M. Emperor x F. Blind Empress (Part 2)

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Two young boys bowed before the royal throne, their elaborate gowns showing their position in the court. A zither sat in front of the one on the right while the one on the left had a flute. Both waited for the two royal rulers before them to speak or give them instruction. In the meantime, they tried not to let their eyes wander to the flashy outfits in the court, the younger of the two failing in that attempt. However, he quickly snapped to attention when the emperor raised his hand, allowing them to sit up from bowing.

The two then readied themselves, the younger of the two bringing the flute to his lips while the other held his hands over the zither. Beginning to play with the utmost passion, the music ran through the imperial court, allowing pleasant music to swirl in the ears of everyone present. Some sipped relaxing tea while enjoying the melody, while others sat still with their eyes closed, envisioning serene imagery. Either way, there wasn't anyone there who thought there was even a minor imperfection in the way they played.

Even their teacher could do nothing but sit still. For children their age, they progressed quickly. Then again, it was expected for their noble bloodline. He was honored to have such talented students, especially ones that could please the emperor with their music. Delighted when they finished, the male clapped his hands together, the rest of the court following their example. The two boys bowed before lifting their heads, the younger of the two impatiently moving his feet while staring at the empress. When she smiled, the boy scampered up to the throne and placed himself in her arms, snuggling to her tightly.

"Well done," she sighed, raking her hands through the boy's long black hair, "You've been practicing a lot, haven't you?"

"I have as well, imperial mother," the older boy whined, kneeling beside the woman's throne and looking up with hopeful brown eyes.

"I agree," the two boys' music tutor nodded, bowing before the emperor and empress, "The princes are making much progress in their studies. It pleases me greatly to have such talented students. Is there anything your imperial majesties would like me to have them learn?"

The empress shook her head. She, as well, had been tutored in music by the man before them. The emperor had insisted on it, wanting her to explore hobbies she could participate in despite her lack of sight. He had made the decision to push her onto music as it could help her navigate through touch and sound. Not to mention, he enjoyed performing with her, guiding her hands to the right keys in an intimate and loving manner. That being said, when it came down to it, she was not as taken with it as her sons were.

"I want to play a song with imperial mother," the younger of the two princes whined, fiddling with his flute coyly, "Wouldn't royal father agree?"

"I would, Wei. I would very much agree. But the empress must despise the thought of performing with me."

"Y-Your imperial majesty!" the woman shivered both in frustration and guilt, "You must not relegate yourself to performing for others! It is - "

"I'm very well aware, my love, but it is always entertaining to see you upset."

"How could I - "

The emperor chuckled, the empress quieting herself and blushing in embarrassment. It wasn't often she raised her voice at him and even rarer when in front of the court. However, she was aware he would never reciprocate that anger. He simply wanted her to express her own opinions without lowering herself to him. The two princes enjoyed seeing their mother in such a way as well. She was talented and disciplined, but to a point where she appeared submissive. Rather than that, she was loyal beyond words to her beloved emperor.

"What would you boys like to eat tonight?"

"Fried rice and duck a-and dumpling soup and - "

"We would like anything our royal father gives us!" the older prince interrupted, receiving a pat on his head from his mother to his delight.

The emperor nodded his head, dismissing the two boys to play before dinner was ready. In the meantime, he took the hand of his wife and led her away from the nosy court. Even when he glared at the untouched harem girls and opportunistic parasites known as nobles, they could not resist staring at his empress. Whether it was because they were envious or viewed her as a liability to him, he despised their stares. As such, he did his best to deter them from doing so even if the (h/c) haired woman could not notice their intrusive glares.

Taking her out of the elaborate hall, the silver-haired male led his beloved through the beautiful scenery she hadn't seen in years. Though his eyes did not wander from her form, he nonetheless soaked in the fresh air that floated past them. He tilted his head when noticing the way she enjoyed it as well, perhaps even more so than him. The emperor always believed her suited to being outside in lush greenery and blue waters, but then again, he worried about her health too much to leave her there. He knew she would have fallen asleep in the sun's rays. She always worried him in such strange ways.

"You're oddly quiet," the woman hummed, caressing the male's hand lovingly.

"Did you say something, my dear?"

"What a child. Does Jian have anything to say or is he so hung up on his own name that he can accomplish nothing else? I didn't take his imperial majesty for one more immature than his own sons."

"And I didn't take the empress for someone so opposed to speaking her lover's name. Have I not obliged with your wishes to remain polite in the presence of others?"

The woman chuckled just a bit, holding her free hand to her lips. The silver-haired male was so fascinated by that he couldn't help but take her lips. Was it that he was so overly jealous that he couldn't even take her own fingers touching her? Perhaps that was not it, but still, he only ever wanted to kiss every inch of her skin. The thought was appetizing. He kissed the back of her hand to satisfy his cravings for just a while longer. Dinner was going to be any moment, after all, and the princes would ignore any interruption. How they loved their mother.

"The envoys from the Wuying territory are arriving tomorrow. Have you finished with the preparations?"

"Well, I've left it up to my vassals for the most part. I don't need to waste my time welcoming people who waged war against us. Even if they did lose."

The younger woman nodded, wholeheartedly understanding the reason for his discontent. War was never a pleasant topic, especially not to the ruler that would not take an insult in any form. When that small nation had pushed forward their princess only to reveal their wish for him to make her empress, he lost it. They were well aware of his love for his wife, but they viewed her the same as most others. Blind, she was supposedly vulnerable, and not suited to being the mother of the nation or any future heirs. It was beyond insulting.

Even still, however, she did not take it to heart, encouraging him to forgive the offense on her behalf. In the past, she likely would have stated they were correct in their assumption. Yet, after giving birth to his first child, she allowed herself to become just a bit more selfish. She did not want her son to grow up without her nor did she want him to be out shadowed by a new empress and any heirs she may have provided. Either way, he did not listen, waging war on the much less powerful nation to enact vengeance for their thoughtless proposition.

"I don't wish to dwell on this irritating matter," the emperor sighed, placing a kiss on her forehead and holding her tightly to his chest, "Rather, I wanted to ask you your thoughts on having another child."

"You know as well as I do that I would not refuse such an honor."

"No, I referred to if you had a preference, I would like you to share with me. The gender of a future child, I mean."

"It goes without saying that I love my sons. Another would be welcome if your imperial majesty is willing."

"Willing?" the male snickered, waving his hand to deter him from focusing on that error of her statement, "Well, dancing around my meaning has never worked with one as literal as you, love. Would you like a daughter? One to dress up and spoil? I find the idea constantly weighing on my mind as of late."

Nodding slightly, the woman smiled, the male given the most informative answer he would have been given. Like most other things she did, she was never quite vocal about her wishes. Yet he adored that simple nature of hers. She never spoke in ways to work around things, direct and out front about what she wanted with him. For the life of him, he couldn't figure out why it was she was viewed as vulnerable. Though blind, if she wanted to, she still could have fired an arrow on a moving rabbit fifty meters away purely on sound.

Arriving at their palace, the emperor sat his wife down, allowing her to rest in her favorite seat. Sitting behind her, he surprised her when he lowered her hands down on the zither he had the servants bring. Stubborn as always, he insisted on performing with her, guiding her hands to different notes. Stringing them along, a melody emitted from the regal thing, the empress allowing herself to lean back into the male's chest. She then took her right hand away from his hand and pinched at his cheek.

"His imperial majesty does know I can play myself, does he not?"

Sighing happily, the male tugged her further to his chest as the two princes ran into the room. Wei, the youngest, situated himself on his mother's lap, more than eager to monopolize her from his older brother. On the other hand, Quan pouted and sat by her side, his father hugging him to encourage a smile on his sullen and chubby face. Though far more mature than his brother, he was not immune to jealousy, especially when the youngest always got his way. He would have lived for the day when he and his mother could have gotten a day alone. However, in the meantime, he was more than content munching on his favorite foods with his parents.

. . .

The royal procession from the Wuying territory was simple, likely as to not draw more hatred from the enemy country they had come to. They had lost a war in a matter of months, something unfathomable, and in doing so, they were given the greatest embarrassment possible. Their tiny nation was at the whims of the Bai emperor, and considering his hatred for them, it was very possible their territory could have been seized and assimilated. All while their royalty was slaughtered, there would be nothing left of their original independence.

Even the king of the territory got on his hands and knees when facing the emperor, shaking in fear. It wouldn't have been out of the question for his head to be lopped off then and there. In fact, he had expected it ever since he crossed the borders, but the sight of the silver-haired man peppering kisses over his wife was even more proof of the possibility. He clearly doted on her so much he started a war for her honor, most eager to deal with the culprits responsible for tarnishing her image.

"Imperial mother," Wei pouted, tugging at his mother's ruqun with juvenile neediness, "I want kisses, too."

As the empress pulled away from the silver-haired male to adhere to the prince's wishes, the emperor turned his attention to those in front of him. Other members of the imperial court openly mocked the foreign rulers, wondering what was to become of them. It was sure to be a show. However, even Jian Bai had little to no idea what he wanted to do with them. Death would have been messy and not all entertaining, torture wasn't amusing either, and simply leaving them without a scar was not enough punishment.

"Imperial majesty," the foreign king began to speak, trembling in his boots, "I want to take this opportunity to offer my sincerest - "

"You were not spoken to," Quan huffed, standing protectively in front of his mother, "You are ignorant, crude, and barbaric to ignore our culture, butcher our language, and insult imperial mother! And now you dare to make royal father waste his breath to shut you up?!"

Placing his hand on his eldest's shoulder, the emperor watched as the boy gave a heartbroken expression. The man was well aware of how the insult had affected him, in particular. When he was born, they questioned if he was sound of mind or body, accusing his mother of being incapable of delivering a healthy prince. Then, at many exchanges, they treated him as though he was defunct, using the opportunity to showcase their crown prince as much better. They never ceased insulting him to target his mother. It was no wonder he was so eager to return the favor.

"Come sit." the boy's father hummed, tapping the throne next to him before turning to his personal attendant, "Fetch the prince an egg tart."

"Royal father, I will not - "

"Quan," the silver-haired man sighed, leaning to his son and speaking quietly, "Don't worry your mother."

Nodding his head, the prince followed his father's words obediently, lowering his head while his attendant placed down some tea and his favorite dessert in front of him. He was aware of his father's compassion for him. It was his way of distancing himself from an issue he knew he could not handle. His father was someone to be admired. The prince sat patiently and watched the interaction carefully, hoping to absorb some of his father's grace and wisdom.

"You have threatened not only my empress, but my sons, my court, my land, and my people through your arrogance!" the emperor growled, his voice raising to a point where it shook the entire area, "How do you plan on paying?!"

"Imperial majesty, I have reflected on these shortcomings! I am prepared to sacrifice anything you desire!"

"Everything from the heavens to the earth belongs to me! That is my birthright! I am the son of heaven, the beloved child of the gods, the emperor of all that I rest my gaze on! What pathetic riches do you have to make up for your offense?!"

"You are correct! I have nothing to make up for the harm of my actions! I only wish to repent in hopes of showing my sincere regret! I...have prepared to sacrifice...my only beloved child, my darling son."

The king raised his head with the emperor's permission, pushing forward his son. The boy was barely older than his and (Y/n)'s firstborn. He shivered and shook, no doubt believing his fate was bound to be worse than death. It took a while for the emperor to make up his mind about accepting the offering. He glared at the king, wondering if he, like many other rulers, regarded his son as a pawn. That being said, the exchange of looks between the two could not have been faked. The king adored his son, but he could not afford to accept the consequences of his mistakes.

Jian Bai wouldn't have ever parted with his sons. They were comprised of two of the people he loved more than anyone else; himself and his empress. Of course, as a heaven-mandated ruler, he never would have to give up something so precious to him. However, the very thought of parting with his eldest hurt his heart so. As such, the offering was thought-provoking, allowing him to consider it. Living away from his son who is at the mercy of foreign abuse was a worthy thought.

"Quan," the silver-haired male sighed, the eldest prince looking up with confusion, "You ought to decide. Besides your mother, they insulted you the most."

"Then I will accept, father!"

The emperor lifted his hand, allowing servants to crowd around the foreign prince. They placed chains on him and forced him to kneel, his father looking on with tears in his eyes. No doubt it stung. The emperor found it satisfactory, considering they wanted to remove his empress from her seat. They believed their prince to be more worthy of praise than his son. Yet now he was nothing more than a political hostage, the decider of the fate of his country, his family, and everything in between.

. . .

It had been two months into the young prince's hostage situation. At every turn, he had been confronted with the abuse of the emperor, princes, nobles, and even maids. They cut him, bled him, flogged him, starved him, etc., never satisfied with his pain. Kept in a house meant for slaves, he was even unwelcome there, crying himself to sleep while attempting to keep the sole reminder of his home to his chest. He struggled every day to hide his locket with his mother and father away from his abuser's eyes.

And yet, one day, the boy had found himself dragging his bloodied feet around one of the many gardens in the imperial city palace. Unknowingly, the two princes were playing ball with one another after their studies. Their eyes darting to him, they immediately frowned. The younger of the two pushed him down, knowing the boy's aunt was the reason his mother's position as the empress was threatened. At the same time, the older noted the way the boy didn't protect his body. Rather, his hands clutched around something. The prince then grabbed at what he sought to protect to find a locket in his hands.

"No, please give it back, your royal highness! Please!" the boy cried, reaching up only to have the thing held away from him.

"You shouldn't have anything! You're nothing more than a toy for us to play with!"

"I understand! I do, but please, if I don't have that - "

"What are you doing, Quan? Wei?" a voice called.

The empress approached the boys with a regal stance. She moved as though she were a swan on a moonlit lake, not a flaw in her appearance. The foreign prince looked on with fascination, especially as he noticed the lace blindfold around her eyes. He also watched as the two princes scampered to their mother, the older one hiding the locket. However, he was in awe over how the empress quickly noticed he was hiding something. Snatching it away from him, the woman fiddled around with it, trying to decipher what it was.

"This isn't yours," she mumbled, the prince looking down in guilt, "You stole it from him, didn't you? Give it back and apologize."

"Ah, imperial mother, he is - "

"I did not stutter, did I, Quan?"

"Royal father wouldn't - "

"Then I will not invite you to dine with me tonight. I suppose I'll just have to eat with this boy. Maybe then you would gather enough empathy to apologize. Being away from one's family is heartbreaking. Prince Shao, please come with me."

The boy quickly stood and followed after the woman, not daring to go against her words. It was like that often from that point out. The empress showed care to the young boy, cleaning after his wounds and feeding him delicious food. He had attempted to decline for the sake of his country, but she wouldn't let him refuse. Rather, she pampered him with the love he missed from his home to a point where the princes became overcome with jealousy.

They had never had to share their mother with anyone other than one another and their father. Even the younger of the two who was against sharing her with his brother would have preferred that over this. They tried everything they could to get her attention. Rushing to her palace to sleep with her, clinging to their father hoping to run into her, or even placing gifts on her bed, they tried so much all in vain. She simply ignored them, teaching them a lesson about empathy - something they needed in order to rule in the future. They, however, took it a much different way.

"Royal father, I'm telling you, imperial mother

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