Dynasties of Destiny: Silk and Sword

Introduction

In the heart of the imperial court, Emperor Zhu Qizhen cast his gaze upon his cherished daughter, Zhu Xinyi, a paragon of grace and virtue within the Eastern Ming Dynasty. Her very presence embodied nobility, the epitome of a virtuous noblewoman. As he summoned her, she graced him with a bow of the utmost respect.

"Zhu Xinyi, my beloved daughter," he spoke, his words carrying the weight of responsibility.

"May I inquire as to why you have summoned me, honorable father?" Her voice, akin to the gentle chime of bells, held a demure elegance. Zhu Xinyi's upbringing had sculpted her into the flawless embodiment of the noblewomen of her era. Emperor Zhu Qizhen, constrained by the demands of his imperial role, seldom expressed affection openly. Nonetheless, the pride he felt for his daughter was unmistakable.

When Zhu Xinyi, once known as Zhu Rong, had confided in her father about her true identity as a woman, Emperor Zhu Qizhen had been fraught with concern. The political landscape of the Ming Dynasty was treacherous, with its nobles akin to circling sharks, ever-ready to exploit any weakness within the Imperial Family. The Emperor understood that if his daughter had inherited his own rugged visage, he might have had to make the agonizing choice of compelling her to maintain her male facade-a prospect he abhorred but would contemplate for the greater good of the Imperial Family. Destiny, however, had favored them, and Zhu Xinyi had inherited her mother's visage.

"As you are well aware," Emperor Zhu Qizhen began, addressing the mounting tensions, "our relations with the Grand Duchy of Moscow have grown strained. The Revived Xia Dynasty, too, faces formidable challenges from the Mongolian tribes. Given these circumstances, I must implore you to fulfill your duty as a daughter of the Imperial Family." His words bore a solemn gravity.

Zhu Xinyi nodded solemnly, her unwavering understanding of her impending role as a pawn in political maneuverings. She had steeled herself for this moment, anticipating a strategic union with the Emperor of Korea.

"I comprehend, honorable father," she replied, her gaze unwavering.

However, the revelation that followed left her utterly astonished, her delicate features betraying her shock.

"No, my daughter," Emperor Zhu Qizhen declared, "I have arranged a dowry consisting of exotic weapons from distant lands and scrolls detailing martial techniques. You are to wed Empress Yao Lixue, thus forging an alliance between the Revived Xia Dynasty and the Eastern Ming Dynasty."

The pronouncement hung heavily in the air, a decision that would reshape Zhu Xinyi's life, binding her not through a conventional marriage but through the threads of diplomacy and the intricate tapestry of history.

Zhu Xinyi discreetly covered her lower face with the elegant sleeve of her hanfu, its vibrant crimson fabric concealing the frown that momentarily marred her delicate features. Emperor Zhu Qizhen, ever observant, watched his daughter's reaction closely. She dared to voice her concerns, her voice a soft murmur, her eyes reflecting genuine curiosity. "Honorable father, I understand it may not be my place to question, but haven't our relations with the Revived Xia Dynasty always been favorable?"

Emperor Zhu Qizhen shook his head slightly, his expression composed but revealing a trace of disappointment. "Our relations have often been more of a codependency, my daughter. Many Eastern Ming nobles do not hesitate to utter derogatory remarks about the Revived Xia Dynasty, even though they are fully aware that it is the Revived Xia Dynasty that safeguards our borders." The Emperor's faint frown conveyed his disapproval, and though he maintained a facade of emotional detachment, Zhu Xinyi, his beloved daughter, could effortlessly discern the nuances of his countenance.

The nobles had long been a source of consternation for her father. She vividly remembered a particular incident when a group of conspirators had nearly succeeded in ousting him, capitalizing on the insatiable greed of certain eunuchs for power. It had been sheer fortune that one loyal eunuch had revealed the treacherous plot, and Emperor Zhu Qizhen had swiftly ordered the execution of the traitors the very next day. Zhu Xinyi had been present when he had received the damning news, witnessing the facade of composure her honorable father usually wore in court crumble. He had unleashed a torrent of expletives, his teeth gnashing with anger. In that moment of crisis, she had been the one to console him, playing the role of the dutiful daughter.

Emperor Zhu Qizhen now shook his head, dispersing the unpleasant memories that had momentarily clouded his thoughts. "This alliance is a step toward the betterment of all of China, bridging the divide between East and West for the welfare of our people. I recall when you visited Emperess Yao Lixue in your capacity as a prince; you spoke highly of her and the bond you formed."

"Indeed, honorable father," Zhu Xinyi replied, her eyes filled with a hint of nostalgia. "But that was in the past. We have not maintained contact, and given her ascension to the throne at the tender age of thirteen following her father's passing, I doubt she would remember me." Emperor Zhu Qizhen sighed, his gaze locked on the sapphire orbs of his beloved daughter.

"It matters not," the Emperor remarked, a sense of resoluteness in his tone. "I have corresponded with her, and she has agreed to this union. Come February, you shall journey to the lands of the Revived Xia Dynasty. My dearest daughter, I regret the necessity of this decision, but it is the duty we must fulfill to ensure the stability of the Eastern Ming Dynasty."

Meanwhile, in the heart of the capital of the Revived Xia Dynasty, Yuèguāngchéng, Empress Yao Lixue observed her soldiers diligently practicing on the training field. Her gaze was focused, studying their every movement as they executed precise martial forms. In the distance, the rhythmic cracks of musket fire echoed from the target range, where soldiers honed their marksmanship. It was during this training session that Empress Yao Lixue's mother approached her, her presence unobtrusive yet commanding.

"I've heard rumors of a forthcoming marriage alliance with the Eastern Ming Dynasty," Empress Yao Lixue's mother inquired, seeking confirmation of the news.

Yao Lixue nodded thoughtfully, her expression composed yet resolute. "Indeed, Mother," she affirmed, her voice carrying the weight of a decision made after careful consideration. "I believe it's time to transform the unofficial and uneasy alliance we've had with them into an official bond. I once met Zhu Rong, who now goes by the name Zhu Xinyi. She left a lasting impression on me."

As she spoke, Yao Lixue subtly adjusted the leather gauntlet adorning her hand, a symbol of her martial prowess and dedication to her people. Her presence on the training field did not go unnoticed by her soldiers. With great respect, they halted their training and bowed to their Empress. Yao Lixue acknowledged their gesture with a dignified nod before gesturing for them to continue their exercises.

Her mother, however, couldn't hide her concern for her daughter's safety. Her voice softened with motherly worry as she voiced her apprehensions. "But, my dear, are you not concerned that this alliance might be a treacherous trap? The Imperial Family of the Eastern Ming Dynasty may be honorable, but their nobles often display the cunning of serpents. Emperor Zhu Qizhen himself had to order executions to thwart a treacherous conspiracy against him."

Her words resonated with a depth of wisdom and an underlying, protective love for her daughter. While her daughter often wore a façade of aloofness, those close to the Empress knew better. While some might perceive her daughter as lěngyàn, a "cold beauty," her daughter's true character bore the kind-heartedness inherited from her late father, Emperor Xia Zhìxiàn. This inherent warmth endeared her to the common people, fostering a genuine connection that mirrored her father's legacy of compassion.

Xia Yuhua's role as Empress Dowager extended far beyond ceremonial duties. She was the vigilant guardian, fiercely shielding her daughter from threats both within and beyond their borders. Her unwavering commitment had been tested on numerous occasions, especially in her relentless pursuit of those who had dared to send assassins from Baatar Ulus and the handling of foreign agents, all while maintaining Yao Lixue's obliviousness to these dangerous undertakings.

For Xia Yuhua, the absence of eunuchs within the court was a source of relief. Her late husband had astutely recognized the treacherous and power-hungry nature of these individuals, a sentiment that she wholeheartedly shared. In their absence, she found solace, knowing that her daughter's reign was devoid of the shadows that often lurked within the imperial court.

And even then, Xia Zhìxiàn, the sentimental and kind-hearted fool, had rewarded them for their diligent service. It was acts like these that made Xia Zhìxiàn so loved. "How do you know that she hasn't changed?" Xia Yuhua questioned her daughter. She wasn't surprised if her daughter hadn't asked for her input. She could be hard-headed, but the first few years or her reign at thirteen had been asking her mother for advice. If Yao Lixue needed advice, she would not hesitate to ask for it.

Yao Lixue looked thoughtfully. Her armor gleaming in the sunlight. It was true that she had no idea if Princess Zhu Xinyi was the same person, but she had spies within the palace of the Imperial Family of the Eastern Ming Dynasty. It was an open secret between the two dynasties. Both Imperial Families knew the other Dynasty had agents. Their nobles had no idea, however. So, Yao Lixue knew that Zhu Xinyi was the ideal woman in the Eastern Ming Dynasty. And with how traditional the Eastern Ming Dynasty took their gender roles, that meant Princess Zhu Xinyi would be the epitome of grace and virtue within her society, the ideal woman whose qualities were highly esteemed and admired.

Even without the spies within the Eastern Ming Dynasty, Yao Lixue would have heard about Princess Zhu Xinyi. She was known for her beauty. Many nobles of both the Revived Xia Dynasty and Eastern Ming Dynasty had sent marriage proposals and coveted her beauty. Even some women who were heads of their noble families in the Revived Xia Dynasty had been involved. It was no surprise through pragmatism, the Revived Xia Dynasty was well known for being progressive compared to the more conservative world. It's something Yao Lixue took pride in.

The soldiers started finishing up their practice, and Yao Lixue turned to her mother. "She is the perfect noblewoman for the Eastern Ming Dynasty." Yao Lixue simply answered. That ended the conversation as mother and daughter walked back into the palace.