"And someone's dead."
A gust of wind blew past as silence took over, even a drop of pin could be heard. Her shoulders trembled violently as she broke down in tears. Elder Wei asked as he placed his hands on her shoulder, careful not to squeeze too much.
"Who's dead?"
Elder Mu shook his head with impatience and worry on his face, "Aiya! Instead of asking questions, we should go there to see things for ourselves." Saying this, he shuffled his feet away in a hurry, not caring if the other elder was right behind him or not. The whole atmosphere was still quiet apart from Zhu Xin's sobs and hiccups.
"Elder Ma is dead...Elder Ma is dead.....Elder Ma is dead...." She whispered out loud, more to herself than the Elder standing dazed. He turned to her with slow movements and asked with a small voice, "Elder Ma?"
Zhu Xin gave to reply. By this time, she had quieted down. Zhu Ling rushed towards them from the other side. As soon as Elder Wei landed his old eyes on him, he nearly smiled.
"Zhu Ling, you've come."
Zhu Ling gave a courtesy bow and spoke without sparing his sister a look, "Elder Wei, your presence is needed in the hall."
Elder Wei heaved a deep sigh and walked away, towards the direction of the big hall.
....
As soon as Wang Lei entered the Palace, one of the Eunuchs by the Emperor's side announced in a loud voice, "The Crown Prince is here."
At once, everyone bowed their heads in respect as he walked past them towards the Emperor with his head high and chin jutted out.
"May His Majesty live long." He greeted as he got on his knees with his hands in front of him in courtesy. The Emperor hummed with a smile and gestured for him to stand up. Wang Lei stood up but his eyes remained fixed on his father, the Emperor. The Emperor slowly stood up, his face radiating with joy and pride as he took in his son. After all, his heir to his throne has returned. He turned to the whole lot of ministers who had gathered in the court and laughed softly before speaking with a croaked voice, "I invite you all for a feast in the Royal Garden tomorrow by noon."
At once, the Minister of Rites stepped forward to kindly object, "Maybe another day, Your Majesty. Tomorrow -"
"Not another word. The feast for the Crown Prince will take place tomorrow." The Emperor insisted with a frown as he looked at the Minister like he was scum underneath his feet. Zhao Yuzhi had always been a problematic Minister with nothing but grey hairs on his head and a missing canine. The Minister just bowed and moved back to his position. Wang Lei just watched everyone, his eagle eyes assessing the room which appeared calm but he could feel the tension and subtle disagreement beneath every look and every sigh. He thought, "Even some of the ministers have been replaced. What else has changed?"
He finally turned to face the small sea of people with a brief smile on his face as he bowed towards them. They, in turn reciprocated the bow. He turned to stare at the Empress who offered a tight smile before speaking, "Wang Lei, it's good to see you're back to the palace. But why have you decided to return now?"
The Emperor turned to her and asked in an icy voice, his fingers gripping the arm of his seat in controlled anger, "What do you mean?"
Before the Empress could say anything to liberate herself, one of the small ministers at the back came forward and asked, "The Crown Prince is back but what about Wang Jin? He's the better condition succeed the throne."
The Emperor narrowed his eyes at the Minister and stood up slowly, "What did you say?"
The Minister continued, "Prince Wang Jin has always been here and I'm sure he's more knowledgeable about the Country more than the Crown Prince. It's only fair that-"
"You dare?!" The Emperor's voice thundered throughout the room and at once, everyone fell to their feet's with their heads to the ground. Wang Lei fell to his feet, "Please calm your anger, Your Majesty."
"Forgive me, Your Majesty." The Minister fell on his feet and continued, "It's just that I'm speaking the mind of most people here."
The other Ministers turned to him like he had lost his mind. The Empress could barely hide her smile as she turned away. Wang Lei slowly got to his feet and smiled like he had heard the most interesting thing in the world.
"Oh? Wang Jin, my younger brother? How lovely." He laughed and walked to the Minister to help him to his feet. The other ministers also rose to their feet.
"Ayy, get up. There's no need for all these. It's just harmless thoughts, am I right?" He asked and the Minister just bowed a little and hurried back to his position. Wang Lei pacified his father, "Father, no need for all these. I just got back and everyone is entitled to their own thoughts."
The Emperor say down and declared slowly with blazing eyes, "I will not hear another word about Wang Jin or anyone else on the throne. The Crown Prince here is my successor."
"Yes, Your Majesty." All the ministers and Censors present chorused .
Meanwhile, Wang Jin, who stood outside the doors and heard everything balled his fist in anger as he bit the inside of his cheek.
"Good. Very good." He said to himself as he nodded.
Inside, the Emperor asked, "I sent Wang Jin to you. Where is he?"
"Wang Jin?" Wang Lei feigned ignorance. At that, Wang Jin walked into the room towards the throne and bowed.
"May Your Majesty live long." He greeted even as the words tasted like ashes on his tongue. The Emperor hummed as usual. Turning to Wang Lei, Wang Jin bowed. Not out of respect but just because tradition demanded it. Wang Lei gave a smug smile and turned to his father, "My brother here might not be a bad choice though."
Wang Jin turned to look at him.