"My lord, the nobles conspire behind closed doors. The regions threaten open rebellion", the oldest of the emperor's implored as the two imperial advisers stood on one side of the bed, in the imperial chamber of the jade palace, on which the fading emperor was lying .
"You listen to rumours instead of paying attention to vital matters of state, Liu Chang old friend chided the emperor with a light hearted smile.
"This is no laughing matter your highness", chided another adviser sternly.
"Kai Shek , please watched your time!", Liu Chang quickly rebuked the speaker.
"You are talking to his imperial highness the emperor. The grand dragon of jade heaven". Liu Chang lowering his tone concluded, "speak softly".
"I apologise your highness. Please forgive my slip of the tongue", implored Kai Shek.
The frail looking emperor had already turned his head in Kai Shek's direction.
The emperor waving aside the apology with one frail hand.
"It is not that you raised your tone which concerns me", the emperor proceeded. "Rather it is that you all seem worried by these rumours. Yes I have not been outside these walls in sometime. But those rumours have made their way here to the jade palace.
The old emperor caught a glimpse of surprise on his advisers faces.
"I have my ways", the emperor went on as though in response to the question his advisers had not dared to ask. Being restricted to this bed does not mean I do not not know what is happening in my own realm.
"Highness!", the advisers chanted together in reverence.
What would you have me do to allay your fears over these rumours?", asked the emperor lookimg at one adviser then another.
"You must roar, your highness", Liu Chang said with a sense of urgency in his tone . "You must remind the people that you are still the dragon of jade heaven and let them feel safe once again in the power of your roar".
"By such a bold move you will automatically unite all of jade heaven under your rule once again", added Kai Shek excitedly, having recovered from his earlier rebuke by Liu Chang.
"I do not dispute what you are saying and I understand you mean well for Jade heaven", said the emperor. "The power of the dragon's roar has not been used in 10 000 years. Do you understand what I am saying?"
There was a slight pause in the room as the advisers waited for the emperor to proceed. "The dragon's roar is an irresistible force of nature, more potent than a hundred typhons. Used at the right time, it can reverse all that will have gone wrong setting things right".
"Such as at a time like this", added Liu Chang.
"I could not disagree with you more. The conditions are not right, the situation does not justify it's use", said the emperor. "Unleashing the power of the jade dragon where it is not needed will instead have the opposite effect. Instead of bringing restoration, it will cause utter destruction from which there will be no recovery".
"Your highness, shall we fold our arms while the celestial realm is torn apart?", asked Liu Chang.
"Or close our eyes and pretend not to see the danger that is right in front of our eyes?", pleaded Liu Chang.
"What have you seen happening in front of eyes?", asked the emperor. Before quickly adding, "nothing, you have only heard rumours doing the rounds of the celestial realm. The same rumours that I myself have also reached the jade palace".
"What if those same rumours turn out to be more than just rumours, your highness?", asked Kai Shek. "Would we not have failed in our duty if we did nothing".
"There is no need to panic. You fret like a pair of old women. Nothing has happened yet?", calmly replied the emperor pouring water on Liu Chang's passionate assertions.
"If we wait for something to first happen it may be too late", Kai Shek added his voice.
"Exactly", agreed Liu Chang.
"It is not as though nothing is being done", said the emperor in a more conciliatory tone.
"Your highness is wise", Liu Chang and Kai Shek chirped together in unison.
My son the crown prince Wang Wei's marriage has been arranged with Li Yan daughter of field marshall Li Keng, the leading instigator against the crown. This match will neutralise any imagined threat and strengthen the Wang dynasty's rule over the celestial realm".
"It is not every situation that needs be resolved with force", the emperor declared triumphantly. Where possible it is best to seek a peaceful path.
"It could work if crown prince Wang Wei agrees to the union", thoughtfully agreed Liu Chang.
"What if the crown prince refuses to marry Li Yan ", challenged Kai Shek.
"He is my son, he will agree with my decision. I have already consented to the wedding on his behalf. The girl's family is happy with the match", said the emperor.
"With all due respect your highness", there are rumours that the crown prince may have his eyes elsewhere", insisted Kai Shek.
"What are you trying to say Kai Shek?", asked the emperor. Speak clearly what have you heard?", the emperor asked fixing Kai Shek with a stoney gaze which made Kai Shek begin to feel uncomfortable.
"It is rumoured ...",
"Yes go on", the emperor urged anxiously. Crown prince Wang Wei is in love in fact has been for sometime now, with someone else", Kai Shek proceeded more cautiously.
"Do I know the family to which the girl in question who has won the love of my son belongs to?", asked the emperor facing Kai Shek.
"Well your highness, it is not anyone you know", replied Kai Shek nervously.
"Why do I get the feeling that there is something which you are trying to hide from ?", asked the emperor his eyes watching Kai Shek closely
"She is not from any of the jade heavenly families, your highness", replied Kai Shek nervously.
"What!?", exclaimed the emperor in surprise. "Is she a demoness from the under world!?"
"No your highness, she is a human peasant girl?", nervously replied Kai Shek.
"What!!?", the emperor exploded with rage almost getting up from the bed