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He obliged her, and suddenly Yue regretted having such openness with the man – perhaps it wasn’t openness, or vulnerability, in the way that most would think of it – but it was as such, for Yue. She feared that she did not get the same rights as others to have interests, to nurture the depth of one’s soul.

After all, where was the time?

And in that moment, Yue felt so very barren and boring, though laden with hides and communicating with someone so unlike she. These were two objectively interesting things, but when Batu said he would hold her secrets, she wished she could fill his mind with something fantastical and wondrous.

Even politically, the landscape had been peaceful and dreadfully dull. The Emperor had always preferred to keep his charges within the confines of his rightful nation, if not within the walls of the palace itself. Yue felt a call to lead an exploration outwards, but she knew two things already:

The first, was that Shenlei would never allow it, and would certainly send another in her stead. The second was that politicking was always Yue’s fallback when she felt her life lacked in any way. and it was imperative that she must not fall victim to her compulsions.

Heaven’s Mercy was relieved when, at long last, the sable warrior suggested they discuss those of the court. This was a topic easily handled. "Yes, good idea Wei Jun," the ivory woman commended, looking appreciative as she shouldered his wares, and made smaller the distance between the hillside and the palace.

"There are many – though, not as many as once were."

She could have sighed for all that had been lost in the transition to this new world, deep archives of knowledge and halls overflowing with favor. "The Imperial Emperor has four wives in his harem: myself as first wife and Empress, Mei the sun consort, honorable concubine Teng Xiulan, and then concubine Lihua, whom you are already acquainted with." All were here, except for Mei. For that, Yue mourned.

"I believe there might be a new one, not yet presented to me."

They walked. "These women are my responsibility. Watch them, if you can. Their purity must be assured." It was a request that he likely would enjoy, for they were all quite comely, and it would give her a chance to see how he grappled with competing priorities. Especially for one who had already spent much time with one of her charges, alone, with none to answer to, save the eyes of the Crystal Dragon.

If Batu could be truly trusted, then let him prove this early on, so that she wasted no time restoring the dynasty to its former glory.

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