The Guzheng of The Moon

XV

Gu Zheng stared at each dancer who was caught in front of him. He would rather turn his face and look out the window. The fact that he had no idea about the little party being held by his friends, made Gu Zheng even less interested in the party.

"Your Majesty, they are the best dancers in the Zao House. I hope you're entertained" said the owner.

Ma Zao the owner and butler who was special to serve Gu Zheng and the entourage tonight. Zao was very famous for their beautiful women. The most classy brothel and only for the nobles. But the definition of nobility was not that narrow for Ma Zao. Anyone is welcome provided they have thick pockets. No matter the bum though, there is money, then there are women and drinks.

Luckily the thin-moustached man had never encountered a thick-mouthed tramp. So, you could say the brothel is still holy from the poor.

For Gu Zheng who wanted to fill his free time, this kind of activity was already commonplace. But that doesn't mean he's gonna play the lady around here. He has principles. Yes, he's a virgin.

Only for Yue.

After all Gu Zheng did not want to be like his famous father who liked women very much. Every kind of beautiful woman once climbed into the main bed of the palace thanks to her father. Even if it only lasts a night or two.

Gu Zheng didn't want to be like that. It's not that he doesn't like women. Only, the woman for Gu Zheng was only fixated on the figure of a Yue. Long time ago.

"Go to the kitchen, Mr. Ma. Get me your best wine!" exclaim Qi Zi.

"Good, Sir." In a hurry Ma Zao did as commanded by the Commander.

"So ..he was the one I saw that morning?" qi Zi asked.

The absence of an answer from Gu Zheng instead made the Commander laugh out loud. The other two men looked at each other. Trying to understand the situation and the intent of Qi Zi.

"Who?" asked Ren Hao curiously who finally spoke up.

"One of the future empresses of course, who else?" qi Zi replied.

"Are you not a virgin anymore, Your Majesty?" ask Yu Dong.

"God. Can we not talk about the virgin or not me?" sergeant Gu Zheng was getting annoyed.

The three men in front of Gu Zheng chuckled. And then laugh. "Therefore we want to celebrate. To Emperor Gu Zheng!"

The three men besides Gu Zheng stood up while holding a wine glass in their hands. Toast each other and laugh again.

"As far as you are," Gu Zheng said lazily.

"Wait," interrupted Yu Dong who then cleared his throat. "Can it still stand? I mean ... You've never touched a woman before. Sure you didn't disappoint that poor girl, did you?"

The three friends of Gu Zheng simultaneously cheered 'huu'. He was usually ignored by the three believers if there were only four of them. Maybe the effect of a childhood friend. Growing up and growing together in a narrow palace. Gu Zheng not only considered them friends but also as teachers. Because they were the ones in charge of him before he ascended the throne.

He had great respect for them especially Qi Zi. That burly man was the oldest among them.

"Alright, well it's time to start a serious conversation," Ren Hao said. "Give each of you a report."

Gu Zheng's face turned serious and his eyes were sharpened. They are routinely required to report to him. Besides friends, they were also Gu Zheng's eyes as well as ears. Without the knowledge of the palace, of course. You could say that information is not legal. It wasn't legal according to those who thought Gu Zheng shouldn't know.

Huh! He is the Emperor. But the title prevented him from hearing and seeing because unfortunately all the information was filtered and trimmed when it reached him. Naturally inevitably Gu Zheng had to find another way to know all things.

Qi Zi started first. The man shook his chin at the guard outside the room. To make sure there will be no other eyes and ears that will take part in their small group.

"Alright, it seems that the kingdom of An is indeed very eager to make you their son-in-law. The peace treaty of the south will be a gift for your marriage to Princess An."

"But they themselves secretly sent the rebels to the land of Yuhan. So the peace agreement is like ... fabricate," said Ren Hao.

"Yes, just an excuse to get you to agree. Surely they thought you would agree without a second thought" Yu Dong added. "They also even blatantly smuggled slaves into their land."

"You have to act. That girl is like a handler in a lion's den. And you're the singer. They thought you would close your eyes with the girl's presence," Qi Zi said.

"I'm worried about the empress-to-be" Gu Zheng said softly.

Yes, only Yue Yang Gu Zheng was worried. Making the girl as empress meant war with the kingdom of An. Xiao Li was like a double-edged sword. One side was able to stab him and the other side was able to stab Yue. And he didn't want that until it happened.

Gu Zheng again thought about the words of his grandmother and mother to make Yue a concubine. Then think back to his people on the border who were secretly kidnapped from their homes and made into slaves by the kingdom of An.

Cih, the opposition faction is definitely involved. In the end the accusation as an incompetent emperor would dirty his title as emperor. Next rebellion after rebellion will emerge. Which one should he choose? The people or Yue?

By choosing Yue as a concubine did not necessarily make him lose, however his heart was tethered to the girl. Gu Zheng again threw his face away while turning his wine glass.

"Because of this, I hate myself as Emperor."

"So, what are you gonna do?"

Tbc...