As if having enough, Yumi, yanked Cheng's Hōkan -crown and flung it to the floorboards. The ornate golden crown skittered across the polished wood with a metallic clang, coming to rest near Aiko's knees.
Simultaneously, the infant let out a triumphant gurgle before burying her face against Cheng's shoulder in apparent satisfaction.
Cheng stared dumbfounded at the discarded royal symbol lying abandoned on her bedroom floor. For a moment silence reigned supreme save for Yumi's contented coos against her mother's bosom. Then slowly realization dawned on Empress Cheng's features replaced by sheer outrage.
"How dare you!" she shrieked at the top of her lungs, shaking Yumi violently despite knowing babies cannot comprehend such concepts as disrespect or rebellion.
"You insolent little brat!"Cheng roughly descended Yumi unto a plush couch. Growing more agitated by the child, she raised her hand, aiming to beat her.
"You disrespectful nuisance, I will teach you how to respect me and your empire". Out of fear for the child, Aiko used this opportunity. She got up with speed and grabbed the child in time. She held Yumi to her.
"Your highness, please forgive her. She is perhaps too tired. It won't happen again." She tried to calm the angry ChengAiko clutched Princess Yumi protectively against her chest, using her body as a shield between the enraged Empress and the innocent infant. Her heart raced as she spoke quickly yet calmly attempting to diffuse Cheng's fury.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider your actions," she pleaded urgently while backing toward the door. "Princess Yumi is merely a baby - she doesn't understand royal protocol or proper etiquette."
She bounced the fussing child gently in her arms, hoping motion would soothe both mother and daughter alike. "She is overtired from being awakened earlier than usual. All children act out when they are fatigued."
Cheng advanced menacingly toward them both hands clenched into fists at her sides. "Overtired or not, she has shown disrespect toward imperial authority! The heir to the throne should learn discipline immediately rather than being coddled by servants!"
Aiko took a little step back. "Your highness , you seem a little bit tired your self. Perhaps you should have some rest before your evening meeting with Minister Toshi." Aiko spoke in hope of distracting and calming the empress thought.
Cheng paused mid-stride, her rage momentarily faltering at the mention of her upcoming meeting with Minister Toshi. The annual border negotiations required her full mental clarity and political acumen - traits currently being compromised by a cranky infant and exhausted emotions.
"You may have a point," she admitted grudgingly "I've been running myself ragged with court business and meetings." She ran a hand through her disheveled hair now lacking its symbolic crown. "Minister Toshi will expect coherent arguments regarding grain tariffs and trade routes, not emotional outbursts."
She surveyed the chaotic scene - Yumi nestled safely in Aiko's arms, the discarded crown gleaming near her attendants feet, and the rumpled bedsheets testament to recent activities. Her shoulders slumped slightly in defeat.
"Take the princess back to her nursery," Cheng commanded with weary authority rather than anger. "See that she receives warm milk and stays asleep until morning. No more disturbances unless she develops fever symptoms."
The Empress began unbuttoning her stained silk gown without waiting for confirmation that her orders would be followed.