The rear garden of the Sun Moon Empire's imperial palace.
The wheelchair's wheels made soft, rhythmic sounds on the mirror-smooth bluestone path, rolling over fallen leaves meticulously trimmed by craftsmen.
Towering ancient trees had been neatly placed in predetermined positions, casting geometrically shaped patches of shade; the flow of the artificial waterfall was strictly controlled, and even the height of its splashing spray seemed to have been measured. In the flower beds, rare blossoms of every color formed an enormous Sun Moon Empire Imperial Crest.
This place was less a garden than an enormous tactical model, with plants, mountains, and water serving as its pieces.
"Ju Zi, how is Father doing?" The man in the wheelchair kept his eyes closed, his voice as calm as though he were asking about the weather.
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A soft, thin blanket covered his knees, concealing the truth about his legs. He was Xu Tianran, crown prince of the Sun Moon Empire. Now that the emperor was gravely ill and on the verge of death, he held the authority of regent. He was the empire's true ruler, already controlling more than eighty percent of its power.
The woman pushing his wheelchair wore a simple, elegant palace gown and carried herself with respectful deference.
She was his beloved consort in name, Ju Zi.
She was only his consort in name because Xu Tianran had suffered an injury to his lower body years ago and could no longer perform as a man. He was not merely an invalid, but a eunuch as well.
"His Majesty spends longer unconscious with each passing day. The imperial physicians say his time will likely come within the next few days." Her voice was soft, as though she feared disturbing the tranquility of this exquisite garden.
Xu Tianran kept his eyes