The Weight of Choices

 Chapter 24: The Weight of Choices

"Long live your majesty," Consort Ai bowed gracefully as she entered the emperor's private chamber. 

"Ai," the emperor stood up and moved closer to her, his expression softening. "Why are you here to see me?"

"Your majesty, I came here to greet you personally for your birthday. I received the letter stating that only the ministers and your children were invited," Consort Ai replied, her voice warm and sincere.

"Thank you," the emperor said, gesturing for her to sit beside him. 

"Your majesty, it has been a while since you visited me," Consort Ai remarked, a hint of longing in her tone.

"Ai, I'm sorry. I have been busy with court matters. I promise to visit you tomorrow night; I have a lot of work tonight and—" Before he could finish, Consort Han entered the room.

"Your majesty," she bowed deeply, her demeanor suddenly shifting as she took out a handkerchief and pretended to cry. 

"Your majesty," Consort Han said, her voice trembling as she dabbed at her eyes. "I heard that you were celebrating your birthday without me. It pains my heart to think that I am not worthy of your attention on such a special day."

Consort Ai exchanged a glance with Consort Han, her expression a mixture of sympathy and irritation. "Consort Han, it is not that the emperor does not wish to see you. He has been quite busy with matters of state," she interjected gently.

The emperor quickly stood up and approached Consort Han. "Stop crying," he said, but she continued to feign her tears. 

"What did you want?" the emperor asked, his patience wearing thin.

"I want you to spend the night with me," Consort Han replied, her voice laced with desperation.

"Okay," the emperor replied, his decision made. He turned away from Consort Ai, leaving her feeling embarrassed and rejected. 

Consort Ai stood up from her seat and bowed gently again. "Your majesty, I am going back," she said, her heart heavy.

"Okay," the emperor replied absentmindedly. As she walked away, she exchanged a glance with Consort Han—a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken rivalry that simmered between them.

As Consort Ai left, she felt the weight of the emperor's choice pressing down on her. Once she reached her chambers, the flickering candlelight cast shadows on the walls, mirroring the turmoil within her heart. She sank onto a plush cushion, allowing a bittersweet smile to grace her lips as she recalled the warmth of the emperor's presence.

In the emperor's chamber, the flickering candlelight danced erratically as a gentle breeze swept through the room, momentarily extinguishing the flame. Consort Han nestled closer to the emperor, reveling in the warmth of his presence. The soft glow of the candles cast a warm hue over their entwined forms, highlighting the intimacy of the moment.

Meanwhile, in the general mansion, Princess Hua paced anxiously in her room. Chen Xui had left to sleep in her room, and she felt a wave of fear wash over her, especially as memories of Wang Mei's cold behavior haunted her. She longed for the comfort of familiar companionship, but it felt distant now.

Suddenly, she spotted a shadow moving in the doorway, and panic surged through her. She quickly hid in the closet, her heart racing. 

"Princess," Wang Wei called as he entered, his keen eyes immediately noticing her hiding place. 

As she heard his voice, she emerged from the closet, relief flooding her. "Princess, do you think no one could see you in that closet? Even an ordinary person who isn't an assassin would notice," Wang Wei said, shaking his head as he approached the bed. 

"I thought you aren't coming." Princess Hua said, but Wang Wei didn't give her a reply.

"I would sleep here," Princess Hua declared, pointing to the floor. She spread a sheet and lay down, determined to keep her distance.

"What if an assassin comes..." Wang Wei began, but before he could finish, Princess Hua ran and jumped onto the bed, hiding behind him.

Wang Wei smiled softly at her antics. She leaned closer, seeking comfort. "Princess, do you think a crippled man could save you?" he teased, but she remained tightly pressed against him, seeking solace.

He watched her drift off to sleep, a sense of protectiveness washing over him. After a while, he quietly left the room for the brothel, instructing Bao to guard her before heading to the brothel.

In the VIP room upstairs, he found Courtesan Rong, who had been helping him dress his wounds. After tending to him, she settled on the floor, resting her head against his bed. 

In the middle of the night, he awoke and gently touched her face, memories flooding back. He recalled their childhood, how her father, the physician, had been called to treat his mother before her death. He remembered the tragedy of her father's murder and how she had saved him, risking everything for his sake. 

If not for the imperial edict, he would have wanted her to be his wife. She had sacrificed so much for him, gathering information and tending to his injuries. 

With a heavy heart, he lifted her and laid her on the bed.