Sacrifice

Inside the emperor's chamber were Shiyou, emperor, prime minister and freshly demoted duke Shi. The air inside was heavy and stressed with emperor vomiting blood as soon as reaching the room.

All the anger and humiliation he had felt was now spitting out of his mouth in form of blood. His personal eunuch was frantic and was about to scream for physician but was held back by the emperor himself.

"Shut up...don't alert anyone...go and call crown prince, prime minister and baron Shi...Bring me a nerve calming soup and that divine rejuvenating pill..it's just that Zhen had been holding back anger for a long time nothing serious.."

The eunuch was very quick on his feet and hands. He finally calms down when emperor was feeling much better after taking the soup and the pill. Though his cloths and bed sheets were red from all the blood his mouth had been wiped and no longer seemed in pain rather looked more healthy and active from the pill.

Soon all the people entered his chamber and were in panic to see all the blood but were calm after informed by the eunuch. Emperor looks at baron Shi "more than you it is Zhen that is hurting inside...angered and humiliated...your punishment will be removed in time and what you lost will be returned to you...as for the empress until we wipe Nanling clean she have to remain under seclusion...

Zhen will make sure that she is not slighted inside...but until we are successful do not try to contact her...she can take this time to heal her heart and reflect on her mistakes...if only she had been in control..the situation wouldn't have turned to this point...hahhh...women as they say are the hardest creature to understand...

Prime minister...with all the situations...forget about mentioning the marriage thing to Qing and khan...forget we ever had planned for it... you will be incharge for the execution of Leiran...make sure it goes well...Zhen doesn't want any more problems or mishaps sprouting like wild grass...

Make sure you have sufficient people placed in the sacred tower as eyes and ears...the preparation should be of perfection...pay special need to lord of the valley's likes and dislikes as not to offend her...she is indeed as rumours say.. just now I took her pill...the effect was very fast and effective...

from tomorrow we will host all the evening banquets on the sacred tower and only the final banquet will be hosted in the palace... also make sure our herb tower is on alert anytime for lord of the valley may visit there.. make sure our security is tight and also keep an eye on any messages sent out by any envoys..

That's all take your leave...Shiyou stay behind Zhen has some matters to talk with you..baron Shi... Zhen hopes for you to be calm and rational for time being...make sure your entire clan keeps low...in time everything will be better.."

Baron Shi cups his hand "this subject will do as instructed...this one knows it is not of your desire but were forced...it is our fortune to be in your care...emperor do not worry for Shi clan was and will always be there for you...for Ran'er my heart bleeds like yours but also know this sacrifice must be made..and for ones daughter like you said she seems muddled and some time in quiet place will help her..emperor please care of your dragon body...this one will take leave.."

Emperor nods at baron Shi pleased from his short speech. With both of them gone now only father and son remain in the big room. The anger that he had managed to shove comes in full force.

Shiyou aware of his father's nature and temper very calmly serves him warm tea to calm him down and also very gently helps him to wear a cloak to keep him warm. Emperor though angry still felt warm from his sons care towards him and drinks the tea and starts to vent his anger out.

"Shi'er...both your mother and sister are no good...though i did assured that old Shi but in real Zhen feels keeping her longer will be calamitious for you and Zhen...if not for you I would rather behead them both together...

Thankfully you grew under me and not under your mothers side or she would have corrupted you like your sister...Shi'er father isn't heartless but the place I seat doesn't allow you to become soft either...you are my legitimate son and also the heir I personally groomed...and by fate you are similar to me in many aspects...

Shi'er...your mother is muddled and with Leiran father feels she will be more harder to control...in time she may even become handicap and hindering our plans...but still she is your mother so tell me your honest thoughts about her...father won't be angry at you..."