To secure the throne, I needed the people's trust just as much as a royal bride.
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———
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Cheng woke up early at dawn, feeling tired from the previous night. His sleep had been disturbed by unsettling dreams lately. As the sun rose, turning the sky pink and gold, a royal guard arrived with a summons for him.
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"The emperor requests your presence," the man said, bowing low.
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Cheng dressed swiftly, straightened his robes, and slowly made his way to the throne room, his mind buzzing with guesses about the royal summons.
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As he entered the audience chamber, he stood before where his father sat.
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"Father, you sent for me?" He asked, falling to his knees and pressing his forehead to the cool floor.
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The emperor waved away the attendant ministers and guards with an impatient gesture.
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"Rise, my son." The emperor's voice held a sharpness it had not in years.
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Cheng approached the throne and knelt on the cushion placed before it.
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"The succession troubles me, my son," the emperor began.
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"While you prove yourself a capable prince, your condition places doubts in some minds and I have been feeling quite anxious and troubled by the situation."
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"With that being said, I have considered alternatives."
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Cheng remained motionless, though tensed. After a long moment, the emperor spoke again.
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"I have had discussions with a few ministers about the lord of Běifēng. The northern province possesses wealth and fighting prowess that would benefit us as allies, having a bride there would greatly secure your position as heir.
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The room was silent as Cheng took in the surprising news—to be bound by political marriage, without love or choice... However, he knew he could not refuse a direct royal command, especially now when support was vital.
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His father noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor and smiled knowingly. "I mean only to strengthen your position, Cheng, not ensnare your spirit. Think well about it, and we'll talk again."
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Cheng's pov:
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I bowed gratefully and left, my mind already swamping with duty and uncertainty. The future felt unclear. I knew that an alliance with the northern province could make both our realms stronger, but I was torn inside.
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While unable to refuse a royal decree, I believed there might be other options if I could find them. For now, I had to follow orders, but inside, my mind was already searching for a solution that would balance duty and heart.
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Back in the privacy of my chambers, I sat on the bed while my mind kept replaying all my father's words. To secure the throne, I needed the people's trust just as much as a royal bride.
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I paused and took a deep breath as the chaos within me slowly built up. Closing my eyes, I focused my qi, carefully guiding it through my body. Gradually, the turmoil began to settle under my control. But for how long? Each surge weakened my grip, and I worried that someday even meditation might not suffice.
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- As Cheng finished his exercise, Yìzé entered with a scroll bearing the royal seal. "A message from the physicians, my lord."
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Cheng broke the wax and scanned the neat brushstrokes. The village ailment stems from malnutrition, not plague as feared. Many fell ill after the winter stores depleted early due to blight and drought. "The physicians recommend distributing our emergency grain supplies, alongside dietary guidance on balancing nutrients..."
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He sighed. So easily preventable, if only the common people received due support instead of empty honorifics. Sustainable solutions were needed - seed banks to withstand future famines, irrigation works to fight drought, incentives for diverse crops less susceptible to blight.
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"Convene an advisory council," he told Yìzé. "I will discuss implementing permanent reforms with the Minister of Agriculture. No citizen should lack for food under our watch again."
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If a life of privilege had taught Cheng anything, it was how quickly fortune's favor could turn. He strived to ensure his people never faced hardship, believing the empire's true strength came from the well-being of its people, not grand shows of power.
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Cheng rolled up the physicians' message, his mind already focused on the next steps. The villagers required aid without delay.
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"Yìzé, dispatch a messenger at once with a travel stipend. Inform the estate manager I have authorized use of the emergency coffers. Send medicinal supplies, extra rations, and physicians to oversee recovery".
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His bodyguard bowed. "It will be done, my lord".
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Not good enough. Cheng rose and began pacing, his mind quickly organizing what was needed. "I will ride out in an hour to coordinate relief efforts personally. Have the stableboys ready Silvertail (his horse) - and prepare carts for extra provisions".
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"But my prince, the roads" - Yìzé began.
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"Are passable" Cheng interrupted. "And the people's needs cannot wait on petty promises. Now go - leave no stone unturned in preparations."
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Yìzé bowed again, deeper this time, and left with swift steps.
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Cheng strode to the palace storerooms, a group of servants trailing behind.
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"Here, have these dried foods and medicinal herbs packed. And this grain - see that at least one fifty sacks are loaded". He turned to the servants. "Bundle lambswool blankets and have them distributed among the carts. The nights will be cool".
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One servant bowed. "Prince Cheng, fifteen carts have already been prepared as you ordered. Shall I have the stablehands begin hitching the packhorse?"
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Cheng nodded his approval. "Yes, and tell the stablemaster I want our swiftest packhorse saddled".
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He turned back to the shelves, peering at labels in the dim light. "Ah, here - take five thousand jars of preserved plums. Vitamins will aid recovery".
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Satisfied all bases were covered, Cheng strode out to the courtyard. Fifteen overflowing carts stood ready, stableboys hustling to finish preparations. Soon, relief would be on its way. Cheng allowed himself a small smile, confident that under his leadership, no soul in the kingdom would face hardship alone.
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