Conquering the Emperor

“I did tell you that it’s nothing,” Ren said.

“Getting injured is nothing to be proud of…” I muttered.

“Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your lessons?” Ren asked, reminding me that I was running late.

“Oh right…” I said as I jumped off the bed.

…

Jeely was already in the usual sitting room where we had our lessons when Ren and I walked in. Her eyes widened and for a moment her face lost her usual alluring composure at the sight of Ren. It was rare for Ren to visit his own inner court after all.

I invited Ren to take a seat on one of the wooden sofas and he gestured for me to sit beside him. I did as I was beckoned.

“You must be Rin’s instructor. Thank you for taking care of her while I’ve been away,” Ren said to Jeely; however, his eyes did not leave my face as he stroked the top of my head dotingly.

Something about Ren’s words surprised me. Why does it sound like Ren doesn’t know Jeely at all? That’s not possible, she’s one of the high-ranking concubines in his inner court. I was baffled at the situation and wasn’t sure what to do. If he didn’t know her then, wouldn’t it be rude not to introduce her to him?

“Umm, crown prince. This is Jeely, she is my instructor and mentor,” I said softly.

I guess there was no harm in introducing Jeely. If Ren knew her already then I would just waste a bit of my breath; however, if he didn’t then all would be well.

“I see. It’s nice to meet you. Please take care of My Lady,” Ren said, his tone formal as he addressed Jeely.

Ok…so…he doesn’t know her? Does he?

Wait…how can this be right?

“Jeely, at your service, crown prince,” Jeely said as she bowed politely and in such a feminine way. It was a miracle to me how she could complete such a feat so flawlessly without tripping over.

Ren just nodded at her before turning his attention back to me.

“You should start your lesson, Rin. Don’t mind me…I’ll have my own fun observing you,” Ren said as he smiled at me while resting his chin on his hand.

How exactly am I supposed to concentrate with you here watching me?

“Don’t you have some work to do?” I asked, trying to sound serious.

“No…I’m all free…” Ren said, completely brushing off my attempt to get rid of him.

I doubt he was really free but since he just got back from war maybe the emperor is giving him a little downtime to rest. No matter what the reason is, I’m stuck with this man watching me for my lessons today.

Unfortunately for me, the lesson Jeely had planned this morning was the elegant posture session. It was the session that I hated the most and felt like I was struggling with the most.

“Ok…so as we practiced yesterday, today you will show me how much you’ve improved at elegantly serving tea…” Jeely said as she gestured to the tea pot and cups that had been prepared on the table.

I gulped. To be honest, I couldn’t remember all the steps that Jeely had taught me yesterday and I was beginning to feel very nervous. After more than a week of lessons, I was convinced that my premonition was correct. I have absolutely no talent in this whole lady-like skill set.

With hesitant and shaky hands, I swept the long sleeve of my clothes to the side before using the tip of my fingertips to delicately pick up the tea pot. Then following Jeely’s guide of a few gestures, I began pouring the tea into the cup, slowly and patiently. When the tea reached around two-thirds of the cup, I stopped.

I felt Ren’s eyes on me and wondered if he knew the proper steps that I was supposed to perform. No matter how much I wanted to see his reaction, I didn’t dare glance over at him. Instead, I looked at Jeely who was focus on watching my every move. She’s such a good teacher and that made me feel so guilty for my incompetence.

“How did I do?” I asked softly after I had completed the process.

Jeely was silent as she pondered what to say.

“Well…I guess it’s passable…if you’re serving mid-rank people of the court or some one you know quite well…” Jeely replied with a tight smile.

Great. That means that it was a complete failure. I laughed dryly to myself.

“Should I…show you one more time?” Jeely suggested as she sat down on the seat next to me.

“That would be helpful…yea…” I mumbled.

I glanced over at Ren and saw that he was watching Jeely and I intently. Ren didn’t seem overly interested in how to pour tea though. Looking back, I’ve poured tea for Ren many times before and not once did he make a fuss over how I poured it. Maybe he was just going easy on me…or maybe he’s been making fun of me all this time…

“Pay attention, Rin…” Jeely hissed at me.

“Oh…yes,” I replied as I snapped out of my thoughts.

Jeely demonstrated once again the proper way to pour tea. Apparently, if you mastered the sequence of how to pour tea like this then you could pour tea to anyone in the land without shame, including the emperor…not like, I wanted to pour him tea anytime soon.

Silently, I watched Jeely gracefully handle the tea pot, the cup and then pour the tea. I couldn’t help but think that if I was the one waiting for my tea, I would like to have it poured as quickly as possible instead of as gracefully as possible. Tea was…just tea, right?

I glanced over at Ren and saw him watching Jeely and her art of pouring tea with interest. He’s undoubtedly comparing our skills and that made me uncomfortable. I guess despite what Ren says to me encouragingly, he probably still expects and prefers the lady by his side to really be a lady.

--To be continued…