In Yaoguang palace, there is a room where the king sits down to listen to his people's requests and pleas, this room was where Murong li went through his training to be the next king of Yaoguang.

The room was simple yet had a sophisticated appeal to it. There was a simple desk and a throne designed just for Murong li. On top of the desk was an ink jar, two brushes, stacks of thin paper, the Yaoguang sect stamp and his flute.

Murong li sat down when the doors slid open, the king's councilmen made their way inside led by General Qing. They bowed before him.

"Your highness...you sent for us?" A minister said. Murong li nodded.

"Mn...there's something that I wanted to know"

"Your highness can ask whatever he wants"

He grabbed his bamboo flute and smiled as he twirled it between his fingers, his smile had something off about it making everyone in the room uncomfortable especially General Qing.

"Your highness may I-"

"No need general...pass my first order as the new king, Yaoguang taxes for the citizens are to be increased by 3%"

They all gasped, some of them fell to their knees begging him to reconsider.

"Your highness...why? Yaoguang has just gotten its stable flow of money, why erupt the system" the minister asked.

"Prime minister....you think I'm being unjust? The people of Yaoguang clearly do not respect the royal family so it's time to remind them whose in charge"

General Qing stepped forward.

"Murong li can't we-"

"No...it is final, my decision is made, I expect to see a formal announcement from the palace tomorrow morning prime minister"

The minister gasped, this prince....he hasn't even been crowned king and yet he passed his first order? How despicable.

"As your majesty wishes....will that be all?"

Murong li smirks, he puts his flute back on the desk.

"From now on you all are relieved off your duties, leave your councilmen caps as you leave"

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It was silent, a father and his son starring at each other, one with determination and the other with shock.

"Father....what did you say?"

"You heard me Zhi Ming, Li Min is your future wife, get used to it"

Zhi Ming was still shocked he didn't know what to say to his father, why would his father go to this length, all because he was spending time with Murong li?

"I will not marry that woman"

King Wang Yong turned to face his son, the scowl alone almost made Zhi Ming to take a step back but he was resilient, he doesn't want to show weakness, especially now.

"Yes you will, you are a soon to be king, if word gets out that you and that Yaoguang boy are...."

"We are what? Does it even matter?"

"Of course it does Zhi Ming! Never in my life have i thought I'd be arguing with you over this, my son with another man.....disgusting"

Zhi Ming chuckled but it didn't hold any humor to it, his eyes were so dark even Wang Yong was shocked.

"I will not marry that woman, if you do not believe....try me"

And with that Zhi Ming stormed off, Wang Yong shook in anger.

"Zhi Ming!"

Zhi Ming made his way inside and was greeted by a young lady, her hair was pitch black, her skin pale and her eyes round and brown, she smiled when she saw Zhi Ming.

"Ah, Ming Ming, welcome back...i hear you have such an amazing gard- oomph"

She fell to the ground after Zhi Ming pushed her away from his hand, he glared at her making her gasp.

"Listen here you concubine, I will not marry you, i suggest you pack your things and leave"

Li Min gasped, her eyes glistened with unshed tears, the humiliation and embarrassment she just went through was too much, how would she even show her face to her family when she returns.

She stormed off crying making Zhi Ming scoff.

"Pathetic"

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"Your highness...Yaoguang has sent back our reinforcements"

"What?! But why?"

"Prince Murong li has announced that all young men are to join the army"

Liu Wei gasped, Murong li forming an army for Yaoguang? Didn't this boy just bury his father this morning?

"What is he planning?" He asked quietly. Prime minister Zhao Zhing sighed.

"It is best you don't meddle into their affairs, we have started to lose face"

"I hear you, very well then, let's welcome the army back with a feast, pass my order, the king will serve food for the whole army tonight."

Zhao Zhing smiled, this was a good way to start.

"As you wish"

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Wei young was in her mother's room, the room was dark and cold.

"I still cannot believe you have left us" she said to no one in particular.

The lantern she was holding was placed on the desk, Wei young made her mother's bed and closed the windows, it was time to move on and she hopes that her becoming queen will help the kingdom to also move on.

After she picked up the lantern, she closed the doors and locked the room.

"Long live the queen"

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The following morning, Wei young woke up very early, it was time to start the preparation for the coronation this afternoon.

"Your majesty...your bath is ready"  a maid said.  Wei young winced as she sat up, her back had not yet completely healed.

"Very well, i will be out"

She tied up her hair and walked to her changing screen, she changed into her white robe and went outside where the maids were waiting for her with rose petals.

"Good morning your highness"

She smiled.

"Good morning, pour the petals in and leave after, i want to have a moment for myself"

"As you wish"

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Zhi Ming woke up feeling tired, his mind was not at ease, now that he nows Murong li can return his feelings...well not full fledged but still, he will take what he can get.

He is worried about his father, will he try to separate them? Will this cause a rift between the two kingdoms?

A soft knock brought him back from his thoughts.

"Who is it?"

"Ming Ming, it's me"

Zhi Ming groaned in frustration, why was this woman back again? And why was she calling him Ming Ming?

"Ugly why are you back? Go back home"

"Ming Ming...i cannot leave, what will the people say once they hear you kicked me out, they will think the rumors about you and Murong li are true"

Zhi Ming furrowed his eyebrows, so this woman was trying to blackmail him? Using rumors?

"Li Min, you have not shame at all, however I do not care, those rumors are actually true"

A loud thud could be heard outside his room, he frowned and slid the door open only to gasp when he saw Wang Yong on the floor.

"Father!"