The puppet emperor vs. the regent
At her desk in the Imperial Study, Fang Ji had been approving memorials until her hand went numb. She set down her vermilion brush, about to take a short break.
From far away, she heard several sets of hurried footsteps approaching. Her face paled and her palms grew sweaty. She immediately picked up the brush again and lowered her head, pretending to review the memorials on her desk.
She would act as if she hadn't heard them or seen anyone arrive.
The eunuch stopped outside the hall and spoke with the utmost respect. "Your Majesty..."
To Fang Ji, his voice sounded like a death warrant. Her wrist trembled, and a smear of red spread across the memorial beneath her brush.
She glanced over quickly. Seeing no familiar figure, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Before the eunuch could say another word, she gripped the brush and spoke rapidly. "Go and turn him away. Say I still have several stacks of memorials to review, and I fear I won't finish them tonight..."
"But..." The eunuch looked troubled.
"I am the emperor!"
After she spoke, the hall fell silent for a moment.
Then a languid voice broke the silence.
"Are there too many memorials? Would you like your royal uncle to help ease your burden?"
The wind chimes beneath the corridor clanged. A man in a black robe embroidered with golden serpents stood outside the hall with his hands behind his back. He waved, and the eunuch led the palace attendants inside. They carried away several stacks of memorials from the desk, then silently withdrew.
Fang Ji's throat tightened. She sprang to her feet and stumbled backward. In her panic, her calf struck a sandalwood chair. She winced and hissed softly.
The man glanced down at her, lifted his robe, and strode into the hall one step at a time. The doors closed silently behind him.
Theme: Even fate can be defied
