...Li Dukedom; Crimson Manor...

"The lord of the house is no more! The lord of the house is no more"

A male whom Jin recognized as one of his father's trusted men inside the palace inner court hysterically screamed, waving a piece of what seemed to be ripped fabric but it was covered in red splotches.

'What is that..?' Jin thought. His thoughts were scattered when someone aggressively shoved him aside, albeit not on purpose most likely. He stumbled and landed on all fours in the gravel path of their manor's footwalk. The small stones mixed with the gravel gave him a few tiny cuts on his palms and knees that made him flinch.

"Mother I cut myself..." He called out but his mother, the person who had shoved him aside in a hurry just now didn't respond. The woman looked rather pale, like her blood ran cold in her veins and red rimmed around her eyes as if tears threatened to fall. After a few moments his mother suddenly pushed past all of the servants and ran out of the gates. The servants cried out in horror and tried to chase after his mother. Jin watched the scene unfold, confusion evident in his eyes. He was no child, he received proper education, infact he was amongst the top of his class so what was it about this situation that didn't make quite sense to him. What was that sense of lost he felt.

"Brother?" A little girl's voice rang from behind. Jin shifted his gaze towards the source of that voice and saw Mai - his little sister. She was hiding behind a pillar, peeking curiously at him. The moment she saw his bloodied palms and knees she ran straight towards him with a cry.

"Brother what happened?" The little girl asked, trying to use the skirt of her gown to wipe the wound. It was a sweet gesture, but the friction from the fabric made Jin's wounds sting more so he pushed it aside and smiled at his sister.

"Your big brother is strong. Dont worry, your clothes are brand new, you shouldn't dirty it with my blood it will be difficult to clean and mother will be mad" Jin softly stated, patting his sister's head.

"Mother started running towards that man over there earlier and bumped into me. I'm sure she didn't mean it" Jin explained, his head turning towards the gates where his mother ran off to. The expression on his mother's face was unbearable.

Why did she look so hurt? So shocked? In complete disbelief?

Jin's sixteen year old self couldn't comprehend.

"I hope mother will be back soon. I'm quite hungry" His sister sighed. She wasn't lying as her statement was soon followed by the sound of her stomach growling. Jin looked at her and chuckled softly, patting her head once more.

"Go back inside and find yourself some snacks. I heard there's some mooncakes kept somewhere in the kitchen" Jin suggested. Mai's eyes lit up but then she pouted.

"The servants won't let me have it"

"I'm sure they're all not there right now. So go before they return. I'll cover for you" Jin urged and her sister giggled enthusiastically before running off. He watched his little sister go before he patted the dirt off of his clothes and settled himself near the gates. He was still trying to understand what was going on, the best way for him to get an idea was to wait or ask the servants yet since the servants of their household chased after his mother he has nothing to do but wait. Many questions popped inside his mine, questions he wanted answers soon. The red on the fabric he saw earlier awfully resembled blood from the way his own wound stained his sister's gown.

"I hope they'll be back soon.." he muttered to himself.

That day, it seems that faith had bestowed his household with a painful twist he did not expect. After hours of waiting, where the sun had completely set and the surroundings were dimly lit with nothing but the moonlight as mo servants was around to light the lanterns, Jin found a silhouette from a distance. His legs were aching from all the waiting but he still made his way to greet whoever it was.

"You've been gone for a while" Jin exclaimed, coming to stop when he was infront of the person. It was the same man who hysterically delivered the news, he had a sorrowful look to his face and his lips were pressed into a thin line.

"Young Master.." the man began, voice hoarse.

"The Master of Li Dukedom has...been found dead in the forest outside the perimeters of the outer city" the man carefully explained, trying to choose the right words. Not that any of the words he'd say would make things better.

"By official decree, since you are the only son you are to inherit your father's title and have now become the head of the Li manor. May it be blessed..." The man finished. Jin was in a state of shock, he wanted to open his mouth and ask the man to repeat what he said. Its as if his mind was not processing any information that he was receiving that day, nothing made sense no matter how simple the words are. Upon seeing the state of the child, the man grit his teeth, he was holding back his tears. He dropped on all fours, kneeling infront of the child whilst pressing his head against the dirty pavement. The most sincerest and respectful bow a person could offer, usually used when begging.

"I do not know if I have much time left, young master. I am sure they will come after me as well" the man began, his head still pressed against the pavement.

Jin was too shocked that he didn't know what to do at that moment, he just stood there staring at the man.

"I have informed my wife, your father has been a very good subordinate and treated me almost like a family it is my turn to give back his kindness and support. I will leave my wife in this household to care for you and the young lady as I am sure the other servants will not stay around for a long time knowing they will receive no payment and if some of them does stay, may god bless their hearts" the man was whimpering now, his voice sound pained. Jin realized the man was crying and that's all it took for him to finally get a gist of what had happened.

Jin dropped down to his knees, flinching at the way his wounds stung as he grabbed the man's shoulders and shook him aggressively.

"M-my mother! Where's my mother?" Jin asked, eyes going wide like flying saucers. The man couldn't hold back anymore and cried his eyes out as he pulled Jin's tiny body to his arms, engulfing him in a tight embrace.

"Her Ladyship ran into the forest and suddenly disappeared. We couldn't catch up to her, she was gone without a trace we've searched for hours but we can't find her. I'm extremely sorry Milord. Please forgive me." The man cried out. Jin also couldn't hold himself back anymore and tears sprouted out from his eyes. Who knew how cruel life could be, to suddenly take away the most important people in his life without any warning.

...---...

...Present Day ...

...Pleasure District ...

Music, cheers and laughter echoed around the pub as men drank, danced and played with their courtesans till their hearts content. Not too far away a young man stood at the top of the stairs, dressed in fine white robes and a black fox mask keeping half of his face hidden as he stared at the scenario downstairs with dismay, seeing as men take their courtesans on top of tables, floors and even the stage where a band performs. He slowly began to leave with a shook of his head, heading upstairs where the higher valued courtesans, the fine looking one's are settled into luxurious room as the Madame, owner of the pub stated.

Upon entering, he was met with the heavy scent of what he assumed to be cherry blossoms, as nice as it was, something about it just wasn't to his liking which in turn made him wrinkle his nose in distaste . Bringing his eyes to scan his surroundings the room he was promised to be of luxury wasn't on par with his expectations but fortunately it wasn't dissapointing either. Dark green mahogany floors, the walls painted in the lighter shade as opposed to the floor, on the middle sat a large queen size bed with lush green beddings and cheap looking gold drapes and on the bed lay a woman. She was covered in garments of better quality than the low ranking courtesans that frolicked downstairs. Her clothes designed to emphasize her voluptuous breasts that almost seemed to pop out with the way she crossed her arms tightly around her chest. Her lower garments consist of a long red mesh skirt revealing a narrow waist and long slim legs. She was a fine woman indeed but to his utter disappointment, nothing about her sparked a fire of desire in his loins.

"My Lord" The woman greeted, getting off the bed to approach him, swaying her hips seductively on the way while he was staring at her, uninterested. She gently placed her slender fingers on his shoulders, her perfectly manicured long nails, painted in red, tapping repeatedly on his neck in a sensual manner.

'What a weird way to seduce a man' he thought, shaking his head away from the woman's touch as her nails made his neck itch uncomfortably. The woman began to frown by the feedback she received, confusion plastering on her dainty features.

"My Lord, am I not to your liking?" She asked, her voice sounded hush and a little squeaky, like whispering to a baby.

He grimaced when the woman began to trace her hand back on his neck again.

"You are a very fine woman" he didn't answer her question directly and with swift motions he removed her arms around him and in turn tucked a lock of dark hair behind her ears, caressing her soft cheeks, watching the way her cheeks tainted a rosy pink, her eyes gazing down in a shy manner.

"M-my Lord, I'm very pleased at such compliment" she stuttered , her dark brown eyes darting side to side as the young man caress her cheeks ever so gently. He finally removed his hand, making the woman step back and compose herself.

"Why wear such clothes that's exposing so much of your skin?" he asked, though he grimaced inwardly for asking such idiotic question considering courtesans are bound to wear such clothes as it is part of their work.

Surprised , the woman cleared her throat and hurriedly grabbed a long red silky scarf, wrapping it around her shoulders, and tying it into a ribbon in the front, hiding her cleavage.

"Pardon me for such outfit my Lord, I didn't know you are one of those customers" she pointed out. Gone with that look of trained seduction, now she plastered a gentle smile on her face, one of which he found more appealing than the previous masked she had worn.

"One of those customers?" He couldn't help but ask.

The woman nodded curtly, grabbing some tea cups and a teapot filled with tea, placing it on a nearby table.

"I sometimes have customers that only wish to spend time with me, not in the bed but talk and enjoy some hot tea" she mumbled, her smile widening as she motioned for him to come and have a seat. He nodded in understanding, taking a seat across from her as she filled his cup with tea.

"So you're having a break from giving your services...?" he wanted to state but asked instead. The woman smiled, nodding her head as she picked up her cup, bringing it close to her mouth.

"That would be right my Lord"

"I see" he didn't have much to say, he was starting to ask himself why he went to a pub again , payed a huge amount to be serviced by their finest courtesan when all he planned to do here was drink tea and have small talks, not that he's complaining.

With a chuckle he reached for his own cup and began to take a sip, mildly surprised to savor a flavor he doesn't quite know yet.

"What is this?" he asked out of curiosity. The woman looked at him and smiled, placing her tea cup on the table gently.

"It's Jasmine tea with honey and a hint of lemon my Lord, I hope it is something that is to your liking" the tone she used was something like she was proudly stating it making his lips twitch in almost a smile as he sipped his tea again, savoring more of the flavor when their moment was suddenly interrupted by the slam of a door opening, a door which he knows was coming from behind.

"MY LORD, THE YOUNG LADY HAS ARRIVED BACK AT THE MANOR!"

He was taken aback at first but when his mind finally understood what the man, most likely a servant of his household he almost jumped out of his seat as he heard the mentioning of his beloved sister.

"Xie Xie has arrived!?" he shouted with joy, closing his eyes and imagining the vivid image of his sister's lovely smile. It had been long, way too long since they last seen each other and the excitement bubbling inside him was so hard to contain and just wanted to burst.

After a few seconds he finally caved into his emotions and jumped out of his seat, not caring if he knocked his tea cup down as he sprinted towards the exit, running straight home and leaving the servant and the woman staring at each other confusedly.

"I'm deeply sorry about that, My Lord can never contain himself upon the mentioning of the young lady of the manor" the servant stated apologetically before leaving the woman staring at the door awkwardly.

"I've never met such a man" she whispered to herself watching the spilled tea soaking the table cloth knowing full well it will stain and she would get scolded by the Madame. Reluctantly, she willed herself to get up and clean the mess that was left behind yet oddly enough , she found herself smiling happily about today's encounter knowing she did not have much to do.

...Li Dukedom, Crimson Manor...

"And dear brother, they ordered me to fetch water out in the cold night and when I'm at the entrance, they grabbed the bucket and splashed me with water! leaving me cold and shivering while they laugh!" The Lady of the Li Manor. One and only daughter of duke and duchess Li who had long passed and his beloved sister. Mai Xie Li was a spitting image of him. Despite not being born as twins their similarities could be seen as uncanny.

The lady cried pitifully in her brother's arms and Jin could do nothing but caress her back. Her beautiful face was smeared from all the tears she shed whilst explaining the unsightly treatment she went through amongst palace concubines  despite being of higher rank in the harem.

Odd.

After the death of their parents, to maintain their title and land. Jin reluctantly accepted the offer from the imperial palace, stating that his sister be involved amongst the wife selection for the fourth prince's coming of age. He was not happy of the news as the mourning period for both their parent's death had not concluded yet saying no to the imperial decree is a choice he couldn't make. With a lot of hesitance coming from him, his younger sister who he thought could see the bigger picture better than him accepted before he could make a decision of his own.

It had caused him great pain. The imperial palace and his family had a long history of feud in the inner court from what he had learned. The previous emperor and empress ruled the kingdom unfairly and it sparked many controversies among the court officials which consist mostly of the Li family and close connections back then.

After Mai departed, he recieved news that his sister was chosen as the third wife and their house recieved great amounts of gifts and an increase in salary, all of which he could not even appreciate as he had hoped his sister would not be chosen and sent home. Worst comes to worse, not even a year after his sister stepped foot in the imperial harem did the previous emperor died and the fourth prince ascended to the throne. The ascension also affected them as her sister was promoted and became a Noble Consort, giving him an even harder time as his sister's visits became less until it was rare to come by.

"Stop crying now Xie Xie, your big brother will think of a plan to stop them!" He stated, voice filled with utter concern and a hidden sadness as he wiped the tears streaming down her sister's soft pale cheeks. After the prince's ascension, the imperial harem grew bigger. As per tradition it should have atleast a dozen of woman, many families sent their daughters in hopes of landing it big inside the imperial harem. Although the empress seat was something far out of reach due to rumors that only the imperial lineage could be crowned queen of the country, even the position next to it can grant families great merit. It was all a big political fight for power and luxury, so Jin didn't doubt the idea that his sister may have been receiving mistreatment.

Even though her make up was smeared with tears, she was still so lovely in his eyes and the sudden thought of those ignorant women harassing his sister was made his blood boil with rage.

'How dare that man allow such hostility in his harem!' Jin thought spitefully, anger clearly written all over his face.

Mai stared at him confused and concerned, reaching out to grasp his hands in hers.

"Don't be mad on my behalf, it cannot be helped. I know many woman in the imperial palace constantly fight to have a higher seat in the harem as the empress seat is most impossible to have, this was unavoidable. It is my fault to be so weak" the young lady tried to reassure him but he felt even more enraged with a twinge of guilt.

Yes, what she said was correct and true but order should still be placed and despite not being the main wife her sister still seats second to the empress as there are currently no imperial noble consort present after the death of the last one which he suspects to be done by those in the harem with ulterior motives.

"I'm taking your place!" he suddenly exclaimed, making the lady flinch in surprise as he stood up and directly went to her room, her sister following after in slight confusion.

Mai stared at her brother in complete horror, she watched him put on her clothes, adorn his hair with beautiful pins and apply make up on his face.

Wait where did he learn that?

"Brother have you lost your mind!?" She exclaimed incredulously, watching him turn to face her but deep inside Jin knew the face she saw was a replica of her own with the way Mai's eyes widened.

"Brother?" She gasped, staring at his face.

He couldn't help the smirk that made it's way unto the corners of his lips while he stuffed his chest with cloth to make it look like a pair of large breasts.

"Isn't this great Xie Xie? I heard lots of folks whispering how much our face look exactly the same and now I have no doubts they're telling the truth!"

"B-but brother what if-" He cut her off, placing a finger on his lip.

"Hush now Xie Xie, your suffering will no longer continue for you shall stay here at home and I'll take your place at the Royal Palace. Temporarily, that is." He put his arms in his hips, attempting a girlish pose and failing miserable, making his sister choke a laugh that made him smile.

'Atleast she's happy' Jin thought.

"Today, I will go back to the palace as you and you will stay here at the manor enjoying the comfort of our home!" He declared proudly, stomping in a determined way towards his quarters to pack up some of her sister's clothes, he was uncomfortable but he's ready to sacrifice anything just to see his beloved sister smile.

"I'm so smart, I'm sure Xie Xie is proud to have such brother as me" He chuckled, picking up the pace as he imagined the face of appreciation his sister may give him once he had things fixed.

Mai stared blankly on the stairs leading to the second floor for a minute longer before turning her back and making her way towards the dining area where a feast was ready.

"Wow look at all that" Mai exclaimed, eyeing all the meat layed out on the table. She wasted no second and began hungrily devouring each plate.

"My Lady, your brother was very worried, I don't think this is a good idea" her personal maid stated, watching the supposed elegant Noble Consort and Lady of the Manor eat meat like a pig.

"Oh come on now you know how much I hate that place with all those strict rules.  Besides, all I ever eat was leaves! And those stupid concoction to induce pregnancy chances taste like crap" Mai groaned in between bites. Her maid was taken aback by the way she spoke and looked upstairs with sadness hinting in her eyes as she listened to the master of the house's cheerful humming while he packed the rest of the lady's luggage.

"Well, I hope your brother won't find out about this, my lady" the maid sighed worriedly. Mai just waved her hand to dismiss her as she continued to stuff food on her mouth.

'Oh sweet brother of mine, I'm not being mistreated in the royal palace, the people do treat me with care and keep me away from harm but I absolutely refuse to eat anything other than meat or even fathom the idea of bearing a child for the person I don't have an ounce of affection towards. Sorry if I tricked you but you're such an airhead sometimes, I hope you enjoy your time in the palace. Consider this revenge for not doing anything to get me out of there'  Mai smiled at the satirical explanation she had came up with on her head if her brother ever found out. Hopefully it won't be that soon.

...Northern Gate of the Imperial Palace...

  Standing infront of the massive opened gates, one cannot help but gasp at the sight. The rear palace truly is the royal family's home, even if it's just the gate's exterior it was already lavish.

Jin stood with his head held high. He was dressed in a gradient blue and white hanfu, made with the finest silk the well-known tailor near their town owned. His untamable hair was decorated with colorful pins, a few black strands flying as the air blew softly, quite a stark contrast to a healthy alabaster complexion. A sweet smile slowly formed upon those cherry painted lips as guards from the gates approached to greet the person that had returned.

"Welcome back, Noble Consort Li" the two guards greeted in unison. Jin nodded in response to the two as he stepped inside, eyeing the guards with caution hidden underneath the pair of coffee brown eyes that held nothing but softness on the surface as he heard the two guards whisper about how his looks.

'How shameless of them to ogle at the sight of me' the thought brought a bitter smile to his face.

Getting passed the guards was way easier than what he had predicted. It could either mean security wasn't tight or the similarities of him and his sister are eerily too similar, either way, he got in with no problem so now it's time to execute his phase two; find the people mistreating his  sister and make them go through the same thing until they learn to feel fear and avoid him, that way when him and his sister exchanges place again they won't touch a hair on her.

Jin made his way towards the butterfly pavilion, a personal manor the emperor gifted to his sister upon his succession.

The butterfly pavilion was a private section with a bit of distance from the east side of the imperial harem where most lower ranking concubines stayed. Jin briefly heard about it from his sister when he was about to depart but it did strike him odd.

Why would his sister be placed in such a slightly secluded area away from the rest?

It seemed like something so backhanded to him. Although, given his current circumstances this might make things easier for his plans.

He placed his luggage and sat cross-legged in a not very ladylike way on a chair, placing his head on the palm of his hand, grimacing when the fake long nails scraped the skin underneath his eye.

"Why did Xie Xie made my nails like this? she doesn't even have such long sharp nails" he sighed, scanning his eyes around the area.

It was a combination of western and traditional with the dirty white walls that has golden intricate designs running up and down, expensive gold furnitures, marbled floors and baby blue curtains around tall open windows that overlook a beautiful garden full of different spring flowers, the scent of said flowers wafting inside the manor everytime a gentle wind blows.

He inhaled all the scent around him softly as he stood up, making his way towards the garden, gazing at the beautiful scenery with such calm and ease.

"This is a nice place, it makes a person feel peace and tranquility..." he paused as the wind blew hard, his long hair flying freely, some strands coming off of the hairpins that clipped them in place making him chuckle. Even his sister can't tame his rebellious hair.

"I shall not get carried away with sight seeing. It's quite a pity that the other consorts and concubines living here are a bunch of intolerable people" he scoffed.

Then he saw a group of concubines strolling around with their handmaidens, laughing at whatever they were chatting about from a distance. The way they looked so friendly made Jin's smile falter, his brows furrowing in irritation. He immediately stepped inside and slammed the windows shut.

Just as he was about to turn his back , a mysterious figure stood behind him. Jin flinched at being caught off guard.

How was it that he never felt anyone's presence enter?

As the windows were shut, the manor was barely lit, casting a dark shadow on the figure's face making Jin unable to identify whether it was a man or a woman.

"Hello there, can I help you?" he asked, changing the tone of his voice into something more feminine and natural, like his sister's gentle calming voice. He took a few cautious steps towards the figure just in time for whoever it was to turn and look his way.

As the person's face came to view, Jin's mouth almost fell open. It was a beautiful woman dressed in layers of red and golden silk. Jewelries glint and sparkled around the woman's neck and ears, accessories of which only worn by the highest form of authorities inside the palace. It's facial features was something he recognized easily, a mature face with sharp jawline, plump lips painted blood red, high cheek bones and sharp silver eyes hidden behind a curtain of thick platinum lashes, the same color as her hair. He knew his guess wasn't wrong about who the woman standing infront of him is, considering the woman's aura screamed royalty and he instantly lowered his head in courtesy.

"Empress" he spoked softly and with respect, trying to shake off the feeling of nervousness creeping on every nerves in his body.

"I thought you'll be back in another week Mai, and how many times do I have to tell you to address me as Lady Khang when it is only us" the woman spoke, her voice strong and commanding yet so intimate like he regarded him as kin.

'Are the empress and Xie Xie quite close?' he asked himself, remembering that his sister never mentioned anything about being in friendly terms with the empress, or anything about the empress at all. He slowly gave the empress a shy smile, pretending to be bashful.

"I'm sorry for forgetting empre— I mean Lady Khang, it must've been because I'm feeling homesick after staying a few days back at home" he explained smoothly, keeping his voice in a higher note than his usual.

The empress surprised him by wrapping her arms around his shoulders, pulling him close and literally burying his head in her chest.

She's tall!

"Oh Mai, that's why I gave you permission to stay for two weeks in your home, I know you've been feeling homesick and definitely missed your family" the empress stated, stroking his hair almost like she was treating him like a child, making his cheeks taint pink.

Suddenly, Jin felt his lower garment getting uncomfortably tighter, he hurriedly pulled away, fanning his flushed face with his arm, thanking the God's above that the gown he was wearing has many layers or the thing in between his legs would've blown his cover.

He felt shameful and embarrassed to act in such a way towards the empress, he knows his libido was not high and he has never succumb to the desires of being a man so he can't help but mentally scold himself, yet he was surprised once again when the empress laughed softly.

"Still getting flushed as always, how adorable can you be Mai?" the empress stated, taking a seat and grabbing his arm, pulling him close to take a seat beside her a little way too close for his comfort, making him hold his breath, trying to act as normal as possible.

"L-lady Khang, isn't this way too close?" he asked, slapping himself mentally when his voice cracked and stuttered yet the empress just giggled playfully, a mischievous smile making its way into the empress's plump lips.

"If you keep acting like that, I would suspect that you prefer woman over men my sweet Mai" the empress teased, and right now he was a hundred percent sure he was red as a beet as he tried to get away from the empress's teasing.

'XIE XIE YOU DIDN'T WARN ME ANYTHING ABOUT THE EMPRESS!' he screamed in his head as the empress continue to tease him playfully.

...---...

...Li Manor...

"Achoo!" Mai sneezed, wiping her nose with a napkin while she munched at a piece of drumstick.

"I wonder who's thinking about me" she murmured thoughtfully, shrugging as she continued to eat the large platter of drumsticks in her lap while her personal handmaid shaked her head in disapproval to her master's behavior.

...---...

...Rear Palace; Butterfly Pavilion...

"One more!" the empress cheered as she poured his cup to the brim with trembling hands, spilling a few droplets of liquor here and there.

"My lady I think this is enough, you're quite drunk yourself" he whispered, gulping down the heavy liquor from his cup in one go, savoring the burning feeling of it going down his throat.

"Oh hush now, I can drink more!" the empress stated, her voice getting a little sloppy. She wasn't even staring at him but at the maid who continuously shook her head to the Empress's attempt to toast, making him sigh. He waved his hand, calling the attention of the empress head maid to come fetch the empress and get her back to the palace safely.

The head maid called some female attendants and they hurriedly obeyed, bowing their head apologetically at him before grabbing the empress carefully, steadying her before they carried her out while she mumbled incoherent words that sounded like asking him to refill her cup and go for another round. He slowly looked down, rubbing his stomach and feeling the liquids inside shake making him grimace.

'Even if the empress asked for another jar of liquor, I still won't be drunk' Jin thought almost feeling a little proud of himself. He carefully stood up from his seat, ordering one of the servants that serves his sister to clean up the mess while he go and drain the liquids in his bladder... secretly, cause he may need to pretend and act as a woman but he will never use the toilet the way a woman does, unless it was an emergency.

As Jin finished emptying his bladder, he made his way to the garden, he enjoyed his walk towards there, the floral scent of each individual flowers were so calming and the peace and tranquility it provided helped clear his mind and made it easier to tinker on what steps to make as he execute his plans, the sole reason he was here.

Thinking about it, it had just been a day and it may take quite some time so he needs to stay alert at all times, specially when he's around other consorts and concubines. His thoughts slowly came to the time he spent with the empress, her teasings, playful banters and the emotions in her eyes were genuine and those things brought a smile to his face. The Empress, the one who sat at the pinnacle of inside the harem was on good terms with his sister, it was good.

Very good.

"My love, you're finally back!" a deep husky voice spoke from behind startling Jin, almost making him jump a few inches off the ground.

He clutched his beating heart as he tried to shake off the shock that came along with whoever just sneaked behind him.

That's the second time he didn't notice someone's presence.

It felt odd for Jin but that wasn't the problem right now. The voice that spoke behind him sounded familiar, it was similar to the familiarity he felt when he recognized the empress. Infact, it was so familiar he almost didn't wanna believe it even when he already knew who it was.

"Emperor..?" He asked, voice small almost like a whisper as he turned to face the person behind him.

His gut wasn't wrong as the face of the man he dreaded to see finally came to view. Xian Khang, previous crown prince now emperor. Born from the late emperor and former empress dowager.

The emperor stood in all it's glory, a wide harmless grin plastered on his face but to Jin's mind it looked like a venomous sneer.

"My love?" The emperor spoke again, making Jin's ears hurt even when it wasn't that loud. But that wasn't what made him frown, it was the fact that the way the emperor refered to him, or his sister almost made his jaw fall to the floor.

His what now?!