Chapter 24
As we were exiting the gates of the Duke's mansion, a messenger on a horse came towards us. We halted and Hua came back with news that mother and Her Majesty, the Empress has awoken. As we were about to continue our journey we could hear someone else approaching on horseback. Then I saw the Duke and the Princess coming towards us.
"Teacher what are you doing here?" I asked
"We are coming with you we receive the news of your mother and the Empress."
People around us immediately prepared a carriage for them then somehow I was sitting in their carriage, while A Qi, Hua, Zhu Li and Heng Hui was on the royal carriage.
"So why are you coming with us? And why exactly are you worried even though its the Empress and mother who is a member of House Moon, the Duke will not just join us. And I know for a fact that the Princess only goes to the Imperial Palace a few times a year."
"I guess you should know," said the duke, "Do you know the reason why House Moon is called Moon? Its not as simple as the Emperor giving gratitude for our service. The Empress of the Empire is either from a lineage of House Moon or someone brought in as a member of House Moon. House Moon technically is second in command after the Imperial Family. The Emperors also becomes a member of House Moon by receiving a name and blood after their coronation."
As she finished explaining we entered the gates of the palace. We got off the carriage and made our way to the Empress Palace. As we arrived in the study of the Empress, a eunuch announced us, "Her Grace, The Duke of House Moon, Her Excellency, The Princess of House Moon, Their Royal Highness Princess Yue and Princess Yue."
As we entered I could see His Majesty sitting right in front on the throne with Her Majesty on His left and mother on the right in a chair.
"Your Majesties" we greeted. The Duke sat across mother, while the Princess sat next to her. A Qi and me sat next to mother.
"Duke it is nice to see you." His Majesty said, "How did the ritual go?"
"Thank you Your Majesty, It was quite surprising." The duke replied, "How are you Your Majesty?"
"Thank you for coming Your Grace, I'm well now." Her Majesty replied
"How exactly did this happen?" The Princess asked
"I was having tea with the Queen and Lady Virtuous when the Queen tried poisoning me, obviously it wouldn't work. But Lady Virtuous didn't know this so she drank it for me. Seeing her plan failed, the Queen stabbed me while I was checking on Lady Virtuous." the Empress replied.
"The Queen will be stripped of her title demoted to a commoner and executed. Since Lady Virtuous has tried to save the Empress live, she will be rewarded. As she is the daughter of House Moon, she will be given the title of Queen Yue." The head eunuch read a edict.
"Thank you for your grace Your Majesty." we chorused.
The Emperor stood and left the room after this announcement.
"Congratulations, Queen." the Empress said, "As we will be helping His Majesty together I hope we will be good sisters."
"Thank you Your Maj-"
"Ha ha ha ha ha" The Duke laughed suddenly.
"Duke I hope you will learn to be more respectful of manners" the Empress said sounding annoyed.
"My apologies Your Majesty, Your Imperial Highnesses. But Your Majesty you know I'm not one to follow Imperial manners." the Duke replied laughing.
I was wondering if the Empress would get angry at the Duke when suddenly the Empress and the Princess also burst out laughing.
"I think I will die if I need to listen to more formality" said the Princess
I looked at mother she also seemed confused. "Excuse me what is going on here?" I asked.