It had been a month since the Emperor had abdicated and handed the throne over to the First Prince. In the weeks following that, the new Emperor had been so busy with his new duties that he had not been able to meet his childhood companion. It mattered not, though, for she had decided to look for him instead.
The new Emperor looked up from his piles of documents as his study chamber doors were flung open with a slam. "Feng Hou, what--?
"Is it true that you are going to take that girl as one of your wives?"
"Which girl?" Raising an eyebrow, the Emperor regarded the woman with amusement in his eyes.
"This is not funny," she hissed, "she is the daughter of the Xiongnu ruler, and the Xiongnu are nothing but bad news! Do not forget that the last battle cost us half the battalion!"
Upon hearing this, the Emperor immediately sobered up, all traces of his grin gone. "I know that. That is why this will be a political marriage. On one hand, the Xiongnu will be more open to peace treaties and on the other, they will not be so eager to attack if their princess is one of my concubines, for fear of political backlash."
The woman glared at him, but seemed to have no counter argument against his reasoning. Seeing that she was not able to bite his head off, the Emperor resumed his easy-going demeanour, and asked her lightly, "How are court matters? Are my officials still giving you trouble?"
Sneering, Feng Hou said, "Well, it depends on what you think is trouble, Your Majesty. I had suggested that the soldiers be trained in the harsher climates of the North for at least three months at a time, but your officials, who have absolutely zero knowledge of fighting, and probably have not been to a single battlefield in their entire lives, have decided to overrule me with an unanimous vote of 9 against 1."
At his friend's sharp tone, the Emperor rubbed his temples, "I understand your logic. Since we are always at war with the tribes of the North, it is definitely advantageous for our soldiers to acclimatise themselves to the terrain and weather conditions there. As usual, please bring this matter up in tomorrow's court meeting, and I will be sure to take appropriate measures."
Feng Hou nodded stiffly and bowed low before sweeping away without another glance. The Emperor watched as she strode quickly and confidently, retrieving her sword from the guard at the door where she had been forced to leave it behind. He sighed quietly.
The next day
"Court begins!"
At the announcement, all of the court officials bowed.
"Long live the Emperor!"
"You may rise. Please start with what you have."
One by one, state matters were discussed, and it was not long before it was Official Feng Hou's turn to speak. She bowed low, and started.
"Your Majesty, your subject wishes to make a suggestion for a matter regarding national defence."
"Rise, Official Feng Hou. Please state your business."
"Reply to Your Majesty. Your subject feels that it would be a wise decision to send soldiers to the northern border for military training for at least three months. This would help them adapt to the weather conditions that would be present when we fight against our enemies, the Xiongnu."
Before she could continue, another official swept up next to her and bowed. "Your Majesty, your subject would also like to speak on this matter."
"Rise, Official Xi. Please state your business."
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Consort
Historical FictionShe drew the attention of everyone with her beauty and charm. Although she was already one of his wives, the Emperor sought to keep her even closer. A one-shot of a man enchanted, and his willing prisoner. AN: After receiving feedback from some read...