Folly and Mischief
Bai Yi Bo
Nobody had expected her to live. Grim, the imperial doctor’s bleak prognosis, had left Yi Bo feeling like the grim reaper of death. He wondered if perhaps she wasn’t meant to survive, but he was merely meant to give her a proper burial? Yet, three days after he had stumbled upon her in the streets, the girl had awakened, defying all odds and expectations. Despite the doctor’s and his advice for her to rest and recover for a few more days, she insisted on leaving.
She was a fighter, resilient and strong willed. Yi Bo couldn’t help but admire her resilience. He had never seen someone so frail, still determined not to make a burden of herself, despite the dire circumstances. The girl’s strength was both baffling and admirable.
“Master,” Meihua whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. “Meihua is forever indebted to you for saving me.” She knelt before him with her forehead pressed to the ground. Yi Bo observed her act of humility, his mind distracted by the thought of how unforgivingly cold the ground must be on her boney knees and her pretty face was too close to the pebbles and dirt than to his liking. ”You shouldn’t make it a habit to kowtow so easily,” he advised, his voice gentle yet firm. “Some…most people don’t deserve it.”
Concerned for her well-being, he urged her to rise. “In the future, it’s not appropriate for a pretty young girl to press her face on the dirty ground.” Her shy disposition kept her gaze lowered, unable to meet his eyes. However, when he complimented her, calling her pretty, she couldn’t help but look up. Her dark brown eyes looked like amber when the sunlight kissed her face and her dense, long eyelashes fluttered when she blinked in astonishment, as if his words were the first acknowledgment she had ever received in her entire life.
“Your parents must be worried. Where can we send word of your safety?” he asked. “My mother passed away three months ago, so there isn’t anyone worried about me. I’m all alone,” she replied. “Are you a runaway? If you find yourself in an unsafe or fearful situation, just let me know their names. I’ll investigate personally on your behalf and help you find a better situation,” he assured. When she became withdrawn and silent, he chose not to push further because everyone had the right to keep their secrets.
Yi Bo, as an enforcer of the law, bore witness to horrifying acts committed against young girls. He has seen them brutally beaten until they were unrecognizable, covered in blood. He has encountered girls who were sold by their own families to brothels or, even worse, forced into criminal organizations. In these dark places, many of them faced unimaginable violations from not just one, but multiple men. These unspeakable acts often left them with no will to live, leading to their tragic suicides after Yi Bo had rescued their bodies, but not their shattered spirits. It wasn’t always a stranger who caused harm, but sometimes the worse dangers lurked within their home. Instances of fathers lacking morality were all too common, as they shamelessly made inappropriate advances towards their own daughters, resulting in unthinkable pregnancies.
“Where will you go?” he asked, his interest not so subtly but visible. It was strange. They barely knew each other, yet there was something instinctual that made him curious about her. And her response, well, it couldn’t have shocked him more. “I’m not familiar with this place, but I’m searching for the Bai Manor,” she said, extending small her hand. In the center of her palm, something sparkled, and he immediately recognized it as an exquisitely expensive hairpin. It had a name: ‘The Jeweled Phoenix,’ a gift from the Emperor to his mother on one of her birthdays. “I need to return this to the Grand Princess. Could you perhaps direct me to her residence?” she asked, her face most earnest and sincere, leaving him momentarily taken aback.
“Hmm, the Grand Princess… I might have heard of her. But that seems quite expensive. Maybe you should ask for a generous reward or something more substantial, like gold ingots or even a chance to meet her handsome son. I hear he’s still single and quite the catch,” he playfully teased her, enjoying her reaction. He was rewarded with a giggle, followed by a beautiful smile.
It was then that he realized Meihua wasn’t just pretty; she was truly beautiful.
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly,” she replied, looking down demurely but with a constant smile on her face. “Meihua wouldn’t dare to ask for a reward, but an offer more fulfilling… I’m going to ask the Princess for employment. I’m capable and literate. I can do anything – cooking, cleaning, laundry, sewing – and I’m great with babies. Are you aware if the Grand Princess and General have any babies?” she mumbled, causing him to laugh at the thought of his parents having more kids at their age.
He continued to lead her around the property. It was endearing how she followed him as they circled the manor without question, even though he heard her mumble to herself about everything looking the same. After the third lap, when they finally reached the open front gate, she exclaimed, “I didn’t realize the Commander’s manor was this large, and the gates are so far away. You must grow weary. Perhaps the Commander could have servants carry you once in a while?”
With rounded arms, she bent down and said, “Thank you, Commander. One day, I’ll repay your kindness even if that means I serve you until the day I die.” Standing at the threshold of the gate, she looked left and right, and then asked, “Master, which direction is the Bai Manor?””
“Oh, the Bai Manor. Let me guide you in the right direction,” Yi Bo escorted her outside and spun her around, gesturing towards the bronze family name plaque above the gate. With a smile, he informed her, “This is the residence of the Bai family, known to be one of the most esteemed families in our capital. And I, myself, am the charming son of the Grand Princess, Bai Yi Bo.”
Teasing Meihua had been an unexpected delight and wonderful distraction. A lighthearted morning full of folly and mischief had been an indulgence.
It was regretful his day would turn darker. Commander Bai walked through the tranquil corridors of the Bai manor, clutching the leather-bound documents tightly against his chest. The weight of the information, scribbled on creased and stained pages hidden beneath his coat, hinted at an extraordinary case that may be connected to his family and his sister’s untimely demise. Now, the burden of this knowledge rested squarely on his shoulders.
Emerging from the shadowed passage, a cascade of sunlight painted a mesmerizing dance upon the meticulously trimmed hedges. Crossing one of the intricately carved bridges, the path led to Father’s private study. Below, vibrant coy fish gracefully glided through the crystal-clear water, their scales shimmering like precious gems. As they swam, their elegant tails caused pink and white lotus flowers, with petals gently unfurling, to twirl in a delicate watery dance, creating a scene of tranquillity quite contrary to his anxious mood.
Commander Bai stood outside his father’s chamber, inhaling deeply to steady himself. It was crucial for him to compose his thoughts and gather his composure before entering. Inside, he had to share a disconcerting report regarding the intruder at Shao Manor. The gravity of this information had the potential to alter the entire trajectory of their family’s future.
Doubts surfaced within him, questioning his decision to disclose such unsettling news. However, he couldn’t ignore the undeniable impact of unanswered questions surrounding Yueli’s abduction and subsequent demise. Those unknown factors had caused his father to age rapidly overnight, following the devastating fire in their ancestral temple eleven years ago.
The mingling scents of freshly brewed tea, earthy books, and burning tobacco welcomed Yi Bo into the study, where he found his father standing at the window. Despite his age, his father still held an imposing presence with broad shoulders and a sturdy frame. Yi Bo cleared his throat to get his attention and greeted him politely. “Good morning, father. Did you sleep well?”
His father turned around with surprise written on his quilt-laced face. “Aya. Oh, I thought you were your mother,” he said as he put out his pipe. “Your mother doesn’t want me smoking inside, but she doesn’t understand the simple pleasure a man gets from greeting a new day with a fresh pipe in the morning to accompany some tea.”
“Wouldn’t it be easier for everyone if you expressed your feelings to mother? You are the leader of this household and the master of this estate. Tell her how things will go and what to do.” General Bai chuckled at his son’s outlandish suggestion, as if he’d been asked to catch a falling star from the sky. He confessed without shame, “Son, I’m terrified of your mother. I would prefer to face every Khan descendant, unarmed and naked, one hundred times over, rather than go against the Grand Princess.”
His father smiled calmly, causing Yi Bo to hesitate before speaking reluctantly. “Father, there was an incident at the Shao Manor recently. An intruder broke into the manor and got past the guards into the private bedchambers. He was apprehended in Left Prince Minister’s newest concubine’s residence where she sleeps with his newborn son. Thankfully, nobody was harmed but the intruder. His body is at the morgue.”
Yi Bo had discussed cases with his father, so this wasn’t something new, but hearing of Lord Shao or his concubine left his reaction-less if not bored. “We questioned Lord Shao and his concubine, as well as the servants of the manor, to determine if anyone had seen or knew the identity of the mysterious man. Initially, it appeared to be a simple home invasion, but Lieutenant Lau observed that Prime Minister Shao’s baby resembled neither parent, but strongly resembled the intruder.”
“It would not be inaccurate to say that Lord Shao isn’t in his prime reproductive years. His other children, Consort Wan and Qing Yuan, have already reached adulthood. Something felt off. Acting on a hunch, my men circulated a composite sketch in the illicit baby brokers’ district and made a discovery – the man had indeed sold his own infant son to Lord Shao. This is not the first time a regretful parent has attempted to reclaim their child, but what is particularly troubling is that the deceased man’s body bears a distinct mark.”
Yi Bo extracted the leather binder from his coat, revealing two sketches. He placed them side by side on the floor. One sketch, on older parchment, depicted a face that was familiar to everyone. The other was new and unknown. General Bai had appeared disinterested in the conversation until he laid eyes on the older sketch. His turned paled, his hands trembled, and he struggled to hold on to his teacup. The face in the older sketch was the abductor of his daughter, although it wasn’t an exact match to the face of the dead man. The uncanny similarities between the two faces were unsettling.
“Both pictures show the same scar above their left eyebrow and father, the man’s forearm, carries the demon’s mark, a tattoo of a black serpent.”
General Bai, visibly rattled, replied to Yi Bo, shaking his head in denial, “That’s impossible. There isn’t a single viper still alive. I should know. I chased and killed every one of those devils personally.”
Yi Bo paused before saying, “Forgive me, father. Perhaps you killed most, but missed the head. Wang Gao, the chief of the vipers, was alive all this time. Two days. Had we found him just two days earlier, we could have questioned him about A-li, but now he’s dead.”
Yi Bo’s deep voice cracked. He sniffed and tears ran down his cheeks when he whispered, “Your son is useless. Again, I failed to find A-li or her body. How long will she have to wander until we can bury her so she can finally move on to the afterlife?”
Fouth Prince Jinghua
“Royal Aunt, I need a woman,” I say, feeling annoyed when my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
The scissors in Grand Princess’ hand stop momentarily before snipping down the rose stem and placing it in the floral arrangement on the table. “Jinghua, I’m a married woman and I don’t fancy young men. Besides, you shouldn’t have lied to your parents. This will teach you not to spread falsehoods,” she scolds me, but her tone holds both amusement and affection.
I can’t help but smile at my aunt’s teasing. She has never truly reprimanded me, but her advice has always been wise and sound. I take a seat next to her, placing my crossed arms on the table and resting my chin on my left fisted hand. I let out a dramatic sigh, hoping to gain her compassion and attention, and I complain, “Why is everyone so obsessed with me getting married again? Wasn’t it enough that I did it once and failed?” I uncross my arms and replace them with my elbows, resting my face in my palms as I contemplate my options.
“The capital is full of girls from noble houses who would love to become your princess consort or your third wife. Grand Aunt says, then advises, “Jinghua, perhaps you’re looking too far and should to narrow your view. Why not shower your love on the one you have, Lady Min, and give her a child? That will get you a few years’ leeway before talks of marriage resurface.”
“Lady Min is like no different from the other princesses, my sisters, and how can I force my heart to feel what it won’t?” I reply honestly, then ponder aloud, “Could it be that my heart is defective and unable to love?” My aunt lets out a giggle. Yellow petals, narrow and delicate, gently cascade from above onto the table as she playfully taps me on the head with the chrysanthemum she holds. “You’re such a silly child, with a man’s body but the mind of a boy, and you can be quite mean. Perhaps you should let Lady Min find a lover,” she suggests. Without hesitation, I respond, “She can take as many as she pleases. I’ll buy her a mansion for her entire male harem.”
My aunt’s face fills with sympathy for Lady Min as she speaks. “You truly do not love her, Jinghua. Please, give her a divorce.” She picks up the vase, which now holds a beautiful arrangement of flowers in various colors, and places it on her desk.
I resist the urge to tell her about the night when I offered Lady Min a divorce, only for her to ask me to kill her instead. I cannot comprehend why she would risk everything, especially her own happiness. Is it the title she clings to, or perhaps the belief that my affections can change like a coat, when in reality they are an intrinsic part of me, like a tiger’s stripes? Regardless of her desires, I know what I must do.
I am in search of a particular woman. She should not come from a well-known family, as it could lead to unrealistic expectations regarding our future together. Even a single encounter with a nobleman’s daughter could prompt our families to arrange a marriage, causing unnecessary headaches. Therefore, I must exclude noble daughters as potential partners. Courtesans are also not an option, as they are widely recognized in the capital.
The woman I seek must understand that our courtship is not genuine and be willing to part ways after a brief pursuit. Of course, physical attractiveness is a bonus, but isn’t that essential to me. I’m far from being am shallow and solely focused on looks. But I am a prince and as a prince, certain standards are expected of me.
“So where can I find a society’s unknown, eye-pleasing girl who doesn’t have an ambitious family or lofty dreams of love and a fairytale ending with me? I would willingly donate my entire year’s salary if a woman would magically appear before me. I believe I am a nice person. Why doesn’t heaven see a decent being in need and answer my heartfelt prayers? Is it too much to ask for, royal aunt?” I ask, and she responds, “What would I do without you? It’s like you can read minds because I was just craving your perfectly brewed tea. By the way, Meihua, I believe you’ve already met Prince Jinghua.”
Who is Meihua?
I wonder to myself, glancing at the person who just walked into the room. It’s someone I’m supposed to be familiar with, but before I can stop myself, I blurt out, “What is apple girl doing here?” Apple girl’s smiles turns upside down. Her face suddenly turns dark and stormy as she looks at me, greeting me as she should, “Greetings, fourth prince.”
Her lips force an unnatural smile, and her eyes are filled with disdain and hostility. I can’t remember the last time a woman whom I barely know looked at me with such contempt. “Apple girl, why are you here? Did you come to see me again?” I say, when my aunt interrupts, “Meihua is now a valued part of the Bai household, and it would be more appropriate to call her by her name, Meihua. Thank you, Meihua. You may leave now.”
Meihua politely curtsies to my aunt and then to me. However, as she bows to me, her cheery expression suddenly shifts, and she grimaces as if she cleaning out a dirty plum pot instead of greeting a dashing prince like me.
It is at that moment I realize that fate has brought her into my life and heaven has answered my prayers.
“You’re perfect. Apple girl, you’re the one I’ve been searching for to court. I would like to woo you.” No sooner have I graced her with a fine compliment. To my surprise, Apple girl gasps in horror as if I just cursed her family, and from my aunt’s perspective, it may appear as though she accidentally drops the teapot. But, from where I am standing, I know that Apple girl intentionally hurls it towards me.