too divided. The East has no need to ally themselves with us. They only came to see if rumors about the puppet emperor are true," Dragon said casually before placing some pork in his sister's bowl. "Worry less, eat more!"

Hazel glared at Dragon.

"You were supposed to prove to them you aren't one!"

"By entertaining a mere envoy?" Dragon retorted.

"Then how do you plan on breaking from that label?" Dragonfly asked, seemingly on Hazel's side. "By now, the entire kingdom is laughing because everyone thinks you can't even read!"

This actually managed to get a reaction from Dragon.

See, this was often a sore spot for him. While growing up, he devoted all his hours solely to training in martial arts and when he came of age, focused on nothing but warring, much to the disappointment of his mother.

Even at nineteen years of age, he could barely read and write anything other than his own surname. Of course there were times when he tried to learn, but the teachers would only make fun of him for his low intellect. It only got worse with time and so Dragon dropped it all together.

"Then…what can I do?" Dragon asked, putting down his bowl and chopsticks.

The whole room went quiet. It was insensitive for Dragon to eat so happily when they were all sullen, but now that he stopped, it just made everything worse.

"Lord Emperor, may Seven add a word?" the plainest of the Odd Sisters rose her hand.

Dragon nodded.

"Although you have clearly disappointed the envoy…"

[Thanks for adding salt to the wound Seven…]

"…you haven't exactly failed because the one you are trying to impress and form the treaty with is the Eastern King."

[I'm listening…]

"The Eastern people are highly competitive and admire those with talent. Challenge them to a field of your expertise and you will definitely impress them!"

Hopeful smiles began brightening up the atmosphere for the first time. The usually quiet staff who knew the old Dragon were eager to pitch in ideas.

"Though it's been sometime, Dragon is unparalleled in reciting and exchanging poems!"

"He played the flute since he was four and can compose songs on the spot!"

"But above all else, his paintings are second to none! He is a god with a brush!"

"We are saved! Great Jin does have a future. Your hidden talents can finally bring you glory, Your Highness!" Dragonfly exclaimed, tears in her eyes. "What are we still sitting here for? Plan for our leave immediately!"

"Maybe that's not the best idea…" Dragon started, but the Odd Sisters dragged him out of the room. Dragonfly and the other staff took no delay in arranging for the emperor's prompt departure to the East.

Hazel tried stopping them, but failed miserably. Thus, she had only one option left. Turning towards Little Sun, she offered a meek smile.

"Shall we head over to the temple to pray?" Hazel asked.

"Sister Hazel, I will go buy extra heavy prayer items."

....

Arriving first with his personal entourage within three days time, Dragon was welcomed through the Eastern land.

Rumors of Dragon's literate incompetency in matters of state have already reached the Eastern people's ears, but out of respect for his sincerity to personally travel out to their land, the Eastern King accepted him nonetheless.

A grand banquet was thrown to welcome him. The entertainment was excellent with dancers and acrobats of the highest caliber performing. The gourmet was also impeccable that Dragon couldn't decide which was more to his fancy.

[No wonder the East prides itself in being the best of everything.]

"You can drink well, young emperor of Jin," Eastern King toasted Dragon who emptied his third bottle.

The older king always admired a good drinker. Being a heavy drinker himself, he enjoyed those who knew how to have fun and still stay awake to hold a decent conversation.

"Excellent wine!" Dragon closed his eyes to savor the taste in his mouth.

Eastern king let out a laugh and gestured for the maid to give his guest another refill.

"What has brought you all the way here?" the older king directed towards the younger one.

[So he finally asks…]

Dragon put down his cup and straightened his posture.

"I hear it's a custom in the East for a man to demonstrate his worth before making demands. As emperor of Jin, I respect your culture so please do not pardon me from it."

Eastern king didn't expect the rumored puppet to be so of character. He resembled nothing of what his trusted ambassador reported back. This in turn, piqued his rare interest.

"Well said, well said. What field are we entertaining?"

"A duel in martial arts."