12-01-2019, 08:26 AM
(Joint post with [nation]Great Shen[/nation])
It was all over. All the pomp and circumstance of the era of mourning. All these visits from foreign dignitaries. All the condolences. Her mother was finally in the ground. Entombed within a sarcophagus of solid jade below the central hill.
The age of her mother was officially over. And Wu Zhao had never felt more lost.
It was getting late at this point. The sun had gone down and it was approaching midnight. The empress sat on the steps of her throne. She had a full ashtray and an empty pack of cigarettes next to her. She had ordered everyone out of her throne room and had taken off her crown, setting it on the Heavenly Throne itself.
As she took the last drag of the last cigarette, she slowly exhaled through her nose. Looking to the Golden Dragon that was to her right.
It had been quite late in the evening, after the funeral, when Yauhmi had received the message requesting that she come speak with the new Empress, Wu Zhao. Late hour notwithstanding, Yauhmi knew that she would not be given such a request if it was not truly needed. She made her way to the throne room, escorted by the palace guards. They let her in, discreetly announced her arrival, then left. Yauhmi made her way to the steps of the throne, giving the new Empress a respectful nod from one royal to another. "Good evening......may I ask how you are feeling?" Yauhmi asked.
The new Empress looked up as the current Sovereign of Xiomera entered the enormous chamber. It was so much more empty with just two people. And felt so different without people following the traditions of meeting with the Empress.
Zhao ashed her last cigarette before speaking again.
"Lost... I feel completely lost Yauhmi..."
She looked up at the throne that was currently only occupied by the crown that she was supposed to wear.
"... I don't feel right sitting there. Like I don't belong."
"Your mother clearly did not feel that way," Yauhmi replied. "She had many to choose from, when deciding who would wear that crown. She chose you because out of everyone she could have chosen, she knew you were the one who could bear that crown's weight and not be crushed by it."
The younger woman looked up towards the surroundings for a second before looking back towards Yauhmi.
"I don't know if anyone could wear the crown like she could. Do you know why she was so successful?"
Yauhmi sighed for a moment. "She was successful, I think, because she was utterly devoted to her cause. She was always devoted to doing what was best for Shen, even if it was challenging or controversial. She let nothing stand in her way. I will say, however, that if you merely try to copy what she did, this will probably not work for you. You can look to your mother's example for inspiration, but you must find your own way to rule. You will face different circumstances, and different challenges, from the ones she faced."
The new Empress picked up her ashtray and set it behind her, before motioning for Yauhmi to join her on the golden steps.
"You're right. She was utterly devoted. Nothing stood in her way. But you know how she made sure nothing stood in her way? She cultivated a culture of fear. Everyone was afraid of her. Even I was terrified growing up. I mean, she sent one of my siblings to a cube. Banished another one because of her homosexuality. "
She turned her attention from the Dragon to the golden rat that was to the left side of the throne.
"I definitely can't make everyone fear me like she did. I couldn't do to my own children what she did to my brother and sister."
"Perhaps. I know how it can be difficult to replace someone. I'm just learning how to do that myself," Yauhmi said sadly. "My own husband was a tough act to follow, after all. Topilpopoca led Xiomera for a far shorter period than your mother led the Shen Empire, but it was still almost two decades. When I became Empress, I knew that I could never do it in the same way he did. So my mission became clear: find my own way to rule. That is your mission also. You can't make people look upon you the way your mother did - find your own way to make them see you. And even if the traditions that placed you on this throne are not what is in your heart.....you are an Empress. You get to decide what the rules are. Trust me, I plan to do the same in Xiomera."
Yauhmi paused for a moment. "While it is not my place to tell you how to rule, I can hopefully offer my advice and my experience. And my support, as well. That was your mother's wish. And it is also mine."
Those hypnotic green eyes that were the distinct marker of her Dynasty turned up towards the throne as the Empress spoke.
"I need all the advice I can get, Yauhmi. I don't have many people I can truly trust yet. My ministers were picked by my mother, not me. And while I do intend to make some changes certain things have complicated that."
Finally she got to her feet, stepping up on the stairs and placing her hand on the throne.
"Do you remember the first time you and your husband met my mother? I do. I was standing right over there by that rat statue, with the other courtiers and Court officials. I wasn't even thinking about eventually ending up on the throne. Never thought I would be up here."
"I do remember that day," Yauhmi said with a smile. "I remember seeing you standing there with the others. I was impressed with you and your siblings, even then. I could see that your mother had raised you to be strong, as I have done with my son. Just as you followed your mother, it is my own hope that someday, my son will follow me and be Emperor." Yauhmi smiled again, a bit sadly this time. "It's natural that you didn't think about being on the throne. People rarely see it coming. They may scheme, and plot, and bide their time and seek power.....but when the time actually comes....I certainly didn't see it, for myself."
Yauhmi moved a bit closer, so that Wu Zhao could hear her. "Having people you can trust, absolutely trust with everything, even your life, around you, must be your first order of business. If there are those in your advisors or in the circles around you who are not yours....replace them. And don't have a second of regret about it. To truly be effective as a ruler, everyone around you must fully believe in your vision and support you."
The young Empress listened intently to the older woman. She nodded. Slowly she took the crown off of the chair and placed it upon her head before sitting down on the Heavenly Throne, leaning forward to look down.
"There is only one man in my entourage who has my trust. Only one man whose advice I believe. I shall empower him like no one in his position has been empowered before. That will be my first move."
She sat back in her chair and pointed to the statue of a rat. "Have you ever noticed how these 12 statues are out of order?"
"I had not," Yauhmi said, surprised. "Is there a reason for them being out of order?"
There was a small chuckle as she nodded. "The dragon is supposed to be opposite the dog - that's how the Zodiac in our culture works. But the dragon sits opposite the rat. My great-grandfather did that when he assumed the throne. He was the Grandmaster of the Shingzi Ren. Born in poverty and grew up an orphan, but ended up on the throne. When he came to power he moved the dog back a spot and let the Rat sit on the side of the throne. Because the jade rat is the symbol of the Shingzi Ren. That small act of symbolism showed where the power of the throne comes from. If I am to rule as my mother did I need to make sure I command the Shingzi Ren."
Yauhmi nodded as she contemplated the nature of the placement. "The Shingzi Ren are indeed important to have on your side. Ideally, you have a way to ensure their support. As you're aware, my opponent in the Great Selection was in charge of our security apparatus. It made things much more challenging than they would have been otherwise. I had to...replace quite a few people once I became Empress." She paused for a moment. "If you secure the loyalty of the Shingzi Ren, everything else will fall into place."
"Then that will be my first step," the Empress said as she sat back in her throne. Truly getting comfortable in the seat for the first time. Like she belonged there.
"Thank you, Yauhmi... I really needed someone to talk to. We are a different class, people like you and me. Sovereigns that rule over millions. Honestly, I think you're the only woman on the planet who truly understands what it's like to be me right now. I hope I can call upon you for advice throughout these next few years as I establish my own era of rule."
Yauhmi nodded with a smile. "We are the last of a breed. We do indeed need to stick together. This world seems intent on eliminating the last of the ancient empires.....only we understand why we do what we do. I will always be available for advice or support. It does help to have like-minded rulers to talk to."
"That it does... you know, one of the great mistakes with my mother's reign was never formalizing the relationship between our two peoples. I think it's about time we abandon Heavenly neutrality and enter into a formal alliance. Don't you agree?"
Yauhmi nodded in response. "Given certain threats that have been emerging in our part of the world - threats that exist to both our countries - I think that time has indeed come." The rising tensions in Catica had been a huge concern for Yauhmi, especially given the fact that Xiomera only had an informal alliance with one country in the IDU, and nothing formal with anyone else. "It would definitely help if we faced those threats together."
"I will bring up this topic at the security conference. Perhaps we can create something that will truly keep us safe from any aggressor. Something that will secure both of our reigns."
She stood up again and walked down the steps, standing next to the slightly taller older woman.
"I think it's time we both retired for the night. Depending on how this security conference goes, we will determine the shape this alliance will take. "
"I agree. I have enjoyed this conversation. Hopefully, we will have many more of them in the future," Yauhmi replied. "And together, we will shape that future."
The Empress nodded as the two began to walk out of the throne room.
"The future belongs to those who have the will to seize it and shape it. Jaguars and Dragons working together cannot help but forge a future."
It was all over. All the pomp and circumstance of the era of mourning. All these visits from foreign dignitaries. All the condolences. Her mother was finally in the ground. Entombed within a sarcophagus of solid jade below the central hill.
The age of her mother was officially over. And Wu Zhao had never felt more lost.
It was getting late at this point. The sun had gone down and it was approaching midnight. The empress sat on the steps of her throne. She had a full ashtray and an empty pack of cigarettes next to her. She had ordered everyone out of her throne room and had taken off her crown, setting it on the Heavenly Throne itself.
As she took the last drag of the last cigarette, she slowly exhaled through her nose. Looking to the Golden Dragon that was to her right.
It had been quite late in the evening, after the funeral, when Yauhmi had received the message requesting that she come speak with the new Empress, Wu Zhao. Late hour notwithstanding, Yauhmi knew that she would not be given such a request if it was not truly needed. She made her way to the throne room, escorted by the palace guards. They let her in, discreetly announced her arrival, then left. Yauhmi made her way to the steps of the throne, giving the new Empress a respectful nod from one royal to another. "Good evening......may I ask how you are feeling?" Yauhmi asked.
The new Empress looked up as the current Sovereign of Xiomera entered the enormous chamber. It was so much more empty with just two people. And felt so different without people following the traditions of meeting with the Empress.
Zhao ashed her last cigarette before speaking again.
"Lost... I feel completely lost Yauhmi..."
She looked up at the throne that was currently only occupied by the crown that she was supposed to wear.
"... I don't feel right sitting there. Like I don't belong."
"Your mother clearly did not feel that way," Yauhmi replied. "She had many to choose from, when deciding who would wear that crown. She chose you because out of everyone she could have chosen, she knew you were the one who could bear that crown's weight and not be crushed by it."
The younger woman looked up towards the surroundings for a second before looking back towards Yauhmi.
"I don't know if anyone could wear the crown like she could. Do you know why she was so successful?"
Yauhmi sighed for a moment. "She was successful, I think, because she was utterly devoted to her cause. She was always devoted to doing what was best for Shen, even if it was challenging or controversial. She let nothing stand in her way. I will say, however, that if you merely try to copy what she did, this will probably not work for you. You can look to your mother's example for inspiration, but you must find your own way to rule. You will face different circumstances, and different challenges, from the ones she faced."
The new Empress picked up her ashtray and set it behind her, before motioning for Yauhmi to join her on the golden steps.
"You're right. She was utterly devoted. Nothing stood in her way. But you know how she made sure nothing stood in her way? She cultivated a culture of fear. Everyone was afraid of her. Even I was terrified growing up. I mean, she sent one of my siblings to a cube. Banished another one because of her homosexuality. "
She turned her attention from the Dragon to the golden rat that was to the left side of the throne.
"I definitely can't make everyone fear me like she did. I couldn't do to my own children what she did to my brother and sister."
"Perhaps. I know how it can be difficult to replace someone. I'm just learning how to do that myself," Yauhmi said sadly. "My own husband was a tough act to follow, after all. Topilpopoca led Xiomera for a far shorter period than your mother led the Shen Empire, but it was still almost two decades. When I became Empress, I knew that I could never do it in the same way he did. So my mission became clear: find my own way to rule. That is your mission also. You can't make people look upon you the way your mother did - find your own way to make them see you. And even if the traditions that placed you on this throne are not what is in your heart.....you are an Empress. You get to decide what the rules are. Trust me, I plan to do the same in Xiomera."
Yauhmi paused for a moment. "While it is not my place to tell you how to rule, I can hopefully offer my advice and my experience. And my support, as well. That was your mother's wish. And it is also mine."
Those hypnotic green eyes that were the distinct marker of her Dynasty turned up towards the throne as the Empress spoke.
"I need all the advice I can get, Yauhmi. I don't have many people I can truly trust yet. My ministers were picked by my mother, not me. And while I do intend to make some changes certain things have complicated that."
Finally she got to her feet, stepping up on the stairs and placing her hand on the throne.
"Do you remember the first time you and your husband met my mother? I do. I was standing right over there by that rat statue, with the other courtiers and Court officials. I wasn't even thinking about eventually ending up on the throne. Never thought I would be up here."
"I do remember that day," Yauhmi said with a smile. "I remember seeing you standing there with the others. I was impressed with you and your siblings, even then. I could see that your mother had raised you to be strong, as I have done with my son. Just as you followed your mother, it is my own hope that someday, my son will follow me and be Emperor." Yauhmi smiled again, a bit sadly this time. "It's natural that you didn't think about being on the throne. People rarely see it coming. They may scheme, and plot, and bide their time and seek power.....but when the time actually comes....I certainly didn't see it, for myself."
Yauhmi moved a bit closer, so that Wu Zhao could hear her. "Having people you can trust, absolutely trust with everything, even your life, around you, must be your first order of business. If there are those in your advisors or in the circles around you who are not yours....replace them. And don't have a second of regret about it. To truly be effective as a ruler, everyone around you must fully believe in your vision and support you."
The young Empress listened intently to the older woman. She nodded. Slowly she took the crown off of the chair and placed it upon her head before sitting down on the Heavenly Throne, leaning forward to look down.
"There is only one man in my entourage who has my trust. Only one man whose advice I believe. I shall empower him like no one in his position has been empowered before. That will be my first move."
She sat back in her chair and pointed to the statue of a rat. "Have you ever noticed how these 12 statues are out of order?"
"I had not," Yauhmi said, surprised. "Is there a reason for them being out of order?"
There was a small chuckle as she nodded. "The dragon is supposed to be opposite the dog - that's how the Zodiac in our culture works. But the dragon sits opposite the rat. My great-grandfather did that when he assumed the throne. He was the Grandmaster of the Shingzi Ren. Born in poverty and grew up an orphan, but ended up on the throne. When he came to power he moved the dog back a spot and let the Rat sit on the side of the throne. Because the jade rat is the symbol of the Shingzi Ren. That small act of symbolism showed where the power of the throne comes from. If I am to rule as my mother did I need to make sure I command the Shingzi Ren."
Yauhmi nodded as she contemplated the nature of the placement. "The Shingzi Ren are indeed important to have on your side. Ideally, you have a way to ensure their support. As you're aware, my opponent in the Great Selection was in charge of our security apparatus. It made things much more challenging than they would have been otherwise. I had to...replace quite a few people once I became Empress." She paused for a moment. "If you secure the loyalty of the Shingzi Ren, everything else will fall into place."
"Then that will be my first step," the Empress said as she sat back in her throne. Truly getting comfortable in the seat for the first time. Like she belonged there.
"Thank you, Yauhmi... I really needed someone to talk to. We are a different class, people like you and me. Sovereigns that rule over millions. Honestly, I think you're the only woman on the planet who truly understands what it's like to be me right now. I hope I can call upon you for advice throughout these next few years as I establish my own era of rule."
Yauhmi nodded with a smile. "We are the last of a breed. We do indeed need to stick together. This world seems intent on eliminating the last of the ancient empires.....only we understand why we do what we do. I will always be available for advice or support. It does help to have like-minded rulers to talk to."
"That it does... you know, one of the great mistakes with my mother's reign was never formalizing the relationship between our two peoples. I think it's about time we abandon Heavenly neutrality and enter into a formal alliance. Don't you agree?"
Yauhmi nodded in response. "Given certain threats that have been emerging in our part of the world - threats that exist to both our countries - I think that time has indeed come." The rising tensions in Catica had been a huge concern for Yauhmi, especially given the fact that Xiomera only had an informal alliance with one country in the IDU, and nothing formal with anyone else. "It would definitely help if we faced those threats together."
"I will bring up this topic at the security conference. Perhaps we can create something that will truly keep us safe from any aggressor. Something that will secure both of our reigns."
She stood up again and walked down the steps, standing next to the slightly taller older woman.
"I think it's time we both retired for the night. Depending on how this security conference goes, we will determine the shape this alliance will take. "
"I agree. I have enjoyed this conversation. Hopefully, we will have many more of them in the future," Yauhmi replied. "And together, we will shape that future."
The Empress nodded as the two began to walk out of the throne room.
"The future belongs to those who have the will to seize it and shape it. Jaguars and Dragons working together cannot help but forge a future."
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