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onionbulb
In the distance was the soft twitter of birdsong, and much closer at hand were the rhythmic step and echo of his footfalls. One of the Great Emperor's regular meetings would be starting in some minutes, and Yu Ein would be expected to participate, as was both his duty and his custom. The elderly counselor knew precisely when to wake up, when to eat, and when to begin his traverse to the council hall without even noting the time. Everything was routine, following the same, general pattern, while holding minor, harmless deviations, which kept life interesting.
Today, one such deviation from the norm could easily be seen in the Great Emperor's daughter: Dai Lin. She wandered about the imperial palace as she wished, and today, she found herself walking along the hall with a spring in her step and a song on her lips. In all likelihood, she was going to one of the palace's gardens.
Yu Ein smiled at the imperial maiden with the soft delight a grandfather may have displayed toward a sweet granddaughter. "Good morning, dear highness."
"Good morning, Yu Ein!" she cheerily responded with a singsong intonation.
"You seem particularly happy this morning, Princess Dai Lin," he noted. The Great Emperor's counselor was on very good terms with the young woman, having nearly a familial sort of bond. He'd known her since she was a mere infant, and had always been kind to her, while he enjoyed her endearing, gentle spirit. He had the time to spare her before the meeting. Her cheery mood was quite refreshing, especially given that, lately, she had seemed to be worried about something. When he'd asked a servant about it before, he had been told she had been having nightmares. But now, it seemed that those had -- at least temporarily -- abated.
Dai Lin gave the elderly adviser a happy, little giggle in response, but had hesitated in her spoken response. She seemed to catch herself, though, and answered, "Thank you!"
That was odd. Even if he hadn't known the young woman her whole life, Yu Ein had a natural insight into people's behaviors, and the motives behind them. They were skills which he exercised regularly as the imperial counselor. Yu Ein's eyes were tinted with confusion as he tilted his head slightly to the right, and maintained his kind smile. "Is...something the matter, Princess?"
Dai Lin grimaced uncertainly a little, fidgeting somewhat as she seemed to wrestle with something in her head. Finally, caught between joyful and nervous, she quietly reasoned, "You are our family's most trusted counselor, Yu Ein, and you have always been kind to me. I'm sure I can trust you." Then, cheeks brushed with a rosy blush and face full of a sunny smile, she quietly yet excitedly confessed, "I've fallen in love!"
Well. That was news. Yu Ein tried to remember if the Great Emperor had yet spoken with anyone about potential suitors for the princess. It wasn't like Dai Lin to act out, and yet... Deep concern entered the counselor's face. "Love? Surely, my princess, you are aware that your marriage will tie another family to your own. Such a bond will effect the entire empire, for better or for worse. You must be very careful with your heart, and you must not chase romances ignorantly."
"Well, yes," Dai Lin responded, a little uncomfortably. Then, she gave Yu Ein an uncertain, yet hopeful smile. "But what harm could Chou do?"
Yu Ein was aghast. "The... The court fool? The clown, Chou, is the man who has taken your heart?!"
Dai Lin nodded, and hastily defended the man. "He is good and kind, and is already favored by my family! He has served us faithfully for so long, now. Surely, he can do no harm to the empire!"
"And what am I to say?" asked Yu Ein. He wished he has somewhere he could sit down; this news was making him a bit dizzy. "Princess, your life belongs to the empire, not to yourself. The same is true for all of imperial blood. You do not have the right to choose a husband without your father's approval. Who will the people look to when your father passes his rulership? A clown? How ready do you suppose Chou is to lead everyone within the empire? What do you suppose such a reputation would do to this country, and to your esteemed ancestors? It could even invite invasion, and if that were to happen, then who would reassure, rally, and inspire the people to repel it? Who would give our people hope that our strength would prevail, let alone have the training in military tactics to see it done? My dear princess... These are qualities the next Great Emperor must possess, for the protection of all who live in these lands...and for your own sake, as well. Your father loves you dearly...and he would not give this empire to just anyone. Likewise, he would not put such a burden upon you, or settle for a man who would not treat you well."
It was clear that Dai Lin understood what Yu Ein was saying. She was a considerate, intelligent girl, and always had been. Her face was downcast, and her brow was furrowed as she struggled with her emotions. She looked about ready to cry, but not because she was being told she was not allowed to follow her heart: it was because her love for Chou was matched by her love for her family, and for her people.
"You are right..." Dai Lin admitted, her voice scratchy with its tightness, "but...I
love him..." And then, she looked up to Yu Ein with those heartbreaking, shining, green eyes. "What can I do?"
Yu Ein's heart was heavy, and his head drooped. He sighed, his eyes closed. It was regrettable...but it was what had to be done. "You cannot place your affection for Chou above the safety of your people. You must gently explain your position to him, and end your romance. It will be painful...but he will understand. In time, the pain will fade, so long as you keep your relationship professional. Ah, my dear, young Dai LIn... I wish it were not so hard on the two of you...but because you are the princess, you are not allowed to choose who you love."
Dai Lin looked much weaker, now. She quivered, and swallowed a few times. Finally, she managed to say, "You are right, Counselor. I... Th-thank you for your wise advice... I will...go see Chou..."
Yu Ein's heart broke yet further as he watched her turn and walk away, hunched in on herself. She was doing the right thing, though, and for that, he was grateful. As painful was the situation was, the pain would fade in time, and all parties involved would be better off for it.
The elderly man looked out to the window. Then, he continued on his way to the meeting hall. When he arrived, all eyes turned to him, some in irritation, but most were simply curious.
"You are late." The man who spoke was the Great Emperor, himself. Yu Ein bowed low to him. "That is uncharacteristic of you."
"Please accept my humblest apologies, Your Excellency," Yu Ein responded, "The dew was on the lilies this morning, and caused them to wilt with the weight. My sentiment waylaid me, and I did not realize the time. Here I am now, my lord, ready to serve as well as I may."
I hope this is okay. I tried to get in as much as I could from your request. Because of the complexity of the situation, and the number of characters, it took more than 6 paragraphs to get the story out naturally. Also, I've found that I really like Yu Ein. XD
