All Chapters of The Beggar Who Would Be Emperor: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

[Strange. This cannon fodder ex-wife really does seem different now...]The donkey cart jolted along the main road.I held Adrian in my arms, shielding him from the biting wind. His body was stiff and motionless. "Your name is Theo. Remember that, all right?"The small body in my arms trembled slightly. He lifted his head. His eyes were red-rimmed as he nodded hard. This child was unnervingly perceptive for his age.When we stopped to rest, he went to gather firewood without being asked. His movements were practiced.I built the fire. He quietly broke our rations into smaller pieces and handed them to me on a leaf."Mother, eat first."His voice still held a childish lilt, but his tone was steady.Text drifted past:[This kid is a hundred times more thoughtful than her real son.][The deposed crown prince taught him himself. He could recite the classics at three. What a waste.]I accepted the food. My throat felt tight. As I sat there, more words appeared.[The female lead

"Elise, the divorce was not my choice. I had no other option. Lady Quincey is difficult. Theodore and I have not had an easy time..." His eyes reddened. "I still think of you."Words scrolled frantically[Hilarious. The male lead is getting mistreated by the lady, so he's running to his ex-wife for comfort!][I heard Lady Quincey scolds him daily for relying on a woman. His real son looks down on him for being useless!][Too late for regrets now!]I watched him perform in silence. When he finished, I spoke. My voice was calm and even. "Minister Sacchetti, you wrote the divorce papers yourself. You chose this path. It has nothing to do with me."Roland's face stiffened. Just then, Theodore spoke up. His voice was bright. "Mother, come back to the capital with us. Lady Quincey said you could work as a maid in the household. She'll give you food."His tone was innocent, but his words cut to the bone. My heart stabbed with pain.Before I could speak, a voice came from behind me. "M

[Commander Powell is so cool! I've watched the finger-cutting scene a hundred times![The real son is standing there like a complete outsider. Oops, picked the wrong side, didn't he?][Am I the only one who noticed Adrian looked to Ms. Cadwell for approval before speaking? This mother-son bond is making me cry!]Roland sat slumped on the ground, watching helplessly as we packed our belongings.Suddenly, something seemed to occur to him. He scrambled to his feet and rushed toward me."Elise! The divorce doesn't count! I was forced by Lady Quincey! I've always cared for you..."Nathaniel's blade appeared between us. "Minister Sacchetti, compose yourself."The edge hovered an inch from his throat. Roland froze, and cold sweat trickled down his temple.I took one last look at the earthen house we had lived in for over a year. Then, I took Adrian's hand and walked toward the carriage without looking back.Behind us, Theodore's voice rang out."Father, where are they going? Why doe

Adrian glanced back at me, then walked forward slowly. He stopped before the bed and performed the formal bow Nathaniel had taught him."Your grandson Adrian greets you, Grandfather."The old Emperor reached out with a bony hand and touched his face with trembling fingers. "You look just like him... Just like the crown prince..." Tears ran down the deep lines of his weathered face. "My Adrian... all these years, you have suffered so much..."Adrian knelt there with his spine perfectly straight.He did not cry. He only said quietly, "I have not suffered, Grandfather."The old Emperor pulled him into his arms and wept openly. The servants throughout the hall lowered their heads and wiped their eyes. Even Nathaniel turned his face away.I stood near the entrance, watching the scene in silence.I could not describe what I felt. I was happy for Adrian yet heartbroken for him as well. He had finally returned to where he belonged, but he was also leaving behind the simple days when h

I dressed in the formal gown befitting a Lady of the Highest Rank. The deep blue velvet was trimmed with gold brocade, cinched at the waist with a jeweled belt. My hair was pinned up with golden combs.The woman reflected in the polished mirror bore no resemblance to the one who had pulled weeds in a vegetable garden two years ago."You look beautiful, Mother." Adrian stood beside me, offering his assessment with complete seriousness.I smiled and pinched his cheek. "You look very handsome today too."He wore the formal uniform of the crown prince. A black velvet coat with gold buttons over a crisp white shirt. A ceremonial sash crossed his chest. Despite his young age, he already carried an air of authority.Inside the lakeside pavilion, wine flowed freely.Adrian sat at the Emperor's right hand. I sat in the front row of the ladies' section. The moment I took my seat, I felt countless eyes on me. Some were curious, some envious, and some ingratiating. A few seemed to be waiting