Green tea

This morning I decided it was best for me and the Emperor to have a light breakfast after the big banquet last night. Plus I must have ate too much because my stomach hasn't felt right. Right after we finished the Emperor left to attend to his official duties. Then Huiqing brought in a gift and note from my father.

I haven't heard from him in a while so I was excited to hear about how the family is doing. He also sent me my favorite green tea from a shop in our home town. Huiqing made me some while I read the later. He says everyone is well and my siblings are growing up fast. He hopes the little princess is well of course. Next he states his real reason for writing me, one of his good old friends daughter is in the palace harem with me. She's only a second attendant and her name is Meili. He's asked me to befriend her and help her gain favor if possible. The family has fallen on hard times and won't take help from my father personally. So this is all he could think of to secretly help. I replied that of course I will help, it is a noble cause and I always try to spread sisterhood in the harem. Also I told him the princess is growing up fast as well and I asked him to give my love to the family. Then I enjoyed my steaming cup of green tea.

Suddenly I felt very nauseous and started to gag. Huiqing got a big vase to me just in time and I got sick. After losing my whole breakfast she helped me back to bed and I slept the rest of the morning. I felt much better in the afternoon so I felt there is no need to call the imperial physician. It's probably from the big meal last night and I had some wine which can upset my stomach. Huiqing was still worried of course but I felt completely fine now. Plus I need to keep my word to my father as soon as possible if their situation is as bad as he said. So I asked the eunuch to ask Second attendant Meili to come have tea with me today.

She's very beautiful but shy and its hidden behind basic clothing. Just proving to me more how low her families position is. "Sister I finally realized the other day why you seemed familiar, and confirmed with my dear father that you are indeed a daughter of his great old friend. So of course I wanted to get to know you better." I said to her with a smile and we were served tea. Not the green tea before just in case, a light jasmine instead. Which was perfectly refreshing.

"Im so glad to hear that Older sister, honestly I have been very lonely in the palace so it would be nice to have a friend. And I remember your father is a very good man. But due to rank I never wanted to speak out. I'm glad you asked me here today. Your want for sisterhood warms my heart." She replied with a warm smile. "Well I am here for you any time you need something. And you won't be lonely anymore. Me and the other sisters have get togethers all the time and from now on you shall be there as well" I said and them summoned Huiqing to bring in snacks. Some of my favorites. After eating a lotus cake she said "Older sister these are amazing, Huiqing is a gem. Jasmine tea is my favorite as well you know." Then helped herself to another treat. I'm glad to see her enjoy herself, I'm sure she doesn't have such good foods right now. Being unfavored you don't receive much but the basics. We shall change that for sure, she's so kind and shy. I shall be the big sister she needs.

Huiqing then brought in and presented to her the gifts I prepared for her. Two very nice dresses, one light pink and the other a light purple. With beautiful sparkling scarfs to go with them. For her hair I pick out 5 fine hair pins and two that have dangling strings of pearls. I'm really happy with my choices now because the colors suit her well. She immediately got down and bowed "Older sister these things are too fine and I cannot repay you for this kindness" I helped her up personally and said gently with a smile "You are my sister and your beauty deserves to be adorned with the finest. No need to ever repay me, this is what sisters do. Plus I'm sure once you catch the eye of the Emperor you will have many more fine things." Her face got very red with that and she replied "Oh my the Emperor has never looked my way but I appreciate how kind and positive you are older sister"

After our light tea lunch I knew this is the start of another great friendship. She is such a genuine person and so humble, I know she will always have a kind heart. I'm really determined to help her now. I need to start thinking of a good plan for her to get his attention in a subtle way. Hmm.