Royal Secrets and Rumours (5)

The gentle rustling of the willow trees filled the air as Empress Jian sat in the pavilion that overlooked the pond, her elegant robes swaying gently in the breeze.

Despite the serene atmosphere, a dark cloud covered her face and the reason for this feeling stood before her with a disgusting smile on his face. 

"Your Majesty," Minister Shen began, bowing deeply. "I hope I find you in good health and spirits."

Empress Jian, seated regally upon her ornate chair, allowed her gaze to rest on him with disdain.

Her hands were clasped delicately in her lap, yet her eyes spoke volumes of her displeasure.

"Minister Shen," she replied, her voice controlled and frosty. "What brings you to my courtyard at this hour?"

Shen straightened, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "I have come to discuss a matter of great importance. As you are well aware, my son, Shen Liang, has demonstrated commendable prowess in his duties. I believe it is time for him to be rewarded with a prestigious military title."

The Empress's fingers tightened around the fabric of her silken robes, her knuckles whitening. "And why should this be a priority?" she asked, irritated.

Shen's smile widened. "Your Majesty, such a promotion would not only enhance my family's influence but also serve to solidify the Emperor's loyalty among his most trusted subjects. It is a move that would be highly beneficial for the stability of the empire."

Jian's eyes narrowed, her scent souring despite her struggle for control. "Minister Shen, I must remind you that titles are not given lightly. Many deserving individuals have not yet received such honours."

Shen's expression remained composed, though his eyes gleamed with menace. "Indeed, Your Majesty, surely you remember our... previous discussions." He took a step forward, posturing slightly as he crowded her against her seat.

The maids who had been standing respectfully on the side tensed. How dare he release his scent in the empress's presence?!

"I trust you would not want certain…matters to become public knowledge. Securing this title for my son would ensure our mutual interests remain protected."

The Empress's lips thinned but she remained seated, unwilling to show him any reaction. "I will consider your request," she said curtly, dismissing him with a wave of her hand.

Shen bowed deeply, his smirk barely concealed as he took a step back. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I trust you will make a decision that reflects your wisdom."

As Shen left the gardens, the Empress's expression shifted from one of cold indifference to simmering rage. She slammed her fist against the armrest, her breath coming in quick, ragged bursts. 

Her jade bracelet shattered, cutting into her delicate wrist. Her maids, who had been silently attending to her, exchanged worried glances.

"Your majesty," Mei-An whispered, kneeling by her side to pick up the bracelet. "Please consider your health."

Empress Jian's chest heaved with suppressed fury. The audacity of Minister Shen to come here, to her private sanctuary, sour the air and make such demands!

She closed her eyes, forcing herself to breathe deeply. Why was she letting such scum get under her skin? She was better than that.

She looked down at her wrist, noticing the small cuts where the bracelet had shattered. The physical pain was nothing compared to the humiliation of being blackmailed in her palace.

"Your Majesty, please," Mei-An pleaded softly, her eyes filled with concern. "We must tend to your wound."

Empress Jian nodded, allowing Mei-An to gently clean and bandage the cut. Mei-Lin, who had been standing silently by, stepped forward, her expression equally troubled as she knelt to pick the jade pieces off the floor.

"The audacity of Minister Shen," Mei-Lin muttered, her eyes filled with indignation. "He dares to threaten Your Majesty with that secret."

Empress Jian's eyes narrowed at the reminder. "His arrogance grows each day. He believes he can manipulate me by using the circumstances of Kai-er's birth against us. But we will not be cowed."

Mei-An, still holding the cloth to the Empress's wrist, spoke softly. "We must find a way to counter his influence without exposing ourselves further. If the truth about Prince Zhixian's birth were to come to light, it would ruin everything we have worked for."

Mei-Lin nodded, her expression grim. "We must outmanoeuvre him, Your Majesty. Minister Shen's request for his son's promotion is a ploy to gain more power. We must find a way to deny him without raising suspicion."

Empress Lian's mind raced. "We need to gather allies. The nobles who resent Shen's growing influence will support us if we present the right opportunity."

Mei-An finished bandaging the Empress's wrist and bowed her head. "What is your command, Your Majesty?"

"Begin by subtly discrediting Shen and his son," Empress Lian instructed. "Spread rumours of Shen Liang's incompetence and arrogance. Highlight his failures and exaggerate his mistakes. We need the court to question his suitability for any higher position."

Mei-Lin's eyes gleamed with determination. "And what of Minister Shen himself? How shall we handle him?"

Empress Lian's lips curled into a cold smile. "We shall let him believe he has the upper hand for now. But we will undermine his plans at every turn. Increase surveillance on him. Find out who his allies are and turn them against him."

"The prince will be returning soon." Mei-An said suddenly.

"We must also protect Kai-er," Empress Jian added quietly. "He must remain unaware of Shen's threats. His focus should be on his duties."

Mei-An placed a reassuring hand on the Empress's knee. "We will do everything in our power to shield him, Your Majesty."

With a final nod, Empress Lian rose, her elegant robes flowing around her. "Prepare for the evening's audience. We have much work to do."

As the maids moved to carry out her orders, the Empress stood by the pond, her gaze hardening. She would protect her son and her standing, no matter the cost.

The secrets of the past haunted her, but they would not be her downfall. Shen had made a grave mistake in underestimating her, and he would soon learn the true extent of her rage.

*****

Shen walked away from the Empress's courtyard with a self-satisfied smile.

The guards and servants around him bowed deeply, acknowledging his high status, their eyes averted respectfully as he passed.

He signalled for his retinue, and a palanquin was brought forward within moments. The strong and disciplined palanquin bearers bowed respectfully as he approached.

As he settled into the cushioned interior, Shen allowed himself a moment of reflection. The Empress was a formidable opponent, but she was no match for his cunning.

The secret he held over her head was his trump card, and he relished the power it gave him. Soon, the prince would return, and Shen's plans would come to fruition. The mere thought of it brought a twisted smile to his lips.

Arriving at the Shen residence, an impressive estate surrounded by gardens and high walls, the bearers set the palanquin down gently.

Shen stepped out, nodding at the guards who bowed deeply at his approach. The large wooden doors opened to reveal a spacious courtyard adorned with lush greenery and well-maintained buildings.

Shen made his way to his welcoming room, a lavish space designed for receiving and entertaining guests. 

The room was adorned with priceless antiques, and the soft glow of lanterns cast a warm light over the polished wooden floors.

He settled into a carved mahogany chair and gestured for wine. This was a cause for celebration. A servant quickly approached with a tray, pouring a cup of rich, fragrant wine before bowing and stepping back.

Shen took a sip, savouring the taste, when his son, Shen Liang, entered the room. Liang, tall and imposing, with a haughty expression that mirrored his father's, bowed slightly before taking a seat across from Shen.

"Father," Shen Liang began, his tone respectful yet eager, "how did your meeting with the Empress go?"

Shen leaned back, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "It went as expected, my son. The Empress is like a cornered tiger, fierce but ultimately powerless. She has no choice but to accede to our demands."

Liang's lips curled into a sneer. "Good. Her weakness will be our strength. Once I have the military title, our influence will grow, and we can start positioning ourselves for greater power."

Shen studied his son, pride mingling with darker emotions. Liang's ambition and ruthlessness mirrored his own. He felt a surge of excitement at the thought of their power growing, envisioning the day when they would control the entire kingdom.

Then Shen Liang's gaze sharpened. "But what if she finds a way to counter us?"

Shen took another sip of wine, his eyes darkening with something more disturbing. "Then we will ensure she cannot. We have allies, and we have ways of making our will known. Besides, the return of the prince presents... other opportunities."

Shen Liang's eyebrows rose slightly, curiosity piqued. "Opportunities?"

Shen's smile widened, a glint of something indecent flickering in his eyes. "Indeed. Prince Zhixian is a valuable piece in this game. His presence will give us leverage, and perhaps... other pleasures."

Liang's expression twisted into one of shared malice. "You're thinking ahead, Father. I admire that."

"Always, my son," Shen said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Always think ahead. We will not only rise in power but also indulge in our desires."

Liang nodded, his eyes alight with understanding. "And what of Prince Zhixian? He remains our most significant threat."

Shen's smile widened. "The Prince is a mere pawn. His ignorance is his downfall. As long as we control the Empress, we control him. But be wary. The palace is filled with spies, and we must tread carefully."

Liang's smile was cruel. "Yes, Father. We will not fail."

Then as though an afterthought, he lifted his cup in a mock toast. "To our future, Father. And to the downfall of those who stand in our way."

Shen raised his cup, his eyes glinting with malice. "To our future, indeed."

The two men drank, their laughter echoing through the halls of the grand residence. 

As they sat in the study, plotting their next move, the air was thick with their mixed scent of power and ambition. Minister Shen and his son were dangerous, driven by a hunger that would stop at nothing to achieve their goals. The capital city outside their doors was blissfully unaware of the storm brewing within the walls of Shen's residence.

In the night, as Shen finished his wine, he allowed himself a moment of pure, unrestrained anticipation. The pieces were falling into place. And soon, very soon, the empire would be theirs to command.

*****

It started with the servants in the palace kitchens.

"Did you hear?" one cook whispered to another as they sliced vegetables. "The young master of the Shen house was seen accepting bribes from foreign dignitaries. They say he's amassing a fortune to overthrow the emperor."

"Nonsense!" the other cook replied, eyes wide. "I heard he's been caught in compromising situations with servants. The Shen family would be ruined if word got out."

As the day progressed, the rumours spread like wildfire through the palace corridors, each version more exaggerated than the last.

The grand hall of the palace was also abuzz with whispers. Courtiers huddled in small groups, exchanging glances and hushed words. Shen Liang's name was on everyone's lips, and the rumours grew more fantastical with each retelling.

"I heard Shen Liang was caught stealing from the royal treasury," one courtier whispered, eyes wide with faux shock.

"That's impossible, how would he even get in?" another countered, leaning in. "I was told he's been plotting with his father to overthrow the emperor himself!"

"Now that I can believe! Shen is clearly a snake!"

"No, no, you've got it all wrong," a fourth interjected, lowering his voice to a whisper. "My sources say he's been consorting with dark magic, trying to summon spirits to aid his ambition."

As the whispers swirled around the hall, Minister Shen stood in the centre, his expression stoic. He caught snippets of the conversations, each rumour more absurd than the last in his ears. 

What nonsense were they saying? Who would dare spread rumours about his beloved heir?

His gaze shifted to the Empress, who sat with a serene expression. Her calm demeanour was very different from the chaos unfolding around them.

Shen knew she was behind this smear campaign, attempting to undermine his influence by tarnishing his son's reputation.

If it weren't for the challenge in her eyes she might have gotten away with it.

He never undertoood why court omegas always forgot their place.

Well, two could play at that game. 

"Your Majesty," Shen called out, his voice cutting through the whispers. The courtiers fell silent, turning their attention to him. "I have a pressing matter that requires the Emperor's attention."

The Emperor, seated on his throne, nodded. "Speak, Minister Shen."

The Empress's calm facade faltered slightly, a flicker of tension tightening her features. She watched Shen with apprehension, unsure of his intentions.

Shen bowed respectfully before straightening. "As we anticipate the return of Prince Zhixian from the battlefield, it is important to consider his future. The prince is no longer a child but a mature alpha. It is only fitting that he should have his children and continue the royal bloodline."

He emphasised the word "alpha," casting a pointed glance at the Empress, who struggled to maintained her composure as her grip tightened on the armrest.

A nobleman stepped forward, nodding in agreement. "Minister Shen speaks wisely. It is indeed time for Prince Zhixian to take a bride and secure the succession." 

The noble was already thinking of his unmarried daughters he could push for suggestions.

Another courtier, less supportive, interjected. "But the prince has yet to return, after six years. Shouldn't he have time to rest and adjust before such decisions are made? Not even his older brothers are married yet."

"The prince's duty to the empire is paramount," Shen responded smoothly. "An alpha of his stature must ensure the continuity of the lineage. It is a matter of great importance."

The Emperor, stroking his beard thoughtfully, glanced at the Empress, then back at Shen. "You make a valid point, Minister Shen. I will consider this matter carefully."

A satisfied murmur spread through the hall, with some courtiers nodding in agreement while others remained uncertain. Whispers began again, but this time it was about Prince Zhixian and his prospects for marriage.

Shen turned his gaze back to the Empress, a smirk playing on his lips. He had made his move, and the ball was now in her court. 

The Empress, though visibly tense, kept her smile in place. Her mind raced with the implications of Shen's suggestion, knowing full well the dangerous game they were playing.

A lot of attention would come upon her Kai-er now that this option has been suggested.

These greedy nobles would try to push their children on him. This meant any slips would be weaponized.

As Shen stepped back, his eyes never leaving hers, he took his place among the courtiers once more. 

The Emperor moved on to other matters of state, and Minister Shen remained in the background, observing. The courtiers continued their hushed conversations, now filled with speculation about Prince Zhixian's future bride.

"Who do you think the Emperor will choose for Prince Zhixian?" one courtier whispered.

"Perhaps a noblewoman from a powerful family," another replied. "It would strengthen alliances."

"The Ming family has some beauties that would be befitting the prince," Official Ming said, puffing out his chest. 

"Of course, you would suggest your daughters immediately, shameless! You do not know what sort of person the prince has become on the battlefield." 

"I hear he doesn't hesitate to kill his men in his fits of rage, what can save your daughter if a fit befalls him?"

Shen watched the Empress from the corner of his eye. She was still tense, her hands gripping the arms of her chair. He relished her discomfort, knowing he had successfully given her a taste of what he could do if she tried this stunt again.

The empress's plan to spread rumours about his son had backfired, and now the spotlight was on her and her precious prince.