Jade Fire Gold(42)
“Have you considered my proposal?” I ask quietly.
“I see no advantage in agreeing to your proposition,” says Ambassador Tian. He speaks Shi so smoothly, there is almost no trace of his southern accent. “Ever since the Shi Empire and Honguodi have called a truce, the trade routes have been reopened. That helps my economy and my people. Nandah has no quarrel with either nation; we have stayed out of your mindless squabble all these years.”
“Vengeance for an assassinated emperor is hardly a mindless squabble,” I point out.
He tugs at his thick, wiry beard. “A brother using revenge as an excuse to plunder another sovereign’s land is unconscionable. Do not underestimate our intelligence resources.”
“Then you should understand why I am seeking justice for my father’s wrongful death.”
“Yes. Honguodi had no reason to assassinate your father all those years ago. However, you are speaking of usurpation now. That is no small matter. The present crown prince will ascend the Dragon Throne in a year, and he has his priests.” The word comes out from the ambassador’s mouth with distaste and contempt. “They hold no allegiance to you, especially since your father opposed them. They will defend the throne as is, protect it as they are doing now—with magic. How do you propose to deal with them?”
I exchange a quick glance with Shīfù. He shakes his head imperceptibly. He doesn’t want me to mention the Life Stealer.
I smile at the Ambassador. “I have my ways. When the trees fall, the monkeys will scatter.”
“But what monkeys will a boy king have left to command?”
“Not monkeys, but tigers and dragons.”
He looks amused. “Should I be worried about crouching tigers and hidden dragons in the Empire?”
My smile broadens. “Not if I were emperor.”
“Confidence, nay, arrogance! It will get you nowhere.”
“Forgive my bluntness,” I say, patience wearing thin. “I need to know your king’s answer today. Don’t forget, I’m offering the Southern Colonies for your cooperation.”
He chortles. “It has been seventy-five years since the Shi took those islands from us, and now you think you can give them back so easily with no repercussions? Perhaps you are more naive than I thought.”
I keep my posture carefully relaxed and my tone neutral. “It seems like your king’s answer is no.”
“Alas.” Ambassador Tian sighs. “My king has decided to go against the advice of all his ministers. The nation of Nandah will send you troops when the time comes.” He taps my shoulder, a light touch heavy with meaning. “Do not make my liege a fool for believing in you, boy emperor.”
“That went rather well,” I remark, watching the retreating backs of the ambassador and Shīfù as they exchange parting pleasantries.
Tang Wei gives me a scathing look. “I don’t trust that man. He has poor taste in jewelry.”
“I don’t trust him either, but only because one should never trust a politician,” I say. “Shīfù seems to believe him.”
“We both know Master Sun likes to think the best of everyone.”
I sigh in agreement, wishing I shared Shīfù’s optimism and his willingness to believe there is still some good in this world. But the Goddess of Hope is cunning, and I have grown wary of her immaculate lies.
“Where are you going?” asks Tang Wei as I walk toward the back exit of the temple.
“To the lake. I’ll be back shortly.”
She knows to leave me alone.
Shadows lengthen around me as I pace to Mu’an Lake, its blue-green waters lit by the evening sun. The tops of the palace buildings peek out above the forest across the lake, gold reflecting warmly. But the serenity of this place does nothing to calm the ferocious storm brewing in my mind.
My ears pick up soft strains of music from a flute, carried across the lake from the palace grounds. My heart skips a beat.
He is somewhere near.
Cousin.
It is a term I can no longer call Tai Shun. A term he is unworthy of. We may share the same blood, but he has long ceased to be family. His parents took everything away from me. The people I love, the honor I deserve. They hijacked my fate and stole my destiny. And soon, Tai Shun will inherit that throne. He will change his name and take up the honorific bestowed upon the Shi emperor.
Tai Long. Long: descendant of the Dragon. The Son of Heaven.
I slide a dagger from my sleeve, tempted to throw it at something. Will Tai Shun wish me well when I come for what is rightfully mine? Or will he stand and fight? My thumb presses down onto the blade, feeling the sharp edge against my skin. I hope he fights. The face of the boy I once knew appears in my mind. Maybe I won’t recognize him now that he has grown up.
But he will always be the boy who became the crown prince I once was.
16
Ahn
The pins in my hair stab uncomfortably close to my scalp and there are too many jewels on the dangly fāzān Linxi inserted into the thick bun on the top of my head. The shiny gems are meant to match my heavy earrings and the gold filigree necklace with blue sapphires around my neck, but they only add more weight to my outfit. I smooth the many folds of my cerulean skirt, richly embroidered with gold thread. Draped across my shoulders, my silk outer robe shimmers as I move. My dress is a gift from the empress; I have no choice but to wear it.