The Maid's Plea.

Yi Cheng sat in his cousin's room, holding a wooden bird sculpture in his hands. He admired its exquisite craftsmanship and lifelike appearance. It seemed as if it could fly away at any moment.

"It is a sign of joy and peace," Ding Xue said from her bed. "May it bring you both, A'Cheng."

Yi Cheng smiled and was about to thank her, when he heard his guard speak outside the door, where he stood watch. His voice was full of surprise and wonder. "Xiao Mei!" the guard exclaimed. "What brings you here in such haste?"

Yi Cheng's heart skipped a beat. Xiao Mei? A'Fen's maid. Why was she here? Yi Cheng strained his ears to listen. Xiao Mei's voice came through the door, panting and fearful. "Please…you must save Miss." she told the guard.

Yi Cheng felt a sudden chill. Save Miss. Save A'Fen. What had happened to her? Yi Cheng sprang to his feet and dashed to the door, letting the wooden sparrow fall from his hand. He reached the door as his guard opened it. Xiao Mei burst in, her face pale and tears streaming down her cheeks. She threw herself at Yi Cheng feet. "Your Highness," she cried. "Please save Miss. Assassins! assassins have ambushed Miss."

"Assassins!" Yi Cheng repeated, his blood turning cold. "Where?"

"In the grove behind the ladies' quarters," Xiao Mei said between sobs. "Miss told me to run and get help while she distracted them."

Yi Cheng turned to his guard, his voice sharp. "Gather more guards." The guard nodded and splinted away.

Yi Cheng lifted Xiao Mei by her shoulders. "Show me the way."

He did not hear Ding Xue whisper to her own maid behind him. "Will they catch our men?"

The maid who stood at the far end of the room came closer to the bed. "Don't worry, miss," she said softly. "Slashing Miss Liu's face is quick work. They will be done and gone before the Crown Prince finds her."