The Imperial Court took a break for 3 days, and on the 4th day, the emperor was set to meet with his court of ministers and advisors officially for the 1st time. Inside the throne room, everyone was standing. Jian and Xian Shang were facing each other, their eyes blazing with daring and malice. A servant hit the gong, and everyone bowed. Soon after, Yang Feng entered the room, with Lei following him closely behind.

  Yang Feng took a few stair steps to sit calmly on the throne, his eyes scanning the room as he took in the scene before him. Yang Lei stood a few steps to his right; his eyes fixed on his brother. The gong was hit again, and everyone rose and said in one voice, “Long Live the Emperor.”

  Feng waved his hand and nodded, a sign of Acknowledgment

  Jian cleared his throat and began on behalf of Feng, “The past couple of years were some of our dynasty's dark ages. The people suffered. The power crumbled... and the neighbours grew bolder. That is why his majesty is choosing a different approach to correct the path, and he seeks support from all of you to help bring back the empire to its former glory.”

  Yang Feng's eyes flickered to him, a small smile on his face as he began to speak, his voice clear and confident, "Thank you, Steward Jian. As my brother said, the past few years have been a time of darkness for our dynasty. But I am determined to bring about a new era of prosperity and growth. I plan to implement a series of reforms that will strengthen our economy, repair our roads and reinforce our granaries, and enhance our relations with our neighbours."

  The officials and the prime minister nodded, their faces serious as they listened. Xian Shang was particularly sceptical, but he said nothing, waiting for the emperor to continue. "I also plan to address the corruption that has plagued our government for too long. I will be implementing a series of measures to root out corruption and ensure that those who have abused their power are held accountable."

  Xian Shang's voice was laced with a hint of insincerity as he cleared his throat. "I, too, will work hard to clean up the corruption in our government, Your Majesty." He bowed slightly. "I will ensure that those responsible for the past misdeeds are brought to justice."

  Feng didn't know what to say, but Jian took one step forward. “We must thank Prime Minister Xian for everything he has done for the empire during his long time of service. Our imperial Court is lucky to have you here.”

  Xian Shang's expression changed, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips as he responded, "Ah, Steward Jian, you are too kind. I am but a humble servant of the empire, doing my duty to the best of my abilities." He bowed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I will continue to serve the empire to the best of my abilities, and I am sure that under Your Majesty's wise leadership, our empire will flourish once more." He straightened up, his eyes never leaving Jian’s, and continued, "I must say, Steward Jian, it is...interesting to see you in this new role. I am sure you will find it...enlightening." His voice dripped with sarcasm, clearly enjoying the fact that Jian was no longer the emperor.

  Jian smiled as he waved his fan slowly. “It is indeed enlightening to me... But I am always up for the challenge.”

  Xian Shang chuckled, "I'm sure you are, Steward Jian.... I'm sure you are." He paused, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I must say, I'm looking forward to working with you...and seeing how you adapt with this new role, and if you will...struggle.”

  Lei’s face darkened, but Jian maintained his smile. “Thank you. Back to our discussion, his majesty is ordering the briefings on the different ministries be held here under his vision and guidance, not like we used to do in the parliament.”

  Yang Feng's eyes lit up with enthusiasm as he nodded, "Yes, I want to be involved in every aspect of the government's operations. I want to make sure that we're making the right decisions for the empire, and that we're working together to achieve our goals. I'll be holding regular briefings like this to discuss the state of the ministries and to make sure that everyone is on the same page."

  He looked around the room, his eyes scanning the faces of the officials and Xian Shang. "I want to hear your thoughts and ideas, and I want to work together to find solutions to the challenges we face. I do not wish to hold every man’s brush, but I will see every word written. I want to be a leader who listens and learns, and who works with my advisors to make the best decisions for the empire." Yang Lei nodded, finally speaking up, "I think this is a great idea, Your Majesty. We need to work together to move the empire forward, and I'm excited to see how this new approach will work out."

  Xian Shang's smile faltered, his eyes flashing with annoyance. He cleared his throat, his voice smooth as silk. "Of course, Your Majesty. I look forward to working with you to ensure the success of the empire."

  “His majesty is happy to hear that, Prime Minister.”

  Xian Shang returned to his usual calm and composed state, but his eyes betrayed a hint of unease. He bowed again, "I am at your service, Your Majesty. I will do everything in my power to ensure the prosperity and stability of the empire. And I will make sure to prepare the necessary documents and reports for our upcoming meetings. I will also ensure that the ministries are working efficiently and effectively to serve the empire's needs." His tone was smooth and confident, but his eyes betrayed a hint of calculation, as if he was already planning his next move.

  Feng spoke up, “This is what I hope as well. I appreciate your commitment, Prime Minister Xian. I don’t doubt that together, we can achieve great things for the empire." He paused, "I think we've covered enough for today's briefing. Let us adjourn for now and reconvene tomorrow to discuss the next steps."

  The room fell silent as the officials began to file out, murmuring among themselves. Xian Shang lingered for a moment, his eyes locked on Jian, before he turned to leave, too. As he passed by him, he whispered under his breath, "This is far from over, Steward Jian."

  Jian didn't flinch. He slowly unfurled his fan, the silk snapping tight. "I certainly hope so, Prime Minister," he whispered back, his eyes dancing with a dangerous light. "I would hate for our game to end so quickly. I’ve only just begun to learn my new chores."

  Xian Shang’s eyes narrowed into slits before he turned on his heel, his heavy silk robes swishing angrily against the floor.

  Once the room emptied, His face changed. “That bastard...”

  Yang Lei's expression turned serious, stepped closer to Jian, his voice low and concerned. "What's wrong, Eldest Brother? Did Xian Shang say something to upset you?"

  Yang Feng’s eyes were flashing with anger. "What did he say? I'll take care of him if he's been causing trouble again." The two brothers looked at him, their faces tense with concern and readiness to defend their eldest brother.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Jian shook his head and smiled, “He seems to be enjoying calling me Steward Jian a little too much.”

  Yang Feng's face fell, and he looked away, his eyes avoiding Jian’s. Yang Lei stepped in, his voice firm. "I don't care what he calls you, Eldest Brother. You're still our brother, and we'll always support you, no matter what."

  He put a hand on Jian’s shoulder. "Besides, it's not just about the title. It's about who you are as a person. And we know that you're still the same person we've always known and trusted."

  Yang Feng nodded in agreement, his eyes still cast down. "Yes, Eldest Brother. We're here for you, no matter what."

  Jian looked at his little brother with wary eyes. “What is the matter, little brother? You seem upset.”

  Yang Feng's eyes flashed with a mix of emotions. "I just...I don't like seeing you being treated like that, Eldest Brother. I know you're the Steward now, but it's hard for me to see Xian Shang mocking you like that. It feels like he's mocking me too, like he's trying to undermine our family's authority."

  He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "I know I'm still your little brother, and I know I have to respect your sacrifice, but it's hard for me to see you being humiliated like that. It makes me want to...to do something to stop him."

  Yang Lei’s voice was calm and reassuring. "We'll take care of it, little brother. One day, we'll find a way to deal with Xian Shang and his antics. Don't worry, Eldest Brother is in good hands."

  Jian responded, his voice calm and cold, “I can take care of myself. Thank you for your concern, your majesty.”

  Yang Feng's eyes were cast down in disappointment. "As you say, Eld...... Steward Jian"

  Jian bowed, “Now, if you will excuse me.”

  Yang Feng nodded as Jian stepped outside. Once he was gone, Lei spoke, "Honestly, little brother, I don't think it's easier on him. He's still our brother, and he's still the same person he's always been. Being the Steward may have changed his title, but it hasn't changed who he is inside." He paused, his eyes searching Feng's face. "I think it's harder on him, actually. He's always been the one who's been in charge, who's been the one making the decisions. Now, he's having to navigate a new role, and it's not easy for him."

  He shook his head; his voice filled with conviction. "And Xian Shang's behaviour isn't helping, of course. He's just trying to make things harder for him, to make him feel like he's not in control anymore."

  Feng's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. "I hate that guy. He's always been a snake, and now he's just slithering around, waiting for his chance to strike. I know our eldest brother is struggling. He's always been the one who's sacrificed everything for us, for the empire. Now he's being asked to give up even more, and it's not just his power; it's his identity.

  Back to Jian, once he was outside to attend to some affairs, he passed by the majestic entrance to the imperial office where the emperor could conduct his work outside the throne room. Then he went to a small office set specifically for him. The workers had just finished their furniture, under Xian Shang’s precise orders. They glanced at him while leaving, some with pity...some with malice...others with hope that maybe he could change the course of the dynasty.

  Once he entered the small office, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of emptiness and isolation. The plain walls and lack of decorations seem to echo the emptiness of his role. He took a seat behind the main desk, running his hands over the smooth surface, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities bearing down on him. He looked around the room, taking in the sparse furnishings and the simple, functional design. It was a far cry from the grandeur and opulence of the emperor's throne room, and it was a reminder that his role had changed. He was no longer the ruler, but a steward, a servant to the empire.

  Jian was sure these were Xian Shang’s orders, aiming to humiliate him in every way possible. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in his chest. He was sure made the right decision. He was doing this for the good of his brothers and for the empire. He took a deep breath, trying to focus on what was coming, on the next step, but his mind kept wandering back to the throne room, to the grandeur and power that he had willingly given up.

  He took another look around. He didn’t have any clerks or writers to help him, another perk of the emperor that he didn’t have. He started to draw diagrams, shaping the next steps of his plans, when he heard childish sounds echoing through the place. They were the sounds of his son, Yang Xaio, and his half-sister Si.

  He smiled, putting down his ink brush and opening his arms for them. "You're just in time to see me working hard," he said, scooping them up in a big hug. His son giggled and wrapped his arms around his father’s neck. Jian felt a warmth in his heart, a sense of joy and love that had been missing since he became the Steward. For a moment, he forgot about the weight of his responsibilities and the pressures of saving the empire. He was just a father and a big brother. Si’s jiggles reminded him a little of Feng’s doings when he was her age.

  “What about you help me with my work, both of you?”

  Xiao's eyes lit up with excitement. “I can help, Father! I can help with sorting paper!"

  Si raised her hands. “And I can help with writing. Mom has been teaching me how to write. Let me show you, big brother.”

  She grabbed a piece of paper and the ink brush, trying to shape letters. Jian chuckled, watching her try to write her name. "That's not how you write, little sister." He gently held her hand, helping her right it. "This is how you write Si."

  Xiao took the paper and tried to put it on the high shelf. Jian observed him, feeling a sense of peace and contentment wash over him. He was just enjoying the company of his son and little half-sister.

  He spent the next hour organizing the scrolls with Xiao, who was happily running back and forth between the counters and shelves, placing the scrolls in their designated spots. The repetitive ask was a soothing distraction. After a while, Xiao was starting to get tired, his eyes drooping and his movements slowing. Si looked at him, then at Jian. “Big brother, Xiao’er looks tired.”

  Jian “Let me return you both to the palace”.

  He held Yang Xiao in his arms, and Si was walking beside him. He passed by a pair of servants. One of them chuckled, “What a nasty fall you had, Yang Jian... from the crown prince to a mere servant.”

  Jian didn’t reply; the other servant continued, “Did the cat eat your tongue, Steward Jian?? Where did that mighty thunderous voice go ??”

  Jian turned to the with a cold, icy tone, “I would watch my words, if I were you.”

  The servants took a step back, then one of them said, his tone dismissive. "You can’t threaten us. You're a steward, not a noble," The other sneered. "You don't give orders to us. We are subordinates of Prime Minister Xian Shang, and we answer to him, not to you. You're just a servant of the palace, like me. You'll do well to remember your place... Steward Jian”

  Suddenly, an angry female voice interrupted them, “What do you both think you are doing??”

  They turned around to find Mei, standing there, her face red with rage. They quickly bowed. Although the concubine had a low status, she still surpassed most servants. Both servants quickly bowed, “Mistress.”

  Mei “You were both enjoying yourselves too much, annoying steward Jian like this.”

  One of the servants replied, “We...We were just reminding s... steward Jian of his new role. And showing him how to navigate it.”

  Mei looked at Jian, who moved his neck, signalling “Dismiss them”. She shouted, “Scram, both of you. And I don’t want to see you in this area again.”

  Both servants straightened up and quickly ran away. After they were gone, Jian tried to bow “Mis....”

  Mei interrupted him quickly, “Please don’t do it, my lord. I won’t forgive myself if you did.”

  Jian straightened up. “You are the late emperor’s concubine, and I am but a lowly steward. I am not fit to be called a lord.”

  Mei “My lord, please don’t make it difficult for me. There is no one else here. I am sure the other lords treat you as you deserve when away from the prying eyes of the prime minister.” She came closer, offering her arms to carry the sleeping Xiao. “Let me take the little lord back to rest.”

  Jian, “I will be troubling you.... Mei”

  Mei took Xiao, then looked at Si, "You have always treated my daughter as a Princess of the Blood. I will not stand by while common labourers treat you as dirt."

  Jian turned around and walked away slowly. “She is still our father’s daughter, after all. Excuse me”

  Mei took the kids and left while Jian walked in the opposite direction, his heart heavy with sorrow. He thought to himself, “How low have you fallen, Jian? For you to need a woman to defend you. How long can you tolerate it before it gets to you?”