"Mother, you remind me of the moon," I remarked looking at the goddess in front of me.

"En. Look whose speaking... It's been quite some time I last saw you." She beamed, warmth in her eyes as she stepped down from her sedan. She bowed down to pay respect to me as her eyes held a hint of sadness as she added, pouting,

"I thought you forgot your mother."

I lightly nodded my head in return and replied with a smile, "...Of course no mother. I had tons of work on my shoulders. I couldn't ditch them even if I wanted to."

She stood straight, sighing. She walked over to me and patted my cheek lovingly, "I guess it can't be helped. Come, let's go to the banquet together. After all, we have a lot to catch up."

"Yes, mother," I responded as I took her hand in mine and helped her to the banquet hall.

My Head Eunuch announced my arrival to the guests, "Announcing the arrival of His Highness, The First Imperial Prince!"

As soon as we entered the hall, I was stunned for the second time. As expected of our Mother Empress. I grinned at her enthusiasm. She was the sole person managing the event with the help of her servants.

The hall was brilliantly decorated with red lanterns with embroidered flowers and, gold ribbons dangling widely across the dark ceiling. The wooden tables arranged with golden table clothes and stools were neatly resting in a row at either side of the hall for the guests.

The hall was a couple of meters long accompanied by a red carpet at a width of one-meter, set on the entrance and all the way to the throne. At the end of the room, the proud and majestic dragon throne stood a few feet higher than the marble floor, connected to a small staircase. A bronze dragon statue was placed at the two ends of the staircase to welcome the Emperor followed by the seats of the key members of the royal family that also included mine.

"Many blessings to Your Highness, the First Imperial Prince!" Everyone in the room quickly stood up and bowed in respect. While some were enthusiastic, the others were cautious and made sure to keep their heads as low as possible while I walked past them. After I had taken my seat, I motioned them with my hand to sit down, "You may take your seats."

"Many thanks to Your Highness!" They voiced out before sitting down.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see His Majesty's consorts squealing happily at my presence. I frowned. This type of behavior was inappropriate.

Since the foremost people of the event were yet to arrive, my mother and I spoke about a lot of things that we've missed during the times I wasn't present. It was recently that I had come back to the palace after solving some issues at the borders. I'd been away from the palace for six months now.

Even if I disliked conversing with her, she was still my mother. So I spoke to her sincerely, putting aside the troubles at hand, just so I could enjoy the banquet. But I shouldn't let my guard down. The main culprit of the assassination of Mother Empress was yet to be found.

I didn't have time to gather any useful information in my last life since they seized me right after Imperial Mother's death. I have no idea what happened, how it happened and why me of all people was branded as a murderer. The only thing I knew was... I shook my head.

Anyway, I could prevent the assassination but... They wouldn't stop. They would surely plot something again.

I glanced at my mother who was talking to one of the consorts.

What exactly are you hiding behind that beautiful mask mother?

I still don't understand. I never thought you would ha-

"Announcing the arrival of His Majesty, the Emperor!" The loud and clear voice interrupted my thoughts announcing the Emperor's arrival.

Strange...

My heart started beating fast just by the mention of him.

It felt like I was meeting him after a long, long time.

Ah, I truly missed him.

The chattering of people faded away and the hall immediately fell into silence. The people stood up from their respective seats, ready to greet their grand guests. The consorts were so happy to meet the Emperor for the first time, so they tried to present themselves as attractive as possible by adjusting their clothes and mannerly waiting for His Majesty's arrival.

Looking at the pretty consorts I grimaced in pain. Only if I had wives who would eagerly present themselves for me.

A few moments later the Son of Heaven gracefully marched into the hall as all eyes fell on him in awe. No matter how many times you look at that majestic being you'd never get enough of it.

He was a man exuding intimidation and dignity. His sharp dark eyes could pierce the thickest blades and turn people into mere dust. His silk black hair was like the flow of a lake lightly swaying to his every move. Every step he took forward was full of elegance and power. He wore exquisite red robes that had the seal of the golden dragon embroidered, perfectly outlining his muscular figure which made his aura more formidable.

Truly worthy of the title "Emperor".

His eyes held a hint of arrogance as he walked, not bothering to spare a glance at anyone presented at the banquet, even the beauties.

No one could refuse the cold sweat forming on their foreheads by staying in the same room as the Emperor, except Mother Empress and I. The ladies looked dazzled by the Emperor's charm but at the same time, they feared him.

He advanced to his dragon seat and sat down as the chief eunuch and the rest of the servants stood behind him.

Next, the Empress Dowager who had an angelic atmosphere took her seat next to the stairs followed by the Empress who sat beside her.

Seeing the Empress Dowager unharmed my heart was finally at peace. She never deserved to die so early.

I vowed, that there won't be a next time.

Every person in the room bowed and greeted the three new members, "Many blessings to Your Majesties."

The Emperor's magnetic voice resounded as he gestured with his hand, "You may take your seats."

"Many thanks to Your Majesty." They paid their gratitude and sat down stiffly.

Once again his deep voice echoed without an ounce of emotion, "It's a pleasure to meet new consorts and celebrate their arrival with family this evening. time here would be limited. As the Ruler of the Xu Lin Empire, have piles of work to attend to. Hence, will not waste time. You may enjoy the feast to your heart's content."

As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, the hall was surrounded by the mouth-watering scent of the dishes. Rows of servants entered the hall with large trays of different types of foods along with the wine. They served all the guests and dispersed out of the hall for everyone to enjoy the lavish meal in front of them.

While having my meal, I noticed Mother Empress who was a few feet away looking at me in... Confusion??? I raised an eyebrow in question wondering what was wrong until she gestured me to come to her.

I walked forward towards the dragon throne as my eyes shifted to the Emperor who was served by his new consorts. I could hear a nervous voice,

"H-Have some wine, Your Majesty."

"Greetings Imperial Mother." I bowed and smiled at her.

She chuckled and gestured me to come closer. I did as I was told as she spoke to my ear excitedly,

"Are you ready?"

My eyebrows scrunched. Ready for what?

"Imperial Mother?" I questioned totally confused.

"Aiya! This child! I knew something was wrong when you were leisurely eating. How could you forget something so important?" She smacked my arm.

"???" I was still clueless about what was happening.

She smacked my head this time, "Your Performance!"

"????????"

I tilted my head as the word "Performance" circulated in my head, finally remembering something very important! My eyes popped out as I voiced out worryingly,

"Imperial Mother I forgot! I'm sorry! I really forgot!"

She faked a glare and scolded me, "How could you when you're the one who suggested the idea!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her cute expression.

"You dare to even laugh!"

I zipped my mouth and continued to watch her. Finally, she's here by my side. I have nothing to worry about now.

"You even practiced with the consorts a few days ago!"

How could I tell her that so many things happened during the past two months of my last birth, that I completely forgot about the performance?

"Imperial Mother, I need to go bring my zither."

"You stay here; I'll send one of my servants. Don't worry the consorts are ready." She assured me and called one of her servants to deliver the message. While she was at it, I had a peek at the Emperor who had the new consorts flocking around him. His face seemed to darken as minutes passed by... Anytime now...

.

.

.

.

.

Oh no. Here we go...

"BANG!" He smacked the table so hard that it almost broke into two pieces, making the girls flinch away in utter fear. The hall fell into a deep silence.

"Y-Your Ma-"

"Enough! don't need you to serve . Leave!" His voice sounded threatening.

"Yes Your Majesty!" They said in unison and ran to their respective seats like their butts were on fire.

A few seconds later, he returned back to his usually stoic face as his eyes surprisingly locked with mine. It was unexpected but I managed to have a light smile plastered on my face. He didn't respond but ignored me as he continued to sip on his wine.

The hall once again returned to its lively atmosphere.

Soon after, the Imperial Mother's maid brought my zither. I nodded to Imperial Mother and eyed the new consorts who were trembling with the previous shock.

I sighed and walked to them with my charming smile to put them at ease or else they'll flop the performance, "Ladies, its time for the performance. I hope your ready?"

Their eyes sparkled as if they'd seen the god himself. They nodded and immediately got up from their seats without wasting time, walking to the center of the hall taking their positions. I placed my zither on a table and sat down.

Consort Wu who was the eldest, stepped forward as her voiced beamed, "Your servants beg your permission to entertain Your Majesties with a performance."

They all bowed.

The Emperor was quiet for some time as he asked, "Who organized this surprise for ?"

Consort Wu replied in respect, "His Highness, the First Imperial Prince."

I facepalmed myself. Why have I become the scapegoat? Because I could handle His Majesty's anger? I thought we were all in this together!

However, His Majesty never asked this question in my last birth. This made me feel uneasy for some reason.

"Very well, General Su. What have you prepared for ?" He inquired.

My anxiety grew deeper as he questioned me. Yet I stood up and bowed before humbly answering, "Your Majesty, this song was composed by me. It's called Unspeakable Yearning."

His Majesty's deep voice replied, "You have permission."