六

"A constitutional monarchy?" ZiTing asks. "Indeed commander, one of the many reforms enlisted by Lord Mu." His subordinate reports. "What are the plans in order to achieve this constitutional monarchy?" "The reform requires the removal of the Empress Dowager Cixi, as it is the only possible way to ensures that the Imperial family doesn't hold an absolute power of governing,"

"Impossible, the emperor wouldn't give up his power that easily." ZiTing refused to believe this. Turning around, he takes a good look at the map hanged behind his walls. "My great grandfathers had fought hard to earn this position in the imperial courts. As the decedent of them, I would not give up my place that easily."

"Compose a letter for me," ZiTing orders. "To who sir?"

"To Prince Jin."

His subordinate readies his brush, listening carefully to what ZiTing had to say. "Prince Jin, I'm writing this to you to inform you of the ongoing reform issued by the emperor and some other officials as well." "The moment of change is indeed inevitable as we lack the technology to compete against other foreigners. Yet I can't help but worry about your authorities governing our politics, as the officials had somewhat influenced the emperor to shift from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy styled of governing. I'm only asking for you, Prince Jin to be warry about their reformative movements." He says. His subordinate held on his brush, still waiting for him to speak.

"Have this deliver to Prince Jin in swiftly and in secret. We do not want to become an enemy to the emperor, yet." ZiTing orders his subordinate. "Right away sir," as his subordinate leaves without a word.

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"LiuQi, guide me to the store where it sells the freshest vegetables. I'll prepare dinner ready for Deyue to have after work." YanTing requests. "It's just around the corner mistress. Be mindful of your steps." He says, while carefully escorting her towards the store.

"Ah Miss Yan!" the store owner greets. "What brings you here mistress?" The shop owner asks. "I'm preparing dinner for my husband, so I'm searching for all the supplies that I need," She replies. "Worry not, I'd saved some of my freshest vegetables for you. Hold on as I go grab it for you," "Take your time," YanTing reassures.

A figure rushes down the busy road, cutting off crowds of people casually strolling around the market streets. He accidentally bumps into YanTing in the midst of crowds, sending her tumbling down onto the ground. "Watch It! Look where are you going next time!" LiuQi scolded. Soon, a circle of crowds is formed around them.

Seeing this the man leaves the scene hastily, running far away from the crowd and disappear into the distance. "People these days are so rude! Are you ok mistress?" LiuQi asks while helping her get up from the ground. "Never mind him, help me look if I dropped anything," YanTing says.

Looking around LiuQi found a letter lying on the ground. Picking it up, he was about to ask if this belongs to her but got interrupted by the shop owner finally having a basket full of vegetables ready for them to retrieve. "Thank you so much. LiuQi be sure to pay the shop owner ok? I'll carry the vegetables myself."

"Ok!" He slid the letter into his pocket before escorting YanTing back home.