19 _ Putting the Court in Order.

While the mysterious girl finished lamenting her word and all the three had retired to sleep to dream of sweet nightmares. But far back in the Kanerria Dynasty , in the Imperial Courts of the Emperor , simply to say , the situation had descended into total chaos and a catastrophe.

The news of impending attack had shot waves throughout the entire Dynasty and its conquered Vassals , that every individual feared for his or her life. Some citizens even decided to relocate to safer places in till it was safe to return. With the numbers of people getting less and less by each day , the tribute and impost that was charged also dropped considerably.

All the Qing gathered in the Royal Courts to discuss with the Emperor in how to proceed with this issue that posed a big problem to them all.

Li Huang seated himself on his ornate throne and listened to his ministers gable on with considerable disinterest.

"Your Majesty , Rumors have been going through all the kingdoms that the remaining four of the five great kingdoms are preparing to launch an attack against the Dynasty." Chui Po, one of the greying elders said with serenity.

"Only a fool regards every rumor he hears." Li Huang answered. "And you surely are not a fool Chui, are you?"

"Your Majesty , All Elder Chui is trying to say is that attack is the best defence. If we fold our hands , our Dynasty will be assumed powerless and the Emperor weak. We should strike now while we have the upper advantage." Ho Lou said firmly , bending over his stiff back as he bowed before Li.

"That course if action is absurd. All the kingdoms will be at war. My advice , is that we should fold our hands and learn the moves of our enemies before reacting." Wu Zezhi retorted back to his fellow minister which began a rowdy argument , some in favour of Ho's advancing strategy and others with Wu Zezhi.

The bickering went on for long enough and Li Huang decided to finally bring order to his Court.

"Silence!" He shouted as all the grown men kept quiet and listed their heads while the Emperor continued , this time more calmly. "Now I want to tell you all a simple story."

The Ministers looked at themselves in surprise but Li Huang gave no heed to them and went on. "Once, a farmer planted a seed in fertile soil. Soon the seed began to shoot and sprout , developing into something beautiful. But one day , the farmer discovered that there were weeds among his plants, hindering its growth as well as inviting other weeds in to destroy the farmers plants."

Snapping his fingers , the five guards stationed at the entrance of the Court Chambers came in and seized , Wu Zezhi and four other men , who objected to this unruly treatment.

"Your Majesty..." Wu called out to Li Huang who looked at him with sheer dislike as well as unconcern. "What is the meaning of this?"

"You see Wu..." The Emperor gave him a cold stare as he spoke to him. "The farmer had to take extremely violent methods to get rid of the weeds and in the end, he finally did." Li lips curved into a small smile. "But In this particular situation however , You and your co-conspirators are the weed. Did you really think that you could deceive me and gather information about our plans , only to reveal them to our foes? You must be stupid as you are tactless."

"But I..." He stammered in confusion. He had be positive , he had covered all his tracks ...except... That cursed Servant girl!!!

"You forget ..." Li Huang confirmed Gu's fears to be true. "I am the Emperor. I have spies too." Turning to his guard , he ordered the traitors to be taken away as they were to be beheaded by dawn despite the numerous pleas of mercy by the condemned ministers.

"I have a little son." Wu cried in an attempt to gain pity. The Emperor himself had a son . He too must understand.

"Well let us hope that he does not turn out to be traitorous scoundrel like you." He spat out with venom as the men were led away.

"Now..." He remarked to the monsters that were left , wringing their hands , looking awfully disturbed , wondering if they were next.

"Let us get down to business."