Chapter Twenty: Frustration

Though turning to flee was hardly befitting of an emperor.

Though he knew well that, as a sovereign, one should remain unflinching even as Mount Tai collapses before him.

Yet he had discovered that, when events suddenly slip beyond his control, to act as his heart desires becomes nearly impossible.

Almost in an instant, Liu Chan lowered his center of gravity, lifted his left leg, and prepared to bolt.

He was quite satisfied with his own reaction speed, and already had an excuse ready in his mind.

Of the thirty-six stratagems, retreat is the best; a true man can bend and stretch as circumstances require.

But just then, a small hand pressed down on his shoulder, heedless of his imperial dignity, and forced him back onto the seat, filling him with terror. When he looked up, he saw the Empress standing before him.

“Your Majesty, do not fear. With me here, how could these villains succeed?”

Liu Chan sighed—how could he have forgotten this? She was a fierce one, after all, daring even to tug the emperor’s ear! Daughter of General Zhang, her reputation alone could intimidate many.

His heart settled. Glancing around, he saw that no one was paying him any mind, so he shifted his posture, reclining on the seat in half repose.

His face regained the solemn majesty befitting an emperor.

The Empress bent forward, gathered up her skirts and tucked them into her belt, seized her phoenix crown, and hurled it at the assassin who eyed her maliciously.

The assassin swatted the crown aside with his dagger and shouted, “An emperor who cowers behind a woman? How laughable! Watch how I take your life!”

By now, the assassin’s intent was clear and he cared nothing for Liu Chan’s imperial status—he knew he would not survive, so he might as well make his death worthwhile.

In his mind, that worth was to kill the emperor. The emperor had no heir, so the next in line would most likely be Prince Liang.

As he spoke, his feet moved swiftly, dagger raised as he lunged at the Empress. He knew that to kill the emperor, he must first dispatch the Empress who stood in his way.

As a palace guard, he must have trained in martial skills, and being chosen as an imperial attendant, his prowess was surely exceptional. His dagger swept with the wind and struck at a cunning angle, aimed directly at the Empress’s neck.

Liu Chan could not help but worry for her.

But in the next moment, the Empress leaned backward, nearly collapsing into Liu Chan’s arms, causing the assassin’s dagger to miss, slicing only through the air in front of Liu Chan.

Liu Chan was startled again, and when he looked down, the Empress winked at him, making his cheeks burn.

“Empress…,” he wanted to say, “Empress, with such danger before us, must you still flirt and tease?”

But the Empress’s actions were quicker than his words. She lifted her foot, hands gripping the seat, and with the leverage, stomped heavily on the assassin’s right ribs.

Liu Chan’s mouth hung open as he saw the Empress’s embroidered shoe connect, sending the assassin flying.

“Ah!” He was stunned. He knew the Empress was formidable, but had never witnessed her in action—one kick and the assassin was thrown aside.

Apparently, with a gust of autumn wind, the assassin lay sprawled, defeated.

Only then did a palace maid react, raising her hands to emit a piercing scream, then shouting, “Seize the assassin!”

The assassin tried to rise, but the Empress leapt high into the courtyard, her foot descending once more to pin him to the ground.

The assassin reached up to stab at the Empress’s calf, but the Empress, already bent at the waist, rotated her arm, seized his wrist, and pressed it down. With a dull sound, the dagger plunged into the assassin’s right chest.

The assassin groaned in pain, teeth clenched.

At this moment, the guards, maids, and eunuchs outside finally arrived, stunned by the scene.

Wang Li’s forehead was drenched with sweat as he shrieked, “Hold him down!”

The guards finally moved to restrain the assassin. Earlier, because they were to attend the emperor, none had brought weapons.

“Stop!”

Liu Chan rose, straightened his robe, and barked the command.

The assassin had already been subdued by the Empress—there was no need to go overboard. He waved his hand, and the guards stepped back.

Wang Li knelt, “Your Majesty, I deserve death!”

With him, the guards, maids, and eunuchs all knelt. Now was the time—if the emperor did not blame them, the Prime Minister surely would.

Lady Li and Lady Wang felt their legs weaken and collapsed to the floor.

If the emperor perished, their fate would be dire.

Liu Chan ignored them, slowly descended the steps, and took the Empress’s hand. She hesitated, knowing the assassin was gravely wounded and would soon expire, but seeing the emperor’s grim expression and trembling hand, she realized he needed to vent his fear and anger, so she retreated behind him.

Liu Chan’s face was dark as he looked at the assassin, who glared back at him, blood streaming from his lips—a clear wound to the lungs.

“Is it not a pity? I still live, yet you’re about to depart this world.” Liu Chan tried to steady himself, resisting the urge to toy with the dagger lodged in the assassin’s chest.

The assassin opened his mouth, spat a mouthful of blood, and laughed, scanning the room as he cried, “Liu Chan, your father Liu Bei killed mine. Though I cannot avenge him today, I have no regrets! If you survive, Liang Prince will surely die! One son of Liu Bei must perish! Ha, come then!”

With that, he closed his eyes, hatred burning within him. If only he hadn’t teased that wild monkey that day, he wouldn’t have been exposed so soon.

Now he could only hope his words would bring some benefit to Prince Liang.

Liu Chan bent close, “Rest assured, you will die, and…”

He smiled, then turned to Wang Li, “Wang Li, I order you to redeem yourself by investigating this man’s background—I want to know every detail, eighteen generations back. Do well, and I’ll protect you from the Prime Minister, granting you wealth and honor.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty! I will spare no effort to uncover his history!” Wang Li knocked his head to the floor repeatedly.

“And the rest of you, assist Wang Li! I won’t blame you for your failings.”

Liu Chan bent again, shouting into the assassin’s ear, “I’ll exterminate your whole clan and dig up your ancestral graves—wait for me on the road to the underworld!”

“You…!” The assassin spat blood, his head slumping as life left him.

Yet all could see the pain in his unclosed eyes.

Death is not frightening; what is frightening are the consequences brought by one’s death.

Liu Chan was sprayed with the assassin’s blood, and all stared at the emperor, his face smeared and ghastly.

Liu Chan slowly raised his head, rose to his feet, and extended his tongue, licking the blood from his face.

The taste—was it sweet?

Once again, everyone was shocked.

Liu Chan ascended the steps, waved his hand, “Leave the body. The rest of you, disperse. Wang Li, send for the Prime Minister and Magistrate Li!”

“Yes!”

The crowd filed out, hastening to leave this place of turmoil.

“Sisters, fetch some water so we can clean His Majesty.” The Empress helped Liu Chan to his seat as she spoke.

“Empress, no—let me wait for the Prime Minister just as I am,” Liu Chan replied wearily, then praised her, “Empress, you are truly as valiant as any man. I am awed. Had it not been for you, my life would have ended today!”

The Empress shook her head, “Do not say so, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is blessed by Heaven—even without me, you would be safe.”

“Your Majesty, we are guilty!” Lady Li and Lady Wang both knelt and wept.

“Rise, you are but gentle women—had I not been terrified myself, how could I expect more from you?” Liu Chan said, then turned to the Empress, “Empress, I wish you to reside here daily, to safeguard me. Will you?”

The Empress’s eyes brightened, “Of course, Your Majesty!”

Lady Li and Lady Wang exchanged glances, their eyes dark with gloom.

Liu Chan saw their expressions and felt no blame—he believed that, if either possessed the Empress’s courage, they too would have stood forth.

He praised the Empress and invited her to stay, but could not let the other two feel neglected. After all, besides these three, he had no close companions in the vast palace.

He said, “You two needn’t worry. You saw today’s events—only the Empress can truly protect me. But you are welcome to visit whenever you wish, without needing permission. Is that alright?”

Hearing this, Lady Li and Lady Wang sobbed harder. Lady Li said, “I suddenly feel so useless!”

“So do I!” Lady Wang added.

Liu Chan rolled his eyes and shook his head, “Who says you’re useless? Take you, for example,”

He looked at Lady Li, “Your father is my Minister of Works, handling memorials and petitions. I intend to meet with him soon.”

Then he turned to Lady Wang, “Your father is a wealthy merchant in Shu, his business spans the region. I plan to discuss investment with him—how could you be worthless?”

As he spoke, Liu Chan narrowed his eyes, feeling a wave of frustration.

Though he was the revered Son of Heaven, beyond five paces he could not rule the world; within five paces, he could not preserve his life. How lamentable!