Buried treasure can't be put to good use.
Three Grand Advisors were discussing about how well their plans went because the Emperor had begun to learn how to govern. They thought that they should not underestimate the Emperor because the Emperor's lack of motivation and ignorance were nothing more than an act. Then Shuurei barged into their room.
Shou Taishi: "Oh, if it isn't Shuurei-dono?"
Sou Taifu: "What is the meaning of this?"
Shuurei: "I request that I'll be released from the Imperial Harem immediately."
Shou Taishi: "What reason do you have for asking such a thing?"
Shuurei: "That man isn't a stupid Emperor at all! He's just pretending to be stupid."
Shou Taishi: "And"
Shuurei: "I'm going home."
Shou Taishi: "Thanks to you, Shuurei-dono, the Emperor has changed. The palace is buzzing with talk praising your efforts. Howere, if you should leave now, the Emperor will lose interest and things will go back to the way they were before... There's one more rumour everyone is talking about... The Emperor and Shuurei-dono have finally begun to spend the nights together."
Shuurei: "That's....that..."
Shou Taishi: "The five hundred gold ryou reward for what you've been asked to go. If you want to receive it you must see this through to the end."
Shou Taishi smiled calmly. He knew that Shuurei couldnt return home with the matter of the 500 gold pieces that she desired so much, and that binded her in the Palace.
------------
Meanwhile the Emperor, Ryuuki, were consulting with Shuuei. He looked very depressed but Shuuei was calmly drinking tea.
"I never thought she would get that angry, she's only my temporary wife, but still... I'm crushed!"
"Why were you pretending to be stupid all this time?"
"Because that way Shuurei would pay more attention to me."
"Your Majesty, excuse me for what I'm about to say. The truth is, you've had women before, haven't you? And quite a few of them."
"How do you know?"
"I can tell by the way you are with Shuurei-dono. Why have you been hiding it?"
"If I'm to have children, it will only cause more trouble."
"You mean.... a civil war?"
"I'm only minding this throne for someone else. That's what I've always thought."
"So in order to avoid trouble, you allow people to believe that you like men? Certainly, before Shuurei-dono came, that was enough to keep those with any power from sending their daughters to the palace... Well then, Your Majesty, have you been in love?"
Ryuuki blushed and couldn't answer his question because it was so sudden. Shuuei then rubbed Ryuuki's head gently: "I give you credit since you like women. Now then, since you've upset Shuurei-dono, you have to make up for what you've done. I will find the source of that poison. I'll answer the trust you have placed in me. I have accepted your purple iris, after all."
"I'm grateful."
-------------
The Elders discussed the problem with the poisoning attempt against Shuurei and whether she could keep it a secret. Shou Taishi believed she wouldn't tell anyone even if she was asked to. Then he mentioned about the second prince Seien - the most outstanding of all the princes. If Seien had been there in the palace, the fight for throne might never have happened... but they lost track of him and did not know whether he was still alive or not after he was exiled.
--------------
Shuurei went to the Archives and complained about the fact that she was being deceived by the Emperor with her father, Shouka.
"So that's what they mean by "crafty"".
"Even though I work in the Imperial Palace, I dont involve myself in politics. When I allowed you to come here as the Emperor's Consort, it was not with any intention of taking advantage of your position."
"You understand what everyone is thinking, don't you father?"
"When I first met Ryuuki-sama, it wasn't long after I first started working in the Archives. A young boy turned up in the Archives covered in bruises. I was shocked and treated his wounds myself. He as a rather quiet and solemn young boy. I did not know who that child was for quite some time, but after a while he finally started to talk a little about his mother, and his brothers and about the second eldest prince who was the only person in the palace who loved him. Whenever he came to the Archives, he was always covered in bruises. Even after his mother passed away, his brothers still continued to beat him. All I could do for that small boy was be there to listen to him. Shuurei, that man has the highest status, a huge palace and everything that would make ordinary people envy him. However, the love of a mother, tender words, and the touch of a soft caress; these fundamental things are things he has never known. But now you're here, you are closer to him than I could ever be. The Emperor, Ryuuki-sama, please take care of him, Shuurei."
Shuurei shed tears while Shouka was telling her those words, and she knew what she should do instead of complaining about those trivia things; and another person who were standing outside the Archives, Kouyuu, seemed to understand more about the Emperor as well.
When Kouyuu turned his back to leave, he encountered Shuuei who was standing there for a while already. They seemed to be happy that Shuurei would not leave the palace immediately. Then they saw Seiran passing by. They wondered whether Seiran received any flowers from the Emperor. Shuuei then started thinking of teasing Seiran.
"Hey, Seiran, have you heard the rumour all the ladies-in-waiting are talking about?"
"......You mean about Ojou-sama (her lady) and his Majesty?"
"Right. What do you think?"
"Well, if you must ask, I think there's an 8 or 9 out of 10 chance that nothing happened."
"So cool and composed. It's no fun if I can't tease you."
Seiran tried to get away but Shuuei wouldn't let him go easily. He followed Seiran, and wrapped his arm around his neck.
"If you're this confident, there has to be a reason behind it, right? Come to think of it, you've actually been in a very tempting situtation. Shouka-sama, you and Shuurei-dono living together. Being the guard of the Shouka-sama's treasure, no doubt there were plenty of opportunities. You're an impressive man in his twenties after all. Come on, tell the truth."
"There's nothing going on."
As the two men made a fuss grappling in the garden, suddenly the sharp sound of someone making a practise swing could be heard. The two of them, being much more skilled than average at swordsmanship stopped instantly at that sound. Glancing at each other, the two let go of one another and went deeper into the garden. The one who was there was...
"Sou Taifu!?"
Sou Taifu stopped his practise and turned.
"The Ran family's young fellow and...... you are"
Sou Taifu looked at Seiran and narrowed his eyes slightly. After a moment, Sou Taifu pointed his sword.
"Very well, be my opponent."
The sword pointed at a surprised Seiran.
"Ehh--- M-me!?"
"That's right"
Shuuei, with a look of great interest broke into a smile and silently withdrew a step. He whispered to Seiran: "Grand Mentor Sou used to be commander of unmatched prowess. He has fought in many battles and won great honours as a military officer."
Ignoring Seiran's dismay, Sou Taifu suddenly launched his attack. There was no mercy in his step. Seiran quickly drew his sword. The sharp sound of metal striking metal rang out.
"Good block. "
"General Sou ......!"
"Seiran, was it?"
"Y-yes"
Knocking back the sword, he tried to strike back, but Sou Taifu easily block his attack.
"How old are you."
"T-twenty-one"
"Really?"
Shuuei, listening to that conversation on the side, narrowed his eyes.
"13 years ago Shouka took you inm did he not?. What were you doing before that?"
"Ah, that's......"
The instant he was distracted by the question, his sword was knocked out of his hand. At which point, Sou's sword was pointed directly at his throat.
"You're quite good. At first glance, it seems to be an unrecognized style." - As Sou Taifu spoke, he lowered his sword and sheathed it - "But the forms you learn when your young don't disappear that easily. The form at the basis of your fighting style is very similar to the style of a young man I once knew." - Sou Taifu glanced briefly a Shuuei - "The young fellow from the Ran family must have noticed it too.Afterall, he's a General."
Shuuei simply shrugged his shoulders. Seiran silently put away his sword.
Sou Taifu continued evenly, "I thought I'd never see it again. Even Ryuuki, the Emperor, who I tutored personally does not know that sword style. That Prince used to call me General Sou, like you just did..."
Sou Taifu looked up the sky and slowly walked away leaving Seiran standing still without words.
In the evening of the same day Shuurei met Seiran who seemed to be worrying about something.
"Seiran, I made daikon strip cakes. They're crunchy on the outside and the light, crisp texture of shredded radish is just amazing, don't you think?"
"Yes."
"I wanted the Emperor to try them, but I got so angry at him, I wonder if he's ok."
"I'm sure he's fine."
"He must have his reasons for pretending to be a stupid Emperor, right? It's not easy being an Emeperor. I think I finally understand that."
"That's true." - Seiran slowly ate the cake. His eyes were so sad.
"Hey Seiran, could it be possible that you're being harassed in the Laft Imperial Army?"
"Huh?"
"You have outstanding skills, and a pretty face. Come to think of it, being singled out is more than likely?"
"Ojou-sama ... Nothing like that is going on."
"Then what is it? What is it that's troubling you?"
"I just can't win against you, can I Ojou-sama?"
"No matter what it is, you can tell me. I'm always coming to Seiran with my complaints, so you should also... but that'll probably never happen. Seiran has never even once done a thing like that. Honestly, how can I ever repay you for everything you do for me."
Seiran rubbed her head gently: "You've already repaid me... Whenever I see you being yourself, it always gives me more strength."
"Really?"
"Really."
"But, Seiran, I always think you're unfortunate."
"Unfortunate?"
"You always put others before yourself."
"It's not like that. Danna-sama and Ojou-sama are very important to me , so I always think of you first."
"That's in the nature of those who are unfortunate... for some reason, whenever i see Seiran, I think of the phrase "Buried treasure can't be put to good use". You don't realize how outstanding you are, do you Seiran. I'm very happy having Seiran by my side, but I often think your talent is wasted. And maybe there will come a day when you'll go far away."
"I'll always be by your side." ..........
-----------
Kouyuu were annoyed to learn that Sou decided to organize a Martial Arts Tournament. He was eating and complaining with Shuuei: "Good lord! Why hold a martial arts tournament so suddenly?"
"Eating or talking: Which will it be??
"What on earth is Grand Mentor Sou thinking?"
"This is about him appoiting you to handle the tournament, right?"
"You'll have to make an appearance too, you know?"
"What?"
Kouyuu then remembered something. He seemed to be shocked.
"What's wrong?"
"That... Could it be a plan to draw out the Black Wolf?"
"The Black Wolf. It's said that that man was a loyal and trusted subordinate of the former Emperor. The mysterious man who controls the group of assassins knowns as the "Wolves of Wind. He's a lengend as an assassin of unmatched talent."
"Rumour has it that he's still alive, and it's even possible that he still works within the palace. Don't you think someone is trying to use the martial arts tournament to lure him out? Grand Mentor Sou..."
"He isn't going to expose his identity that easily, that Black Wolf."
"That's true. The Black Wolf is probably the person you least suspect." - Kouyuu got back his calm and continued eating.
Meanwhile General Sou ordered Seiran to take part in the tournament and not to hold back.
In the evening, Kouyuu approached Shouka to ask him for advice about his speech for the tournament but Shouka turned him down but asked to assist him with serving the tea.
The day after, the tournament began. Kouyuu clumsily presented his speech:
"On a blessed day such as this, under clear skies, and in the full glory of spring, it gives me great pleasure to present this wonderful and joyous event, and share in the happiness which it brings to us all...."
The crowd started to laugh at his speech.
"This is a wedding ceremony speech, isn't it?"
"He did have a speech prepared, but it looks like he's so nervous he can't even read what he's written."
"Li Kouyuu! Get this started already!" - Sou Taifu saved him from embarassment.
"Yes. Without any further ado, Let the first Imperial Martial Arts Tournament begin!!!"
"Today your rank is immaterial, as you will be competing based on indiviual skill. The winner will be awarded 100 gold ryou."
Shuurei had stars in her eyes at the mentioning of the amount, so Ryuuki decided to enter and win her the prize.
The battle went on and the semi-finals opposed Ran Shuuei vs. Son Bunshin and Ryuuki vs. Seiran, which put Shuurei at dilemma, whom to support until she realized that whoever won the money went to her. Shuuei easily got a win against the big Bunshin. All of the ladies in the crowd cheered for him, that showed how popular he was. Then came the match between Shi Ryuuki and Shi Seiran. Though their name were not written in the same way in Chinese character, their surname "Shi" gave some thought for Shuurei.
In the match, Seiran tended to look away from the opponent - Ryuuki started to recognize the sword style, but managed to pull himself together and won. It seemed that both of them were distracted and Seiran tried to end the match quickly.
After winning the match, Ryuuki seemed to be more distracted and he forgot about the promise he made with Shuurei that he would try to win 100 gold ryou for her. So in the end, it was Ran Shuurei who won. After the match, Ryuuki spotted Seiran and followed him leaving behind a perplexed Shuurei.
"Seiran ... I had an elder brother whom I loved. When I was lonely as a child, he always played with me. Seien-aniue was the only one who was always kind to me. I love that older brother more than anyone. He always shielded me with his broad back. I didn't cry even when my mother and other brothers died; but when Seien-aniue left... I cried. I don't care about governing, because I'm always waiting for someone to say "Bring back Prince Seien!". To imagine he was so close to me..."
"I am not your brother. But, if I were your brother, I would still say the same thing: Hurry up and abandon that stupid idea. The Imperial Court has already begun to operate with you at its center. Prince Seien is no longer needed."
"That's not true!"
"Your brother would be happy seering you become more and more like a ruler each day. He must be trying his best to support you from the shadows. It must pain him not to be able to reveal his identity, but you realised that, haven't you? That alone is enough to make him very happy."
"Aniue! No.... I don't want it to be like this!" - Ryuuki ran into Seiran.
"Do you think it's alright to say something like that. That kind of talk will only cause trouble again. If that happens, Prince Seien, who may be very close by, will probably have to flee." - Seiran gently embraced his brother.
"Flee?"
"In other words, he'll leave you again. Is that alright with you?"
"No."
"Then please be patient and let him remain quietly where he is."
"You're a very good liar too." - Ryuuki closed his sad eyes and knew what he should do.
The sweet conversation was interrupted by Shuurei, who apparently tried to look for Ryuuki after he left without telling her what troubled him.
"What's going on?" - Asked Shuurei when she caught a glance of the two man standing so close to each other - "Were you fighting? It's a shame that neither of you won, but I'm not worried about the reward."
Seiran and Ryuuki looked at each other smiling, leaving Shuurei a feeling of being left out, she asked "What is it?"
"Nothing at all" - the two answered at the same time.
"I'm just happy to see you." - said Ryuuki.
"For some reason that sounds like something Seiran would say."
Shuurei then realized that the two of them suddenly got caressing manners towards each other. Moreover, when she came to see them, they seemed to be embracing each other. All that made her think that the two of them were involved in some kind of romance relationship. After all, she still believed that Ryuuki like men rather than women.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing at all."
"Ojou-sama, if there's something worrying you..."
"No... I'm just going to my room, okay." - she was still quite shocked but tried to get away so that the two could remain alone.
The two knew that she misunderstood them so they tried to follow her to explain as she tried to run away - "Sorry, I didn't mean to bother you."
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