Chapter One

On his way through the courtyard that separated his apartment from the administration building, he passed a frail elderly lady who bowed at his passing. The Prince nodded in recognition of her show of respect just as she looked up from her bowed position. There was something familiar about the face the Prince thought to himself, but hurried on. Today was the day for conducting hearings on complex disputes that were not covered by standard in place laws administered by Provincial Prefects. He looked forward to these days, to ease the boredom of being the Prince of Yan. His only hope, was that he was wise enough to make a sound and just judgment.

As the Prince returned to his apartment and passing the place where he saw the old woman, it suddenly came to him. Although she had aged greatly, it was the face of Su'Ming, his former wet nurse. It was her milk that nourished and made him strong in his early years, when many of his brothers and sisters had died in their first years. While others tutored him in academics, it was Su'Ming's influence and teaching in humanities that guided him even today in his regard and respect for others. His only exposure to the emotion of affection was through the nurturing tenderness of Su'Ming. She had been more of a mother to him than his mother, the Empress, whom he seldom saw. He went searching for her in the direction he had last seen her, going toward the Palace of Heavenly Delights, the apartments of the Concubines.

Searching apartment after apartment, he finally found her kneeling in front of a small statue of her deity. He waited until she had completed her tribute and rose up.

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