A melodious tune swirled through the extravagant banquet as the guests couldn't help but gaze at the man whose porcelain fingers were elegantly touching the strings. His dazzling grace took away the breath of every person in the audience. Those fingers that touched the strings were a fascinating sight like they were a part of the instrument itself. The picturesque man sat as straight as a pole which was appealing while playing the zither. His low yet mild voice echoed throughout the banquet hall as the lovely consorts started to sway their hips, and their delicate hands spreading out softly in sync. Every movement was filled with a compelling passion.

---------------

My music was opening people's hearts gently and invisibly unknown to them.

Entering their hearts unannounced.

Digging out the deepest emotions within them.

As the words escaped my plump lips, I'm starting to feel my own emotions stirring up and pouring out from the depths of my heart.

For once I wanted to try conveying my true feelings to him.

Praying and wishing that it would somehow reach his heart.

I could feel his piercing gaze upon me as I continued to sing. Oh, how I wished those eyes could never leave my body.

The bitter taste of truth.

I had always and will always watch him from afar, silently.

Yet, every night I dream about a day where I'm able to stand by his side. Not as a brother or General but a lover.

As the music stopped, the hall fell into a serene silence.

I stood up from my seat and together with the consorts I bowed to the dragon throne.

On the other hand, the guests were yet to snap out of their daze from the enthralling performance.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Everyone snapped from their daze as they turned their heads toward the Mother Empress's direction. She had a bright smile as she clapped, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. It was then that everyone came to their senses and returned with a loud round of applaud.

The Emperor remained unmoved as he kept staring into nothingness. A little while later his voice resounded emotionless, "A touching performance worthy of a reward. Chief Eunuch, award the consorts with the most treasured jewelry. As for General Su, he will be awarded gold and..." The emperor paused.

Ah, I knew what it was...

"A zither of the best quality." He finished the sentence as I bowed once again to show my gratitude, smiling,

"Many thanks, Your Majesty."

The zither was like a part of my body. It's my treasure. Every night without fail I would play the zither for almost an hour or two.

A few years ago, Empress Mother visited me during a night I was playing it and revealed shocking news. Apparently, the Emperor would keenly listen to my music from the beginning to the very end. I knew it was impossible for that to ever happen but she said something even more surprising. It seemed that he never missed any of my songs. Whenever I started playing the zither at night, he wouldn't retire to bed but instead sit at the lotus pavilion listening to my melodies until late into the night and then retire to sleep.

Just knowing that he loved the melodies I played, I felt a tad bit connected to him. Only when I played the zither, would he bother to spare a glance at me. Somehow it made me contented.

"appreciate everyone for joining the feast. Now, it is time for to leave. The banquet shall end here." He spoke as he walked down the dragon throne followed by the Chief Eunuch and the rest of the servants, exiting the hall. The Mother Empress and Empress followed behind while the rest of the guests started to disperse.

But the guests didn't forget to rain me with praises as they kept bowing to show me respect.

"I didn't expect His Highness to sing." Consort Wu stepped forward seeming to be shy.

"I apologize if I had inconvenienced the ladies by the sudden change. But it seemed you were unaffected." I replied amusingly.

"That's because during practice Your Highness would sing. So we were used-" She was interrupted by Consort Sui,

"Pardon me, Your Highness, if I'm not wrong, the song was altered, am I right?"

Consort Wu glared at Consort Sui for interrupting her time with me.

"En. I had a change of heart at the last moment." I smiled.

"Your Highness is truly gifted with the talent of arts!" Consort Sui exclaimed happily.

This time Consort Jin fiddled with her fingers stammering, "Y-Your Highness uhm I've been meaning to ask you. Those phrases you sang, is it an unrequited love?"

A man soon added, "Yes Your Highness, can we know the lucky person who you sang the song for? She'll definitely accept you or else she has to be blind!"

My smile froze at the questions.

"Your Highness?" Everyone looked at me expectantly. I felt the pressure landing on my head as they continued to stare at me.

I cleared my throat, "Ladies and gentlemen, it was a pleasure to meet you all today. It's getting late in the night. Therefore, I shall retire to bed."

Their happy faces turned sour. They couldn't argue with me, so they reluctantly bowed, bidding me farewell but sad about my departure.

Finally walking out of the hall, I breathed the nature's scent.

I sent the servants back to my palace so there wasn't anyone to accompany me.

I heaved a sigh of relief.

I can't believe I just sang.

I just couldn't stop myself after seeing him again. Last time I died without even having to confess my feelings. This time if I had to die, I'll at least let him know of my love for him.

I felt a familiar presence approaching me.

"Mother."

"As expected of my son. You did great back there." She gave me a light hug and kissed my forehead.

"Ying, I will go back to my palace. You too, hurry up. Don't you have work to attend to early morning?"

"Yes, mother. I will visit you if I have any free time. Don't forget the clothes you promised you'd stitch for me!" I grinned as I waved.

"Of course! How could I? I've been working on it for days now. My hands are sore too." She complained as she sat on her sedan with the help of her maid.

**********

After having a warm bath, I felt refreshed and sleepy. I thought back to my mother as I rested on the bed.

Mother...

Sometimes I feel like there was a reason behind everything.

Or else she wouldn't... to me...

I don't know.

I rolled to the other side of the bed.

If there's a way, I could save mother from this mess I could do anything.

If this was a problem between a mother and a son, we could talk it out. But will she voluntarily do it? This wasn't some child's play-

My thoughts halted as I felt something extremely soft lying on the top of my hand. Taking a look down, I couldn't help but shout,

"Baby?!"

"Oh, Baby what are you doing here?! I could have almost crushed you!" I exclaimed worryingly.

The soft ball flinched at my high voice but still cuddled into the warmth of my hands. I gently took the soft ball closer to my chest cooing her. She flipped onto her back, her white tiny belly exposed and her round black eyes blinking innocently at me,

"Oh, baby you're so adorable as ever!" I planted kisses all over the little fluff who was just the size of my two large palms as her tiny pinkish hands rested on my face trying to prevent me from kissing her.

If zithers were a part of my body, Baby was my life. I could only act shamelessly in front of her because I didn't have to worry about my "status". However, I didn't expect to get caught all of a sudden.

"Ahem, please forgive me for disturbing Your Highness, but this servant has a m-message from the Emperor." The Chief Eunuch was standing at the doors, his face lowered not daring to look my way... and he was blushing...???

When I heard it was the Emperor I had no time to feel awkward at being caught as I jumped from the bed and walked to him, "Yes, what is it?"

"His Majesty requests your presence in his study room, Your Highness."

My eyes shot up at the Chief Eunuch who was still acting weird. I raised an eyebrow in question, giving him a delayed reply, "...Hm, I will be there soon."