Punished to Kneel

Fifth brother stood with Tan Bowen as the young men milled around outside the classroom, classes having ended for the day.

"Mother punished Mei Meili," Fifth whispered over the hubbub to Tan Bowen.

"What? Why?"

"For wearing that revealing outfit for the grasslands dance."

"But that was a gift from Prince Nur!"

"Doesn't matter; she shouldn't have agreed to wear it."

Bai Li hovered in the background, having overheard Mei Meili's name.

"Well, that's true," shrugged Tan Bowen, "but you guys have kept her so protected she's extremely innocent and naïve. How can you expect her to know it's a problem? Plus, she still thinks she's hideous, so she's clueless as to the effect she has on men."

"Shh," hissed Fifth. "I know, I know, it's a problem of my mother's own making, but still, she was crazy angry at her; angrier than I've ever seen her get at my meimei."

"What did she do to her?"