The black Scorpion

Yuyan nodded in approval. She needed any form of distraction. She stood up and headed into the garden with Mie.

The cool morning air brushed against her skin, spreading a chilling warmth through her skin. Yuyan breathed in deeply, the fresh air clearing her mind after a restless night.

Just as soon as she started walking, she paused mid-step as she remembered something important.

"I haven't visited the Emperor and Empress today," she said, turning to Mei.

Mei nodded briefly. "Would you like me to accompany you to the throne room, Your Highness?"

Yuyan shook her head gently. "No, I'll go alone."

She turned and headed straight for the palace. As she approached the grand hall, two guards standing at attention bowed deeply and opened the towering doors of the throne room, letting her in.

Just ahead of her, the emperor and empress were seated on the throne, her father and mother dressed in splendid imperial garments embroidered with dragons and phoenixes. Yuyan paused at the base of the steps and lowered herself into a deep, formal bow, her hands folded together as she knelt on one knee.

"Your daughter pays her respects, Imperial Father, Imperial Mother."

The Emperor's expression softened, and he motioned for her to rise. "Yuyan, come closer, my daughter."

The Empress smiled warmly, her expression filled with motherly love. "Welcome, my child."

A smaller throne-like seat was placed beside the Empress, Yuyan's personal seat during court visits. She gracefully sat, her back straight, extremely conscious and making sure her movements were elegant.

"How are your training sessions progressing?" the Emperor asked,

"They're going well, Father," Yuyan replied, nodding slightly. "I've been working hard."

The Empress leaned forward slightly "And the book?"

Yuyan hesitated, but quickly replied. "I've read part of it... I was planning to continue tonight."

Her father nodded with a thoughtful gaze, "You might not yet understand the wisdom that lies within its pages. But that is no ordinary book, Yuyan. My father gave it to me, as his father gave it to him. It has been passed down through our bloodline. He once told me... that the book carries hope for our people, for the world."

She looked at him, wanting to ask more questions, but she just nodded instead. "I understand, Father. I'll read it with more care."

There was a moment of awkward quietness that instantly got shattered as the great doors of the throne room bursted open.

A man in dusty robes and his face streaked with sweat rushed in. The guards surged forward to stop him, partially drawing their weapons.

"Let him speak," the Emperor commanded, raising his hand and motioning the guards to stop.

The man immediately dropped to his knees and bowed deeply, performing the formal kowtow, pressing his forehead to the floor. "Your Majesty," he said breathlessly, "I bring urgent news from the marketplace."

The Emperor narrowed his eyes. "Speak."

The man swallowed hard. "People in town have been talking… they've spotted strangers hanging around. Mercenaries—not ours. They're carrying the Black Scorpion's crest."

Silence fell over the room.

Princess Yuyan frowned, glancing between her parents. Who is the Black Scorpion?.

The messenger continued in an urgent tone, "They move like scouts. We believe they are assessing our defenses. This is how he begins, always. First by assessing the scouts, and then war."

The Emperor's face hardened. He turned to his commander. " Rush to the market square, Take a lot of soldiers. Get rid of them and leave one alive to be sent as a messenger. They need to know that we are not a kingdom to be trifled with."

The commander saluted and left at once.

Yuyan watched, confused and concerned about the sudden change in her father's expression. "Father... who is this Black Scorpion?"

The Emperor sighed."They call him the Black Scorpion, but his real name is Hei Xiezhi. He was raised in a brutal world and learned all the wrong things. His father ruled with fear—but Hei Xiezhi is even worse. He doesn't stop at taking kingdoms. He goes after entire empires."

The Empress nodded in agreement, "He owns houses of vice where women are held against their will, most of them were once princesses of kingdoms he has destroyed."

The Emperor continued, "He strips kingdoms of their dignity. He kills their kings, weds their queens, and turns their daughters into servants of his pleasure. He is not a man, Yuyan. He is a plague."

Yuyan's hands tightened in her lap, her heart racing.

The Emperor's voice softened. "You, my daughter, my beloved Yuyan, must stay within the palace walls until I say otherwise. This is not a punishment. It is protection."

"But, Father!" Yuyan protested, rising from her throne. "I can't lock myself away because of some... vile insect with a title. I'm strong enough to defend myself. You trained me to be!"

"I admire your bravery, Yuyan," he said with a bitter smile, "but losing you is a pain I cannot bear."

Yuyan took a step forward. "Then why train me at all? Why ask me to be strong, if the moment danger comes, I am caged like a bird?"

The Emperor stood slowly, his voice rising. "Didn't you learn anything from that story I gave you?!"

The throne room fell deathly silent. The servants froze and quickly lowered their gaxe. Yuyan looked up at her father, tears gathering in her eyes. It had been a long time since he had raised his voice at her.

A maid stepped in quietly. "Your Majesty?"

"Nina," the Emperor said with a heavy voice. "escort the princess to her chambers."

"No," Yuyan said softly, trying to maintain her pride. "I can walk on my own."

She bowed respectfully, turned, and exited slowly without looking back.

The Empress turned to her husband. "Do you not think you were too harsh with her?"

The Emperor closed his eyes for a moment, before speaking in a resigned tone. "You know what Hei Xiezhi is capable of, my love. Our daughter is brave, yes. But bravery must bow to wisdom in times like these."

He then turned to one of the guards. "Tell the young prince he is to stay indoors as well. No exceptions."