Chapter 22: Consort Mei's Ultimatum

Back in Consort Mei's chambers, she waited, tapping her fingers in impatience, her anger still simmering as she glanced at Lian, who sat silently, eyes cast downward.

"Remember this," Consort Mei said, her voice low and sharp, "the next time you allow yourself to be drawn into impulsive actions.

This family is built on careful plans, not reckless desires." Her gaze was hard as steel, and Lady Lian could only nod, holding back the fresh tears that threatened to spill.

At that moment, Hanyu entered, his expression a dark blend of shame and frustration. He gave a small nod to his mother, acknowledging her unspoken question.

"The emperor is... less than pleased," he admitted. "He wants me out of the public eye for now. No court appearances, no gatherings. I am to lie low until he sees fit."

Consort Mei's lips pressed into a thin line. "So, you've managed to soil your name, ruin our alliances, and alienate your father—all in one day."

Hanyu bristled at her sharp tone, struggling to keep his composure. "This isn't entirely my fault, Mother. If Yanli hadn't—"

"Do not even think of blaming Lady Yanli for your own failure," she snapped. "It was you who allowed yourself to fall for Lian's charms and let your emotions interfere with our plans. Look at where that's led us." Her gaze flickered briefly to Lian, who was silently weeping, her shoulders trembling.

Hanyu felt his frustration boil over. "I made a mistake, yes, but it was also because you insisted on pushing that engagement with Yanli! I love Lian, and I'm tired of living a lie!"

Consort Mei's eyes narrowed. "Then perhaps you should reconsider whether you're fit for the responsibilities of this family. Because right now, I see only weakness."

Lady Lian looked up, her face streaked with tears. "Your Highness, please don't let her speak to you this way. I was at fault too. If I hadn't been there—"

"No, Lian," Hanyu interrupted, reaching out to gently touch her shoulder. "This isn't your fault. We both wanted this, and we both agreed to go through with it. I won't let anyone treat you as if you're nothing."

He shot a pointed look at his mother, who merely raised her chin, her expression unyielding. "If she matters so much to you, then perhaps you can explain to me how you plan to salvage the respect of the court. Because as of now, Lady Lian is seen as the woman who lured a prince into a scandalous situation, costing him his engagement to a woman of standing and reputation."

Lady Lian flinched, her lower lip trembling as she averted her eyes in shame.

"Mother!" Hanyu's voice rose, his tone filled with frustration and hurt. "I don't need your approval for every choice I make. I am still a prince, and I can still make decisions for myself."

"Yes, decisions that have brought disgrace upon you," Mei retorted, her gaze icy. "If you want to secure your position, you will need to redeem yourself, and the first step is ensuring Lady Lian doesn't do any further harm."

At this, Lian could no longer hold back her emotions. Rising to her feet, she looked directly at Consort Mei, her voice choked with anger and tears. "You speak of me as though I'm nothing but an obstacle! I have stood by His Highness through everything. I love him, and I would do anything for him! You have no right to tell me how to care for him."

Consort Mei raised a brow, unimpressed. "Love," she echoed coldly. "How quaint. Love does not restore a family's reputation. Love does not secure alliances. And love certainly won't keep the emperor's favor." She took a step closer to Lian, her voice dropping to a threatening whisper. "If you truly loved him, you would think carefully about how much damage you're causing."

Lady Lian's face crumpled, but she stood her ground, clenching her fists. "I will not leave His Highness. No matter what you think of me, I am not giving him up."

Hanyu stepped between them, reaching out to steady Lian as she struggled with her emotions. "Enough, Mother," he said firmly. "Lady Lian is with me, and that will not change. I will take responsibility for everything that has happened."

Consort Mei looked at him, her expression cold and calculating. "You'd better pray that you can fix this, Hanyu. Because if you cannot, you will have thrown away every opportunity I've fought for in this court."

With one last glare, she turned and swept from the room, leaving Hanyu and Lian alone in a tense, strained silence.

Lian let out a shaky breath, looking up at him with teary eyes. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I never wanted to cause this much trouble for you."

Hanyu took her hand, squeezing it gently. "Don't blame yourself, Lian. If anything, I should have handled things better. But... I don't regret being with you." He brushed a tear from her cheek, his gaze softening. "I only regret that things didn't go as we'd planned."

Lian managed a small smile, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness. I was so afraid that... that I would lose you."

He held her close, trying to ignore the tumultuous emotions that surged within him. "You won't lose me," he murmured. "We'll find a way through this."

Yet, as he spoke, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. The emperor's anger had been fierce, and Consort Mei's disappointment even fiercer. He knew that restoring his reputation would be no easy task. But he was determined to prove that he could still achieve greatness—with or without his mother's approval.