EMPRESS, CHAPTER 1 - EDITED

Note- new chapter 1 of Empress is published. I have written a version 2 of this story because it's crappy. So I'd love if you could check out the new version. Trust me, it's much better!

--> I will be using some Chinese words!
--> This story is written in Concubine Wang's point of view (POV).
--> Concubine Wang is completely made up by me.

It all started when I turned 16. I was old by the standards and my mother was desperate to marry me off.

"Wang Min, you have to find a good lao gong* soon, or you'll end up as an old maid." Mother warned me every day. Today was no different.

(lao gong - husband)

I frowned as an answer. I pulled up a baby radish, looking at her with a pout. "But I want to stay at the farm and help you and Father!"

Just then, the village gossip, Li Tai, slams our door open. It flies off the hinge and ends up on the ground, soaking in the mud. Mother and I curse seeing the mess Li Tai made.

"Li! What are you--" Mother started but got cut off by Lin Tai.

(A/N: tai is a chinese word, which translates roughly to aunty)

"The Emperor's Chancellor Wu is ere!" Li Tai exclaims harshly, not batting an eye at the mess she made.

Mother looks up, pushing her gray hair behind her ears. "What? The great Chancellor Wu?", she said shocked.

Li Tai nods impatiently. "Yes, yes. Who else could it be? He came here to select a girl for the Emperor. This is your girl's last chance. She's pretty, hurry and wash her up! He will come to your house soon."

I glance at Mother, waiting for her instructions. She wouldn't want to present me, I'm sure. We've all heard about the horror of the palace.

Concubine this murders Concubine that so her son can rise to power, servant this seduces the Emperor and becomes his First Concubine... No one with a brain would want to be chosen! Life in the village is better, you can find a man you like and spend the rest of your it happily! Who would choose to sped the rest of their life in a cold palace, alone, with the Emperor only coming to see you once in a while, yet depending on his favour. The life in the harem is cruel, and only quick witted beautiful women can survive it.

I automatically smile when I think of my love in the village. He's 2 years younger than me, though, so I want to wait for him to be of age before he asks for my hand. Liang Wen. He and I have always liked each other fromwhen we were young. I risked my parents' wrath and the villagers' disgust when I turned down all the eligible suitors for him. Even though, I'm sure that I want to be with Liang Wen.

Mother bites her lip, thinking. Li Tai cackles. "See, the girl is smiling already, imagining the lavish life she could live!"

What? I'm not smiling because of the old Emperor with thousand Concubines!

"Hurry up Wang Lin, wash your face! Also go put on some of my purple dress, this is a special occasion and I won't allow you to go like this!" Mother finally says. 

I give her a pointed, shocked look. She , however, stares back at me. "No, Wang Min. You have to. Li Tai is actually right for the first time."

Li Tai shot daggers at Mother, but Mother didn't mind and still stared expectantly at me. I still stared expectantly at me. I sigh, giving in. I've never disobeyed my parents before, except for the engagement and suitors, so I can't now. It's in the culture and tradition, an unwrited law - to listen to your parents, take care of them. Especially if you're a boy. However boys are always favoured since they can get mighty titles.

I run to the back of our hut, where our family's small well is. We dug it ourselves, from Great-Grandpa's time. It still has a tiny amount of water, just enough for us. I pull up some water and dip my hands in the cool water. Ah, nice.

"Wang Min!"

I turn around hearing the shout. A wide grin spread over my face.

Thank you to ItsTessa1 for editing!! ♡