Dreams and Desire

The room, Moonlit Haven, was dimly lit as the Emperor returned to his private chambers after yet another exhausting day at the imperial court. Liang Wei felt the weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him like an invisible burden. Right as he approached his desk, his weary eyes fell upon a disarray of appeal forms scattered haphazardly across its surface.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Liang Wei contemplated the pile before him. Each form represented a plea for justice, a cry for help from his subjects who sought his intervention. But somewhere laced in between there, also include some false report or made-up lies attempting to smart themselves up. All thanks to the memory of the contentious meeting he had endured earlier still lingered in his mind, Liang Wei's drained of the energy required to review and address the appeals.

Overwhelmed by the thought of delving into the appeals, Liang Wei couldn't bring himself to face them. Instead, he decided to lie down in bed, hoping that an early night's rest would provide him with the vigour needed to confront the challenges of the upcoming day. Not to forget, he also planned to wake earlier and address the appeals before the day's obligations engulfed him.

As Liang Wei closed his eyes, his mind began to drift into a world of dreams and illusions. In the darkness of his room, he heard a soft voice, gentle yet filled with warmth that he instantly recognized.

"Liang Wei, why do you let the weight of the appeals burden your soul? You do know that rest is very important for your health, don't you? "

Surprised, Liang Wei opened his eyes to find no one there. Confusion clouded his tired mind as he wondered if he had imagined the voice. But as he closed his eyes once more, the voice returned, more distinct this time.

"You should stop letting duty consume you entirely, my dear Emperor. Remember to embrace joy and companionship between your responsibilities. Perhaps with me?"

"L-Li Mei?" Liang Wei stammered, his heart quickening. He had not heard her voice since their last encounter, and yet here she was, speaking to him in his solitude. He wondered if it was merely a trick of his fatigued mind or if there was something more profound at play.

With each passing moment, the illusion of Li Mei grew stronger. Her cheerful demeanour and infectious laughter filled the room, enveloping Liang Wei in a world of vivid imagination.

"Don't be so serious, Liang Wei?" she teased playfully. "Maybe it's better if you stop thinking for a while? Sometimes you need to let loose and embrace the joy that life has to offer."

"Li Mei, in this aspiring time of need, how can I find balance? The weight of my responsibilities is immense, and yet you remind me of a world beyond duty, a world I yearn for," Liang Wei's heart ached at the sight of Li Mei, so full of life and vibrancy.

"Well, the balance lies in acknowledging both your duty and your desires, Liang Wei. You can be a compassionate Emperor and still cherish the connections that bring you happiness. Don't deny yourself the chance to experience the joy that awaits you," Li Mei's ethereal presence smiled at him, her voice filled with understanding.

As Liang Wei contemplated Li Mei's words, he felt a surge of determination. There was no doubt that she was right. Perhaps he could find a way to merge the reserved and thoughtful Emperor with the longing for companionship that resided within him.

"I will address these appeals, not out of obligation alone, but with the knowledge that by doing so, I can create a better world for all," with newfound resolve, Liang Wei rose from his bed, the appeal forms no longer appearing as a burden, but as an opportunity to bring justice and solace to his people.

"Remember, Liang Wei, that even in the depths of duty, love and happiness can bloom. Trust in your ability to navigate the intricacies of life, and you will find fulfilment in both realms," Li Mei's image began to fade, her voice growing faint.

As Liang Wei turned his attention back to the appeals, a sense of calm and purpose settled over him. The illusions of Li Mei had served their purpose, guiding him to a place of self-reflection and acceptance. Though, he rather not question his sanity which allowed him to hallucinate about her.

With each appeal form he reviewed, Liang Wei carried Li Mei's words in his heart. He recognized the importance of his role as Emperor, but he also acknowledged the significance of nurturing his well-being and should begin to embrace the connections that brought him joy.

Before he knows it, the dawn's light bathed the room and Liang Wei completed the task he had set out to accomplish. Though weariness still clung to him, there was a newfound lightness in his step. The weight of the appeals had been replaced with a sense of fulfilment and renewed purpose.

As Liang Wei stepped out of his chambers, ready to face the day, he carried with him the wisdom of Li Mei's ephemeral presence. Her words lingered in his thoughts, reminding him of the delicate balance he sought between duty and desire. With a renewed sense of purpose, he embraced the challenges that lay ahead.

However, before he can fully immerse himself in his duties, there was one person he needed to greet—the Empress Dowager, his mother. Making his way through the palace corridors, Liang Wei's mind remained occupied by Li Mei's presence, which served as a constant reminder of the importance of finding harmony in his life.

Hastily, he finally arrived at Empress Dowager's chamber. Liang Wei entered with a bow, demonstrating his deep respect for the woman who held a significant place in his heart and the empire. With a gentle tone, he addressed her as "Mother," remembering that he need to appreciate and acknowledge more of the bond they shared.

"Liang Wei, my dear child, how weary you appear. Have the burdens of the court taken a toll on you again?" The Empress Dowager, whose name was Fu Meili, looked up from her embroidery. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she saw her son.

"Just as you said, Mother. The weight of my responsibilities seems to grow heavier with each passing day," Liang Wei sighed, his fatigue evident in his voice.

"You're carrying a great burden, my son, but do not forget to care for yourself as well. Your well-being is just as important as the welfare of the empire," Fu Meili rose from her seat and walked over to Liang Wei, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I understand, Mother. I have decided that I will strive to find a balance between my duties and my own needs," his words resonated with hers, and she nodded in agreement.

As the conversation continued, Liang Wei's gaze suddenly shifted and landed on his wife, Empress Xia. She just came inside the chamber and now stood beside his mother, her expression serene yet distant. Liang Wei's heart sank as he felt a sense of emptiness in their relationship.

Empress Xia, the actual name, was Yi Liu, came from a prominent family with ties to the powerful governing clans. Their marriage had been arranged for political reasons, and while they held respect for each other, a deep connection of love had never blossomed between them.

Liang Wei couldn't help but compare the vibrant presence of Li Mei to the seemingly cold demeanour of Empress Xia. In Li Mei, he had found a glimpse of the companionship and warmth he yearned for, which only served to highlight the absence of such feelings in his marriage.

Again when their eyes met, Liang Wei saw a flicker of disappointment in Empress Xia's eyes. She, too, had zero care for the growing distance between them. Whether it was a distance created out of malice or rather sparked from the circumstances that had bound them together.

Suppressing his inner turmoil, Liang Wei forced a smile, masking his true feelings. He knew he couldn't reveal his longing for something more, not when his duties as an Emperor demanded his unwavering focus.

As Liang Wei turned his attention back to his mother, he pushed aside the conflicting emotions within him. The path he had chosen was always the one of duty, and he would aim to fulfil his responsibilities as both an Emperor and a husband to the best of his abilities.

Together with his mother, Liang Wei discussed matters of state and sought her wisdom on various issues. To an extent, Empress Xia also, from time to time, gave some of her insight towards the problem. Although his heart still carried the memory of Li Mei's presence, he was determined to navigate the complexities of his life, searching for fulfilment in both his duty and his desires.

As the meeting concluded, Liang Wei bid farewell to his mother and Empress Xia. With a heavy heart, he retreated to his chambers once again, aware that the road ahead would be filled with challenges and sacrifices.