Zhang Dynasty:

SEDUCTION OF THE PHOENIX

By

Michelle M. Pillow

© copyright March 2006, Michelle M. Pillow

Cover art by Eliza Black, © copyright March 2006

ISBN 1-58608-854-8

New Concepts Publishing

Lake Park, GA 31636

www.newconceptspublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

Chapter One

Imperial Palace of the Zhang Dynasty, Honorable City, Muntong Territory, Planet of Lintian

Prince Zhang Jin watched the women bowing before him, one right after another. Their long sleeves trailed over their hands, falling gracefully to the floor. The delicate silk of their traditional gowns only complemented their beauty. White powder hid their complexions, accenting their red painted lips. They were all lovely, each sent from the far reaches of his home planet of Lintian to present themselves in the Hall of Infinite Wisdom located at his home in the Imperial Palace.

“Yang Ping,” the herald announced as another woman stepped forward.

Jin kept his eyes forward as Yang Ping bowed before him. The yellow silk surrounding her added a pleasing light to her face, as the orange glow of the palace torches reflected lightly off her. The torchlight was only to add ambiance to the ceremony and wouldn’t truly be needed until nightfall. Above, the outside sun was reflected in through small holes in the ceiling. They were so tiny and inlaid into the intricate design that it was impossible to see them.

The herald spoke again, but Jin didn’t catch the woman’s name. He bowed as was expected, bored to the point that his mind had gone numb. Absently, he traced the gold statue of a warrior god standing by the entranceway and imagined the life-size bust to be on the verge of attacking the hall. Jin wasn’t one for violence, but the prospect was more entertaining than bowing and smiling.

This was the Qi-zi ceremony and he was to have his pick of the women for his bride--if he so chose. What none of the elders seemed to realize was that he did not wish to be married. Still, he and his brothers were eligible, each year they’d send women for his inspection and each year he’d send them away as unworthy. He’d done it so many times that he was beginning to recognize some of the women from years before, though they wore different makeup and clothing.

At least he wasn’t forced to endure the tradition alone. His brothers stood next to him, each feeling much the same way he did. They did not wish for brides either. Why marry when they could spend their days at leisure in the arms of a concubine? However, according to their father, when the time to take a bride presented itself, they’d be guided by their ancestors and would have an uncontrollable compulsion to claim her at any cost.

“Yu Xiang,” the herald announced the next eligible lady. A woman covered in a long blue gown shuffled forward and bowed respectfully. The four princes nodded their heads in return. She was pretty, but her virtue was indeed in question. Some experience wasn’t necessarily a bad thing in a bride, but the princes knew well Xiang had enough experience to rival that of all the princes combined--a very great feat. Though, looking at her now, she appeared as unsullied as a virgin. That was another thing he didn’t like about the ceremony. How did you really know anything about a woman by watching her bow? Just a look was supposed to capture his interest and make him want to know more? How could that be possible after so many women came before him? Their faces would blur into one and he wouldn’t remember a Shu Fang from Ting.

Xiang batted her eyelashes at them while pursing her lips. Hearing a noise, Jin looked out of the corner of his eye. His oldest brother, Zhang Haun, winked in his direction. Jin tried not to return the insolent look with one of his own, knowing his father, the Emperor of the Muntong Empire, was watching them carefully. Next to Haun stood the youngest prince, Shen, and then their brother Lian. They also had two sisters, Mei and Fen. Mei was off in space with her husband, a foreign prince, but even if she had been home she wouldn’t have been present. The Zhang princesses weren’t forced to endure these ceremonies.

“Jia Wan,” the herald said and Jin tried not to yawn.

Traditional music, passed down for many generations, played over the quiet hall. The sound of the flute mingled with that of the harp. It was beautiful and archaic. It was tradition. Jin knew that without tradition the people would lose all connection to the past. It was important for them as a royal family to rule in accordance with ideals and to honor the old customs. That is why they never protested coming to stand for hours to watch women parade before them. As much as he loathed it, he out of all his siblings was blessed with a powerful understanding and respect for the past.

The Zhang palace was hidden behind great walls in what was known as Honorable City. Aside from when duty demanded it, Jin never left the city. Why would he want to? The city was a fortress. He was comfortable in his home, surrounded by his family and his scrolls. His needs were tended to and every whim fulfilled. On the outside, the palace walls were protected by a thick moat and there were only two known entrances inside--one in front and one in back of the large rectangular complex.

The Hall of Infinite Wisdom was only one building within the palace walls, located in the center. It was the largest structure, set high upon stone to tower over the surrounding courtyard and gardens. Also within the compound were practice halls where the royal family and imperial guards could exercise. There was a hall where they paid homage to their ancestors, a library, archery range, the Exalted Hall used for weddings and special private ceremonies. Barracks for the guards were near the weapons chambers, which were located close to the royal chambers where the Zhang family lived.

“Dong Xia He,” the herald said, as a woman clad in red shuffled forward. Jin took a deep breath, eyeing the long line waiting behind her.

Emperor Zhang and Jin’s mother, the empress, sat in high thrones above the hall. Carved golden dragons coiled around the royal couple. His father had a long mustache that hung down the front of his tunic. They wore matching yellow embroidered silk decorated with Imperial red dragons and ancient symbols. Just like when their people had lived on Earth long ago, red and gold were the colors of royalty, representing fortune and wealth. The emperor’s clothing matched the buildings, all of which had yellow tiled roofs and dark red walls.

“Let go of me, you son of a Lophibian whore!”

Jin perked up at the very feminine cry. The language wasn’t that of Lintian but he understood it well enough. It was a star language, from a culture that long ago shared the planet Earth with his people. When they were growing up, the emperor had demanded that all his children upload language files into their brains. They’d been on a very strict educational schedule for most of their childhood--but that had been decades ago.

“I’ll kick your ass, you tyrannical brute!”

Jin narrowed his eyes, concentrating on what the woman screamed. The translations shouldn’t have been difficult to do, though it had been a long time since he had used them. Was she really screaming insults or were the translations harder than he thought?

“Zhang Jin,” said an authoritative, old voice. The words were soft, carried as if on a gentle breeze.

Jin turned, seeing the transparent figure of his dead grandfather, Zhang Manchu, standing beside him. Instantly, he placed fist to palm and bowed in respect for his ancestor. “Grandfather.”

Tension curled in his gut. What was his grandfather doing here? Now? At this ceremony? Did the bearer of the female voice bring danger with her? He knew he’d much prefer facing a life and death battle than finding a bride.

“Jin?” Haun asked. His brother’s eyes glanced to Jin’s side. Jin knew his brother couldn’t see the spirit. The ancestors only showed themselves to those they wished to guide.

“Grandfather Manchu,” Jin answered. Haun frowned, but nodded once in complete understanding. The commotion grew louder and the sound of a struggle ensued, distracting Jin from his grandfather’s spirit.

“Takes five of you brutes and a blow dart to subdue a little girl like me? Your parents must be so proud! Is this all you got? Huh? Huh! ”

The line of awaiting women parted in a flurry of blue, green and yellow embroidered silk. Their bodies created a pathway to the large gold doors leading from the hall. Five Imperial guards dragged a woman by each of her limbs, the fifth holding her masked head to keep it from thrashing about. Even clad from head to toe in black, it was easy to see by her curves that it was a female--that and the sound of her ungodly curses as she fought their hold.

“Let go of me you, Kaokin scum.” The woman freed an arm and tried to punch the guard holding her head. The man jerked to the side, wrenching her into a strange angle. She didn’t scream at the painful twist of her body as Jin expected she might, but only got madder. “You’ll pay for that.”

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Jin looked once more at his grandfather. The dead man appeared apologetic, but didn’t take his eyes off the female. Jin turned back to the show.

“What’s the matter? Can’t understand me? Well see if you can’t understand this!” The woman kicked violently, jerking the guards back and forth with her weight. “Cao ni zuxian shi ba dai!”

Everyone in the hall gasped. Jin couldn’t believe the audacity of the woman. To insult a person’s ancestors, let alone eighteen generations of them, was a striking offense indeed. Either she was very brave or very foolish.

With great effort the guards thrust the woman down before the emperor, shoving her to her hands and knees while forcing her head to bow low in submission. A gold feather dart stuck out from her side. Jin knew the men had tried to subdue her with the tranquilizer dart, just acquired less than a decade ago for use in palace security. From the looks of it the dart wasn’t having much of an effect.

The prisoner squirmed, fighting to get free. The guards twisted her arms back, pulling until she cried out in pain. Jin didn’t move, though he stared with interest. His grandfather’s hand tightened on his shoulder until it felt as if his ghostly fingers were dipping beneath his skin, burning into his flesh. He tried to lower his shoulder to stop the feeling, but his grandfather held tight.

“What is the meaning of this?” the emperor asked calmly, eyeing the prisoner. No one made a move to help her and she did not look around as if she wanted to be helped. Jin suppressed a smile. This one was stubborn, maybe foolishly so. He wished he could see her face. He’d like to look at the woman behind the mask.

“It is time, Jin,” his grandfather said.

“Time?” Jin asked confused, prying his eyes from the woman to study the departed man once more.

Everything moved as if in a blur. His grandfather’s fingers dug deeper, holding him in place, even as his fingers slid over Jin’s heart to his throat. Jin froze, unable to move or speak. He opened his mouth to protest but all that came out was a long hiss of air. A chill worked over his entire body, growing like a frost over his throat and shoulder, down his lungs and into his hips and legs. Gasping for breath, he was helpless as his grandfather’s spirit entered into his eyes, crowding his soul as the ancestor took residence inside him. Before he knew what was happening, his body was taken over, jerkily moving with a will outside its own.

“Cease!” His voice commanded harshly, but the words did not come from him. His body moved forward on the platform, out of his control. He tried to pull back to his spot by his brothers, desperately wanting to reach to them, but he no longer had power over his body.

Grandfather! he thought. Tianna! What are you doing?

I told you, Jin. It is time, his grandfather’s voice answered in his head. The man sounded sad, if not a little apologetic.

No, Jin began to protest, but his brother’s harsh voice interrupted the thought.

“Jin?” Haun said quietly from between his teeth. “What are you doing? Come back here!”

Jin desperately wanted to obey. He’d never felt so helpless in his life. Every part of him tried to resist the possession, but his grandfather’s spirit was too powerful for him to resist. The will inside him was strong, but his grandfather’s hold over him was stronger.

A murmur of sound flowed over the hall, rising and falling like a crescendo of music. His body was forced down from the platform and he was moved before his parents. Jin was only a mere mortal and did not possess the knowledge of the spiritual plane. There was no way to fight off the attack, no way to tell the others what was happening to him. The emperor and empress watched him approach, their expressions blank.

Grandfather! Cease at once! I order you!

The faint sound of laughter in his grandfather’s voice was the only answer he received.

“I have chosen,” Jin announced out loud, bowing respectfully to his parents. He looked down at the woman completely covered in black, as his hand lifted to motion to her. Despite his best effort to keep his mouth pressed tightly shut, his lips moved, forming words that filled him with dread and anger. “I have found my bride.”

His parents didn’t move. The hall was still at the declaration. Out of all the children, he was the first to declare marriage. Princess Mei was married, but she’d defied tradition when she took the foreign prince as her husband. They had been joined in space, away from Lintian in some foreign Var ceremony of joining.

Jin struggled to regain control, but it was no use. It was too late. To take it back now would be to dishonor himself and his family. He looked down at the woman, unable to see her face. It was hard to tell anything beyond the fact that she’d been arrested and had what appeared to be a tight little body beneath the black clothing she wore. Jin felt his body stir with passion. The mocking sound of his grandfather’s laughter filled his head once more. Jin wondered if the desire was his own, or that of his possessor. Even as he wondered, he knew. He desired the woman before him. Her mere presence rocked the foundation of his safe, protected world. The danger in her excited him.

The prisoner’s eyes darted up to stare at him. It was possible the declaration had just saved her from death, and she didn’t look at all grateful for the gesture. Her gaze pierced inside him, jolting him with the anger that her eyes held. They were the color of jade, the precious green jade their ancestors had brought with them from Earth. The only pieces that survived were in the Sacred Chamber, protected by Zhang An, his long dead great-grandmother. To even look upon it was an honor.

Is this a sign? Jin asked his grandfather. What does this mean? Her eyes, they….

It is done, his grandfather’s voice interrupted, reminding Jin that he stood in the middle of the palace hall. Jin held tense, ready to reclaim his body. To his annoyance, his grandfather didn’t act like he had any intention of getting out right away.

This goes too far, laotou. Make yourself known to my family and take it back. I will not be married to this woman. She is unworthy of my family. She is a thief!

It is too late, my grandson. What had to be done is now done.

Jin wanted to scream, but couldn’t, as the old man held him in silence.

* * * *

I have found my bride.

The words echoed through Francesca La Rosa’s head over and over. She was sure that’s what the prince had said, but her Lintianese was faulty due to an imperfect upload and she couldn’t be positive. At least, she really didn’t want to be positive.

I have found my bride.

Couldn’t the man just fight her instead? Or shoot her with some more of those fun darts?

Francesca glanced at her side. The thing was as sharp and annoying as a giant thorn, but she didn’t give them the pleasure of watching her remove it. Let them think it didn’t bother her. By sheer mental will alone did she keep from passing out as the drugs flowed through her body.

If the rumors of the royal family held true, he would be a skilled warrior proficient in many martial arts. Francesca glanced up to the prince. She knew what he was. It was clear with just one look. He was handsome, like his brothers, dressed in the royal color of red. The dragon tunic looked to be made of silk brocade. It was absolutely gorgeous with perfect details. Golden flames were embroidered around the oriental dragons. The long tunic fell to mid thigh, the material so light it caressed his muscled chest and trim waist perfectly.

She tried to tell herself she was unaffected by his physical form, but even so, she looked him over from head to toe. His silk pants were red, trimmed in gold. They were loose, as was the style of the Muntong court, and he wore black ground shoes.

Francesca stared at his hips in disbelief. His weight shifted slightly. Was he aroused? Is that what this was about? He wanted to sleep with her? The prince was handsome and strong, she’d give him that much, and he appeared just arrogant enough to be fun between the sheets. No untried virgin, she could see the merit in his plan, but this dramatic display was hardly warranted.

Though, now wasn’t the time for such thoughts. Her life hung in the balance and she needed to stay focused if she were to escape. Francesca had no doubt she would succeed in getting away. She always did.

Slowly, she drew her gaze back up to meet his. His eyes were dark, piercing, almost burning with an inner fire as he stared at her through the strands of his chin length hair. A strange look passed over his face, but he did not turn away. That’s when she noticed the hall had gone deadly still.

“So shall it be,” the emperor announced, breaking the silence.

Francesca gasped, knowing her mask hid her expression as her eyes turned upward to the throne. Someone roughly pushed her head back down. She gritted her teeth. If she got a hold of those ponytailed guards, she would pull their hair out one by one. Staring at the emperor was considered an offense. However, since she’d just gotten caught not only stealing the royal jewels, but using an outlawed form of Wushu to do it, impoliteness was the least of her worries.

Besides, they can do nothing worse than what has already been done to me.

“My son, Zhang Jin, has chosen a bride,” the emperor continued in Lintianese. “Hang the banner of good fortune at the palace gate, so that all may know of our happy day. Inform the matchmaker and summon the astrologers to the palace at once. Guards, take her to my son’s chambers.”

“Father,” one of the princes asserted from the platform. Francesca gritted her teeth as the egotistical prince motioned toward her. The emperor shook his head once. The gesture was all that was needed to silence the man. With fist to palm, the prince bowed, saying no more.

“There will be time for you to offer your blessings after the astrologers read their futures, Prince Haun,” the emperor said to the man who had spoken. It didn’t take a genius to know that was not what prince Haun had tried to do. He’d been protesting his brother’s actions.

Ah, come on, Emperor. Let the man speak. Francesca gave a short laugh. I for one happen to agree with him.

The hands on her body loosened and Francesca wiggled free. She’d fight every man in the hall if she had to. “I--”

The words never left her as fingers clamped down on the back of her neck. Shivering, she looked up to find that Prince Jin touched her. His lips pressed into a harsh line, but other than that his face was expressionless. Very sternly, he said in her language, “It is done, do you understand? Cause no more trouble.”

Who in the hell does this fuck-nut think he is talking to?

Francesca opened her mouth to retort. Jin let go of her, only to grab the front of her neck. He pushed at the soft spot in her throat and she instantly felt lightheaded. Her vision blurred. Speech became impossible. Though she still saw colors and heard voices, she was too numbed to move. The prince jerked the dart from her side, holding it up so she could see him pass it to a guard.

“Take her,” Prince Jin ordered. Her body was lifted up and she felt herself being carried from the silent hall. Hands pressed into her, digging into her flesh, and she couldn’t even find the will to scream at them, let alone fight.

* * * *

Jin turned to the emperor. When his grandfather moved his hand to touch the woman, he’d sent a shock of energy over her, making her helpless and compliant. However, it also left his grandfather’s spirit weakened and Jin was able to cast the man out. The departure left him feeling dizzy.

He opened his mouth as he gasped for breath, but it was too late to stop what had been done. His father had acknowledged his supposed choice in bride. The astrologers were called, the banner hung to show that one of the princes had chosen a new princess. News would spread over the countryside. To take it back now wasn’t an option.

Glancing around the hall, Jin saw that Manchu’s spirit had gone completely. He took a deep breath. How dare his grandfather possess his mortal coil, declare a bride for him and then leave without so much as an explanation as to why he chose this particular woman? The hall was filled with eligible Lintianese bachelorettes, so why pick a stranger? Why a foul-mouthed, disrespectful foreigner?

“Leave me with my family,” the emperor ordered the quiet hall. The women were the first to go. Some looked upset by the interruption in the ceremonies. He knew that they would pout that he’d chosen, after all these years, a woman not like them. Most likely, they would consider it an insult that a criminal would be his bride over the richest, most well-bred women in the land. Jin hated to admit it, but he found it to be a bit of an insult. He again glanced around for his grandfather. The man was gone.

See if I ever leave you offerings again, old man.

When the royal family was alone, the emperor relaxed. Stepping down from his throne, he went to his son. Jin’s brothers followed suit, joining them on the hall floor. The empress stayed on her seat, not moving as she looked at her boys.

“Jin, are you crazy? She’s a criminal. We don’t even know what she was arrested for,” Haun said. “How could you pick her?”

“Her crime has to be serious, if the guards dare to interrupt the ceremony for it,” added Shen. He was the most contemplative of the brothers and often spoke with a sound mind.

“Jin--” Haun demanded.

“Stop,” the empress broke in, standing. She slowly made her way down from the raised platform from her throne. Their mother was regal and beautiful--a true ruler. Gracefully, she touched Jin’s cheek, running her finger lightly over his jaw. “He could not help himself, could you my son? You saw her and just had to have her.”

“Grandf--” Jin began. His mother slid her hand over his mouth, leaving her palm pressed against his cheek as her thumb moved to still his lips. She shook her head, her serious eyes telling him to be quiet.

“Lian,” the emperor ordered. “Go retrieve the guards. We must find out what Jin’s bride is charged with. And see if they know who she is. If they don’t know, you have my permission to access the intergalactic database to find out.”

Lian obeyed. Jin knew his father was worried about the family honor. The emperor would not want the scandal of his son marrying a criminal. If her deeds weren’t that bad, she could be pardoned in light of the situation.

“There is still time,” Haun said. “The astrologers’ readings.… Madame Eng could announce the obvious imprudence of the match. Undoubtedly the stars will not agree with such a joining. She isn’t like us.”

“Let us meet the young woman first, my sons,” the empress said, still studying Jin, “before we are to judge her. There is a reason Jin was compelled by her. Perhaps this is fate.”

Haun nodded once, but he wasn’t happy. Jin was surprised to hear his mother talk favorably about fate. He knew her to still be bitter about Mei’s departure. It was a fact she blamed on her own grandmother, Zhang An, who guarded the Sacred Chamber and often divined the family’s futures. An’s prediction with Mei hadn’t been completely forthcoming as she manipulated the situation. If the empress had her say, Mei would have been married to a Lintianese prince, Song Lok, whose family lived across the Satlyun River, ruling the only other dynasty on the planet.

“Shen, go tell your sister Fen of this news and send a communication to Mei,” the empress said. “We must appear pleased in this, otherwise there will be suspicion of our family. Haun, I beseech you, go welcome the woman to our palace and make sure her every comfort is met.”

To any other, it would seem odd sending Haun to greet an arrested woman, but Jin knew his mother sent the oldest prince to ascertain the security risk she posed. Haun was an honorable man and the greatest of warriors. He might be a harsh judge, but he would be fair. And, should the woman continue to prove volatile, he would be able to easily subdue her.

“She is not to be allowed to roam free, not until we know more,” the emperor said. “Jin, it will be your responsibility to see to her.”

Jin would’ve smiled if he wasn’t so irritated. When he was alone with his parents, he said, “Grandfather Manchu came to me, or more to the point, took over me. I had no will to stop this.”

“We warned you about the compelling force of the ancestors when a match was to be made,” the emperor said. His lips curled slightly, as if he was suppressing a laugh at the thought.

“Compelling is one thing, but possession?” Jin shook his head. “Certainly if we announce what happened, the people will understand. I can’t be expected to marry a … a criminal.”

“No, my son, the people will not understand. They will believe it an even stronger sign that you are meant to be together. One does not dispute the ancestors in such things,” his father said.

“All ancestors were once human and not all humans act with logic,” Jin mumbled.

“Very true,” the empress agreed.

“Maybe your grandfather knew you needed a push.” His father smiled, giving a small laugh. He didn’t even try to hide his amusement. “How many years now have you been avoiding even considering finding a bride? You and your brothers walk in here, eyes bored as you look through each and every woman presented. You have never considered the possibility. Perhaps your grandfather knew that.”

“He should have told us beforehand,” the empress said, “before meddling.”

“And perhaps it was just time,” the emperor stated. “The one meant for you presented herself. What else could be done?”

“He’s an old fool, that’s what he is!” All eyes turned to the keeper of the secret chamber, Jin’s great-grandmother, Zhang An. The three living royals bowed to the woman in respect, though the empress’ movements were stiff. Empress Zhang was not talking to her dead grandmother whom she blamed for leading her daughter Mei away.

The spirit was dressed in the old style. Her long sleeves swept over the floor as she drifted to them. The delicate silk gown was made even more so by the fact that it traveled on air. Every movement was silent, like the breeze. Her wrinkled, pale face was transparent, shading with each subtle movement until it appeared smooth as a young girl’s. She shifted over them, as if threatening to blow away completely. Long, dark hair streaked with white flowed around her shoulders. Tradition from her time of life would have had her put it up, but An was proud of her locks and, being dead, didn’t have to listen to tradition.

“She’s a thief of the worst kind,” An accused. “She is not fit to be part of this family.”

“What do you mean, thief?” The emperor stepped closer to her, studying the old woman carefully.

“Exactly that,” An returned in irritation. Out of all his ancestors, they saw Zhang An the most. Since her death, she had been residing in the sacred room hidden within the walls of the Hall of Infinite Wisdom behind the thrones. However, lately she’d been of sour temperament--ever since Empress Zhang refused to leave her offerings of wine. “She tried to steal the phoenix. If not for my guarding it, she would’ve succeeded in taking one of the last pieces of precious jade! And you know what that will do to this family’s reign. Emperor Song wouldn’t hesitate to claim what is ours if he feels we are no longer capable of ruling. Within a generation our time would be over.”

The comment left them speechless. The phoenix was a symbol of not only their royal power, but also a receptacle to that power. It fed them, guided them. Jin closed his eyes. What cruel game was this the spirits played? Were they so bored as to guide him to a woman who wished to take all his family had? What had she to gain by taking such an important artifact? There were other things in the palace that were easier to get to for a thief and would provide just as much profit. Why the Jade Phoenix?

Then an idea struck him. An mentioned Emperor Song. He was the only man who had anything to gain by his family’s fall.

Emperor Song was ruler of the only other dynasty on Lintian. It was located across the Satlyun River, which flowed through the exact center of their planet, separating the territories of Muntong in the east and Singhai in the west. The river circled from north to south. It was a marvel of nature, so wide it was impossible to swim across. It was one of the reasons that the two empires did not fight. Though they didn’t agree on much, peace was something the Lintianese cherished. Or so the Zhang family had thought.

Was Emperor Song tired of peace? Did he yearn to rule all of Lintian? Jin had never met the Emperor of Singhai, but Haun had. His older brother didn’t seem too impressed with the man. He said he was a snob. Or was Emperor Song still angry that Haun had discovered the drug, chandoo, was being produced in his Lin Yao Mines? The Zhang family fought hard to protect the masses from the drug. It lured you in, made you feel alive, but eventually would rot your brain and wear you down into a worthless mass of nothingness. Emperor Song denied knowledge of the intergalactic drug traders, but the Zhang family was unconvinced.

Was this just a plot to dethrone the Zhang family?

Slowly, Jin noticed all eyes were on him. He shook his head. This day was supposed to be a day like any other. But now, he was engaged to a woman he knew nothing about, to a woman whose face he’d not even seen. The memory of her eyes pierced him. Jade, just like what she tried to steal from them.

“By my will or not,” Jin said, taking a deep breath as he tried to figure out his path. “By my will or not, the words left my lips. Everyone heard them. I will honor my decree and take the woman as my bride.”

“You cannot!” An shook, her transparent figure rippling. “To do so will grant her immunity from this. This is not the path. It can’t be! I would have seen it. For once she is your bride she won’t be put on trial for taking what becomes hers as well as yours. Our possessions will become hers and hers ours. Not that she could possibly have anything we want. Think about what you are doing!”

“I must, Grandmother.” Jin turned to his parents, knowing full and well he was changing his tune from a few minutes before. “To back out of my word now would be to dishonor the Zhang name. The declaration was public and witnessed by many. How would it look if the first of your children to declare marriage backed out later like he was indecisive? The people will be angered.”

“You are wise, my son,” the emperor said, nodding.

“What? No!” Zhang An screeched. “What if she steals the jade and leaves you? You don’t know these outsiders. They are not like us, Jin. They are deceitful, liars--”

“Odd, Grandmother. When you sent Mei to marry an outsider, you didn’t seem to mind them. What is it? They’re fine, so long as you choose them?” the empress demanded.

“I did not choose for Mei. The fates chose. I only told her of her destiny,” An said, lifting her chin. “Do not be angry with me, child, for divining the future. You are lucky I tell you anything at all.” The spirit’s face became tight as she mumbled, “Ungrateful woman, refusing to give me my offerings.”

Jin hid his smile. Zhang An liked her ‘offerings’. Wine in particular.

“Perhaps Father spoke for the fates as--” the empress began. Jin sighed, his grandfather hadn’t said anything about fate.

“Zhang Manchu is my son,” An interrupted, her image fluttering. “I think I know what--”

“Please,” Jin tried to insert into the argument. He wasn’t in the mood to listen to them fight about Mei’s marriage. Prince Jarek was a good man, the empress knew that, but he’d taken Mei with him into space. His sister was happy and in love with a child on the way. To Jin, there wasn’t really anything else to discuss about the matter. Mei had chosen her fate, accepted it with open arms. Jin wished he could do the same. But his situation was different.

“What if she was tried for her crimes before you married?” Zhang An glided forward, her words merely a whisper on the breeze that came with her. Her milky eyes stared into him, eerily searching his depths. Jin had to look away before the woman saw too many of his thoughts. Her voice low, An continued, “If she were to receive death--”

“Death?” Jin repeated, frowning. He recalled his new bride’s eyes. They haunted him with their anger. A pain unfurled in his gut and he couldn’t bare the thought of killing her. It was strange that he’d feel such, but there it was. “Isn’t that a little severe?”

I just want to discover her purpose. My defense of her has nothing to do with the fact that her body sets mine on fire.

“Such a harsh punishment when she didn’t even succeed in her crime?” the empress asked.

“I told you not to defend your father’s actions to me,” An told the empress. “He was my son and even I don’t understand why he would betray us in such a way.”

Grandfather betrayed them by making him choose a bride? That makes no sense. If An said the man was bored and meddled, he’d understand that. But betrayal? What exactly was going on? What was this all about? And what were the ancestors not telling them?

It wasn’t odd for the spirits to disagree, especially if they’d disagreed in life, but Jin didn’t like the almost desperate look on his great-grandmother’s face.

“Enough!” Emperor Zhang demanded. Both women jumped.

“But death, Grandmother?” Jin repeated, not wanting his elders to fight. “Do you really think that--?”

“She was caught in the act,” An argued. A slow smile spread over her features. “The crime of attempted theft may not be enough for such a sentence, but the fact that she used the ancient form of Wushu when doing it would be. Long ago, it was declared illegal. For the safety of the people, those who practice must be put to death. We cannot risk its teachings being passed on. Read the scrolls, they will tell you. Law is the law.”

“And I am emperor, not you,” his father answered.

An’s lips pressed tightly together. Jin took a deep breath. He didn’t know much about the Wushu Uprisings, except what he had read about in the ancient scrolls and he didn’t remember the death law An spoke of.

“There are many things for us to consider,” his father said at last. The emperor ran his fingers over his mustache, looping a long piece over his forefinger. He pulled his hand down, stroking the long whiskers before patting them against his chest. “If she is gifted in Wushu as you say, we must find out how she learned. If her master taught one person, he could’ve taught more.” Turning to his son, he continued, “I leave it to you to discover what we must from your bride. For now you must be attentive to her. Show the people that you were serious in your word. And, if the courts deem her guilty and she is put to death, you will go into mourning for her. I am sorry, my son, but there was a reason you were guided to do as you did. It might not be for marriage, but to watch her and discover her secrets. If she was hired to take the jade, we must know by whom. And if she truly practices Wushu, we need to know who trained her.”

“This is ridiculous,” An protested. “We should be rid of her at once. If my son wouldn’t have interfered, she would be tried and hung for her crimes.”

“No offense, Grandmother, but the world belongs to the living.” The empress studied the woman with a calm expression. “Your duty is to guide, not to dictate.”

An’s already translucent features paled and dimmed. A sensation of anger washed over Jin. His great-grandmother was upset by his mother’s harsh words. If he didn’t know better, he would have said her eyes teared. “Very well, my child. See how well you fare without my guidance in this.”

With a strong gust of wind, the woman dissipated into thin air, leaving them alone. Jin wasn’t worried. The spirit might be angry now, but she would come back. She always did.

“You should not have said that to her,” Emperor Zhang said to his wife. “I know you are upset with her, but she is still our elder and we must respect the dead.”

“And why shouldn’t I remind her of her place? The woman is dead and yet she intrudes in our lives like she is still ruler of this house. Her guidance is welcome, but I will not be dictated to. The sooner she learns that, the sooner this will be a peaceful household. She had her time of rule, this is ours.” The empress turned to her son. “Jin, this argument is not for your ears. You are a good man, my son. You are wise and we trust you to do what you must. Right now your duty is to introduce yourself to your bride.”

Placing fist to palm, Jin bowed. His mother was right and he would do what he must. As he walked from the hall, he glanced around for his grandfather’s spirit. The old man was nowhere to be found.