Back at the palace, the General was highly pressured. While the mistreatment of his own concubine wasn't a big deal concerning the way, others often wronged their wives. The fact that he was a highly regarded general and she was the daughter of a high ranking official minister made the situation worst. In addition, the Emperor had been on his tail trying to cut down his power for years, and his main collaborator seemed to have prepared a way out.
He was on his own.
How could have it happen? Why did that dense concubine go insane, wasn't she supposed to be just pretending? He had thought about this all night long, not getting a wink of sleep.
He sighed.
It was of no matter. He only kept her in order to kill his eldest daughter. As long as she was dead, he'll be fine. He slyly looked up at the Emperor. That old bastard wanted his power didn't he, well, that was fine too. Just because you can get, my army doesn't mean you can control it! He smirked with his head lowered and slowly took out his token. He'll play low for now.
A eunuch came forward and accepted the token, carefully inspecting the ancient design on the token before presenting it to the Emperor.
The Emperor stared at the General intensely. Wasn't this way too easy? He feared there might be a hidden danger. He picked up the token carefully and brushed his finger lightly over the carved dragon on the metal. The <Roaring Dragon Token>. Anyone would have this token would be able to control an army of high-level fighters from a hidden tribe that could withhold any attack even with if the other side had 5 times more men than them, their movements were like dragon claws. The dragon was so realistic he thought it was real. He gently set the token back down before falling deep into his thoughts.
Back then he remembered the previous owner of the token standing so proudly on the battlefield. It felt so strange, he remembered the figure with fluttering blood-red robes and her determined eyes. He sighed lightly. She was the daughter of a valued tribe chief. The tribe had a particular martial art style that could annul certain magic attacks. It was a fiery way of fighting, and even if someone wanted to control it, it wasn't easy. If you weren't from the tribe, your blood would boil, and your veins would explode.
He rubbed his temples, he had arranged a political marriage in order to seal an alliance with the tribe. He thought he had chosen a good candidate but who knew this General would be so out of control within time. He froze. He nearly forgot. He glanced wryly at the General before putting on a gentle smile.
"General Wei, how is your daughter?"
"Replying to your majesty, Lan'er is fine."
The Emperor's heart trembled. His eyes snapped open. Did something happen to the eldest? No, he can't let that happen.
"I'm asking about your first daughter!"
General Wei gritted his teeth. Why was the emperor so worried about that wretch all of a sudden?! This can't do, she's nearly dead or dead by now. What was he supposed to answer?
"Replying to your majesty, Yue'er is-"
"Royal father." A rich voice called out. The general froze.
"I went with my royal crown brother to the General Wei's manor yesterday. Lady Hongyue doesn't seem well at all. I worried all night. Would royal father permit this son to visit her?"
The general's face fell while Emperor beamed happily.
"Oh, is that so?" The Emperor glanced swiftly at the General, "General Wei, Third Prince will grace you with his visit, why aren't you giving your thanks?"
General Wei tried to maintain a smile on his stiff face.
"I thank the Third Prince for his grac-"
The Third Prince waved his hand nonchalantly. "No need. I'm not doing it for you. Lady Hongyue is to marry into the royal family. This is my duty."
General Wei flinched. "Yes, of course."
Minster Hui stepped out, wringing his hands as if he been wronged.
"Your Majesty, my daughter.."
The Emperor nodded, he waved his left hand, and the eunuch by his side handed the <Roaring Dragon> token to him.
Minster Hui accepted the token with trembling hands. "T-this..R-roaring Dragon.."
"Take it as compensation after all you suffered. Dismiss the court!"
Minster Hui bowed deeply and gave his thanks, "May his majesty reign forever and ever."
Slowly, all the ministers shuffled out of the room.
The Third Prince politely gestured with disdain in his eyes, "General Wei, please lead the way."
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"Father! This royal son doesn't understand! Why did you give away the token? You tried so hard to obtain it!"
The Emperor turned to the Crown Prince.
"Do you think I want to give away such a treasure? That Hui family always take a mile when you give them an inch. General Wei handed it over too quickly, something doesn't seem right."
The Crown Prince slapped his hand with his fan, suddenly understanding the Emperor's plan.
"I see, you are planning to use the Hui family as a test subject. What's the next move?"
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YOU ARE READING
The Mask Of A Siren
FantasyThroughout the kingdom, who doesn't know the eldest miss of General Wei's family is completely useless? Without any powers along with her mentality of a child, Hongyue is mistreated and used as a pawn. However the mistreatment goes too far and the s...