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In the throne room, Langhua cradled Bingquing in the swing. She adjusted it so Bingquing's body would be more covered. A eunuch appeared in the side door and Langhua bade all the servants to leave them.

The eunuch removed his hat and bowed deeply. Then he walked closer and touched Bingquing's head tattoo. "You really did go all the way with her."

Langhua covered Bingquing's head with the sling, "If I did not, the officials who not have approved the instatement of a foreign national as a princess of Jungpi. I'm sorry you had to suffer, little one."

Zaiyuan sighed at the scarring the tattooing had caused it would mark her forever. It was unsightly and made him ashamed that he had chosen a small child to go through such an ordeal.

=//=

Official Chu presented the new terms to Emperor Tong. In his private quarters there was less formalities of court, but the Official was still unexpected this late at night.

The Emperor's bleary eyes took a moment to adjust as he read the terms of the marriage agreement. His brow furrowed. "The princess was crowned instead of the son?"

Official Chu nodded, "And they have adopted a new princess."

Emperor Tong exchanged glances with his eunuchs. "How many of my sons proposed marriage?"

The head eunuch spoke up, "Three on the last count your highness, but the princess is still very young for marriage."

"She will marry much later now that she is the ruler. This must be the queen's doing as she was worried of marrying off that ridiculous daughter of hers. Her shame at not being able to produce a son."

Official Chu spoke, "I would never dare to speak on the affairs of women as they are their own mysteries to me."

Emperor Tong laughed, "Chu, you have only married once. You need to get yourself a new wife and you'll see what I mean. They're all vain and vapid and take all of your money to spend on ridiculous frivilities. They are weak creatures whose minds are no better than dogs. My dog is more intelligent than my wife, I'll wager you that. But on a more somber note, we did look into the setting sun assassin who was sent to your home. But it turns out it was so well plans that there are no clues. Your daughter's dresses were also found so we assume that she burned in the fire."

Official Chu hid his eyes as he nodded, "I had assumed so."

Emperor Tong expressed his sentiments. "In a few years, I was thinking of offering your one of my sons to take on as a noble consort so she would be taken care of when you are no longer here. But I know she was young so I did not broach the topic."

"Bingquing would not have made a good concubine. She is too outspoken. I was hoping for a man with a country estate with simple tastes."

"Then I could have given you my Ning Ren. He's a smart man who likes to stay out of the capital. He begged me so I sent him to the borderlands. He's a scholar. But your daughter is dead, so such a matter is a waste. I'm so glad you can dedicate yourself fully to Caiwong."

"But what of the plan?"

"Let's forget it. Ning Yi is useless for Yan so they rejected him, but offered a bigger tribute this year in apology. All of my sons other than Ning Zhuo are useless . . . useless. They drink and dally their days away in brothels and gambling holes."

"Your highness, please appease your anger."

"I have sent all to the Academy or military to learn to be men useful to Caiwong Empire. Let some time pass and we will make a new plan with or without my sons. Official Chu I will be expecting more effort from you."

"Yes your highness, as always I am your humble servant."