In Shanhe, marriage tradition forced the bride undergo an extensive beauty ‘cleanse’ a few days prior to the wedding. Every meal contained goji berries to boost immunity in preparation for the wedding night and help the woman produce a healthy baby. Mingzhu argued against it, since everyone believed her already with child, but the servants either infused it in tea or sneakily hid it in snacks. They probably did it to spite her; she was the only sold slave to move ranks and then, be married. Mingzhu also doubted the purity of the rice water for her hair and often tipped it out the window. No one could be trusted, especially servants. She learnt her lesson with Meifan.

A knock sounded on the door. “Miss? Forgive the intrusion but she awaits.”

Great, Mingzhu thought sarcastically. She finished styling her disgusting turquoise gowns and barged open the door. Tai flinched at the noise and kept his head low, as if hiding from the light above him. He looked like a drunk and sorry man.

“Are you ready, Miss?"

“Does she really expect me to wear this?” Mingzhu grumbled, unhappy about the odd request.

Princess Kuang Yanyan had invited her for tea over the past week. Apparently, she offered because of the gloomy expression on Mingzhu’s face. Embarrassed by the comment, Mingzhu refused every time Tai approached her. However, the princess saw this as a challenge and the day before, arranged everything from the robes to the snacks. This forced Mingzhu to accept or otherwise, answer to irritated servants who spent hours preparing.

Why would a princess want to meet me? I have better things to do like… Disung’s face popped into her head. She avoided him since he reunited with his father, not ready to face her past. He can have his revenge on me later. I need to check with Master about my final task.

Tai led her under a small archway in Lady Gaze, overlooking water flora, where the tea had been arranged. Near the surface of the misty blue water swam giant fish of white and dark orange. They looked glorious, like tigers of the lake. Yanyan watched them while she waited and looked like a scene from a painting. The peach veil – attached to hairpins that were intricately woven into a braid – was lifted slightly to allow her to see without care. Hearing Mingzhu’s loud footsteps from her awkward, new shoes, the material fell to hide her mysterious face again. Yanyan brushed off her stunning orange robes and greeted her guest.

With the grace of royalty, she crossed her delicate hands over her chest, to form a bird-like shape, and bowed; this was the traditional greeting in Linlong. Mingzhu reciprocated poorly, confused which bow to do. Since the trial, no one outright spoke of her position or status. Was she a slave? Was she a commoner? Was she a mistake the palace intended to rid themselves of soon? It gave her a headache to think about.

“Miss Fa, you look beautiful. Please sit,” Yanyan said and a personal handmaiden poured the tea. “I wanted to provide you with comfort. I understand weddings can heighten nerves. I remember when…”

Mingzhu nodded along and sipped her tea to not say anything. She found something about the tone of Yanyan’s voice comforting and soothing. Her words sounded like a sweet song. Juan used to share a similar, melodic way of speaking but Mingzhu struggled to recall it. Time slowly stole the memory of her sister.

“How are you feeling?”

“Ah...” Was she asking about the wedding? If so, Mingzhu hated it and bitterly wondered why Disung hadn’t called it off yet. However, she couldn’t say that aloud.

“Are you craving any sweet or salty food?”

Mingzhu became more lost about their conversation. Could you crave sweet food when you didn’t want to marry your enemy? Did others eat to forget their feelings? What was the princess talking about?

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“I love salty snacks. It is how I know we are having a boy. Do you feel sick yet? Do you have headaches?” Yanyan said with animated gestures.

It suddenly clicked; they were apparently talking about the fake baby. This had to be why the princess wanted tea; no one else in the palace was pregnant or shared a similar age. “I have not focused on the baby.”

“When you do, I will be here. It can be very scary but it is equally wonderful! Just picturing my son turning into a warrior gives me immense joy.”

“I didn’t know Linlong had warriors,” Mingzhu replied, now intrigued by the conversation.

“Oh. Of course they must. Unlike the Shanhe coastlines, we have no cliffs or dangerous beaches. Enemies invade the shores with ease. Alas, I did not want to discuss such political matters with you.”

“Then what did you want to discuss?” Mingzhu asked bluntly.

Surprisingly, Yenay chuckled. “I like your transparency, Miss Bai.”

Mingzhu tensed. Her expression hardened. On instinct, she reached for the blade hidden under her robes.

“I apologise for my rudeness. I did not mean to frighten you but make my alliance with Master Wang known. Please, relax and humour me.”

“Is that all you wanted from me?”

“No. Truthfully, I just wanted a friend, who shares a similar goal, while I stay here. Besides, if I really like your company then you won't be left behind in the palace."

"You are-" Mingzhu paused to find the right word among her shock, "-too kind."

"It does help you join the journey to motherhood, as I do.”

“I do not make friends easily.” What was happening? Mingzhu's head swirled.

Although it could not be easily seen, a warm smile radiated from under the veil like the sun’s warmth. “I do. Shall I tell you how I met the Third Prince? I was not born of wealth or glory, similar to you. We met in the early Spring and fell in love as soon as our eyes met. I had never felt like that. I imagine it was similar with yourself and Anshu?”

Not in a million years. “Yes?”

“But I was a country woman, born from rural farmers and had no right to love the prince. I am lucky that Xun Shaiming possesses such a big heart and stubborn determination. He pleaded with his father relentlessly and gave up any ambition to claim the throne to marry me. Due to this, his older brothers supported him since he provided no threat to their power. The emperor, moved by his sons, miraculously agreed to the proposed marriage. No matter my background, they have treated me as family and all look forward to the birth of another grandchild. I am truly blessed.”

“Did they force you to wear the veil?” Mingzhu asked.

“Of course not! It was my own choice. I have very tan skin from my days in the sun and do not wish to disgrace the royal family. I cover myself to slowly become pale and appear as an appropriate woman of status should. After the baby is born, I will be at an adequate skin tone to present myself to others.”

“You must love him a lot to do that.” It seemed far too much effort.

“When did you fall in love with Anshu?”

Mingzhu choked on her tea and despite her shock, she saw Yanyan wait for a response expectantly. No extravagant story came to mind so Mingzhu settled for a realistic answer.

“It was lust before love.”

“My dear, I believe fate is guiding you! Lust turns into a miracle child, which has united you and Anshu. It sounds very romantic,” Yenay swooned.

“How do you like the tea?” Mingzhu asked, desperate to change the subject before she threw up from disgust.

The tea in question had a bitter flavour. It suited Mingzhu’s taste more than the sweet tea combinations in the Lotus Palace. At least, she knew the servants didn’t hide goji berries in it or so she hoped.

“It is missing something. You will think me mad for doing this but it is a habit I learnt from Linlong,” Yenay spoke as she retrieved a pouch from Tai. Gracefully, she sprinkled small petals into her cup before drinking from it.

“Why are you putting petals in tea? It’s weird.”

Juan ignored her sister, putting her snobby nose high in the air. At the young age of six, she had a displeasing attitude but this vanished as she grew older. “Not that it is your business but it’s what goddesses drink. It makes the tea pretty.”

“It makes you look stupid.”

“You are a meanie! I’m telling mother!” Juan replied and, as siblings do, Mingzhu tried everything to stop her.

To displease her mother meant ending the world. Their relationship became distant due to the rigorous training requested by her father and in the moments they shared together, Mingzhu selfishly wanted it all to be pleasant memories.

“Please don’t! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’ll do your chores tomorrow! Please don’t tell her!”

“Fine. I forgive you,” Juan replied, her initial emotions leaving as quick as they came.

Since then, Mingzhu never commented on the tea leaves and this quirk remained. Every day, Juan always drank tea with petals to appear pretty and unique.

“Juan?” Mingzhu whispered and stood abruptly, looking at the woman before her.