Yes

It was not until you and the troop of eunuchs made it into your private bedroom that Chen began to speak, despite having a look on his face that showed he wanted to say something the whole trip back up the tower.

“Emperor Yun, I couldn’t help but notice that Regent Yi was whispering into your ear for a good duration of the Court hearing earlier.”

“That she was,” You say. Your troop of eunuchs get you to the large bath section of your bedroom and begin undressing you, “She was keeping me informed as the hearings went on.”

“Yes, I’m sure she was.” Chen nodded. Despite his age, he still had a full head of hair and would have been called handsome by most eastern women. “I do not know what poison she was feeding your ear, but if you want my advice, I would be wary of her.”

“I was not asking your advice.” You say. Now nude, you step into the large bath.

“Then perhaps a story while you take a bath.” Said Chen as he sat down on the edge of the bath and carried on his voice, “When I was a much younger Chen, I volunteered to go under your father’s service because I was the eighth born of a very petty house. I swore my complete loyalty to him, and I still remember how I felt the day that the Celestial Emperor treated me as someone who mattered for once. Emperor Dai though, like many men, had a vice of his own.”

“There is a seed to the south, that when refined produces a strong narcotic, one your father had been smoking throughout his development. By the time he was a man, he cared not for the touch of a woman, and could not function as a man on account of the ****’s strong effect. It took a very special concubine by the name of Xaionu that got him to produce an heir.”

“You mean my mother?” You add.

“Yes, your mother.” Said Chen, suddenly deciding to check the temperature of the bath, “A very beautiful woman, that got Emperor Dai going one time, and for that he married her. Alas, she was not long for this world.”

The impending part of your mother’s **** got you to interrupt Chen. “Why are you telling me all this?!”

“The seed from the south was provided by the most prominent family in the Celestial Empire’s southern provinces, the Luo Family. Empress Yi’s original house.”

Despite these relatively peaceful times in the Grand Celestial Empire, there was still division present. You recalled that one of those divisions were the Big Three. The de facto rulers of the Empire and the most powerful family from the North part of the Empire, Xue, your Family. The Western Wu Family, who were the most Prominent family as far west as the Heaven Spires. Then finally, the Luo Family, who came from the South. Yi’s family. The big three were so different in culture and geography, that the shared language could not even be understood by the peasants from different regions. There was a certain Royal dialect that kept the noble Families connected linguistically.

“What are you implying, Chen? That Yi poisoned my father and somehow killed my mother?” You interrogate Chen, not believing his words completely. He can always say not to trust YI, the woman that kept your Dynasty together, but how could you trust Chen either?

“Not implying anything really,” Chen casually admitted. He was never the confrontational type, “Just keep in mind that Emperor Dai did not live much longer after Yi got involved. And that I’m the only male in Dai’s original council that still remains from those times. Yi trusted me. Trusted that I’d serve the Emperor regardless of who sat on the throne. Do you know why that is, Emperor Yun?”

You shake your head, still soaking in the bath.

Chen smiles, and then says, “Because I don’t have the balls to object.” Chen stood up, and began leaving your room, “Just know that loyalty of mine is now centered on you. You don’t have to trust my words here, but if you ever need anything, beckon me.”

“Before you go, Chen? Would I be able to visit the Concubine room tonight?” You ask eagerly.

“You may,” Says Chen, as he opens one of the grand, ornate doors leading into your bedroom, “But you have no current concubines. Courtesy of Yi.”

With that, Chen left. You continue to soak in your bath as the remaining servants stand around waiting until you are done bathing. They mean to dress you into your night gown when you are finished, but the words that Chen shared have you wanting some privacy.

“Leave me!” You demand. And the troop of eunuchs leaves the bedroom, probably to loiter outside in the common areas of your personal quarters, just in case.

You try and recall what Yi was whispering to you throughout the court session today, but none of the information seemed incorrect or poisonous. During lunch, you recall that none of your council seemed to acknowledge you though, but they spoke with Yi a lot. Was that a sign?

You hear your bedroom door creak open again. You look to see who might be coming in. Perhaps Chen again. To your surprise, it is Regent Yi. She is wearing a new cheongsam, all red with gold patterns across it. It hugged her curves as well as the last one, and this one had a split on one side going straight up to her hip. She walked with a purpose, approaching you in the bath. You thought to freak out for a moment but take a deep breath instead, Chen was just being a little worrywart.

“You will be happy to know that your guests are enjoying the food and drink of the palace still.” Said Yi as she claimed a seat at the edge of your bath, exactly where Chen was. This caused the split in her dress to reveal a generous amount of her pale leg. Her voice carried a subtle hint of the accent from the southern region of your empire. “They will likely be here all night, indulging in our finest drink.”

“That’s good,” You say. Maybe that’s what made it worth tolerating the dryness of a court session for many of them. Shame you could not join the merry bit of it. You would have to drink alone up here in your room if you wanted to. You decided it would be best to consider another concern on your mind, “Chen told me you disbanded whatever concubines I had.”

Yi scoffs, “That’s your concern right now? Why would you want those old used up whores anyway? I’ll have Chen build you a new harem of concubines, with fresh girls. But if you’re that eager to become a man… I might be willing to help….with some convincing….little boy.” With each pause, Yi undid a new bit of her cheongsam. It was barely held together now. Your little guy downstairs was beginning to stir. It was a relief for you to know that you did not have to suffer the impotency your father did.

Yi very carefully dipped one of her bare legs in the warm bath water, awaiting your answer.