Welcome to the first edition of the Silk Road. Here we are at the lovely imperial palace of the Vu's, freshly snatched from their old neighborhood of Strangetown. It was getting a little crowded there, let's be honest. Let's get started.
Here we see Emporer Lazlo heading off to his job in the sciences. Not sure why an emporer would have a job in science, but it's one of those careers that's approved, so what the heck.
And here's the exoticly fair-haired Empress Crystal discovering an underground spring. Now the palace doesn't need the peasants to haul up their daily water from the lakes. Hurray!
And she even unearthed this ancient map revealing the long-hidden location of the secret pagoda in Takemizu Village.
After the spring is discovered the Nobles arrive to swear their fealty to the Emporer and his Empress. Sanjay here will be taking up the duty of building an army in the name of his sovereign.
Noble Patricia and Merchant Ana Patel converse while Sanjay monopolizes the Empress.
But it doesn't take Sanjay and Patricia long to find the Mahjong Room. Gambling, folks. It's addictive.
Ana Patel reserves her funds by serving tea in the Tea Room.
Where she's joined by Empress Crystal.
Later, the ladies sit down for salad and get to know each other better.
While Emporer Lazlo and Noble Sanjay sit down to discuss their plans for the Silk Road.
We'll be needing better potraits of the Royal Family. Cute- but not very dignified.
I'm delighted to discover that Crystal joined Lazlo's family with a gold badge in Flower Arrangement! That is feaking handy! And befitting of an Empress. Snapdragon bouquets for every room!
Lazlo is very impressed with his Empress.
And even more impressed when she gifts him the legendary map of the Pagoda in the Shadows.
Off to Takemizu he rushes, thankful that his Empress remembered their luggage.
Ahh, the luxurious Golden Dragon something- I'm just making stuff up- Resort!
Emporer Lazlo checks in. He can't wait to start enjoying this impromptu vacation.
Emporer Lazlo meditates by the zen garden.
Crystal soon joins him.
Lazlo is surprised to learn that his rule stretches even to Takemizu.
He's humbled to be the lord of these honorable peoples.
The Empress takes in the local cuisine.
And is a bit bewildered to learn that she isn't the only fair-haired person in her land.
That evening, after Lazlo enjoys some Filet Mignon-
He follows the map and discovers the long-lost, long-rumored Pagoda of the Shadows.
He is humbled to be in the presence of the Wise Old Man.
And serves him tea. The Wise Old Man is very proud that his Emporer knows the value of Humility.
And shares with him the tale of the land.
Of Warriors and Fair Maidens.
Of Dragons washing upon the Silk Road like a wave on a shore.
And of the peoples who bow only to he who is worthy.
And swear their allegences and their lives to his cause.
The Wise Old Man blesses Lazlo's family and Lazlo leaves with the Scroll of Divine Rite and a new sense of purpose.
He spends time with his people and also enjoys some of the services they provide.
He eats that which his peasants eat.
He runs into the local crime organisation.
"Seriously. Wisdom was the wrong answer last time, Ninja. I'm a freaking Emporer. Hey you, cant you get him to teach me the way of the ninja."
Pfft, no. I'm not cheating on your behalf... anymore.
Anyways. Lazlo also enjoys their customs.
Well, that's ominous.
It seems Emporer Lazlo has contracted chicken pox.
After an oatmeal bath, he preforms the basics of Yoga with his Empress.
And seeks her council.
First things first, she says, is to begin your own legacy.
With a relatively successful mission to the village it's time to head back to the palace.
And Lazlo heads out forgetting his luggage again. Good thing Crystal is on the ball.
Until she gets home, then she's off the ball. And in the bathroom hyucking up all that Chirashi.
Second trimester bumbs.
Oh, here's a shot of the totally awesome Scroll of Divine Rite. This is what every Royal Heir must obtain in order to retain sovereignty.
Third trimester bumps.
When Emporer Lazlo gets back to the Silk Road he continues his quest to learn as much as he can about his kindgom. He meets the merchant, Ana Patel.
Visits the Bath House.
Receives bows from Camryn Lee.
Converses with Camryn Lee in the hot springs.
Meets Medical Merchant Viven Cho.
Does not make good impression with Viven Cho.
Meets Farming Peasant Edward Contrary.
Peasant Contrary swears fealty to his lord.
Merchant Ramir Patel swears fealty to his lord.
Emporer Lazlo returns home to Egg Foo Yung and his pregnified and glowing Empress.
Lazlo becomes intimidated playing chess with himself.
Then the Empress goes into labor with their first child.
A girl! Hurray! Welcome Princess Setsuna Vu, everybody.
Bearing all her fathers physical features.
Lazlo and Crystal continue propogating their empire.
Lazlo is very affectionate with his daughter.
While Impressive Empress Crystal pumps out those dignified Emperial Portraits.
Noble Priya Ramaswami comes to the Emperial Palace to swear fealty to her lord and congratulate him and the Empress on their new daughter.
Crystal bonds with her daughter.
Crystal bonds with her husband.
Crystal paints portrait of the Deity known as Mauricette.
Isn't she impressive, ladies?
Rose Dai comes to swear herself to her lord and congratulate on royal child.
Now its Lazlo's turn to bond with Setsuna.
Setsuna takes all dang night to turn into a toddler. But her father is still very affectionate with her. Nyaws.
And ending the chapter with a scene of Emporer Lazlo trying to teach Setsuna basic linguistics. Next up is the Ramaswami Household. See you then!