| The Tale of Yang Guifei |

note; you have made it to the end of Hero. give yourself a pat on the back. you are now my best friend. please, make yourself at home while I make some tea. . . (:

| summer 745 |

     "You've subjected yourself to much trouble, Lord Xuanzong," Yuhuan murmured to the emperor. Her soft fingers stroked Xuanzong's chest, hot breath caressing his neck. In response, the Emperor nuzzled Yuhuan. 

"You have it twisted, dear," he laughed. "Nothing could ever be enough trouble for my favorite Yuhuan."

Within the dark recesses of the emperors private 'play room' the twenty six year old woman couldn't help but smile. Never had she pictured herself falling in love with the ruler of her country. Xuanzong was a kind ruler, with a firm justification for everything he did, and he never acted unfairly. But it was not an easy road for her to travel. 

Yuhuan kissed the emperor. "You spoil me. I am not worthy of your kindness, Xuanie."

Xuanzong wrinkled his nose at the mention of his nickname. "Please don't use that particular name, Yuhuan. It's horrendous."

The woman rolled over in her large bed, giggling like a young school girl. She was draped in rather close fitting lingerie, pressing against her womanhood and breasts. Unlike most women, she had full endowment, a pleasant handful of love handles. She was a rare beauty, the epitome of fine breeding to Xuanzong. At the age of eighteen she and her sisters were named China's most titillating females to walk. Xuanzong had mentioned several times that he adored more than her body, however, but the vast curiosity in her eyes and the soft scent she carried like roses. He loved her intellectual discussions, very unusual for a woman, and he craved her laughter to fill his rather dull life. 

Due to his falling in love, Xuanzong forced his son, Li Mao, to divorce Yuhuan. She became a Taoist nun at the decree of the Emperor, and for there was given a new name to abide by. This was all done so he could love his beautiful concubine without worry of criticism from his kingdom. Yet, he had other things to worry about. 

"You love it, Xuanie," Yuhuan jeered. 

Xuanzong only sighed, covering his face with his blanket. 

| fall 755 |

     Never had peace within the kingdom been so violently erupted. No one knew what to do - how could anyone have seen it coming?

No one could've. 

"An Lushan's troops have arrived at the capital, my Lord!" General Yang Guozhong announced. 

×  ×  ×

   So . . . hi. I know, you probably expected an amazing story to end this clusterfuck of creativity. Nope. I have a little of a confession to throw out there.

This is really hard to admit too, but when I was a kid my dad abused me and my siblings. He would beat the crap out of us and scream until we couldn't take it anymore. Because of that, i have PTSD, depression, an anxiety disorder, daddy issues, and a fear of men.

I am self loathing and the only escape I have is my writing.

Yesterday, January 13th, 2017, was my birthday. With the writing community on my side, I want to end this book with a resolution to become the best I'll ever be.

Pray for me, please.