Seeds of strategy

Minister Gu sat at the head of a long table in a dimly lit room, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on the walls. His face was stern as he addressed his underlings, each of whom wore expressions of concern and apprehension.

"We've suffered significant losses," Minister Gu began, his voice cold. "The failure of our plans has cost us dearly, and now there is a new player in the market selling cheap, good-quality rice. We must devise a better strategy to regain our control and profits."

One of his underlings, a thin man with shifty eyes, spoke up. "Minister Gu, we could attempt to sabotage the new supplier or manipulate the market in other ways."

Minister Gu's eyes narrowed. "We will explore all options, but we must proceed with caution. Our actions must be discreet. I cannot afford another failure."

The men around the table nodded, each already calculating their moves. The room was filled with an atmosphere of silent determination and suppressed anxiety. Minister Gu knew that his authority was at stake. He could not afford to lose any more ground.

Meanwhile, in the Kunlun Mountain, Yang Mi was anything but idle. Confined to her palace, her mind was racing with ideas. She was determined to make the best of her situation. With Tan Qi by her side, she concocted a plan to buy all the grain from the farmers and acquire land to grow rice herself. She intended to sell the rice at a lower price, profiting from the quantity sold rather than high prices.

"Tan Qi, I want to buy as much grain as we can from the farmers," Yang Mi said, her eyes gleaming with determination. "And we need to secure some fertile land to grow our own rice."

Tan Qi massaged her temples, a headache forming from her lady's relentless ingenuity. "My lady, your ideas are brilliant, but managing all of this from within the palace walls will be challenging."

Yang Mi smiled playfully. "Challenges make life interesting, Tan Qi. Besides, I have you to help me."

At that moment, Tan Yuan, Yang Mi's childhood friend, entered the room carrying a basket. "Yang Mi, I brought your favorite pork jerky and lotus cake."

Yang Mi's face lit up with joy. "Tan Yuan! It's so good to see you. I've been so bored cooped up here."

Tan Yuan grinned. "I heard about your punishment and thought you could use some cheering up."

Yang Mi hugged him. "Thank you. You've always known how to make me feel better."

Tan Yuan looked around the room, noticing the papers and maps spread out. "What are you working on this time?"

Yang Mi explained her plan to buy grain and grow rice. "It's a way to keep myself busy and, hopefully, make some money."

Tan Yuan raised an eyebrow. "You never cease to amaze me, Yang Mi. You're always thinking ahead."

Yang Mi laughed. "Someone has to keep things interesting around here."

As they shared the pork jerky and lotus cake, Tan Qi entered with a serious expression. "My lady, I have some news. There will be a big event in the Dayu Kingdom – the ceremony for the selection of the crown princess."

Yang Mi's eyes sparkled with interest. "Tell me more."

Tan Qi continued, "The candidates will need to attract votes from the people of the capital city to win the selection. This could be a great opportunity for us."

Yang Mi's mind raced with possibilities. "We could create special dishes and sell them at the event. It's a chance to showcase our culinary skills and gather information."

Tan Yuan nodded. "It's a brilliant idea. The exposure could be invaluable for your business."

Yang Mi's excitement grew. "Exactly! We can't let this opportunity pass. We'll need to start planning right away."

Tan Qi couldn't help but smile at her lady's enthusiasm. "We'll need to come up with unique and delicious dishes that will stand out."

Yang Mi clapped her hands together. "Let's get to work. We have a lot to prepare."

In the days that followed, Yang Mi, Tan Qi, and Tan Yuan worked tirelessly to develop a menu for the upcoming event. The palace kitchen was filled with the aroma of exotic spices and the sound of clattering pots and pans. Yang Mi was in her element, her creative energy flowing freely as she devised new recipes and presentation ideas.

"How about a lotus root and shrimp salad?" Tan Yuan suggested, chopping vegetables with precision.

Yang Mi tasted a spoonful of broth. "Perfect! And we can serve it with our signature jasmine tea."

Tan Qi added, "We should also have a variety of desserts. Maybe honey-glazed fruits and almond cookies?"

Yang Mi nodded, her mind already visualizing the banquet. "Yes, and we'll need to present everything beautifully. Presentation is key."

As they worked, the bond between Yang Mi and Tan Yuan grew stronger. They reminisced about their childhood and the adventures they had shared.

"Remember when we used to sneak out of the palace to explore the forest?" Tan Yuan laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Yang Mi smiled warmly. "How could I forget? We were always getting into trouble, but those were some of the best times of my life."

Tan Yuan's expression turned serious. "You've always been there for me, Yang Mi. I want you to know that I'll always be here for you, too."

Yang Mi reached out and squeezed his hand. "Thank you, Tan Yuan. Your friendship means the world to me."

One afternoon, as Tan Yuan made his way to visit Yang Mi, he encountered his half-siblings in the courtyard. His elder brother, Tan Sheng, and his sister, Tan Ling, were known for their cruel treatment of Tan Yuan, given his status as the concubine's son.

"Well, look who it is," sneered Tan Sheng. "The little concubine's son, trying to play important."

Tan Yuan stood his ground, his heart pounding. "I'm here to visit Yang Mi. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Tan Sheng and Tan Ling moved to block his path. "Why does she bother with you, anyway? You're nothing but a second-rate son," Tan Ling taunted, her voice dripping with malice.

Before the situation could escalate, Yang Mi appeared at the entrance of the courtyard, her eyes blazing with anger. "What's going on here?" Her voice was firm, and her presence commanding.

Tan Sheng and Tan Ling hesitated, then stepped back, clearly intimidated by Yang Mi's authority. "We were just leaving," Tan Sheng muttered, casting a dark look at Tan Yuan.

Once they were gone, Yang Mi turned to Tan Yuan, her expression softening. "Are you alright?"

Tan Yuan nodded, grateful for her intervention. "Thank you, Yang Mi. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Yang Mi smiled. "You don't have to worry about them. You have me, and I'll always stand up for you."

As Yang Mi continued to manage her business plans from within the palace, she couldn't shake the feeling of confinement. She knew she couldn't remain under her mother's punishment forever. She needed to find a way to escape and see her plans come to fruition in the mortal world.

One evening, as the three of them sat together discussing the menu, Yang Mi broached the topic. "Tan Yuan, Tan Qi, I need your help. I can't stay confined here any longer. We need to figure out a way for me to escape."

Tan Yuan looked at her seriously. "I had a feeling you'd say that. Do you have a plan in mind?"

Yang Mi nodded. "I do, but it will require careful coordination and secrecy. We'll need to distract the guards and create an opening for me to slip away."

Tan Qi added, "We can use the kitchen staff to help. They're loyal and discreet. We can also create a diversion to draw attention away from your escape route."

Yang Mi felt a surge of hope. "Then let's do it. We'll work out the details and execute the plan as soon as everything is ready."

With determination and the support of her friends, Yang Mi began to lay the groundwork for her escape. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was ready to take the risk. She couldn't allow herself to be confined any longer, and with Tan Yuan and Tan Qi by her side, she was confident they could outsmart her mother's watchful eyes.

The plan took shape over the following days. Tan Qi and Tan Yuan coordinated with the kitchen staff, ensuring they were on board and ready to assist. They would create a distraction during a busy evening when the guards' attention would be divided.

"We'll need to time this perfectly," Tan Qi said, her brow furrowed in concentration. "If we make one mistake, the whole plan could fall apart."

Yang Mi nodded. "We'll practice the timing and the steps. Everyone needs to know exactly what to do and when to do it."

Tan Yuan added, "I've arranged for a carriage to be waiting just outside the palace grounds. Once you're out, we'll take you to a safe location where you can continue your plans."

As the day of the escape approached, the tension in the palace grew palpable. Yang Mi could feel her heart racing, a mix of excitement and fear coursing through her veins. She knew this was a pivotal moment in her life.

Finally, the evening of the escape arrived. The palace was bustling with activity, providing the perfect cover for their plan. Yang Mi, Tan Qi, and Tan Yuan moved through the kitchen, finalizing the preparations.

"Remember, stick to the plan, and stay calm," Yang Mi whispered to her co-conspirators.

The kitchen staff began their distraction, dropping pots and causing a commotion that drew the guards' attention. Meanwhile, Tan Yuan and Tan Qi escorted Yang Mi through the hidden corridors of the palace, their movements swift and silent.

As they neared the exit, Yang Mi's heart pounded in her chest. She could see the faint light of freedom just ahead. They slipped out through a small gate, where the carriage awaited them.

Tan Yuan helped Yang Mi into the carriage. "We did it," he said, a smile of relief spreading across his face.

Yang Mi clasped his hand. "Thank you, both of you. I couldn't have done this without you."

Tan Qi climbed in beside her. "This is just the beginning, my lady. We'll ensure your plans succeed."

As the carriage sped away from the palace, Yang Mi looked back one last time. She was leaving behind the confines of her punishment and stepping into a future filled with possibilities. With her friends by her side, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.