Meihua-
She winced and let out an audible groan, feeling the hot pressure radiating through her body. Meihua firmly pressed against her tender and bruised right side of her torso, but it did little to ease the pain. Her labored breaths came in short, forced pants as the throbbing from her cracked ribs intensified, making each breath a struggle. She had sprinted all the way from her room in the servant’s quarters, exhausting every ounce of energy she had. The pain medication that dulled the pain had worn off. Yet, despite the physical discomfort, her unwavering determination and the yearning in her heart for her waiting lover propelled her forward.
As she stepped into the main courtyard, her gaze fell upon the faint glow of torch lights flickering at the nearby front gate. Subconsciously, she held onto her side and gradually reduced her swift pace to a constant stroll. Pausing for a moment, her eyes were irresistibly drawn to the sprawling estate, as if longing to capture one last glimpse of the place that had become her home.
In that moment, it dawned on her that she might never lay eyes on her kind and generous benefactor, the Grand Princess, ever again. The Grand Princess had been her savior when she was lost and desperate. She saw something worthy in a dirty, homeless girl wearing a tattered dress others mistook for a beggar and never questioned her past or the circumstances that led her to the Bai gates on that rainy night. She could have easily taken back her hairpin and turned Meihua away, but she didn’t. Instead, she provided Meihua with clothes, food, a new life, and a safe place to stay out of pure compassion.
Living with the Bai family, Meihua had never felt as secure and protected as she did now. And yet, she was leaving it all behind to embark on a new chapter of her life, one that was still uncertain and undefined. But she found comfort knowing she wouldn’t be alone, for Jinghua would be there by her side.
Yi Bo-
The sedan with the door ajar caught his attention, making him wonder who would be leaving at such a late time. Yi Bo heard labored breathing and rapid footsteps approaching him before finally seeing a slender figure emerging from the darkness.
It was her—the sister he had spent years searching for.
In his mind, he had envisioned this homecoming scenario countless times, imagining what he would do and say to his long-lost meimei, his baby sister, when they were finally reunited. But now, as they stood facing each other, only he aware of the truth of her identity, he found himself unprepared and completely speechless. His heart raced as he reached out and held onto her slender wrist, preventing her from entering the waiting carriage. When she turned to him, he couldn’t help but wonder how he hadn’t noticed the subtle traces of her baby face, reminiscent of their shared childhood days. How had he overlooked her familiar features, which they shared as blood siblings, while looking at her daily for months?
“Commander, I don’t have time. This is not a suitable moment. Please, I need to go,” she urgently pleaded. She made it a point to mention that she had gotten permission from the general to leave and that Jinghua was waiting for her. Instead of letting go, he tightened his grip, causing her gentle pleas to shift into angry demands, catching the attention of nearby onlookers and servants who quickly rushed to inform the general and the Princess about the heated argument.
Consumed by fury in an instant, she couldn’t contain her anger any longer and exploded in a violent outburst, her body trembling with rage. The familiarity of her quick temper was not lost on him.“Commander, I am fully aware of what they, and even you, have planned for me! You may think that is a vast improvement to my current life. However, I adamantly refuse to submit to less than I deserve. I will never allow myself to be a mere pawn in the imperial harem! I want more than to be just another wife to a man who has countless others and will keep me waiting for the rest of my life.”
It wasn’t part of his plan, but he couldn’t control himself. He raised his voice and yelled directly at her, “Look at me! A-li, it’s me, your Dàgē, your brother!” Despite his efforts to remain calm, Yi Bo’s booming voice trembled with intense emotions. Every part of his being oozed with sheer desperation as his urgent words widened her eyes and left her struggling to grasp the situation, which was unbelievable even to him.
But then, something changed in her demeanor. She suddenly ceased her struggle, instead standing her ground like a young pine – tall, straight, and regal. In an instant, all traces of the servant Meihua vanished. She may not have known her true identity, but the princess within her emerged. A common servant wouldn’t have had the audacity, the nerve, to confront him without fear of consequences. From birth, those who served were acutely aware of the vast differences between them and their lords and masters. No, only someone who considered themselves his equal would dare to stand up to him, just as she was currently doing.
Impatiently, Yi Bo exclaimed, “Meimei, I recognize you, even if you’ve forgotten. The trauma you experienced has caused you to lose your memories. You are not a servant. When you were newly born, I held you in my arms before father. You were born in this very house and named by our royal uncle, the emperor. You are Princess Yueli, our beloved A-li, sent back to us by the heavens.” Her eyes widened in confusion, then narrowed into apprehensive slits as she vehemently shook her head in denial. “No. I am Meihua Wang. Why are you doing this? Why are you attempting to deceive me?” Her eyes burned with contempt and mistrust as she demanded, “I know you disapprove of my relationship with Jinghua, but this… what you’re trying to do is cruel, and I will not allow you to deceive me!”
He replied, talking softly. His tone was gentle and soothing. “I want you to know that I would never deceive you. I would rather face a thousand deaths than bring you any harm. I understand that all of this is shocking, and it’s natural for you to feel startled and confused,” he reassured her. With a gentle stroke on her head, his touch, she didn’t resist. “Please, trust me. I’ve spent the past eleven years searching for you. As your brother, I always believed that I would sense it if you had passed away. I never gave up hope of finding you because I always felt that you were close,” Yi Bo explained, his gaze filled with unwavering conviction.
He prayed that their bond as siblings would awaken within her, heal, and connect them once again.
Any other servant girl, upon hearing that she was a long-lost princess, would have responded differently. Regardless of whether it was true or a misconception, most would have readily, eagerly embraced such a drastic change in their fate. However, this was not the case for A-Li. She remained as stubborn as ever. “No!” she firmly stated. “What you are suggesting is not true. I know who I am!” Her tone started off firm, but then changed to a persuasive whisper infused with sincere empathy. “Commander Bai, I understand that you and everyone else miss the little princess, but you cannot force a falsehood. I don’t know what you have heard, but I am certain there must be a reasonable explanation.”
Standing there, steadfast, she believed in herself and the fabricated tale woven by Wan Gao and his wife, desperate to project strength and resilience. Yet a subtle shift occurred as her countenance faltered. The color drained from her complexion, leaving her skin as pale as white jade. Even her rigid posture relaxed, as if her body had relinquished some of the strength she had derived from what she had believed to be the truth when her eyes caught sight of a familiar face emerging hesitantly from the shadows cast by the commander – Er Wang.
He was Wang Guo’s twenty-year-old son, the young man whom A-li had come to believe was her older biological brother. “Dàgē, what are you doing here?” She asked of him, then pressed him further to collaborate with her side of the story, “There’s been a great misunderstanding. Tell everyone here who I am!”
A sudden hush enveloped them, as if the entire gathering, including the attendants and household members, held their breath. Even the noisy crickets ceased their chirping, contributing to the eerie silence of the night. The tranquility was shattered by gasps of astonishment when Er Wang, trembling, dropped to his knees and spoke with a voice filled with regret, confessing his deception to Princess Yueli. “Princess Yueli, I know I deserve death for my actions, but I beg for your forgiveness. I am not your brother, and my mother is not yours either. I have kept this secret out of fear of my father, who threatened to kill me if I ever revealed the truth.”
Years of conditioning had instilled in Er Wang a fear of a dead man. His father’s influence was still so strong that his arms trembled violently, revealing his fear as he displayed a charred fragment of fabric in front of everyone. The fabric was a torn sleeve from a child’s dress, once a delicate pastel yellow but now marked by aged stains. Despite the damage, a small frayed embroidered flower, a daisy, clung stubbornly to the thin cuff. The daisy, a faded flower, held a special place in Princess Yueli’s heart as her favorite, with the Grand Princess embroidering it on all her dresses.
“Princess was wearing this dress the day my parents brought you home from the temple, when everyone thought you had perished in the fire. Mother persuaded father to keep you as our servant, but I believe she genuinely cherished you in her particular way. I understand their actions were unforgivable, but she regretted them deeply. Before she passed, she entrusted this dress to me, burdened with guilt and remorse for the injustices she inflicted upon you and your family.” Er Wang, while saying this, repeatedly knocked his forehead against the ground with force during the kowtows.
He went on. “Princess, surely you must have suspected something? There must have been some inkling. You don’t resemble anyone in my family. Yes… You used to have a recurring nightmare, the one where you were trapped in a fire. That wasn’t just a nightmare, but a memory of what actually happened to you.”
As unbelievable as it seemed, it all made sense. She had always had a feeling that she was living a life that did not belong to her.
Three Months Later
Longevity Noodles
Mouth-watering, oh so savory scents, the delicious aroma of Ming’s newly famous longevity noodles, attracted hungry customers from far and wide to his popular establishment. Thanks to the generous reward given by the esteemed Grand General for his minor role in identifying Princess Yueli, Ming now found himself rich with an abundance of funds. The idea of amassing such wealth, marrying another wife, a prettier wife of his choosing and transforming his humble diner into a thriving business was beyond anything Ming had ever imagined when he first opened his little hole-in-the-wall noodle shop.
“Aya! Today is going to be a busy one!” Ming proudly exclaimed, glancing over his lively restaurant.
From the gleaming tables to the seating in the three-story building, everything was brand new. The first floor of the restaurant was bustling with activity during the afternoon lunchtime, with waitstaff rushing around, serving piping hot bowls of noodles and savory roasted meats to eager customers. Upstairs, on the second floor, the teahouse provided a tranquil escape from the lively atmosphere downstairs. The third level was a simple, clean, and cozy inn for weary travelers. Despite everything, people mainly flocked to the teahouse. There, guests could indulge in a variety of teas while being enchanted by skilled narrators and musicians who mesmerized them with the captivating storytelling, poems, songs, and dances dedicated Princess Yueli.
He wasn’t a name-dropper, but rumors had quickly spread about her visits to her old friend Ming. It was common to see a line forming hours before opening. People from all walks of life flocked to the restaurant, transforming it into a vibrant hub of anticipation, each hoping to catch a glimpse of the beloved Princess Yueli and other members of the royal family.
Ming strolled casually towards the teahouse, his eyes fixed on it as he meticulously examined every detail. Only when he was completely satisfied did he approach the grey-bearded storyteller, ready to give him specific instructions. “Today, I would like you to enchant us with the captivating tale of the Princesses’ Jade pendant. Place special emphasis on the exquisite etchings that were carefully crafted from her very own palm print. This detail was a closely guarded secret known only to the General, who commissioned its creation. It was this significant detail that confirmed the Princess’s identity.” Despite having heard this part of the story countless times before, Ming couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down his spine. The last time Princess Yueli had visited, she had revealed the markings to him and even encouraged him to touch them. However, Ming held back, considering it a sacred act.
The storyteller nodded in understanding and inquired, “What about her royal betrothal to the Crown Prince and her eventual rise to become the beloved empress of the people? That’s also a popular request, isn’t it?”
“No, please refrain from mentioning her and the Crown Prince in the same breath. Instead, focus on her jade pendant, her heartfelt homecoming, and the touching moment when she humbled herself before her parents, the Grand General and Grand Princess. I have a direct quote from someone who was present. The Princess had said, ‘Mother and Father, A-li has finally returned home. I am an unfilial daughter for forgetting you and don’t deserve your forgiveness.’ Infuse your storytelling with genuine heart-tugging emotions. It will captivate and leave everyone teary eyed… It always does.” Ming advised as he leisurely strolled downstairs to his booth at the front of the shop, from where he could observe the happenings inside and out.
Standing at the podium, he thought to himself that there was no need to mention a wedding that might never occur. He had met Prince Jinghua, who usually accompanied the Princess during her outings. Ming had taken a liking to him right from the beginning. Even to a man’s gaze, Prince Jinghua was a real solid man’s man, head-turning and handsome. He wasn’t cheery or garrulous, like young Lord Qing Yuan Shao. Still, Prince Jinghua was not pretentious or stuck up, despite being the Emperor’s son. Ming also admired how protective he was of Princess Yueli. He would never forget the intimidating expression on Prince Jinghua’s face when Ming absentmindedly embraced the Princess as he had in their younger years because it was truly unforgettable.
The Princess had not minded the friendly gesture at all. In fact, she even hugged him back. However, if looks could kill, Ming would have been six feet under, enduring a thousand cuts from Prince Jinghua’s sword. When Ming peeled the Princess a mandarin from his mother’s tree and set it before her, Prince Jinghua wordlessly ate it in a single bite and instead gave her one he peeled personally. There was no doubt that Prince Jinghua had feelings for the Princess. Ming could see the unmistakable look of a jealous and possessive man in love.
Prince Jinghua
“This is it.” A-li spoke matter factly without emotion. “This is the place I called home.” Jinghua held her hand, intertwining their fingers together. He brought their joined hands up to his mouth and kissed the back of hers. “Royal father’s hound’s house is bigger that this. That’s a real shithole.” He replied, taking in the sight of a dilapidated house that was barely bigger than a shed as he wondered how was it possible for ten bodies to fit inside? “I’ll have it demolished to the ground if you like. A clean slate. I’ll have it turned into a garden of your favorite, a garden of daisies.” She shrugged and replied, “No, Wang Gao’s other children may return here if they can. They’re innocent and guiltless of their parent’s crimes. It would be nice if I could help them get settled. After all, they might still believe we’re related.”
A-li sighed, exhaling from her mouth, and wordlessly led him away to a nearby area where women were washing their clothes in the shallow stream. The women gawked at them. It wasn’t everyday people dressed as they visited this remote and poor area an hour away from the capital, but A-Li took didn’t take offense to their stares. She plopped down, taking a seat under a tall cork oat tree, and he sat beside her. She said nothing, then leaned her head against Jinghua’s shoulder and sighed again. A-li had wanted to visit the miserable place where her abductors had taken her and he assumed it was to find closure to a chapter of her life that no longer held any meaning, but seeing her looking weary and without her usual pep made him wonder if it was a mistake to bring her back to the root of her terrible memories.
The revelation that the girl he knew as Meihua was actually A-li was a major shock for him, as it was for everyone. However, he was now more worried about how she would deal with the complete betrayal and the potential upheaval of her fragile mental state. How would she overcome the unforgiveable treachery from the one she believed loved her most, her once trusted nanny who had snatched her from her home for monetary reasons, and he worried if she could trust again? He dreaded she would push him away, yet fortunately for him, she had clung to him and Jinghua had become her dearest source of security. With him, she didn’t need to act; she didn’t need to behave or be someone she wasn’t yet or may never become again. She had changed since she was a pampered little girl eleven years ago. It was selfish of him to think this way, but the change in circumstances was to his benefit.
Instead of being a servant, she was a princess who he could marry to become his princess consort, his first legal wife. There was a glimmer of hope they could be together. Only one of her status was able or deemed appropriate to have a duke’s daughter, Lady Min, as her subordinate. Of course, all Jinghua’s hopes and plans were contingent on Jingyuan. The only way for him to marry A-li with everyone’s blessing was if Jingyuan broke the marriage alliance first.
“Lady Min still wants to come apologize to you for what happened,” He said because he didn’t know what to say and the silence between them was heavy. He didn’t know what else to do under the circumstances. “There isn’t any need for her to apologize.” A-li replied, “She was angry because she knew there was something suspicious going on between us. She had every right to beat the girl, me, because I slept with her husband. I can’t blame her for being jealous. I would have done much worse and perhaps knocked out a tooth or two.”
She made Jinghua accidentally bite his tongue, causing a momentary discomfort. He shook his head, berating himself for mentioning his wife at a time like this. Had he not learned anything from Qing Yuan, who was graced with the gift of gab? Sadly, he had not. “We didn’t just sleep together. We shared a deep connection. You’re not just any girl,” he clarified. She lifted her gaze, a slight smirk on her face. “You’re right. I’m not just any girl. I’m your cousin. Not that it excuses anything,” she responded. He groaned in protest and corrected her, “A-li, you’re my everything. My Xingan, my heart and liver. You don’t have a clue what I thought that night. I was going to return to the manor and take you away. Or at least demand an explanation, but it turned into an unforgettable night that changed everything.” He glanced at their intertwined hands, feeling impatient. He longed for their love to be acknowledged openly, celebrated, but knew he had to be patient and wait for the right time.
“Ali, I’m expected by Jingyuan, but after, may I visit you later in the evening?” Jinghua asked, and Ali lowered her gaze, turned her head ever so slightly to him, beaming, and replied with a demure nod of approval.
Jinghua blushed despite himself, for she made him feel such a range of emotions that he was unware of. With her, he felt…. he felt everything more intensely, as if his heart swelled, doubling its size. “Do you think your father knows about us?” He asked, and she replied. “My father knows when someone in the manor breaks wind. Yes. I’m sure he’s aware.”
“Why hasn’t he walked in on us or stopped me from seeing you? You are still engaged to Jingyuan.” He said, and A-Li answered without hesitation, certain, “You have always been favored by father and mother over Jingyuan. They trust you. Without you, my parents wouldn’t let me out of their sight without an entire army as escort. If mother could return me back to her womb for safekeeping, I believe she would consider it, but I don’t need to tell you this. You know them better than I do… I barely know them at all.”
Jinghua pulled her close, their foreheads touching, as he quietly murmured, “Gugu is experiencing a mix of emotions – elation, worry, uncertainty, and relief. It’s hard to fathom the whirlwind of feelings she must be going through. It’s only natural for everyone to be overly protective of you. It may take some time for your parents to feel secure, but once they do, they will loosen their grip on you. My A-li, I can sense your memories coming back, and it’s a positive sign of your healing.” A-li frowned, her eyebrows arching in confusion as she looked away, past him. “I’m not sure if I’m ready. There’s so much I need to sort through.”
“Whatever it is, you’ll never go through anything alone. I’m with you every step of the way.” Jinghua spoke from his heart. A-li grinned, but it was a sad smile, and Jinghua tenderly kissed her forehead, wishing he could make all her worries, all her pain disappear.
Crown Prince Jingyuan
“Bang, bang, bang, bang!” Jingyuan impatiently pounded the tabletop, completely losing his composure. He had been raised with the expectation of exhibiting perfect behavior as the future emperor, therefore, his aggressive temper was rarely revealed. However, Jingyuan harbored a terrible secret: with each passing day, his detestation towards his father-in-law, Prime Minister Shao, grew increasingly intense.
He detested the man’s entitlement, arrogance, and insatiable greed, akin to a voracious snake consuming and amassing without ever being satisfied. Despite his seemingly indifferent and neutral demeanor towards the father of his second wife, Jingyuan’s discontent continued to intensify. He grew increasingly dissatisfied and repulsed by Lord Shao’s audacious actions.
Learning about his latest venture, human trafficking- brothels disguised as orphanages – was the final blow.
“Jingyuan, I can handle this matter discreetly,” Jinghua said calmly, as he picked up the scattered mandates from the floor. “It would be possible to teach him a lesson. Perhaps that would be enough to deter his actions.” Crown Prince Jingyuan’s jaw tightened, and he clenched his teeth, rubbing his temple. “No,” he stated firmly. “He’s become a festering sore on my side. His crimes are wicked and unforgivable. I cannot let him continue right under my nose. Why should he be spared from punishment?”
Jinghua responded, organizing the documents on Jingyuan’s desk in a neat and orderly stack, saying, “That’s because you’re married to his daughter and she is pregnant with your child.”
“I suppose that should matter, but one day I’ll become the father of this entire nation, not just Shao Wan’s child. What kind of Emperor will I be if I ignore the corruption within my very household? Will I be worthy enough to take royal father’s place? No, I will not,” Jingyuan coldly laughed, bitterness lacing his tone. He then reminded, “Our father went to great lengths to prevent wars, even killing his own brothers. I’m not the first future emperor to banish their father-in-law.”
“Jinghua, catch the tail. That will lead us to the head. Find enough evidence to exile him and his minions until their deaths. Consort Shao Wan, she will remain as long as she holds her position in the harem.” He paused, lost in thought. “I know A-li is still struggling to find herself, and your absence will affect her. But I need you to purge this offensive exploitation of our subjects.”
Jingyuan let out a deep grunt, his voice echoing loudly as he stood stoically, lost in contemplation of the immense situation before him. With determination in his eyes, he continued, “I am making preparations to dissolve my marriage alliance with A-li. When you complete this task, you will have gained enough merits to marry her, but only after a considerable and proper amount of time has passed. Royal mother will be more willing to bring an end to that long-standing promise of marriage once I have an heir.”
Jingyuan’s voice remained solemn as he spoke. “Most of her life was stolen from her. It’s only fair to let her make her own choices now. She has truly earned it. Undoubtedly, she deserves it.” The weight of Jingyuan’s words overwhelmed Jinghua with emotion. He bowed to his brother, whom he held in the highest regard. He rounded his arms, bent his knee and declared. “Fourth Prince Jinghua accepts royal brother, Crown Prince’s order. I’ll leave tomorrow.”
“Take Qing Yuan as a precaution. Insurance. Although he may not be in his father’s good graces, he is still his son. Hopefully, this will prevent Minister Shao from acting recklessly, as his actions will affect his own bloodline. Be cautious.” Jingyuan handed Jinghua the royal military seal, granting him control of the imperial army, and murmured, “Just in case, and one last thing. There is a girl there, Meili Wang. Bring her back. I think she’s the girl A-Li has been searching for.”