Blood Emperor's Lazy Doctor [Hiatus]

Inside the royal palace, within the audiences hall, sits the emperor, adorned in his dragon robes. This hall has a cold and heartless air. If it weren't for the oppressive aura emanating from the man on the throne, one would think they'd stepped into a graveyard.

Kneeling on the cold white marble floors, three men tremble as the emperor stares them down. Looking rather pitiful as the shadows flicker with wicks of candles. These three men, clad in court robs, are acting like turtles, prepared to hide in their shells at a moments notice.

His lips in a frown, his brows knitted, and his phoenix eyes aglow in obvious discontentment. "We gave you such a simple task, and you couldn't even get it done. What good are you then? Leave us at once!"

The men which were kneeling, shake in fright. Hurrying to bow then take their leave as fast as their feet could carry. Fear grips their hearts as they make their way out of the hall. Gulping down air in a struggle to breathe properly.

"Your majesty, please quell your anger, else you harm your body." The eunuch bows his head, instructing the emperor in concern. A trail of sweat graces his brows and down.

"How can we control our anger when those barbarians are breathing down our necks, hmm? They come at us, demanding for revenue like chickens for feed. Do they think us a monastery, giving out donations at the drop of a hat? How audacious!" The emperor grips his thrown. If it were the necks of those barbarians, they would have long been grounded to powder.

Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he glaces at the eunuch. "How is our son?"

Knitting his brows, the eunuch doesn't know how to respond. His majesty's son, the crown prince, the firstborn, is a troublesome case. No one wants to dip their hands into that pot. Hence they lose a few fingers when it comes time to face imperial anger.

Silence speaks for itself. The emperor sighs.

"What are we to do with that boy. The empress wishes to betroth him, yet he..." Thinking about his son, the crown prince, he can't help but sigh once again in defeat. "We will go have a talk with him."

The eunuch bows and walks off. He's well aware of the emperor's temperament and knows to act before asked.

The emperor sighs for the third time. Leaning back in his throne, he looks to have aged a few years.

. . .

Along the central market, heads turn and eyes can't help but glue themselves. A young petite, pale faced girl, clad in white, walks side by side with a twenty or so year old man dressed all in black, his face cold and wooden releasing an air of oppression, whist hers, a gentle lethargic air, holding a trace of pity. This picture is very odd and out of place. Making those around very perplexed but not enough to approach.

Hong Luo looks around very curiously. So this is what the market looks like? It's not bad. It's looks better then I thought it would. Though compared to the market in the divine worlds, it can only be called archaic.

"Where to?" Head tilted, his eyes on her, Nuyun asked as his wooden face showing traces of gentleness.

"Herb shop, weapon shop, which ever one I see first." Her voice was clear and harmonious as she replies lazily. Yet on closer look, her posture shows an obvious skip in her step.

Being her first time roaming the capital, she was quite excited. Trapped within the courtyard for many years, that childish curiosity drove her imagination. Of course she traveled through the capital streets to reach the Hong Manor, but this was different. She wasn't trapped within a carriage, barred from all movements.

Hong Luo was busy looking over the shops when her small hand was gripped and tugged forward. She looked at the one who pulled her hand with confusion. She was already curious as to why this man followed her into town. Although she had told him to stay near for monitoring, he hasn't a clue about her two plants. So why?

She shook her head, she was too lazy to ask. His actions were his own, she had no right to question.

But in truth she did have every right. He was not only going in an out of her home, but being physical with her as well. Albeit it was just holding hands, if you excluded waking up in his arms that one time.

If Little Soul weren't busy in her space, he'd have lectured her already, and she'd have shut off the connection do to headache. That little fellow liked to act as her nanny. If given the option, he'd take on the job of guard dog, growling at all on coming men. Sadly for him that isn't option at this time.

Her gaze rested on this mans back whom she believe to be taller than six feet. She didn't know why but it felt safe and secure. As if it could hold the sky if it fell. But it also felt lonely and fragile. With just the smallest wind could break and shatter. Her heart aches at this thought.

Ah, she sighed. I'm becoming too emotional again. That's not good. Taking in a breath to hold, she releases it soon after. Swallowing down another breath, the man clinging to her wrist spoke.

"There." With a level and calm voice, magnetic and deep, he tugs her along, forcing the breath in her lungs out, before it could accomplish its job.

Upon being pulled along, Hong Luo had no comment. The discontent breath she released had caused her a tad of lightheaded'ness.

A few steps later. they stopped outside a shop. With but a glance her eyes lit up, as her feet took the lead. Heading straight inside.

Within the shop, a plaque hanging above the entrance. The beautiful calligraphy spells out 'Herb Garden.' The shopkeeper, looking to be in his teens, sits at the counter, looking over a book of numbers. A small yawn escapes his lips. Yet his focus is broken by a small tap on wood.

Closing the book, he glances up only to see a small girl clad in white. Her inky hair tied back in a lazy bun, allowing loose locks to lay on her shoulders, flowing back beyond her ears. Crowning her forehead, a decorative chain with a red tear drop gem, hanging right between her brows. Her plum blossom eyes full of life, offset her wan complexion, making her look quite adorable with a touch of pity. She resembles a fairy that is about to blossom into life.

While the man sizes Hong Luo up, she also does the same. She's quite pleased with his disposition. A touch of laziness with hints of experience, but none of that tasteless fawning or disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e a.d.u.l.ts give children. His long black hair hung free without bindings, raining down his shoulders and back. Those almond eyes held traces of mischief found in youth. He reminded her a lot of those trouble making dwarf twins she knew as Mozen. Where there was trouble you knew it was them.

Squinting his eyes he speaks in a slightly hoarse voice, a touch of dryness was present. "What can I help you with young lady?"

"I'm here to sell herbs!" Straight and to the point. That's Hong Luo style alright.

"Oh." Amused, the shopkeeper leans over, his head propped up on his palm. He doesn't see a carry pouch or bag. Where are these herbs she speaks of?

"I can't guarantee I'll buy unless I see." His voice measured and patient. Even if she's playing pretend, the girl is quite cute for a child, so I'll play along. On the contrary, this is perfect to relieve his boredom. Looking over numbers all day, he's begun to go cross eyed.

"They're right here. Nuyun move back a little." She places a palm on Nuyun's c.h.e.s.t and casually pushed. Without a ripple he moves two steps back. His eyes flash with an amused indulgences at her action, as he raised a brow.

The shopkeeper does a double take. He didn't even notice this man! Was he here this whole time? What a blunder. He had thought his senses were stronger than this.

Looking over at the man standing as tall as fine steal, a sharpen blade right off the mill. His robe a night black, a silver trim akin to stars. His hair done up in a tail, hugged by a silver crown, black gems adorning the curves in its design. Locks of hair spill down his checks enhancing his phoenix eyes that carry a gentleness as they stare at the young girl in white.

But from the shopkeepers view, that gentleness leaves him frozen on the spot.

A devil! That man is a devil! What gentle look? His disposition alone shows a scary level of calmness, with eyes as deep as ancient wells, frozen to the core. While an aura akin to blood and violence seems to be seeping from him. He's scarier then those beast hunters! A sleeping dragon, reading to burn and pillage the moment his reverse scale is touched.

While he was distracted a sweet voice rings out, warming the chill that was ascending his spine. "Here they are! Take a look sir shopkeeper."

Smiling he looks down, but soon that smile falters. His lips twitch, what is this... Where did all these herbs come from? They are pilled higher then the table!

"You... you want to sell all of these?"

He looks up at the girl who rendered him speechless. Confirmed by her nod, his eyes turn to crescents. Bringing out a fan from who knows where, fanning himself like a young lord who's pockets were lined with his father's earnings. His fan penned with the characters for 'Lazy Money'

"Young mistress, this ones surname is Lan, given name Qian. The amount of herbs you wish to sell is beyond abundant. Do tell if you plan to sell in the future, this shop will welcome you with open arms." This lazy hoarse voiced fellow was instantly replaced with a energetic merchant!

How could he not? One look around the store was all it took. The usual stands that held herbs didn't have enough stalk to line their bottoms. A store after a famine wouldn't look much worse.

Hong Luo inwardly chuckles at this switch in character. Also that fan! I found someone who's sense of humor is on the same level as mine! So bad, yet so good! She laughs to herself.

"I might sell or I might not sell, I can't promise you." She responds in a lazy manner, her face not betraying the humor she felt.

(Author's note: Lan Qian name is pronounced the same way as lazy money in Chinese. It's a play on words.)

"Ai, Think nothing of it young mistress. This shop will welcome you as seller or buyer. Show this card, and you can get a discount of twenty percent with your purchases." Shopkeeper Lan hands Hong Luo a black card with a small gem protruding from the center. "Place a drop of blood on that gem, and the card will recognize you as its owner."

With a flick of her wrist she sends the card away. Not even taking the time to personalize it. This action was done so smooth as if the card was just a regular piece of paper. Seemingly the actions of a child that doesn't know what's gold and whats bronze.

The shopkeeper didn't miss this at all, but showed no disdain on his face and went ahead to discuss prices.

"For each herb between the years of ten and fifty, one to two silver taels. Those between fifty and ninety ninety, five to six silver taels. If by chance you have one hundred year old herbs, fifty silver taels. More if the rarity is sufficient."

With a yawn she replies, "that sounds acceptable. What of the herbs exceeding a hundred years?"

Ignoring her discourteous yawn, squinting his eyes. "Oh, you have those exceeding one hundred?"

With a lack of enthusiasm, "I may or I may not have. Just think of it as future reference." I did find a few along the way of fighting that arrogant fish. Might as well sell those too if they don't cause trouble.

"Herbs that reach past the hundred twenty five year are found in auction houses. The starting bid, five hundred silver taels. If this Lan can be bold, I recommend taking them to the 'Perfidious Auction House." As the words left his lips, he carefully watches her reaction.

Hong Luo's eye's light up in amus.e.m.e.nt. Oh. What an intriguing name. "I'll be sure to keep it in mind." Pft, who ever came up with that name must be an interesting character. Trying to go for the reverse psychology method. Not many have the guts to attempt what could make them sink.

A tinge of shock enters his eyes. This girl isn't simple! There was no disdain just curiosity. Usually those who would hear that name, would show disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e, complaining how distasteful the owner is.

She points at each pile of herbs, "I've already separated them by years. From left to right, young to old."

Oh not bad. He inwardly nods. After tallying up the herbs, he responds at bit flabbergasted. "Two hundred between ten and fifty years. Total silver two hundred twenty four."

"One hundred forty six between, fifty and ninety ninety years. Total silver eight hundred seventy six."

"Thirty eight at one hundred years. Total silver one thousand nine hundred. Bringing the total count to three thousand silver." This is one heck of a hale! Is this girl an herb goddess?!

Hong Luo inwardly nods at this man forthright behavior. He's giving me fair prices without taking into account of my age. A tinge of respect blossoms in her heart.

This change didn't escape Nuyun's eye. A distasteful feeling enters his gut, as if he'd swallowed a fly as the bugger set his stomach to chaos. He did not like this feeling, and so he sends a sharp glare at the shopkeeper Lan, causing the poor fellow to break out in a cold sweat.

"Excuse.. excuse me a moment to gather you.. your money..." He rushes off almost tripping on himself. I am not a village to pillage my dear lord dragon. What ever I did I won't do it again, ah!

Hong Luo became confused at the sudden stutter of the man. But it doesn't last long. It falls right out her ears like it never graced his brain in the first place.

Nuyun inwardly snorts, taking hold of Hong Luo's hand once more. She wasn't as effected as before. She is just a child after all. Having full confidence in this logic, not rejecting his touched in the least.

After a round of cold sweats, glares from Nuyun, and the poor clueless Hong Luo, all the accounts are settled. The shopkeeper hands over a storage pouch containing three thousand silver taels. Transferring the money over to her own space, Hong Luo hands the pouch back to the shopkeeper.

(Author's Note: 1 gold = 1000 silver. 1 silver = 1000 bronze)

He's again shocked. A spacial gem! Spacial gem's aren't considered rare, but they are expensive. Only the imperial and noble clans would have them. While spacial pouches are what commoners and business use for transactions. But which noble miss is this? He hadn't the faintest clue.

Giving the shopkeeper a lazy bow, Hong Luo pulls Nuyun, leaving the herb shop in high spirits. I'm not broke anymore! She inwardly poses in victory.

Seeing his customers out, Lan Qian drops his amenable smile. He closes his fan, smacking it twice into his palm.

Afterwords two men appear behind him. "Xi Lu, keep an eye on her."

The man named Xi Lu hesitates for a second. Then bows and vanishes.

The other guard looks over, looking to have something on his mind, yet not willing to speak.

Glancing over for but a moment, Lan Qian says in a drawled manner. "Speak. This lord doesn't forbid open mouths."

Lifting his head slightly, the guard responds in an evenly tone. "Forgive this servant's impertinent. Why does the young lord put value on a child? This servant thinks the man by her side deems higher attention."

Lan Qian sneers in his heart, but his response is level and calculated, "Have eyes but cannot see. A child she may or may not be. Xi Dan run your brain back and you may see the truth yet."

Startled, Xi Dan thinks to himself, replaying what happened in the store. Yet he can't grasp this truth the young master speaks of.

Unfurling his fan, Lan Qian hides the disdain playing on his face well. "A man like a dragon, being pushed aside by a weak fairy like child. Must this lord increase the details?" He narrows his eyes at the slowness of this shadow guard.

Enlightened, Xi Dan cups his fist in a bow. "This servant asks for forgiveness. This servant had eyes but failed to see." Pausing but a moment, he continues. "Should this servant inform the Master?"

Lan Qian snorts derisively, "Whether this lord permits it or not, you'll still go running back to my father. Why waste the breath." He turns around without a second thought, back into the Herb Garden.

Xi Dan stands still, his brow knitted. He pushes down a wave of guilt, and vanishes in place.

Standing in front of the stacks of herbs, indiscernible emotions swimming in those eyes of his. Lan Qian murmurs aloud. "Little fairy, will what the Soothsayer said come true? This lord hopes you don't disappoint."

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Author's note: In case of theft. This is an original -English- novel done by yours truly [MyKataren]. This author will state here and now, oh ye thief of old, thanks for the free advertis.e.m.e.nt!

First site upload: wattpad.com/story/188205411

Second site upload: (It's URL is too messy, go search it yourself.)