Competition

The scent of sandalwood lingered in the air as Peizhi sat motionless before the dressing mirror with Xiliu deftly arranging the final jade pin into her elaborate coiffure.

Peizhi's crimson robes was embroidered with peonies and phoenixes in golden thread, shimmering like a river of fire however the one who wore it had the look and energy of a withered coal of fire as she sat motionlessly before the mirror, lost in thought as she lingered in the thoughts of the earlier encounter.

It had always been like this and she'd always tried to be nonchalant, to be the proud and strong lady she always was but she couldn't deny it hurt so badly each time .

Xiliu sensing her mistress's unease, bit her lip before whispering with a smile, hoping it'll be able to cheer her mood.

"Miss, you look so beautiful that nothing can even be used to make comparison to your priceless beauty ".

And just like she'd hope, her mood was immediately lifted up as she stared into the mirror caressing her cheeks, after all who didn't like being complimented . "Really?".

Xiliu smiled at her change in mood and happily sat down beside her but before she could respond, a sharp knock at the door announced the arrival of Butler Ming.

His face, as impassive as a stone lion, betrayed no emotion as he said from the other side of the door . "Young Mistress, the Master requests your presence in the main chamber."

Peizhi rose slowly, the rustling of her silk robes filling the room with a whisper of anticipation.

"I'll be there shortly". She replied, her voice calm.

But inside, a knot of dread tightened. She knew whatever it was the reason behind her father calling for her, it was bound to be nothing good and she couldn't help bracing herself up for the storm.

Xiliu, sensing her thoughts rose up and held her hands encouragingly and Peizhi smiled.

" What is it ?". She asked and Xiliu frowned as she replied blurting out her worries.

"Mistress, your father's summons… it worries me."

Peizhi met her gaze in the mirror, a small, confident smile gracing her lips as she gave her robe the final adjustment.

"There is no need to fret. What can he do that hasn't already been done?". She smiled and gave Xiliu a warm pat on the shoulder before moving towards the door.

———————————

The walk to the Master's chamber was a silent procession.

The corridor, lined with wooden columns engraved with dragons and clouds, seemed to stretch longer than usual.

Peizhi however walked gracefully, her head held high, her eyes betraying none of the storm burried within of her.

When they eventually reached the ornate double doors, Butler Ming stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter while he remained standing guard outside.

As Peizhi stepped into the chamber, the warmth of a brazier crackled softly, but it did little to chase the chill in her heart.

Her father, Lord Chen sat regally at the head of the lacquered table and beside him was Zeitan who knelt before him with perfect poise, her delicate hands pouring tea into their father's cup.

She looked radiant and pretty, no doubt her beauty was enough to draw anyone in and stir anyone heart. Her eyes downcast in an imitation of demure modesty as she focused on her actions of pouring tea.

The moment Peizhi crossed the threshold, her father's gentle expression darkened as if a storm had entered the room.

"Sit". He commanded, his voice cutting through the air like a blade and she did just as he's said.

Peizhi moved gracefully to the seat opposite her sister. She lowered herself slowly, her eyes never leaving her father's face as she settled herself beside Zeitan.

The weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the air between them until Lord Chen cleared his throat.

"I have called you both here for an important announcement". Lord Chen began, his tone formal and measured.

"Young Master Wang has already reconsidered his marriage arrangement and he will be marrying Zeitan instead of you, the Eldest Master has also approved of this so it's official now."

Peizhi blinked, a single beat of stillness before the storm broke within her. "Reconsidered?". She echoed, her voice cool and sharp. "Why?".

One thing she would never loudly admit was that she was still in love with Wang Lijun , and she hated it she so badly and wanted to fall out of love, if possible because she was aware he was no longer the man she loved but she still felt like she could change him sometimes, she wanted to compete.

If Zeitan could easily seduce him then she could do better but then on a second thought, she hated herself for thinking that way. She hated how Zeitan always made her feel, like everything was a competition between them , one she was destined to loose without even starting the battle yet.

Just like she'd lost her father's love , she knew she'd lose in this too so it was better she just let it go not even when the person she'd considered starting the battle for had changed to a version of someone she could never admit she once loved.

Her father's lip curled in disdain as he scoffed . "Because Zeitan is sensible, obedient, and fit to be a wife. Unlike you."

Peizhi's laughter came out soft and bitter.

"Sensible?". She repeated, her eyes glinting with mockery. "Ah, yes. She's the perfect wife anyone could ever wished for , docile, agreeable, a perfect puppet for a man's whims. And me? I am wicked because I dare to think, to act for myself, right?."

"You are insufferable!". Her father roared, slamming his hand angrily on the table and the teacup trembled, threatening to spill its contents .

"Do you think a woman like you deserves to be anyone's wife?"

Peizhi leaned back, her smile growing colder. "No, I don't. And I thank you for sparing me from a lifetime of servitude. Besides,". She added, her eyes sliding to her sister who was sitting quietly and obediently beside her.

"This arrangement is really something. Two illegitimate children marrying each other, it's a perfect match."

The room crackled with tension at her word's and Zeitan who remained motionless since she'd entered shifted, her hands clenched in her lap, her composed facade faltering.

"Sister, I never. . "

"Congratulations, sister " Peizhi cut her off with a venomous smile. "You've worked so hard for this and I do hope Master Wang appreciates all you've done to secure his affection."

"Enough!". Lord Chen shot to his feet, his face livid.

The slap came fast and hard, the sound reverberating like a crack of thunder upon her face and Peizhi's head snapped to the side, a red mark blooming on her porcelain cheek.

"I have spoiled you, spoiled you so much ". He seethed. "That's why you've grown so arrogant."

Peizhi tasted blood but refused to look away, looking at him straight in the eyes, she replied .

"You call it arrogance. I call it truth."

"Take her to the Reflection Quarters at once ". Lord Chen barked at Butler Ming, who entered at once. "Let her think about her actions."