LEGEND OF THE GOLDEN TIGRESS 458 Trouble Ahead

Ah Xuan who was six now, was helping his father in arranging the documents according to relevance. He was wiser for his years and always wanted to stay by his father's side, helping him. Rather than playing or slacking off, he found happiness in reading and writing. He wasn't fond of sword too as he found the writing brush more intriguing.

Little Zai on the other hand, even though he was already three had no interest in reading or writing and liked to run around wildly. One day his uncle brought him out for a stroll in the city and from then on, he always wished to be out in the city and he is still inside the Palace because he was still too little to escape by himself and had people to look after him 24/7.

Little Yue was a perfect embodiment of a Princess. She was a Princess and acted like one and she always stuck to her father and other than her father, makeup, pretty clothes and jewellery, she found interest in nothing else. Her aunt would meet her often pampering her with every best product there is for her to play with and she was playing with the recent makeup box her Aunty Xing gave her and her father's eunuch was her scapegoat for that day to try out her makeup skills on.

Although the Emperor's heart was delighted seeing his kids growing up well in front of his eyes, his mind was troubled with the recent troubles he was facing.

The southern kingdoms have united for war and they have already attacked a naval ship of Wind Kingdom declaring war. As much as the Emperor didn't want to escalate the tensions, it seemed like his silence was misinterpreted as cowardice by the United Kingdoms of the South and this week he has received news of them attacking a border town of the Sky Province.

War is not good for the economy and he didn't want to spoil the booming economy they had but it seemed like their enemies are not willing to back-off and so he had already ordered to move the troops to the southern borders.

War is imminent!

And also, he had more than two hundred women in his harem although he didn't visit them at all these days. For some reason, after he started to stay with Consort Jiang, he didn't even like to have dinner with other concubines which was surprising to him even, since he could do that when he was with Chu Weiye.

'I'm deeply in love with Hanmi', was the only conclusion he could come up with and that only comforted him. But he still didn't want to confess to her to let her know. He knew he would lose her once he accepts it to her. It always happened to him. Once he accepts something, he'll lose it. Also, she seemed to not mind.

His reluctance to meet other concubines has caused discomfort in the inner palace and only by Consort Jiang's prudence and Princess Consort's efforts to pacify those other women with gifts, does the Inner Palace is slightly peaceful.

As if these troubles are not enough, there are memorials over memorials asking him to arrange concubines for Prince Jin. Some who want their daughters to enter the Jin Manor even as a lowly concubine, are even threatening to obstruct the court.

He had already talked to his brother but he is too blissful to even think about the court. As an Emperor, he needed to be impartial and he couldn't find a proper way of dealing with both sides. If he even thinks about assigning a woman to his brother, he would murder the entire officials who made it happen and possibly him too, stunning the court. But if he doesn't even take a note of it, the officials will not be pleased, disrupting the court. Obviously, those stupid officials who ask him of that doesn't want the stability of the kingdom. Especially war is looming on them.

The Emperor rubbed his forehead out of stress and he was reluctant to even attend the court.

Just then a sweet scent entered his senses along with the gentle tinkle of jade trinkets. His mouth curved up immediately looking at the lovely woman entering his study. He had given her permission to enter his study whenever she wanted and she would always visit him in the mornings if he didn't stay with her the previous night. Her face always brightened his heart.

As soon as she entered, the twins ran towards her calling "Mother!" and bowed before hugging here legs.

"Careful, you two...", with a smile she passed the tray of breakfast she had brought, to the eunuch who was now white with all the powder applied to his face. He felt ashamed for his appearance and Consort Jiang excused him and he left after bowing.

"Mother, feed us", both the twins sat in their respective chairs without even touching their chopsticks.

"You two are this old and you cannot eat by yourself?", the Emperor said, amused by the way his kids act with her each time. They had accepted her as her mother maybe because she treats them with motherly care . Just the twins though.

The Emperor looked at Ah Xuan who was sitting with his back straight and holding the chopsticks like a cultured adult. He was always respectful towards Jiang Hanmi but he could sense his elder son's indifference towards her. In fact for him, his elder son seemed like he didn't care about anyone or anything except books and memorials. That worried him a little but he knew he is a good boy and he'd be fine. Also his son opens up a bit to his Aunt Xing and he knew if his son strays, Mingxia will guide him. His brother is there for him too.

After the kids are fed, Consort Jiang noticed the Emperor still haven't touched his food.

"Your Majesty, you...", she paused seeing him with raised eyebrows and his finger traced over his perfect lips that were curled up to a playful smirk.

She remembered what his smirk meant. He had asked her to address him by his name and even set a punishment for addressing him as 'Majesty'.

'Ten kisses for each time she address him as ' Your Majesty''

I'm doomed!

"Ah!", she gasped as her entire body jerked and sensing herself she is overreacting, she closed her mouth with both of her hands and the Emperor was really pleased to see her face blushed like an apple.

No matter how many times they've been intimate, she still acts this way for a kiss. How cute!

"Umm...", she hesitated since the children were there.

"Come on, feed me too, dear", the Emperor opened his mouth and the twins mocked their father for being too silly for an adult and he didn't mind and with a grin, he eyed at his wife, he accepted in his heart.

The twins didn't feel the atmosphere turning ambiguous, but Ah Xuan the mature boy he is, figured it out and collecting his siblings, he left the study.

His father will need some alone time with his wife!

Mo Chen went and curled up in a corner and with his paws covering his eyes, he went to sleep.

"Junjie! Don't tease me in front of the kids", the Consort puffed up her cheeks cutely but the Emperor was only keen on getting his share of delicacy... Her lips!

"I... I.... Really cannot... Not anymore", the Consort breathing heavily, pushed the sturdy chest of the Emperor after three kisses.

This man clearly is a beast!

The Emperor ran his finger through her spine as she was sitting in his lap and felt her tensing up.

"You want?", he bit her cheeks that were blushed red, courtesy of his kisses.

"Not here, Junjie, you pervert!", she hissed and tried to get up but his grip was so hard she couldn't move, "If not here, where?", his deep rumble made her stomach feel weird.

This guy liked to make her sit on his lap... Like a child... Yet he...

The Consort couldn't help but blush thinking along those lines. She looked at the memorial that was opened on the table and read it to change her thoughts. He never minded her reading certain documents and she became more assertive as she could feel his love for him, even though he never confessed to her.

She could understand his reluctance and for her, being close to him was enough. Her life now can be considered perfect. She wouldn't be greedy and want any more than this.

"This...", she raised her eyebrows in surprise when the Emperor fed her some food.

"Eat well", he spooned her some porridge.

"This... Cannot happen... Right? Mingxia, I love her. She cannot bear to see... "

"You love HER, huh?", the Emperor got annoyed by his Consort's confession and bit her neck leaving a mark.

That damn Mingxia just seduces women left and right!

"Ah!", she pushed the Emperor away rubbing her neck. "I love her, so what? Hooligan! ", she didn't back off and he clicked his tongue in annoyance.

But he knew, For his wife who has no support in this kingdom and his attention towards her bringing only trouble, Mingxia is a big wall of support and is a genuine friend.

"This is complicated, isn't it?", she said looking at the memorial as she could understand the various issues with this.

"I know. I don't know what to do", he hugged her and rested his forehead on her shoulder. She always has the gentle scent that pleased him.

"I have an idea!", the Consort who pondered for a while shouted suddenly and explained the Emperor her plans.

"This would work!", the Emperor was pleased by her idea and got up still holding her and swirled her around, happily.

A smart wife is the best!

"I'm going to court", he kissed her before he walked out with a skip in his steps while the Consort smiled with satisfaction.

She helped me and I'll help her!

It's rare that the Emperor would be late for court and the entire Court waited for his arrival. As soon as the Emperor entered the court, everyone greeted him with reverence and they all noticed the relief in his usual stoic expression.

The Court Session started with talking about the preparations of war and Seiren was the one who answered a lot of it since they had decided to send the Zhong army to the front lines while keeping the Imperial army for ambushing the enemies, attacking from behind. Of course they did not discuss the war strategies openly for security purposes but Chenglei could figure out the plans.

The next issue came up and the Emperor looked at his brother who stood there in his white silk robes upright. He never wore the uniform since he hated it but justified it as him being a Prince and not a Court Official. His left sleeve was crumpled most probably because his son they called LianLian who is little over a year old now, must have cried and created a ruckus, not letting him leave for court after he got ready and he carried him to coax him. That son of theirs never leaves his father alone.

"Prince Jin, good news! We have decided to reduce the burden of the Consort to help take care of you. Prepare a courtyard in your Manor and decorate it red", the Emperor spoke and his voice didn't lose the authority of the position he held, even though he was shaking inside, fearing his big brother.

Forgive me, brother! I have no other way!

"No need for your concern", he said bluntly and turned to leave.

"Prince Jin must consider the concern of the Emperor. Although the Consort has given you two sons, it is still better to be prudent. Who knows what the future holds and accidents happen", Official Lei spoke and Chenglei fisted his hands inside his sleeves. It took him every bit of his self control to keep him from punching that fool.

Did he just threaten my wife and kids? Accidents? I can make your entire family an accident!

"Accept Our goodwill", the Emperor interrupted Chenglei who was about to mangle that stupid man right in the middle of court although he wouldn't blame his brother if he couldn't hold his temper.

"Goodwill,huh?",Chenglei sneered. "Guess someone's arse is itching by sitting comfortably in the same chair for long", he spat and turned and left with his sleeves fluttering.

'Did he just threaten the Emperor's throne?', some wise officials worried for the Emperor.

"He accepted", Official Lei didn't care he is leaving angry. He's a man and which man will refuse more women to serve him? He must be putting an act in front of the Prime Minister since he is his father-in-law.

As long as his daughter, who has come of age this year has a chance to enter the prince's Manor, he'd do anything. Becoming Prince Jin's father-in-law has a load of benefits. He could secure a good position in the Court for his son too.

"An Embroidery competition will be held in two weeks and at least one Lady will be chosen to enter Prince Jin's Manor", the Emperor's commanding voice was heard even by Chenglei who had already left the Court and walking through the stairs.

'Oh, Junjie! My sweet little brother!', Chenglei smirked as he heard it.
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Chapter end