6 Chapter 6: My Brother is my Brother

Book title: Solstices

Chapter Title: My Brother is my Brother

Chapter no. 6

Author: Ahce Darato Torres (@BunnyDeanAhce)

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(Yao Xue Rong's POV)

"Good morning your majesty" I greeted my brother politely

"Cut the crap Rong'er" he said

"Why are you so gloomy early in the morning? You need to smile more okay, smile. It will exercise the muscles in your face and decrease the signs of aging. Look at the wrinkles on your face brother, its crawling. I have a beauty cream here, apply some okay." I handed him an anti-aging therapy cream which he accepted in confusion

We went to Enchanted Garden, a pavilion cultivated by our mother when she was still alive. I served the tea and the pastries to my brother. The wind coldly blew as the leaves dance making a relaxing vibe.

"Brother I never thought our imperial palace have eyes everywhere" I snickered at the presence of men eavesdropping

"What do you mean?" My brother was dumbfounded

I threw three needles to the north and stayed silent. Until three men dressed in assassin uniforms dropped to the ground. My brother stood and hurriedly called his shadow guards.

"Check them" I ordered

I threw another five needles at the back.

"Who's responsible for cultivating them? Is it one of your concubines or the empress? For them to trespass into my territory, they must be sick of living." I scoffed at them

Then I threw two daggers on the trees.

"Dare to enter! Do you think you can escape?" I smiled evilly

"Secure the area and check for assassins" my brother ordered

"How did you know?" He asked me

"The smell of blood lingered on the air for a brief moment." I answered, of course I can lie to my brother, I need to lie and keep myself safe. When he finds out that I am not his sister, I will be in great trouble.

"You've changed so much Rong'er" he patted my head and sat down

"You just don't know me that well brother. Every person has a facade, and I have lots of masks to wear" I answered

"What did you call me here for?"

"I have two agendas brother. First, I need to gain full control over the army and second I brought a guest with me. Can we erase her identity for good? She wants to start a new life."

"Who is she?"

"The legitimate daughter of general Feng. I believe we can take control of Feng clan if the real heiress stands by our side. The destructive nature of Feng household will become an obstacle in the future, and the heir to the throne will be in danger brother. I am only preparing safety measures."

"Why did you help her?" He asked curiously

"I have plans, it's time I put favor and decide whose side I am going to support. The battle for the throne is merciless, though I am untouchable I still need to be cautious. Many will want to take my position in the future, excuse me for thinking in advance brother. I hope you understand." I casually sipped tea

"You know I'd be there to protect you"

"I can protect myself, who knows which concubine actually dares to poison you. Drink these, it'll detoxify the poison in your body. In the future just eat with me and find excuses to decline those witches"

"How did you know I'm poisoned?"

"Your skin says it all" For once his skin have purplish marks, signs that he has been poisoned recently

"What if I transfer in your palace?" He asked

"You could, my place is huge. Don't suffer food poisoning with those malicious witches. I believe they really want to dethrone you and let their sons sit on the throne. Too greedy for their turns, then allow me to cut some weeds. You need help brother."

He sighed.

"Sister, when are you planning to get married?" He asked

"When death god arrives, I'll marry him!" I answered, if Hades exists then why not?

I mean, I just don't want to get married in an instant. Marriage is not business, and it's not a play thing either. Marriage is a lifetime entanglement.

"You're just too stubborn to get married" he said

"I have the right to choose, that's what you promised. So brother will you help me erase her identity and testify that she is the rightful heir of Feng Clan? I somehow found out, that her father married into the general's mansion and claim the real general's title for himself. Isn't he deceiving the monarch? He replaced his brother-in-law and grabbed the position, recognizing merits not intended for him."

"Okay I'll arrange it, you have a point. But amongst your nephews, who do you think is rightful to gain the power of the throne?" He asked

"You'll know soon." I answered

We chatted for a while before we engaged in making plans to cut the evil weeds in our backyard. We are not called Yao if we cannot clean our own people. I have also requested to change the maidservants in my household and let Fu Si, Fu Shi, Fu Wen, Fu Yan and Fu Liang to remain. The five of them is enough to fend off trouble. My brother will assign few of his shadow guards from military to assist me in guarding my place when I and first miss Feng travel to the mountains to gain recognition from Yao Army.

I don't know what are the other plans of my brother but he let's me bring his four year old son, Yao Xiemen with me. That child lost his mother in an early age and he needs parental guidance, so I'll be his appointed guardian. Everyone wants to harm him because of his background. The Xie clan is too powerful from the kingdom of West and my brother wants to cultivate the child for his potentials. But he cannot take care of him as it will put more danger to the child.

Well if I want to protect people I must crawl the underground world and carve a name for myself.