HOLY GLORY

               "Ma'am." She greeted her.

               "You wished to see me?" Cao Zhaoyi inquired.

               "I heard about Yang Wanyi." She replied.

               "What about her?" Cao Zhaoyi asked.

               "Seeing that she is a big trouble to the both of us, with Milord's permission I am here to present you with a gift Ma'am." Lady Han replied as she placed the lunch box onto the table.

               "What is this Milady?" Cao Zhaoyi inquired while the latter smiling at her she slowly opened the box and showed her a couple of cakes and pastries that had been wonderfully arranged.

               "Snacks." Lady Han replied.

               "Of what use could they be to me?" Cao Zhaoyi asked.

              "You want the life of Yang Wanyi's child and so do we, sadly in this Palace you have power and people which we lack." Lady Han replied, "these have been prepared with sweet see water and young loquat leaves sauce, even if tested Ma'am, they couldn't possibly cause harm to you but the same can't be said for a pregnant woman." Lady Han replied.

              "Pardon me Ma'am, isn't this a bit too extreme?" She pointed out.

              "What have you to fear, what is extreme to you Ma'am, you can do anything to get as high as you want, you can fight as hard to rise above any other woman in the land, could you not try being heartless?" She asked.

              "Milady........?" Manyin said.

              "Ma'am is wise and this I know with all my heart, you may have delivered the Emperor's Princess but you never gave the dynasty a Prince and what's worse is that between us and herself who therefore stands between your most innocent dream?" He asked.

             "Even I wish I knew." Cao Zhaoyi said.

             "But now you have a chance Ma'am, a good and straight one that could win you the Crown Prince's affection." She convinced the latter.

            "Thank you for your kind advice Milady and I shall take it to heart." Cao Zhaoyi said and smiling at the old woman, she stood up from where she was seated and bowed her head before she withdrew from her presence staring at the lunchbox in front of her.

              "Ma'am?" Linxiang said as she walked in and watched the very beautiful pastries in front of her.

              "About Han Touzhou, what do you really think?" She inquired and the young woman turning to her she looked her in the eye.

              "Pardon me Ma'am, which of those is a rightful ally?" She asked.

              "In deed, which of those Scoundrels is a right ally?" She asked and the young woman furious she prepared to grab them and throw them out when Cao Zhaoyi halted her by raising her hand.

              "Ma'am.....?" She protested.

              "I need to see Yang Wanyi." Cao Zhaoyi replied, "prepare some snacks." She said.

              "But...?" She outrightly protested yet again while Cao Zhaoyi merely ignored each one of her concerns and expressions.

              "Do as I say." She demanded.

              "Yes Ma'am." Linxiang unwillingly cooperated.

              Yang Wanyi was seated at a balcony along with a couple of other Imperial Concubines and Consorts and caressing in her hand the black kitten that Cao Zhaoyi had gifted her, they watched the young scholars that had taken the Imperial examination in the Courtyard below.

             "Who's that?" More than once the other girls around Yang Wanyi asked themselves as they stared at the young men.

             "I heard that he was called Fou Yongzhang." Another replied equally excited that the young woman nearly at peace with some of their noise at the moment Cao Zhaoyi appeared right next to her.

             "Ma'am?" She bowed and greeted her.

             "Pardon me for not bowing me Ma'am, as it is I am already exhausted because of everything that is happening." Yang Wanyi remarked.

             "It's natural to be fatigued Ma'am, surely the baby over exerting you could only mean that they are very strong." Cao Zhaoyi said as she looked at Manyin who stared down and Linxiang beside her started to prepare the table in between them.

             "Who could certainly be stronger than a Prince?" Yang Wanyi asked, "I heard a dream that Zhao Kuangyin charging on his Red Stallion came from my abdomen, surely, I shall deliver for this Imperial Dynasty a Commander of Commanders that could Godwillingly reclaim the Northern lands." Yang Wanyi said.

            "I'm this world there isn't a mother that doesn't wish the best for her child, if there's every moment and Chance at life then hers is the most innocent prayer.* Cao Zhaoyi said.

             "Surely" she replied, "Certainly for our people the South remembers." She muttered as she caressed the little black cat in her hands.

              "I see you seem to like the gift that I sent over." She said.

              "I names her Yue'er." Yang Jieyu replied.

              "For the moon?" She inquired.

              "There's darkness all around, but even in that very darkness there is a light that shines brighter than anything else." She muttered.

              "How remarkable!" Cao Zhaoyi said as Linxiang laying the lunch box between the two she opened it and she revealed the cakes that Lady Han had delivered to her.

              "This is...?" Yang Wanyi asked.

              "Some snacks that I personally arranged Ma'am, seeing that you are with child it's my way of wishing you a wonderful and safe delivery and besides I trusted that having not cooked for you for quite a long time you must be missing my culinary skills." Cao Zhaoyi said.

               "When was the last time?" Yang Wanyi inquired.

               "Six to seven years ago, or so I remember." Cao Zhaoyi replied.

              "Time really flies." Yang Wanyi muttered as Cao Zhaoyi reading beforehand her hesitation, she extended her arm and then picked up one of the cakes which she ate while the latter was watching.

              "Seeing your expression it must in deed be delicious." She said.

              "Surely." Cao Zhaoyi replied.

              "But you see my dear even shadows can not be trusted." Yang Wanyi muttered, "the world knew better than anyone that the Empress Han resented me and I knew that she wanted my baby dead, for a moment I sacrificed to let her achieve what she wanted but the fruit was quite remarkable I suppose." She said and Cao Zhaoyi who was picking up the second cake she halted.

              "See my dear Zhaoyi you brought these here with your hands what is it that you were thinking?" She asked and Cao Zhaoyi started coughing vigorously while Yang Wanyi still kept her composure not even sparing her a glance.

               "Ma'am?* Linxiang cried while she seemed powerlessly reclining in her seat and tightly holding her chest the rest of the Imperial Concubines quite distant from the two still had their eyes fixed on the young Scholars that were being chosen from the exam Yang Wanyi held tightly the hand of her rival and stuck it to the chair.

               "But you see Ma'am, I thought that sending the Empress outside the battle and trusted that for myself it was a war that was already won later deliberation brought me to learn that this war had just started." Yang Wanyi whispered and pulling away from her Manyin took off the lid of the small incense burner between the two and poured in it water that it stopped to burn and Cao Zhaoyi starting to breathe better once again the young woman smiled while she felt relieved.

                "Ma'am?" Linxiang said for a moment while the young woman helped her up and Yang Wanyi taking the small cake that she had been biting at she took a small bite with a smile on her face while the latter watched.

               "Ma'am?" Cao Zhaoyi said.

               "I am surrounded by enemies Ma'am that want me dead and believe that they could do my whole job better but for better or worse the Empress Crown will land on my head." Yang Wanyi assured her.

               "Pardon me Ma'am." Cao Zhaoyi muttered.

               "I am prepared to suffocate each one of my enemies and I shall tear them apart inside out and regardless of what may come be it ice, rain or fire, such is the fate for those that wish to contend with me." Yang Wanyi said and standing slowly with her kitten at hand, she walked away gracefully while Cao Zhaoyi infuriated she clenched her fists as she sat back up into her seat.

              "I wish we had brought the other cakes instead Ma'am." Linxiang said.

              "Such is the fate for those that wish to contend with her we shall surely see." Cao Zhaoyi muttered hatefully, "between me and you Ma'am, we shall see who shall become the Empress, we shall see who shall rule the world." She added as she watched the latter slowly vanish from sight.

               Yang Wanyi negotiated the next corner she halted by the balcony from which she could see the Central Palace that had once belonged to the Empress Han.

               "Ask all the others to converge tonight." She said.

               "Yes Ma'am." Xiaoyang replied while she departed from the retinue.

              Cao Zhaoyi returning to her Chambers she caught sight of Han Touzhou who was waiting for her.

              "Ma'am." He said bowing his head to her while she sat down in front of him.

              "First it was the Lady Han and now Your Excellency, I trust that you are desperate, what more is it that I can do for you?" She inquired.

              "I was merely concerned about the going." Han Touzhou replied.

              "Since it is so that you cared for me the Crown Prince is doing well enough at least that I am sure and on top of that even friendly with the Princess Yuping he's resumed taking his classes without worry he is more determined than ever and now that you are here it occurred to me that there's a favour I wish to ask." She said.

              "I am listening Ma'am." Han Touzhou replied.

              "His Majesty assessed the scholars that passed the examinations all the other departments including the military and even the Government itself along with the Imperial guard hosted the same to determine their successors now that most of the ancient regime of officials has retired." Cao Zhaoyi muttered.

              "Are you concerned in any of these talents Ma'am?" Han Touzhou replied.

              "For the future of the Crown Prince yes as he has you to protect him along with the others you still need the strength of fresh and able formidable souls to guide his judgement and it has occurred to me that if Yang Wanyi seeks to contend with your might haven't you thought of the possibility that she could be eying them?" She asked while Han Touzhou seemed to think about it.

              "I didn't think that far." Han Touzhou said.

              "Yang Wanyi is with child it shall be very fatal for us and for the Crown Prince if she delivers an Imperial son before that happens with the Crown Prince's position still threatened I was thinking that we secure it beforehand." Cao Zhaoyi said.

             "How so Ma'am?" He asked.

             "The Crown Prince though still a minor can already be considered to have reached the marriageable age from one of those scholars that's having a remarkable family background rooted militarily." Cao Zhaoyi said.

              "Ma'am has touched my heart, it really is a good idea." He mentioned.

              "We need to gain most of the people in the new government and if Your Excellency is willing you can leave the choice of the Crown Prince's prospective bride to me and allow me to demonstrate to you my loyalty." Cao Zhaoyi said.

               "Yes Ma'am." Han Touzhou replied.

               "In a couple of days the Hundred Days Banquet shall be held and that shall be the best time for us to act." Cao Zhaoyi said.

               "Yes." Han Touzhou agreed.

               Yang Wanyi walking into the Lanling Court she found the others already there and waiting for her when she sat down in their midst.

              "You summoned us Ma'am." Yang Cishan said.

              "I see that you are all here." She muttered.

              "Yes." Shi Miyuan replied.

              "My heart wasn't at ease in the palace." She replied, "the Hundred Days Banquet is drawing too close." She muttered.

              "What bothers you Ma'am?" Yang Cishan asked.

             "We need to strengthen our forces as it is both a time of great jubilation and laxity it is still a time that demands great caution." She replied.

             "If you are worried for your security Ma'am, we shall ensure that no harm befalls you." Jinglan mentioned.

              "Yes Ma'am." Both Bo An and Bao Langya muttered.

              "The people in the South are suffering from famine and calamity and the state is yet to act, my God of heaven has blest me amongst all people and he has given me the strength he has deprived of my foes." She replied as she smiled at herself ghastly.

             "What could you be thinking Ma'am?" Shi Miyuan asked.

             "No one gains the country without gaining the hearts of the people, no one gains the hearts of people without protecting the country, our cause of not justified can not be threatened." Yang Wanyi replied.

             "Ma'am?" Master Bao said.

             "Until now life for me has been a gamble of things where much is given to earn twice as much or more than that from it." Yang Jieyu replied, "we can not be certain whether our enemies shall act up or not at the Hundred Days Banquet Celebration therefore if they don't we shall make them do it." She replied.

            "How do you suggest we do that Ma'am?" Master Bao replied and the latter keeping quiet she smiled at herself ghastly.

             Emperor Ningzong in the daily Assembly he was seated on his throne when the Grand Chancellor stepped out of the crowd before him.

             "Your Majesty." He greeted.

             "What is it?" Emperor Ningzong asked.

             "The people in Jinghu South have been struggling from famine for nearly a year and the harvest has been unfruitful Your Majesty, the people there are devastated and they haven't been eased of the taxes the officials insist on exploiting them while food has been scarce and very expensive to acquire from the nearby provinces the food from the state granaries has been sold out by those greedy lords." Zhao Zizhi replied.

             "How come I was unaware of the situation?" The Emperor asked.

             "I submitted a memorial a couple of days ago Your Majesty but it seemed that the issue was never addressed I therefore thought that perhaps it had escaped your eye." He muttered as he bowed his head.

             "I inherit a prosperous kingdom it is said that throughout the reign of my grandfather the people were happy, I gave those officials the power to look after my people but they misused it and instead desired to fulfil their selfish gain?" The Emperor asked.

             "Your Majesty, please appease your anger." Han Touzhou said as he stepped out and stood right next to Zhao Zizhi.

             "What does my Left Chancellor think?" He asked.

             "Your Majesty is beloved by all people and your reign has been peaceful, you are benevolent at heart and your brilliance shines throughout the state, yet as it is that the officials are to be held responsible my earnest request is that many of them served in the ancient regime of the previous Dynasties and as such they are too old to effectively handle their affairs, it could be that their deputies are inefficient or self satisfying people they have wavered so far from the path of a true officials righteousness they need to be taught yet again and stability and diplomacy are to be upheld." He replied.

             "Is this your resolution?" Emperor Ningzong asked.

             "Before The Hundred Days Banquet Your Majesty it has been rumoured that these people gather every morning and noon to pray for the rain but there's never a single water droplet that falls from the sky, perhaps if you'd grace them with your presence you might ease their suffering by giving them comfort." Grand Chancellor Zhao Zizhi replied.

            "I see." Emperor Ningzong muttered.

            "I also think it wise Your Majesty." Yang Cishan seconded the idea while Han Touzhou watched suspiciously from the corner of his eye.

             "I shall leave you Grand Chancellor to pick a day that is auspicious and make all the necessary preparations for the journey." Emperor Ningzong said.

             "Thank you so much Your Majesty." Grand Chancellor Zhao Zizhi muttered as he bowed his head.

           The Courtiers exiting the hall, Han Touzhou and Officer Jiang walked close to each other.

           "Your Excellency seems rather distracted." The young man pointed out.

           "I just find it very strange." Han Touzhou replied.

           "What is?" Officer Jiang inquired.

           "About the disaster relief why is it that Zhao Zizhi asked the Emperor to leave the Palace and travel South?" He asked.

           "I won't lie Your Excellency, I seem to be confused just as much as you are." Officer Jiang replied, "however when I think of it His Majesty has hardly left the Palace ever since he came to the throne, he has never mingled with any of the people perhaps it is because he fears the influence of the Lords in the region and the possible incitement of a rebellion." He added.

             "Which of the Imperial Clan members have acted up?" Han Touzhou asked.

             "I just happened to hear that there were rumours in the South that the Dynasty is losing its mandate and on top of that anything that might seem so simple at the moment can not go ignored." Officer Jiang replied.

              "There has to be much more than that." Han Touzhou said.

              Yang Jieyu in her Chambers Manyin walked in before her.

              "Ma'am?" She called.

              "What has the Grand Chancellor said?" She asked.

              "His Excellency has concluded that it is well." She replied.

              "Make preparations to go and see His Majesty." she demanded.

              "Yes Ma'am." Manyin replied as she withdrew from the room.

               Emperor Ningzong seated in his study was lost in his thoughts as he recalled the words that Zhao Zizhi had said to him.

             "The people in Jinghu South have been struggling from famine for nearly a year and the harvest has been unfruitful Your Majesty, the people there are devastated and they haven't been eased of the taxes the officials insist on exploiting them while food has been scarce and very expensive to acquire from the nearby provinces the food from the state granaries has been sold out by those greedy lords." He'd said to him and playing with his emotions Eunuch Deng walked up to him with a small silver tray that had some liquor and placed it before him with some chicken soup.

            "Your Majesty, please have something to eat." He mentioned.

             "The Palace uses expensive Jade, silver and gold, there's people beyond it's magnificent gilded walls that don't even have what to eat." He replied.

             "Are you perhaps troubled by what The Grand Chancellor mentioned?" He asked.

              "He has done what other officials failed to do and he has given me so much guidance that I have sought from nowhere around me, it's been nearly six years I ascended the throne but none of them have I traversed beyond these walls it may seem to my people that their father has forgotten them." Emperor Ningzong replied.

              "I understand how Your Majesty must be feeling." Eunuch Deng said.

              "That's why I thought it right to travel South before the Hundred Days Banquet is held in the palace." Emperor Ningzong muttered when at that time Beiyuan walking in he moved up to his presence.

              "Your Majesty, Yang Wanyi is requesting to have an audience with you." He announced.

              "Let her in." Emperor Ningzong replied and at that moment the latter withdrawing, Yang Wanyi appeared before the Emperor and bowed her head.

              "Greetings Your Majesty." She said.

              "You wish to see me?" He asked

              "I have a favour to ask Your Majesty." She replied gracefully.

              "What is it?" Emperor Ningzong asked.

              "I can't help it Your Majesty I have been having a strange dream the past couple of nights and I was standing in front of an old altar, now that I am pregnant and I recalled how I lost the first Imperial child I was rather uneasy." She replied.

              "Is it so?" He asked.

              "I heard that there's a Temple in the South that is dedicated to the silver Buddha and when they pray to him in barrenness he grants fertility the mothers look to him for good health and he provides while the expectant ask for safe delivery and he grants it to them." She replied.

              "Do you happen to know where this Temple is?" Emperor Ningzong asked.

              "Unfortunately no Your Majesty." Yang Jieyu replied when Eunuch Deng turned to the Emperor.  

              "Your Majesty, I happen to have heard about a similar tale." He muttered.

              "Really?" Emperor Ningzong asked.

              "Yes." He replied, "as far as I recall the famous temple is located down South in Tanzhou." He added.

             "Tanzhou?" Beiyuan inquired.

             "Yes." Eunuch Deng replied.

             "Isn't that in Jinghu South?" He asked.

             "Jinghu South?" Emperor Ningzong inquired.

             "Yes." Beiyuan confirmed.

             "I see." Emperor Ningzong replied.

             "Isn't that the same place that The Grand Chancellor Zhao Zizhi talked about?" Eunuch Deng asked.

             "It must have been." Emperor Ningzong replied.

             "What is it Your Majesty?" Yang Wanyi asked.

             "I was supposed to travel down South to Jinghu in a short while from now and I had asked Zhao Zizhi to make all the necessary preparations." Emperor Ningzong replied.

             "If I may be brazen Your Majesty, I kindly ask that I may be granted the permission to accompany you." She muttered.

            "That isn't so bad an idea Your Majesty." Eunuch Deng replied.

              "I am rather worried for your health and travelling might make you quite tired." Emperor Ningzong said.

              "I am perfectly fine Your Majesty, I promise I won't be much trouble for you." Yang Wanyi said.

              "If you insist." The Emperor replied, "I shall make sure that there are adjustments to accommodate you on your journey as well." He assured her.

              "Thank you Your Majesty." Yang Wanyi replied as she bowed her head.

              Stepping out if the building she looked back up and smiled at herself.

              Cao Zhaoyi in her Chambers she was looking through a couple of papers.

             "Is this all the information on the new scholars and young Government officials?" She asked Linxiang.

             "Those are some of the most remarkable families Ma'am and I have looked through their daughters and compared what has been talked about them along with what is known." He replied.

             "None of them are pleasant." Cao Zhaoyi said as she put the papers down.

             "Is there anything that I have left out Ma'am?" Linxiang inquired.

             "I want you to look among the families of the Cao Clan." She replied.

             "What?" Linxiang asked.

             "It's not easy to gauge people and someone like Han Touzhou might seem to come around I can not trust him he'd probably be waiting for an opportunity to turn on us and detach himself from us in the future it is therefore necessary that we suffocate any such possibility." Cao Zhaoyi replied.

             "You wish for the Cao Clan to become Imperial relatives and Han Touzhou's in laws?" Linxiang demanded.

             "What better way of doing it than this and what's better is that I shall have consolidated the support of the Cao family." She replied as she smiled at herself ghastly.

             "You are really brilliant Ma'am." She remarked.

             "We have but one chance to survive in the Imperial Court and that is by sticking to it." She muttered.

             "Yes Ma'am." Linxiang replied.

              "What?" Han Touzhou said, "three days time?" He asked.

              "Yes." Lin Xue replied, "it means that His Majesty shall have to set out the day after tomorrow." He muttered.

             "But there's something strange Your Excellency that has happened abruptly." He said.

             "What is it?" Han Touzhou asked.

             "Yang Wanyi will be coming along with him." He replied.

             "How come?" Han Touzhou asked.

             "I didn't get the facts Your Excellency." Lin Xue replied.

             "Now I am convinced that something is definitely wrong." Han Touzhou muttered.

             "Really Your Excellency?" Lin Xue inquired.

             "Zhao Zizhi brought it up in the Court most likely knowing that His Majesty would agree and Yang Wanyi being present then surely, it must have been intended and no coincidence." Han Touzhou replied.

            "I see." Lin Xue replied, "I'll try to get to the bottom of everything." He muttered.

            The Imperial Princess Qi'an seated in her own Chambers Lanhui walked in before her and bowed her head.

             "Your Highness?" She said.

             "Anything yet?" The Princess asked.

             "Her Highness the Empress Mother had established a series of connections while she was still the Empress of this country and there are a couple of Seigniours and Officials that are far from the capital that we could make good use of." She replied as she handed a list over to the young woman who took it in her hands and she looked through it.

            "Are you satisfied Your Highness?" Lanhui asked.

             "I am not." She replied, "given the powerful enemies that surround us with these alone we couldn't possibly stand a chance or resist outrightly." She replied.

             "But this is all that we have." Lanhui said.

             "The government and administration in this nation is going to shift, because of this I have come to worry entirely however it is something that we could also use as well." The Princess mentioned.

            "How come?" Lanhui asked.

            "The current regime of officials is ancient having served in the regimes of both the Xiaozong and Guangzong Emperors they are close to retiring Han Touzhou and a couple of other interested parties are already fishing from the scholars that have just graduated and passed the official examinations." The Princess Qi'an replied.

             "Your Highness is suggesting that we do the same?" She asked.

             "There's no reason that we shouldn't it's best that we cease this opportunity to win over a couple of others." She replied, "them and only then can we become powerful enough to contend with Han Touzhou and the rest as well as safeguard the position of the Crown Prince." She said as she smiled at herself ghastly.

             "Yes Your Highness." Lanhui replied.

             Yang Wanyi arriving inside her Chambers in the dead of night she sat down before Xiaoyang and Manyin while they smiled at her.

             "Congratulations Ma'am, everything seems to be going our way." Manyin said.

             "I can't believe it as well." Xiaoyang added.

             "It's a bit too early to tell and I trust that our enemies are going to be suspicious." Yang Wanyi mentioned.

              "Even if they did so Ma'am, what more could they possibly do?" Manyin asked.

              "Yes Ma'am, what could they do?" Xiaoyang asked.

              "It doesn't matter." Yang Wanyi replied, "with time they shall come to see." She replied as she slowly caressed her abdomen gently while the two watched her.

             Cao Zhaoyi in her residence she was walking through the Imperial gardens when all of a sudden she caught sight of the young Emperor standing and gazing at the moon.

             From a distance she admired him and smiled while she got close and himself feeling that she was approaching he turned around and he looked at her.

             "Your Majesty." She said as she bowed her head to him.

             "No need, I haven't seen you in a while." He replied as he held her hand while she smiled at him.

             "Is there something on your mind that Your Majesty wishes to tell me about?" He asked as they slowly treaded through the darkness hand in hand.

             "I shall be gone from the palace for a while and I shall take with me Yang Wanyi." He replied while the latter hearing this she felt crushed but nonetheless persisted to try and keep her calm.

             "How come?" She asked.

             "There's been a famine in Jinghu South and the Grand Chancellor Zhao Zizhi reminded me that ever since I ascended the throne, I haven't been beyond the walls of this Palace he is hoping that my presence could help comfort the people and show them that their Emperor still cares for them." He replied.

             "He is right." Cao Zhaoyi muttered.

             "But now when I think of it the Palace is a very big household that needs to be managed and looked after properly and amongst all the Imperial Consorts and Concubines you are the highest and therefore the only one that I can trust." Emperor Ningzong said.

             "I'm sorry Your Majesty, I don't understand what you are saying." She muttered.

              "In the time that I am away I shall leave Beiyuan with you and the whole Palace I put in your care along with my harem hoping that you shall look after it well enough." Emperor Ningzong replied.

             "But I am unworthy Your Majesty." Cao Zhaoyi muttered.

             "Your rank is sufficient, you are smart and dignified, you once were a Court Lady so you understand all the rules governing etiquette and conduct." He replied.

             "You flatter me Your Majesty." She mentioned.

             "That is because you are deserving." Emperor Ningzong replied as he ceased her hand and looked her in the eyes while she blushed a bit.

             "I thank Your Majesty for your grace and I certain won't disappoint you." She said as she bowed her head to him while she smiled at her reassuringly.

              Cao Zhaoyi returning to her residence she sat down while Linxiang followed her.

              "Ma'am shall look after the harem, congratulations." She said.

             "That isn't much of an achievement she replied.

             "Ma'am, His Majesty has given you a chance to prove yourself your prowess." Linxiang mentioned.

            "How sure can I be that it wasn't the doing of Yang Wanyi?" She asked and Linxiang went silent while the latter sighed.

            "I just thought that growing up I would understand, sadly a number of things transpire in her mind none of which I seem to be knowledgeable about it's strange that she's leaving the Palace with His Majesty and likely that she hoped I'd be excited with the offer of running the harem in His Majesty's absentia." She mentioned.

            When they set out soon enough Ma'am, I'll have someone keep a close eye on everything that shall happen." Linxiang said.

            "Do just that." Cao Zhaoyi ordered.

            "Yes." The young woman replied as she withdrew from the room.

             By the time the second day approached, all the ladies of the harem had gathered in the Inner Palace and the Emperor Ningzong with Yang Wanyi walking at a distance they walked up towards Cao Zhaoyi who stood in front of them.

             "Your Majesty, Ma'am?" She said as she bowed her head to the two.

             "At ease." Emperor Ningzong replied and she immediately complied.

             "You seem rather saddened Ma'am?" Yang Wanyi pointed out.

             "Pardon me, the Empress shall feel a bit lonely without you and not go mention the Imperial Princess Yuping along with the Princess Xun and Jun shall miss you." She replied.

             "But we won't go long and His Majesty deems you fit as much as I trust you surely we can't be more than confident that they are in the right hands. Yang Wanyi mentioned.

              "That much said I won't detain you any longer I shall pray that you have journey mercies." She said.

             "Surely, we'll keep that in mind." Yang Jieyu said as she smiled at her.

             "Farewell." She gracefully said as they marched out of the gates while Cao Zhaoyi watched hatefully.

            The Emperor stepping outside the Courtiers lining either side of the walkway that led to his carriage bowed their heads while Eunuch Deng and another colleague supported his hands while they led him inside the small vehicle.

             Yang Wanyi through the Eastern gate she got into a smaller carriage that had been prepared for her and Xiaoyang and Manyin getting on as well, the Imperial procession set out from the palace being accompanied by so much music.

              They paraded the streets while some of the high ranking Courtiers accompanied them, the people in the capital gathered to behold the Emperor's presence and where his carriage passed they bowed their heads.

               Master Bao and Bo An standing on top of the balcony of the Lanling Court's pavilion watched as Yang Wanyi's smaller carriage passed and while the people marvelled at the prestigious procession they seemed pleased as well.

              "Uncle, do you know why Ma'am insisted on leaving the Palace?" He asked.

              "No." The old man replied.

              "Could it be that you don't even have a clue?" He inquired.

              "I wish I knew just as much there's something that I seem to have realised with time." He mentioned.

              "And what could that be?" Bo An asked.

              "She possesses the poise of the Empress Wu Hao." He replied.

              "The female Dasheng?" The young man asked.

              "She started as the dancer that won the heart of the Taizong Emperor, she eventually became the most powerful woman who ruled the world." He replied while the latter surprised by the old man's description he didn't seem to take it lightly he had his eyes once again fixed on the small carriage that was being drawn from their sight.

            The carriages travelling they arrived at Jinghu South and quietly as they rode across the district's border, Yang Wanyi stared at it through the windows while the Emperor Ningzong moving ahead he did the same.

            "How come it looks awfully deserted?" He asked.

            "I don't know Your Majesty." Eunuch Deng said when Lan He riding ahead he halted right in front of a couple of four officials who were headed by the Magistrate in a purple robe who bowed his head to the young man.

            "Greetings." He said.

            "Why did we stop?" Emperor Ningzong asked.

            "I don't know." Eunuch Deng replied and looking through the window he saw at a distance a couple of people dressed as officials and not so far from them were locals that were struggling to fight off the town police.

             "What's with the commotion?" Manyin asked.

             "Who else could it be?" Yang Wanyi replied.

             "I'll get out from here." The Emperor said.

             "But Your Majesty......" Eunuch Deng speaking up in protest he halted him.

             "You shall hear me out." He mentioned.

             "Yes." Eunuch Deng replied as he got out first and a couple of other Eunuchs bringing over to him a small footstool, they placed it beside the carriage and the Emperor walked out gracefully.

              He travelled ahead of the others and moved to the forefront of the procession while Yang Wanyi noticing she stepped out from her carriage as well.

              She first looked around at the discontented people and quickly, she made her way up to the side of the Emperor who happened to be analysing the place that seemed lifeless and forgotten, the trees were so thin that they had entirely dried up and the buildings and houses were in ruins while carcasses of animals were rotting.

             The Emperor Ningzong moving forward he heard something that was cracking under his shoes and Yang Wanyi moving closer to him, he seemed hesitant to pull up his leg to see what it was.

             "Your Majesty?" She said to him while he slowly raised his foot and his eyes landed on the small remains of what appeared to be a dead mouse.

              The Courtiers themselves were speechless and Yang Wanyi understood much better than anyone else that he was infuriated.

              "Your Majesty?" The Magistrate said to him.

              "Let them go." Emperor Ningzong ordered and the Magistrate police immediately ceased while the people rushed over to the Emperor and they fell onto their knees.

              "Please save us Your Majesty, redeem us of our taxes." One man said.

             "We haven't had anything to eat and even lack money we couldn't possibly meet the demands of the State treasury." Another added.

              "Your Majesty, please save us." They said in unison.

              "How much taxes have you levied on these people?" He asked.

              "Your Majesty..." He seemed hesitant.

              "I said how much?" He asked on top of his voice.

              "Three taels of gold." The Magistrate replied.

              "There are men and women with hardly anything to eat, they can't even meet their bare existence in a land where even the mice starve to death, with hardly a petition to the capital to reduce the taxes, your storehouses and granaries once overflew with food now you tell me that they are empty and coincidentally I learnt that it was all sold." Emperor Ningzong muttered as he turned and looked at the old man.

             "Your Majesty, please forgive me." The man said.

             "Anyone in their right sense would have at least stopped to help the people but you oppress them are you not barbaric, you levy a tax that high in my name you take the son of heaven for granted?" He asked as the old man fell onto his knees and the officials behind him trembled in fear.

             "These men you called capable, these men you advised me to give power, but if an official can no longer serve the state and mistreats the Emperor's children, what should the father of the Nation do to punish these sinners and console his sons and daughters?" He asked.

              "Punish them Your Majesty." Yang Wanyi replied before any of the Courtiers could intervene, "they have misused their offices and authority and indirectly they have butchered the nation's talents both men and women along with their children." She added.

             "Your Majesty, please reconsider." The officials pleaded.

             "If we keep such men in Imperial service Your Majesty how will your people cherish you, if we preserve their decayed hearts the world will say we conspired with traitors and embraced what was evil." Yang Wanyi replied, "Your Majesty is the father of the Nation the people look to you, Zhao Kuangyin, the Emperors Renzong and Gaozong, Xiaozong and those great that preceeded then unified this country so that their people would have shelter and what to eat and that their cry would be theirs as well as their joy, they'd protect them from eternal sorrow and give them everlasting affection, that is the way of the Ruler's heart Your Majesty, and these that have suffered are all your people." She said while the people at a distance having heard her raised voice were touched the officials in opposition speechless.

             "With effect Immediately you shall be stripped of your titles and nobility, never shall you come before me or the Imperial Court, you shall be exiled and sent to the sea and should you set foot on this land we call ours I promise I shall make your sons and daughters slaves to the Jurchens and I shall raise your corpses on the walls of the capital." Emperor Ningzong said.

             "Thank you Your Majesty." The people shouted in unison.

             "From this day on for a year you shall be freed from your taxes and you shall be given food from the capital for free, we hope to make you live comfortably as the people of the Great Song once again." He said when the people bursting into so much excitement they rejoiced amongst themselves.

            Yang Jieyu looking at the Emperor she smiled from a distance while the Courtiers looking at her were very much displeased which Yang Cishan seemed to notice.

             "Yang Wanyi has His Majesty in his hands and it's evident given the fact that he has listened to her." Officer Jiang said.

              "It couldn't be a good sign for us." He muttered.

              "I believe so too." Officer Jiang murmured.

              "Your Majesty did the right thing." Yang Wanyi said as they settled at the Magistrate's office while the Emperor was distressed.

               "I am thankful that the Grand Chancellor raised this issue, the place hasn't received any rain in a while and I never knew that my people were distraught, how is it that I would have faced me ancestors in the Netherworld, with all this corruption is this the kind of Empire I inherited?" He asked.

              "I understand how Your Majesty is feeling, but you did what any good Ruler would do today, you cherished Your people Sire and they cherished you." She said.

               "I wish heaven would be merciful." He said as he seemed to lose himself in his thoughts.

               "Your Majesty, I came here to see the temple, I heard that the people pray at noon, however with your permission Sire allow me to join them." She said.

               "In your condition?" He asked.

               "Your Majesty has comforted the people, yet it seems the Empress who is the mother of the nation is outside the picture, surely they must be pointing fingers and wondering who I am, allow me to extend my help to Your Majesty and ease your people's ailing hearts." She said.

             "Could I say no?" He asked.

             "Thank you Your Majesty." Yang Wanyi replied.

             "I shall inform Eunuch Deng to make all the necessary preparations, I shall be present as well." He said.

            "I couldn't be more thankful Your Majesty." Yang Wanyi said as she bowed her head to him.

            "You called for me Ma'am?" She said.

            "Is there no news from Jinghu South?" She inquired.

            "The journey is rather long Ma'am, a horseman and a carrier pigeon alike shall surely take so much time to get back at us." Linxiang replied.

            "Knowing that that bitch is out of the Palace with His Majesty the Emperor makes my heart very uneasy and I don't think therefore that it is something that I can bear, only heaven knows what she can and can not do but it's only days to the Hundred Days Banquet." She said.

              "Don't worry Ma'am, I trust that it won't take long." Linxiang assured her.

              "Make necessary preparations." She said.

              "What is it?" Linxiang inquired.

              "I need to meet Cao Deshi." She said.

              "The Crown Prince's future father-in-law?" Linxiang inquired.

              "Yes." Cao Zhaoyi replied.

             "What, praying with the people to summon the rain, what does she think she is doing?" Han Touzhou asked.

            "She must be very foolish in deed." Officer Jiang replied.

             "Its been a year with hardly any drop of rain, the land is humid and dry, hardly fertile these men that are angry can tolerate anything apart from falsehood, she hopes that on such a day with very clear blue skies, she'll cause it to rain?" Han Touzhou said quite surprised.

              "She should be worried." Officer Jiang replied, "if it doesn't happen then it shall reflect badly on the Monarchy." Han Touzhou muttered.

              "Surely." Officer Jiang agreed.

              Yang Wanyi was dressed in remarkable white and golden clothes and while being accompanied by a group of Buddhist priests, she marched up to the altar barefoot with her hair undone while the rest of the people present followed after her.

               There she knelt down and humbled herself with her hands together where she closed her eyes and raised her face to heaven.

               "I am night and I am day, I am the sun that shines and the stars of dark, fallen I will rise this day, exalt me oh heavens above all men and women, hear my sacred whisper and let it roar throughout the land." She prayed herself inwardly she stretched out her hands to the sky.

               For a moment there was a strong wind that stirred into the region and had most of the people murmuring, Han Touzhou and the other Officials nearby watched as the clouds seemed to gather at a strangely fast speed before long lightning streaked across the sky and a very loud thunder manifested the wrath of heaven.

              "Impossible?" Some of the Courtiers whispered to themselves while Emperor Ningzong standing in a pavilion at a distance and seeing everything could hardly believe his eyes at all.

               "Your Majesty?" Eunuch Deng said frightened as well and it was at that moment that the first drops descended and touched the dry soil, the people in the region stared their eyes and looked at the sky which was brightening with lightning and shaking with thunder they immediately stood up and started rejoicing when the downpour increased while Yang Wanyi opening his eyes she felt it all over her face that she smiled as Manyin and Xiaoyang rushed over to her side and they covered her immediately.

              The people crowding all over the place moved aside and paved a path for her while she treaded in her bare feet as they followed, she seemed to be wearing an ultimately newer glow that was unseen and the Emperor at a distance could hardly believe how beautiful and motherly she looked, her smile and warmth around the people and their pecks and hugs of her.

            "Even the heavens could hear her prayer." Eunuch Deng muttered.

            "She must truly be godsent, an angel, a goddess." Lan He said while the Emperor Ningzong watching his people smile with her for a moment had his heart set at ease.

          The thunder roaring loud enough in the capital Cao Zhaoyi was seated in her Chambers silently as Linxiang walked in.

              "Ma'am." She said.

              "How is it?" She asked.

              "Cao Deshi is in his residence." She replied.

              "Let's go." She demanded.

              "Ma'am, there's way too many eyes watching us." Linxiang said.

              "So what?" The young woman asked.

              "Ma'am?" She protested.

              "This moment is precious." The latter replied as she stood up from where she was seated and covering herself, she strode out of the room.

              Secretly sneaking out of the Palace unknowingly, she was being followed as she moved into the streets all the way up to one of the Cao Manors.

              "Reaching the doorway, she knocked while it was opened.

              "Who are you?" The guard asked.

              "We are from the Palace and we are here to see His Excellency." Linxiang said.

              "Let me first inquire from Milord." He said as he returned inside and the two impatiently waiting for a while, the guard returned and opened for them to go in which they did.

              Cao Deshi seated in his small study, the doors were slid open and she walked in and halted in front of him.

              "You wished to see me Ma'am?" He asked.

              "Yes." She replied as she got closer and removing the cloth that was covering her head, he seemed to recognize her immediately.

              "Cao Zhaoyi?" He muttered.

              "Yes." She confirmed as she moved up to the seat in front of him and sat down.

              "What is this about?" Cao Deshi asked.

              "You must have heard rumours, I am trying to find a prospective bride for His Highness the Crown Prince." Cao Zhaoyi replied.

             "Is His Majesty aware?" The latter asked.

             "I plan on informing him once he has returned to the palace." She replied.

             "I see Ma'am, "he pointed out, "but what has that got to do with me in particular?" He asked.

             "I wish to make you part of the Dynasty." Cao Zhaoyi replied in a straightforward manner.

            "Me, part of the family?" He asked.

            "Yes." She replied.

            "But Ma'am........?" He tried voicing out his objection when she interfered.

            "It couldn't be that you're not qualified, there's no need for you to underestimate yourself, by nature it is only right that you are drawn to wonder, but you are from a powerful military family that is well known and on top of that your father served as a high ranking official in the previous two regimes, if there's another that I deem fit for the duty of becoming an Imperial in law in regards to talent and etiquette, brilliance and loyalty then none of them surpass you." She assured.

             "I am flattered Ma'am, but isn't it up to the Empress Dowager to arrange for the marriages of members of the Imperial family?" He asked.

            "The Empress Dowager of the Xie Clan is a politically and socially detached figure both in and outside the palace that she prefers to live alone in silence, I am the highest present Concubine in the harem the Crown Prince is therefore entrusted to my care and the rest of the Crown Prince's supporters have turned their eyes to me, what I am offering you is a rare opportunity that is itself the biggest blessing any official could receive I therefore urge that you heed my advice and allow us to betrothe your eldest daughter Cao Xian to His Highness the Crown Prince." Cao Zhaoyi replied and the man for a moment falling silent he seemed hesitant.

             "Ma'am, won't the other officials rise up against me and condemn me for being over ambitious?" He asked.

             "You are a very young literary talent that has exhibited Excellence in the recent Examinations and seeing that your nine year old daughter was rumoured to have been a prodigy as well you are the very people that we value the most Han Touzhou along with myself can guarantee not only your safety but also the safety of all members of your family." She said.

             He still seemed unsure before her eyes.

             "Ma'am?" He muttered.

             "If it sounds unfeasible you can think of it on these terms, how would it feel to have the blessing of the Empress coming from our Cao Clan and in particular your family as well?" She asked him with a sincere smile on her face.

            "Pardon me Ma'am, can you give me some time to think about it?" He asked.

            "You have not more than three days." Cao Zhaoyi replied, "I hope that for your own good you don't abandon this opportunity or disappoint us who are willing to look after you." She added as she stood up from where she was seated and she walked out of the room at once.