Shadows of the Past

Emperor Ming Jian and Empress Xia walked away from the war meeting room, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridor. The tension of the recent meeting still hung in the air, but now, alone, they could drop their masks and speak freely.

"We underestimated them, Darling," Empress Xia began, her voice low and filled with frustration. "I thought we had more time before the Mongols would launch their attack. It seems our past treachery has finally caught up with us."

"It's been years since we left them. I thought their hatred would have diminished, but it appears they've been biding their time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike back," Emperor Ming Jian nodded, his expression darkening.

"We should have anticipated this. After all, it was your hands that were stained with their blood. Their stupid Leader back then had trusted us. He believed in the alliance we proposed like the trash he is," Empress Xia's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and calculation.

"I only did as your command. We promised them land, and power, and shared dominion over the empire. But once they helped us seize control, they were a threat we couldn't afford to keep," Ming Jian's jaw tightened.

"Indeed," Empress Xia agreed. "As stupid as he is, that Leader was a powerful leader, and with the Mongols at his back, he could have challenged our rule. Eliminating him was the only way to secure our position. But now... look's like he still has some heir that has proven to be far more resilient than we anticipated."

The emperor's mind drifted back to those days when he was not yet emperor but merely the lethal enforcer of Empress Xia's ambitions. He recalled the promises made to the Mongols, the land and power they were to share. When the Mongols delivered on their promise to help overthrow the previous regime, they were met with betrayal. Tungalag was assassinated, an act that solidified Ming Jian's and Xia's control but also sowed seeds of deep resentment.

"They've harboured that hatred for all these years," Ming Jian mused, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Between the son or the daughter, I think it is the daughter that had reign over control of them. She must have carried on her father's legacy of vengeance. We made her kill her brother, using our tricks to deepen the division within their ranks. But now, she stands stronger than ever."

"We have no other choice but to end this once and for all. The Mongols will stop at nothing to see us fall, and if they manage to unite their forces, it could mean the end of our reign," Empress Xia's expression hardened.

"We kill them all, like we did before. We have the resources and the power. General Li Feng's plan must succeed, and we need to ensure our defences are impenetrable. Any sign of weakness, any failure, and our empire could crumble, Ming Jian stopped walking and turned to face her, his eyes cold and determined. "

"Of course, we will do whatever it takes to maintain our control. We cannot afford to lose now, not after everything we've done to secure our position," Empress Xia nodded.

The two continued walking, their steps synchronized in a dance of power and control. The corridor led them to a secluded part of the palace, where they could speak without fear of eavesdroppers. The moonlight filtered through the narrow windows, casting long shadows on the walls, a stark reminder of the darkness that surrounded their rule.

"We must also keep an eye on General Li Feng. His loyalty, though seemingly unwavering, must be tested. The same goes for the other generals. Any sign of dissent must be crushed immediately," Empress Xia's mind was already racing with plans and contingencies.

"We will maintain our vigilance. No one can be trusted completely. And as for the Mongol forces, we will show them that the empire they seek to destroy is far more formidable than they anticipated," Emperor Ming Jian agreed.

With their resolve strengthened by the conversation, Emperor Ming Jian and Empress Xia knew they had to act swiftly and decisively. The rebellion was brewing, and their enemies were closing in. The time for subtlety was over; now, they had to rely on their cunning and ruthlessness to secure their reign and crush those who dared to challenge their power.

Empress Xia walked away from her husband, her mind already calculating the next steps they needed to take to secure their power. The corridors of the palace were dimly lit, casting long, eerie shadows on the walls. Her footsteps echoed softly, a rhythm of authority and menace.

As she turned a corner, a young servant girl rushed up to her, nearly stumbling in her haste. She bowed deeply, her voice trembling as she spoke.

"Your Majesty, if I may... the members of the imperial harem have requested your presence in the harem chamber."

"And why, pray tell, do they require my presence?" Empress Xia's eyes narrowed, her voice cutting through the air like a blade.

"They... they wish to discuss a matter of importance with you, Your Majesty. The Noble Consort Meiying and the other consorts are waiting for you," The servant flinched at the sharpness of her tone, her fear evident in her wide eyes.

Without another word, Empress Xia continued walking, the servant trailing behind her, head bowed. Empress Xia knew exactly what this was about. The consorts, always eager for gossip and intrigue, must have heard whispers about the impending Mongol assault. They wanted confirmation, to hear it from her lips.

As she approached the harem chamber, Empress Xia's expression hardened. She knew how to handle these women, manipulating their fears and desires to maintain control. She pushed open the ornate doors and stepped inside, the room falling silent as she entered.

The harem chamber was lavishly decorated, a testament to the emperor's wealth and the women who occupied it. The consorts, dressed in their finest silks, sat in a semi-circle, their faces a mix of curiosity and anxiety. Noble Consort Meiying, the highest-ranking among them, the one she promoted to Noble Consort after accepting to be her loyalist ever since the ex-Emperor Liang Wei's reign, stood as Empress Xia entered, her head bowed in respect.

"Your Majesty," Meiying began her voice steady but with an underlying tension. "We have heard disturbing rumours about the Mongol forces advancing towards the capital. We seek your guidance and reassurance."

Empress Xia's eyes swept over the room, her gaze cold and calculating.

"Rumors," she said slowly. "Are dangerous things. They breed fear and uncertainty."

"But are they true, Your Majesty? Are we in danger?" Meiying met her gaze, her hands clenched tightly in her lap.

Empress Xia walked further into the room, her presence dominating the space.

"The Mongols are indeed on the move," she admitted, her voice calm. "But rest assured, our defences are strong, and our strategies are sound. The emperor and his generals are fully prepared to meet this threat."

"But what of our safety, Your Majesty? What measures are being taken to protect us?" The consorts exchanged worried glances, their anxiety palpable. Meiying pressed on, her voice softer now.

"You are all under the protection of the imperial guard. Any attempt by the Mongols to breach the palace walls will be met with swift and deadly force," Empress Xia allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile to play at the corners of her mouth.

The room was silent, the consorts digesting her words. Empress Xia knew that fear could be a powerful tool, but it had to be balanced with a sense of security. Too much fear, and they might panic; too little, and they might grow complacent.

"You must remain calm and continue with your duties," she continued, her tone brooking no argument. "The emperor and I will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect the empire and its people."

With that, she turned and left the room, her steps measured and confident. She had given them enough to quiet their fears, but not so much that they would feel entirely at ease. It was a delicate balance, maintaining control over the harem while plotting the defence of the empire.

As she walked back through the corridors, her mind was already turning to the next steps. The Mongol threat was real, but so was her resolve to crush it. She would need to keep a close eye on the generals, ensure that Li Feng's plan was executed flawlessly, and maintain the emperor's trust.

In the dimly lit halls of the palace, Empress Xia moved like a shadow, her mind a web of schemes and strategies. She was determined to emerge victorious, no matter the cost.

As Empress Xia made her way back to her private quarters, her mind churned with plans and contingencies. She had played this game of power for too long to let it slip from her grasp now. The Mongols, the generals, even the emperor himself—each was a piece on her board, to be moved and manipulated as she saw fit.

Standing at the window, she looked out over the sprawling capital, her eyes hard and unyielding. The storm was coming, but she would be ready. Her enemies might think they had the upper hand, but they had yet to truly face the full extent of her cunning. With a final, steely resolve, she turned away from the window, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.