Conquering the Emperor

It was early in the evening that I heard a knock on the door to my room.

“Who is it?” I called out questioningly.

“It is me…Auntie here,” I heard Auntie’s voice call to me through the wooden door.

“Please come in,” I said as I sat down on a chair and waited for her.

“Good evening, Lady White Lotus,” Auntie greeted me with a bow while carefully balancing a bowl on a tray.

The bowl and its hot content caught my attention and I wondered what it was. Since I was particularly interested in medicine, the aroma of herbs coming from the bowl in question stirred my curiosity as I tried to figure out what herbs were mixed in there.

As if noticing my interest, Auntie smiled at me as she carefully placed the bowl on to the table. I watched, intrigued, as the hot smoke swirled up from the hot liquid inside the bowl. I couldn’t figure out what herbs were in there as the smell wasn’t quite familiar.

“What is this?” I asked, gesturing to the small bowl.

“These herbs are from the high mountains in the north and I got the royal doctors to formulate it especially for you, My Lady,” Auntie said proudly.

“Herbs…from the north mountains?” I asked, curiously. The north mountains were very far away and stretched high up into the sky. It is well known for many precious herbs; however, because the mountains were high and it was very cold up there, it was very difficult to cultivate and gather herbs. The mountain, as I was told, was covered in snow for most parts of the year.

“Yes, My Lady. These herbs are famous for enriching a woman’s womb. It will make her healthy and ready to accept a man’s seed…” Auntie stated with a proud smile.

“You mean, these herbs will help a woman…get pregnant?” I asked.

“Not just help, My Lady. This herb is very expensive and very hard to find. It is said that if a woman takes this herb and then sleeps with a man, taking in his seed into her womb, she will become pregnant with his child, without a doubt!” Auntie said excitedly.

I’ve heard that these types of herbs existed but have not heard of a clear case of it working. Most herbs will help a woman become healthier and then because she is healthier it may increase her chances of getting pregnant. However, I have not heard of any herb that could directly help a woman become pregnant.

Obviously, I was doubtful.

“How is your…relationship…progressing with the crown prince?” Auntie asked.

Great. What do I tell her now? That we just had a fight, and that he basically ran away from me?

Plus, I can’t exactly tell her that Ren and I haven’t completely done the deed. That would get us both executed along with the people from my village, if I recalled Ren’s words correctly. I thought of the fake bloodstained sheets that we submitted as evidence after our first night together and my body shook in fear.

“It is…going well…” I replied vaguely as I looked down, pretending to be shy to disclose further details.

“Very good. I am sure that the crown prince is pleased to spend time with you. Now, My Lady, please drink this herbal medicine before it gets cold…” Auntie said as she gestured to the small bowl, indicating that I should drink its content.

I gulped. I didn’t fully believe in the herb’s properties; however, I wouldn’t be needing its properties anyways since I wasn’t going to take in any man’s seed into my womb in the next three days anyways. So, there should be no harm in drinking the herb, right?

I sense’s Auntie’s eyes on me as she waited with anticipation for me to drink the herb. I sighed softly to myself before reaching for the bowl and bringing it up to my lips. The herbs did not smell unpleasant, and the content had cooled down to a comfortable warmth for drinking. I began drinking the herb, it tasted slightly bitter, but it wasn’t bad compared to other medicines and herbs that I’ve drank before.

Auntie watched me intently as she encouraged me with her smile and her eyes to finish the entire bowl. After gulping down the last of the content, I felt its warmth in my stomach. Auntie smiled at me with satisfaction. I felt apologetic towards her because she would be so confused and disappointed soon when she finds out that I had not conceived despite her efforts in preparing this herbal medicine.

“Excellent. I pray for your good health and the speedy arrival of the crown prince’s and your healthy baby,” Auntie said with a happy laugh.

“Thank you…” I whispered.

“You are such a lucky woman to have received such attention from the crown prince. When your belly is swollen with his child, you will receive so much more love and attention. I can’t wait to celebrate that day with you, My Lady,” Auntie said with a bright smile.

I didn’t know what to say as I smiled back at her.

She reached for the bowl and placed it back onto the tray. She bowed to me to excuse herself.

“It is getting late. I should excuse myself now, My Lady. Please rest and stay healthy,” Auntie said before turning to leave.

I watched her leave, closing the door behind her. After she was gone, I let out a long sigh. I still tasted the taste of the herb on my tongue. That was unexpected. I guess things will be getting more serious from here on out. The emperor and the high court were truly in a rush for Ren to produce an heir…

It wasn’t long before I heard someone tap lightly on my door. I didn’t know why but I was surely getting more popular these days. Rolling my eyes in slight annoyance, I called out to invite the person into my room.

“Lady White Lotus, I know it is getting a little late in the evening but…there’s a messenger from Prince Kin’s palace here to see you,” a young maid said in a small voice. I was sure that she was scared of getting reprimanded. Of course, I had no such intention of doing so.

--To be continued…