Han Dynasty, Five Years Ago In The Capital of the Golden Sun Empire

  Emperor Han Cho, Hanseul-Ji sat on his throne above where the council was gathered. It was mostly men who had served his father as they were still in the process of the changeover that occurred when a living emperor abdicated the throne to his heir. He was finding he was quickly becoming tired of the lot of them. It’d been six months since he’d returned from the battlefield, and less than three since he’d taken the throne and already they were wearing his patience thin.

  “He has returned gifts and honour with insult.” Old man Hong practically shrilled. Hanseul did not know how the man's wives and children put up with him. He was an absolute ass, and his voice intolerably grating.

  “His disrespect knows no bounds.” Official Kwak, who was nearly the same age as Hong complained agreeing with his crony.

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  “He ought to be here at court. At least briefly for propriety's sake.” Official Baek who was usually a rather agreeable old man chimed in. Hanseul had had enough.

  “The dragon general was granted absolution from guilt, obligation or punishment by my father, the former emperor,” Hanseul said with a cold anger smouldering within him. He let it be heard in his voice just how far these senile old men had crossed the line. “And I reinforced that very ruling upon taking the throne.”

  The silence echoed through the room.

  “Now, which of you, would be bold enough to challenge your emperor.” Hanseul seethed. Not a single one of them looked up from the floor.

  “When any of you has given, sacrificed, and saved the empire to the extent that the dragon general has,” Hanseul told them, his voice so cold it was nearly void of emotion. “Then you may bring this before me.”

  Hanseul waited only long enough to make his point before rising from his throne. They practically threw themselves at the floor in their haste to bow.

  “I have more important matters to deal with, and you spineless fools have done nothing but use your cowardly words to waste my time.” Hanseul growled as he strode from the room.