The Emperor's Phoenix

Chapter 16

The news about the current Emperor falling heavily ill and the raging war from the borders creeps the citizens of Siam, they were bothered and worried about their country and their ruler.

But they are assured that the crown prince as the next son of the heavens, can fix this problems, they should trust him.

Kana didn't sit after hearing that, he saw how lively the Emperor back when they were in the competition and it was barely 3 days has passed.

What happened?

He get up immediately that morning, have Lili and Sheen change him for a glamorous hanbok and hair ornaments.

He needs to ask someone on what's happening to the Emperor.

Leaving Lili in the Jade Pavilion courtyard to accompany his mother, Madame Yoon while Kana goes to the Sunflower Pavillion where the Empress resides.

Sheen was only the one accompanying him except from V and Yun, hiding in the thick tree bushes.

"Princess Consort Han is requesting for audience, Your Highness." The Eunuch said to the Empress.

"Let her in." Empress Jong smiled sweetly when she saw Kana standing at the door, looking so fabulous.

"Greetings, Your Highness." Kana bowed at her.

"Kana'er, come join me for tea." She tap the pillow beside her, asking for Kana to sit down.

Kana sat down in all poise and grace that delighted the Empress even more.

"How are you? Does your new home makes you comfortable?" she poured tea on the cup and handed it to Kana.

"Yes, Your Highness, it's more comfortable than the usual chamber, this lady is very thankful on your generosity." Kana bowed again before taking a little sip on the tea.

"I know you came here because what you heard bothered you." The Empress said all of the sudden that makes Kana surprised.

But he collected himself and nodded.

"Yes, Your Highness... It actually bothered me."

"His Highness the Emperor has been sick for a long time, he always drink some pain reliever tonic if he is out in public. He has this illness that comes from within, the Imperial physicians doesn't know what is this kind of illness but they are certain that he won't live long enough." Empress Jong said and she sigh.

Kana thought for a bit, if he can only check the Emperor and have RM examine him to further know what is his illness but he knows that he won't be able to do that.

"I know you're also bothered about Sunwoo going to the borders, right Kana'er?" the sad tone of the Empress was replaced by a teasing voice.

"Your Highness..." Kana gasp, his face burning up.

How could a mother tease someone to his son?!

"Your reaction told me so." The Empress giggled made Kana smile widely.

"Don't be worried, my son is the Crown Prince, he will come back to take the throne and I am sure with that." Empress Jong said in a very certain way.

Kana wondered, does the Empress has something to do with the Emperor's illness?

"Princess Consort Park is requesting for audience, Your Highness." The head Eunuch announces before Kana can even reply to what the Empress said.

"I should leave Your Highness. We will just clash if she saw me here." Kana said and he get up.

"Come back more often yeah?" She hopefully said.

Kana nodded and bowed.

"Until next time, Your Highness."

Consort Park was slightly stunned when he saw Kana leaving.

She smiled to Kana but it looks like a glare, her lips protrude in rage.

Kana returned the same expression to her before leaving the room, purposely swinging his hips.

"Your Grace... How was it?" Sheen, who's nervously waiting on the door, ask him.

Kana look at Lulu, Consort Park's servant, who's anxiously standing in the corner.

He stop infront of her and look at her from head to toe.

Lulu look frightened and she look away.

"You still have time to change your mind on whom you will pledge your loyalty." Kana tap Lulu's cheek before he go.

Sheen run to follow him.

"What was that Your Grace?" She asked in curiosity.

"Lulu was just like Lili, poor victims of the cruel circumstances. They will be great help in the future. Let's go, Mother is probably waiting."

"But we haven't visited the two Imperial Consort yet." Sheen felt afraid.

"According to the protocols, I only need to visit the Empress, besides, I am a Consort now. We are on the same level. No need to be scared Sheen, I know what I am doing." Kana said crossing his arm on his chest.

They reach Jade Pavilion and Madame Yoon already started the huge renovation.

"Mother, you shouldn't tire yourself," Kana said as he kiss her cheek.

"Your Grace, this is the least I can do as your mother."

Lili serves tea for them and some treats, They situated under a cherry blossom tree.

"Lili? Can you tell me where your mother is?" Kana said.

"She's currently one of the Prime Minister's servant, Your Grace." She said while pouring tea on their cups.

Kana nodded. "Is it possible to pull her out there Mother? Say I want to take her as my servant?"

Madame Yoon look at him with awe.

"And why?"

"I need to remove her there for future purposes, and besides, Lili, her daughter was with me. She will be happy."

Madame Yoon smiled.

"I'll talk to Madame Park about that."

"Thank you mother."

Kana's vague game plan, now slowly moves in baby steps, one by one. He will remove those grasses in the Imperial garden.