At dusk the next day, the setting sun was as red as blood, enveloping the bustling Capital City of Japan. Neon lights flickered, and the streets were crowded with cars and people, vividly showcasing the city's prosperity. In the city center, there was a conspicuous "Green Island" surrounded by water on all sides. Deep within Green Island lay the Imperial Palace, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the modern city by the surrounding "moat," lending an air of mystery to the palace.
The Imperial Palace was a traditional Japanese building with green tiled roofs, white walls, and tea-colored copper pillars. The main hall was the center of the entire palace, where the Imperial Family's main activities and diplomatic ceremonies were held in the "Matsu Pavilion." Changhe Hall was where the Emperor received public homage, and Feng Hall housed the grand banquet hall, while Changyu Palace served as the Emperor's inner residence.
Additionally, the palace included Huayin Pavilion, Waterfall Pavilion, Shuangjin Pavilion, tea room, Imperial Spirit Hall, Treasure Hall, Temple, and the old Imperial Library, among others. The inner gate and castle were built on massive stone foundations, ranging from the height of a single person to several dozen ters. The stones were rarely standard cubic shapes, yet fit together seamlessly without cent or li, remarkably sturdy.
In the Waterfall Pavilion, a middle-aged man in a kimono stood quietly admiring the surrounding scenery. He appeared sowhat frail, his complexion unwell—it was none other than the current Emperor. Beside him sat a woman also in a kimono, the Empress. According to Japanese law, the Emperor had handed over his power, becoming a spiritual symbol. Yet, unbeknownst to many, the Emperor controlled a force—the Ninjas—through whom he firmly held the country. This was one reason why the Emperor's title hadn't been abolished and continued to this day.
At this mont, a frail old man approached slowly. None of the concealed protectors around the Emperor revealed themselves to stop him. The old man was the president of the Chrysanthemum Group. Knowing the Emperor's location, he approached slowly, seeming to walk leisurely, yet covering the short distance of twenty or so ters in an instant.
"Uncle Emperor has co, please, have a seat." The Emperor, seeing the president, stood up respectfully to greet him, not daring to be presumptuous.
"Uncle Emperor, greetings." The Empress also stood to welco him, following proper etiquette and politely said, "Uncle, please chat with His Majesty. I'll have soone prepare so fruit and snacks for us." With that, she slowly left.
The president nodded with satisfaction, casually finding a place to sit, glanced at the surrounding scenery, and calmly said, "You seem in good spirits, but trouble might be brewing soon. You should be careful."
"With Uncle here, there's nothing to worry about," the Emperor laughed. "I am generally aware of the situation. Have you found out who is behind it? How are you handling it?"
"We haven't identified them yet; Shijing Ye is taking care of it," the president replied calmly.
"Uh?" The Emperor was taken aback, looking at the old man in surprise, and asked, "Uncle, what do you an?"
"The Shijing family is too dominant, while our Imperial Family lacks successors. We must appropriately suppress the largest ninja clan. This is a tactic we've always used. With Shijing Kong's death, the Shijing family has lost a major general. Replacing him with Shijing Ye serves two purposes: to ease the Shijing family's concerns, and to provide soone to take the lead. If they succeed, everyone is happy. If they fail, Shijing Ye will be the scapegoat." The old man spoke flatly, with an unchanged expression, as if narrating sothing unrelated to himself.
"I see, that could work." Upon hearing this, the Emperor smiled knowingly and, after a mont of contemplation, said, "Indeed, the Shijing family has beco sowhat overwhelming, especially with the ergence of the Death God Killer Organization. Luckily, they've been suppressed a few tis by our enemy. I should probably thank that enemy—it seems they're called Ghost, right?"
"Yes. Furthermore, I have a hunch. The series of recent chaotic events is likely aid at the Shijing family. It might very well be that person called Ghost causing trouble. I'm worried they may make a move against you. So, for the next couple of days, I'll stay by your side until Shijing Ye resolves the matter," the old man said.
"Thank you, Uncle, for watching over . If it really is Ghost, then things are indeed interesting," the Emperor sneered, gazing into the distance in thought. After a long pause, he suddenly sighed, saying, "The strength of the Shijing family is formidable. In this power struggle, who do you think will prevail, Uncle?"
"I can't see through it," the old man said flatly.
"The Shijing family deserves to die. They forced to marry their daughter. Fortunately, the Empress adheres to proper etiquette and is a good woman. Otherwise, I'd be driven to death by them. Alas, our Imperial Family lacks the power to replace the Shijing family as the foremost ninja clan. Were it not for Uncle supporting our status, by controlling the Chrysanthemum Group, our Imperial Family might be even more destitute," the Emperor said with so bitterness.
"Give three more years, and our Divine Wind Camp can make a public appearance. By then, I'll have the confidence to contest the Shijing family," the old man said calmly.
"Indeed, though it will take so ti. I've not been feeling well lately. It's good that you're here—we can chat. By the way, you haven't advised on my chess skills for a while. Since you're here today, shall we have a ga?" the Emperor asked with a cheerful smile, looking at the old man with a hint of anticipation.
Just as he spoke, a Ninja suddenly rushed in. The old man lifted his eyelid, glanced at the newcor, and then closed his eyes again as if dozing. The Ninja respectfully bowed to the old man and then said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, there's a strange phenonon. Hundreds of rats are erging from the sewers, and sewage is starting to gush up."
"What?" The Emperor was taken aback, glanced at the old man, and then turned to the Ninja and said, "The palace is elevated, and the surrounding moat should drain the sewage into the river. How can the water flow uphill? Go investigate imdiately and report back. Issue a state of high alert."
"Understood," the Ninja nodded respectfully and hurried off.
"Still lacking composure, panicking over such a small matter?" the old man comnted with so dissatisfaction, watching the Emperor after the Ninja left. "This must obviously be man-made. It seems the enemy is indeed targeting the palace. However, I didn't expect them to use such underhanded tactics. It's not really my forte, just so minor ploys. There's no need to worry."
"Hmm. Perhaps there's been a collapse sowhere, causing water to backflow. I've heard about the rats in the sewer network, and attempts have been made to eradicate them multiple tis. I didn't expect they still weren't thoroughly dealt with," the Emperor said with a wry smile.
"Soone sabotaged the sewers, causing the water to backflow and startling all the rats to erge. It seems soone indeed plans to launch an underground attack. Issue orders imdiately and focus on the underground," the old man said, his expression suddenly turning stern.
"Alright," the Emperor agreed, made a gesture into the Void, and a Ninja hurried over.
User Comments
0 comments from readers