The Duke Hassan left in the evening after long talks with Banou. She keep sighting and wish her father doesn't put so much faith in her. She rather grow old here in Tang without knowing anything about Persia. After the last visit, she have resolve her remorse and anger away. Whatever she wanted to say to her siblings are all done. Whether they accept her in the end or not, she doesn't bother with what they think. She only bother with her own family. Her husband. Her children. They matters more than anything else.
Wang MoMo walk in with a tray of tea. Banou ask her to stay.
"I have to let you know that what happen."
Banou tell her that a child is arriving to Tang and he will be the future ruler of the Ottoman Empire. She and Afshin is assign to educate him as much as possible.
"I understand Consort Princess. However i don't understand why send him so far away to Tang."
"Traditionally, all crown princes in Ottoman Empire are send away from the other siblings. Fear of assassination. Fear of siblings rival. Fear of education radically ideals. Also sending him here is to open his eyes there is world outside our society. "
"What about the man who come today to speak to you."
"He is the son of my fifth brother. He came here under the order of my father."
"He look a bit like Li Xing."
"They are cousins, i suppose that's why they are alike in some ways."
"Are you planning to put the little crown prince in our mansion?"
"I need to talk to Afshin on this. I already have a lot of children here. Adding one more is not a big problem but he is the future ruler. This is a concern i have. Another thing is, i don't wish the emperor to know about this. It will, do us no good."
"Yes he will be suspicious of what this mansion will be doing with a future ruler in here."
"Thus Wang MoMo, do not let out anything about this child. If they ask, just say that he is one of the son of my brothers and he is send here for education. That is all we are going to say, to protect Li Cheng and his brotherhood with the emperor."
Wang MoMo bow and she feel happy that Li Cheng have a wife who thinks for him and his family. A royalty wife is a must in a family like them.
The next day, Afshin comes to visit and Banou inform him of her concern. Thus he offer to put up with the new future crown prince. They have to make up his new identity as the son of her eight brother, whom does not exist in record. They talk and plan for a long time till lunch when the Duke Hassan comes along. Aylin and Afshin's son, Bahman comes along to have lunch in the mansion. Thus the kitchen prepare mostly food that Persian have. Banou's children who sometimes have Persian food is custom to it. The twins return home and bow to everyone but they are surprise to see the Duke. As they wash their hands, they stare at him.
"Do i look like someone you know?"
He laugh as he push food in his mouth. The twin after wiping dry their hands sit down. Banou translate to her sons.
"Yes, you look like our eldest brother."
"Have you meet him?"
He laugh after Banou's translation.
"Yes i have. I have a shock! At the guarding border! A man who looks alike to me. We did not meet in Persia as i was sent away at that time. I grew up in another place which is nearer to the sea."
After the meal, the adults sit together to talk while the twins and Bahman try to catch butterflies in the garden. The three younger children are sleepy thus Min Min and Wang MoMo carry them back tot their bedroom to take a nap. It is so long ago that Banou have a conversation with a group of Persians and suddenly she feels like she is a normal ordinary citizen who is living a life. She have an enjoyable time till they have to leave for dinner as the merchants of Persians have organised an event for them. The four left the mansion and Banou is left alone again. She now see that Aylin is glowing with happiness. This is what they have set up to have in Tang. Banou is happy and satisfy. The long awaited have arrive for them all.
The day arrive for the reception of the emperor that organised for the Duke of Persia. Different carriages have arrive outside the palace. Duke Hassan arrive on his horse while Afshin is in his carriage. Banou and LI Cheng is waiting in the palace along with her two eldest sons. The guests arrive and step in the hall. They bow before the emperor. There are smiles on everyone's face. The translator work hard to translate and inform relevance information that the Duke needs to know. The emperor arrange the Duke and Li Xing to sit near to each other. Even though they don't speak the same langue but they still managed to be merry.
Banou take a closer look at her son and the Duke. They are only alike because of the beard that they have. If they shave, they probably look different. Beside the beard, they have the same dark curly long hair. Other than that, they are different.
That night the men from Persia still meet up in the Persian embassy for more drinks. Li Xing and Li Nan went there as they invited. While Banou goes home with Li Cheng as women of their culture is not encourage to drink. Banou explain to Li Cheng what is going on with the Ottoman empire.
"Well in this case, we have to protect him well."
"Because he is going to be the future ruler?"
"In this case, once you are done with the duty as a co-regent, you might not need to move back to Persia and continue to stay here with me."
Upon hearing that Banou hug him tightly. Li Cheng too return the tight hug. He laugh and carry her and turn in a circle. Just like when they are young and still in love.