Chapter 47: Emperor Jai

I saw my mother in her chambers where she hardly ventured out these days and had a few softly spoken words with her.

I did not share my real reasons for the trip with her, but still she was pleased to see her son showing an interest in his kingdom, and wholly approved of the steps I was taking.

I knew her heart was broken, never to be mended. Who can understand better than I? After all, when the other half of your heart goes missing, how can you expect to find joy in anything around you?

That is something we share that I wish we didn’t, but alas there’s nothing you can do to defy heaven. I left her in the care of her court ladies and headed with my retinue for the Emperor’s gate.

My brother awaited me beyond. “Brother!”

“Your Majesty. I’ve come to accompany you as far as the city gates.” Though he was happy with my plans to visit the provinces, he was not happy with being left behind.