53 _ Jianhuo Huang.

On hearing the approaching footsteps , he pivoted from his throne , cushioned by velvet and silk. Emerging into view was an elderly man wearing a long robe of dark hues and subtle designs. His white hair were now in tufts around his almost bald head , the deep wrinkles around his eyes suggesting an advanced age. The serenity of his appearance was disrupted by the ancient written all over his face and the urgency in his eyes.

"Emperor Huang" The advisor began in a time both gentle and firm. "The Young Lady Mizuki Yang is missing. Although her family has made efforts to conceal this from us."

Silence reigned for a few moments before a deep voice cut through the air , echoing across the chambers. "Advisor Hochi, what are your thoughts on this?"

The Advisor knowing the deceptive cleverness of his master , bowed his graying head before offering a response brief answer. It was Jianhuo Huang , the progenitor of the Huang Dynasty. He possessed an athletic build and presently occupied the throne which was adorned with countless precious stones. His hair fell shoulder lenght and he had a look of nonchalance in his deceptive eyes?

"Young Lord, I have dispatched soldiers to go in search of the Lady Mizuki and find her Where abouts."

"Is that all?"

"Do not worry My Lordship , We shall find her and return her to you."

"Never mind. See to it all the necessary arrangements are made." Jianhuo instructed as he arose from his throne.

The Advisor bowed dutifully in acknowledgement before scurrying off to perform his duties. Once he had left , Jianhuo furrowed his brows In worry while he grappled with the weight of the situation. A cloud weighed over him as he was stricken with thousands of thoughts.

The abrupt disappearance of Mizuki Yang on the day if their wedding was highly suspect. And although the old advisor did not say it out plainly, he was aware that his master knew of it. With a scheme evidently in motion , Jianhuo recognizes the necessity to protect himself and his Kingdom from any vulnerability. The Hidden Forest teeming with Tyrants and fugitives from the Kanerria would not hesitate to

capitalize on the situation. How ever , he drew succor from the fact that Faithful Old man Hochi delegated to lead the search. Although he was an outsider , a slave captured during a raid , he had attained a high level of respect and regard in the Imperial palace as his competence and effectiveness were quite admirable.

Only one person could offer him advice in such a dire situation and Jianhuo absolutely hated asking anything from him. Ordering for his Royal Carriage, The Emperor depart from the Imperial palace and upon his arrival to a new surrounding , He was saluted by four beautiful women in the courtyard. Each were garbed in long , flowing gowns of a distinct pastel color - red , sky blue , ocean blue and black. The lower halves of their faces were sufficiently veiled with the corresponding colors and their collective presence meant she had been waiting for his arrival and wanted to speak to him.

As he stepped down , the most beautiful one among them stepped forward and spoke in her sweet and genteel voice. "Emperor Jianhuo, My mistress requests an audience with you."

"Of course" Jianhuo said without any hesitation, his tone crisp.

"Please Do follow me My Lord."

In perfect unity , the one in red and sit blue led the way , closely followed by the last two girls , making a simple harmonized procession. They made their way to a garden blocked by a moon gate, flanked by ancient Dragon statues, shaded by a magnificent display of peach, plum and cherry blossoms. Despite the garden's tawdry display , Jianhuo seldom ventured into it. But he was taken unawares when the maid servants weaved through the gardens , past the pagoda styled lanterns and finally stopped underneath a large shade of cherry blossoms.

A splendid water garden came into view As lotuses were floating effortlessly on surface of the pond and nearby was a secluded pavilion at the edge of the garden. Seated in the pavilion was a majestic woman adorned in violet embellished with rows of jewels.At the sight of Jianhuo she set down her porcelain cup onto its saucer and smiles.

"Mistress, Emperor Jianhuo is here." The lady in ocean blue gown announced as they all bowed and left after receiving no sign of acknowledgement. The woman did not offer Jianhuo a seat but stared a the clear blue waters of the pond.

Jianhuo decided to make the first move.

"Good day..." He hesitated but spoke on. "Mother."

Silence.

Jianhuo took a place beside his mother , Chun Wei who continued her quiet watch of the water with her beautifully crafted folding fan and smiled at the ripples of the stop waters when a lotus passed by.

"I need your help Mother."

"After three years, that is all you have to say to me, to your own mother , Jianhuo?" gritted as she sobbed . "After banishing me from the only home I knew , abandoning me for three years , It is now you need my help?" She cried as she folded up her fan. "Was it my curse to bear a child that would not care for me in my frail and feeble age?"

Jianhuo sighed. "That is not going to work on me mother , never has and never will. You did not consider me your son when you conspired to oust me from the throne , so why change now." He grinned complacently at Chun Wei . "Moreover this life suits you , simple and easy away from the plots of the court and you and I both know you are far from feeble."

Dabbed at her eyes wiping away her fake tears and continued fanning herself. "Oh Jianhuo. You always were the death of me. And trying to oust you was just a stage of grief I was going through after your Father." She spoke and Her son nodded it being a case of agree to disagree.

"I have been informed" Chun Wei continued her gaze unwavering from her son. "That you were to wed the Su Yang's daughter and she has now disappeared."

"Your sources are indeed quick. I have just only learnt about it some hours ago."

"And now you need my advice?" She nodded in thought. "You have not met the girl in question , have you?"

"No."

"Do you have any real intention of finding her?"

"Without Mizuki Yang I will not have access to the resources that her father possesses. Even in her disappearance she would be more useful to me alive rather than dead." Jianhuo replied.

"There is no need to worry yourself Jianhuo." The Dowager Empress miled. "It is not unheard of, betroths fleeing on the appointed day. Soon she will eventually return from her misguided ways. Right now you are in the right and she is in the wrong. Just keep a close eye on the Yang Clan and until you have to intervene do not."

The Emperor considered her words in eerie quietude before he arose and bowed low before the Dowager Empress as he made his departure.

"And what is it that you want in return Mother?"

"Consider it a gesture of my motherly affections." Chun Wei suggested as she sipped her tea and Jianhuo left still unsatisfied as he got into his Carriage and made his way back to the Kanerria Dynasty.

"It appears like I have to take matters into my own hands and find Mizuki Yang myself."