Scent of Cherry Blossoms (Ongoing)

re-upload of ch. 4

Hi this re-upload is for ninkha and anyone that are happening problems seeing ch. 4. If you did not experience any issues par ignore this. I'm working on chapter 5 and will upload it soon (if I'm not lazy) LOL!
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Chapter 4 – The Emperor’s Decree

Xiao Ming headed to the family meeting hall. The hall was wide and spacious with a high ceiling. In the center of the hall were eight elegant and magnificently crafted wooden chairs. Two were positioned at the head while four chairs were positioned on both sides facing each other.

As Xiao Ming entered the hall, he heard his father’s angry voice boom from inside. He stopped in his footsteps.

“What kind of decree is this?! It’s preposterous! Is the Emperor still sane?”

Xiao Ming stared curiously at the tense atmosphere in the hall. His parents, Xiao Feng and Zhu Ehuang, were sitting in the head chairs while his older brother Xiao Heng was sitting on one of the chairs on the left.

Xiao Feng was 54 years old while his wife Zhu Ehuang was 42. Xiao Feng had a beard and mustache; his greying hair was tied up into a neat bun with a male golden hairpin. His body emanated an aura of power and nobility. In the Red Star Kingdom, he held much power as the left prime minister. Zhu Ehuang is the official wife and only wife of Xiao Feng. She had her black hair up stylishly with a flower jade hairpin. She was dress elegantly and exuded a graceful demeanor. Despite both their years, they were still handsome and beautiful. As for Xiao Heng, he looked just like a young version of Xiao Feng. He was quite handsome with strong, rising brows, a pair of sharp eyes, a high, straight nose, and attractive jaw lines.

His father, Xiao Feng, smacked the scroll containing the decree harshly onto the table. Anger colored his father’s face red. His mother, Zhu Ehuang, quickly tried to calm his father down.

“Husband, please calm yourself. The doctor said that you shouldn’t be weak to anger. It is not good for your health.” She patted her husband’s chest, and then sighed at the helpless situation. “I am worried for our little Xiao Meng. There must be something that we can do.” Her gentle brows narrowed in concern.

Despite his wife’s words, Xiao Feng’s anger did not die down. It boiled and brimmed to the top. Xiao Feng angrily stood up from his chair. “Of all the nobles, why pick my family? My family for generations have loyally served the Kingdom and the royal family! Does the Emperor not see me?” shouted Xiao Feng angrily.

Xiao Heng frowned with displeasure, and said to his father, “Father, although this decree is in accordance with the laws of Red Star Kingdom, it is an old law that has not been in used for two generations of the royal family. After all, it was initially created by the Emperor Kang (2nd emperor of the Red Star Kingdom; current emperor is the 5thruler) as a form of attack on his eight brothers. How can the Emperor choose to enforce it now? Does he mean to suppress his own sons? I fear that Xiao Ming will not agree to this.”

“Agree to what?” asked Xiao Ming with a stern and serious voice that echoed throughout the entire hall. Everyone’s attention shifted to Xiao Ming. He walked towards his parents and sat down on a chair on the right opposite to his brother.

“Mother, Father, what did you both have to discuss with me that also requires brother’s presence?” His suspicious gaze swept from his parents to his brother and then back to his father.

“Dear…” said Zhu Ehuang in an affectionate yet concerned voice. She went over to where Xiao Ming sat and gently held his right hand in both of hers.

“Mother, what is going on?” questioned Xiao Ming affectionately.

Zhu Ehuang was about to say something but Xiao Feng angrily interrupted. He explained everything straight and forward with one sentence. “Xiao Ming, the Emperor has decreed that you are to wed the 3rd prince.”