Chapter 11; The Arrival of Mei Xiang

With a graceful and respectful bow, she greeted the emperor, her hands clasped together. Yet, in her poised demeanor, there was a subtle menace and calculated intensity that went unnoticed by most. As her eyes narrowed, surveying the scene before her, the two princes turned, captivated by her presence. She was absolutely magnificent, her hair adorned with delicate pins that added a touch of elegance to her appearance. Her golden eyes sparkled with an inner fire, captivating all those who dared to meet her gaze. Her flawless porcelain skin, resembling the precious Jade stone, emitted a radiant glow. She donned a breathtaking floral pink hanfu garment, meticulously embroidered with beautiful flowers that mirrored her grace and charm. A pink silk veil added an air of mystique to her presence, concealing a hint of intrigue. Completing her ensemble, her cape showcased the majestic phoenix, symbolizing her strength and regality. It was indeed an unusual sight, for the phoenix bird symbolizes authority and reign, typically associated with an empress. The emperor couldn't help but look at her with a mixture of curiosity and interest. She possessed an undeniable allure that made her seem suitable to be his next concubine. However, he understood that someone like Mei Xiang would be a formidable challenge to hold, let alone keep, due to her independent and elusive nature. Mei Xiang's demeanor alone exuded an air of power and earned her the respect and admiration of many. The emperor had heard rumors that she had rejected countless admirers and suitors, including the influential regent prince of Persia. The princes who revered her were in awe of her strength, independence, and resourcefulness, but they also maintained their guard around her. They admired her for her remarkable achievements, yet beneath her alluring facade, there was a hint of cunning, manipulation, and an elusive nature that kept them on their toes.

In the serene imperial gardens, Imperial concubine Ruo and her daughter, Princess Liguan, devoted their time tending to the vibrant flowers. Ruo's delicate and pale hands skillfully trimmed the petals with utmost care. Her lustrous midnight hair was intricately adorned with golden flower pins, accentuating her regal appearance. Her high cheekbones subtly dusted with rouge enhanced her natural beauty.

Ruo's emerald eyes radiated with warmth and kindness, mirroring her gentle nature. Her soft, heart-shaped lips gracefully curved into a warm smile as she tended to the flowers. Her daughter, Princess Liguan, was a vision of exquisite beauty. Her meticulously sculpted features resembled that of a priceless artifact.

Princess Liguan's enchanting midnight-blue hair cascaded down her back, adorned with delicate white pearl hairpins. Her captivating silvery-gray eyes had a mesmerizing effect on those around her. Her lips were a lovely shade of pinkish-red, full and luscious, while her nose bore a striking resemblance to her mother's. Princess Liguan possessed high cheekbones and a V-shaped jawline, complemented by her fair and porcelain skin. Her nimble hands moved with skill and grace as she tended to the flowers. Standing beside them, the maids respectfully lowered their heads, sensing an intrusion. The duo swiftly turned to see the empress entering, accompanied by her daughter.

"Greetings to Empress Liling and Princess Ming Mian," the maids bowed respectfully. Empress Liling's demeanor remained indifferent and cold, as she wrinkled her nose, delicately covering it with an embroidered silk handkerchief.

"Clean this place," she commanded, her voice filled with authority. As she walked towards a table, carrying an air of grace and poise, she sat down accompanied by her daughter. A look of satisfaction clouded her face as she surveyed the chaos inflicted by her unruly maids. Flower pots lay shattered, their once meticulously tended flowers were trampled, and gardening tools were carelessly tossed into the mud. Her personal maid served tea in an exquisite ceramic tea set.

Mist Clouds Mountain loomed with its treacherous terrain, enveloped in a biting frost and treacherous slopes, challenging all who dared to ascend. It took her dedicated servants months of enduring hunger and battling frostbite, risking their lives for the quest. The journey was marked with hardship and sacrifice, but their unwavering determination led them to conquer the mountain's formidable obstacles. Through resilience and sheer willpower, they emerged triumphant, bringing back the rare flower. In a heartbreaking twist, it only took a fleeting moment for the beautiful flower to be destroyed. The cold and ruthless nature of her official mother, Liling, was revealed as she callously dropped the contents of the cup onto the delicate bloom, she tore off the embroidered piece that her mother had painstakingly crafted, using it to wipe her hands before discarding it. As they left, Liguan stood up, her eyes filled with tears of frustration and sadness. She couldn't understand why her empress mother, Liling, was so cold and cruel towards her and her biological mother. It seemed as though they were constantly being punished for reasons they couldn't comprehend. Liguan's mother reached out, trying to offer comfort, but the pain inflicted by Liling's actions ran deep, leaving Liguan feeling wounded.

As Empress Liling sauntered along the path towards the grand hall, her regal presence commanded attention. Her gaze fell upon a young woman, adorned in a beautiful veil, walking in the same direction, accompanied by the two princes. Though they crossed paths, the young woman did not offer any greeting to the empress.

"Greetings to the empress." the princes, well-versed in royal etiquette, respectfully greeted Liling. Mei Xiang, the young woman in the veil, abruptly turned towards Empress Liling and spoke with a hint of defiance,

"Oh, my apologies. I mistook you for a lowly consort. Pardon my lack of etiquette." Liling's anger flared at the provocation, but she composed herself and chose to hold her fury in check, walking away instead. In a fit of rage, Mian yelled at Mei Xiang and impulsively lunged forward to strike her. However, before Mian's hand could make contact, Mei Xiang cried out in pain, stumbling and collapsing to her knees. Just as this happened, Zhang Lin, with a subtle and concealed motion, stamped the ground and flicked a pebble, aiming it precisely at Mian's legs. The impact caused Mian to lose her balance and fall to the ground. Though done discreetly, both princes keenly observed Zhang Lin's skillful

intervention.

Zhang Lin approached Mei Xiang and respectfully clasped her fist,

" I apologize for the misunderstanding, Miss Mei Xiang hopes you don't take this to heart." The revelation that the veiled woman was none other than the renowned Mei Xiang left Empress Liling stunned and motionless. As the princes excused themselves and walked away, Ming Han, who had been standing in the distance within the grand corridor, wore a smirk upon his face. Observing the unfolding events, he couldn't help but think that this unexpected turn of events was going to be quite entertaining. With a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, he eagerly anticipated the drama and intrigue that lay ahead. Ming Han knew that this was just the beginning of an exciting saga.