The Gathering Storm

Chapter 15: The Gathering Storm

"Princess, what happened?" Chen Xui asked with concern.

"I told him I don't want to see him again," Princess Hua replied, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Princess..." Chen Xui began, but before she could finish, Bao entered the room.

"Good morning," he said, walking towards Wang Wei's belongings to pack his clothes.

"Bao," Princess Hua called, and Bao turned to acknowledge her.

"Is Wang Wei in his library?" she inquired.

Bao didn't respond and continued packing Wang Wei's belongings. After he finished, he exited the room without a word.

"Just like his young master," Chen Xui spat. "I don't like him."

Princess Hua nodded at Chen Xui, signaling her to stop. "Why don't you just go to his library?" Chen Xui suggested.

"Help me change my dress," Princess Hua said, her mind elsewhere.

After changing her dress, she made her way to Wang Wei's library, only to find it closed. "Wei," she called, but there was no reply. She stood there for hours, her heart heavy with uncertainty.

"Princess, it's almost time. Will the young master open the door?" Chen Xui asked, breaking the silence.

"Let's go to the palace," Princess Hua replied, turning away from Wang Wei's door. They walked to the cart that would take them to the palace.

The brothel was lively, filled with the sounds of courtesans entertaining scholars, music wafting through the air, and the rhythmic beat of dancers downstairs. In the upper VIP room, Wang Wei sat with Bao and Courtesan Rong, the woman in charge of the brothel.

"Young master, everything you said is done. The minister for transportation's son is the godfather of those bandits, but we haven't learned about the rest behind that. They will move tonight," Courtesan Rong reported.

"Bao, I think our plan should proceed as we discussed," Wang Wei said.

"Yes," Bao replied.

"Younger master, I heard Princess Hua received an invitation from the palace to visit with you," Bao added.

"What is it about?" Wang Wei asked, his interest piqued.

"I heard it's a must for all the princesses who got married recently to visit with their husbands," Bao explained.

"I don't think I have to go," Wang Wei said dismissively.

"Young master, we need something from the princess. I think you should go, also she is your wife. What if she is bullied by Princess Li," Courtesan Rong interjected.

"Rong, let's continue," Wang Wei said, brushing off the concern.

"Young master, please, for the sake of those refugees," Courtesan Rong urged.

Wang Wei looked at Bao, who nodded in agreement. 

Back at the palace, the atmosphere was lively, with dancers and singers entertaining the guests. Princess Hua and Chen Xui arrived, bowing to greet the emperor and empress.

"Qian Hua, not seeing you for a few days seems to have been a long time," the empress remarked.

"I miss you too, Empress," princess Hua replied, bowing again.

"Your Majesty, Princess Hua came here with her maid, yet she and her husband didn't even honor the emperor's invitation. She even dressed so poorly; perhaps the princess is having a hard time in the General Mansion," Princess Li interjected. "Why is Wang Wei not with you?" the empress asked.

"Your Majesty, Wang Wei's physician came this morning. He caught a cold throughout the night," Princess Hua explained, casting a side-eye at Princess Li.

"Oh, poor Wei. I haven't seen him since the year my cousin died. It must be hard for him and his little sister," the empress lamented.

"You may take your seat," the empress said.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Princess Hua replied, sitting down with Chen Xui standing protectively behind her.

"Muqui," Princess Li said, moving over to greet Consort Han, who had just entered.

Consort Han bowed to greet the emperor and empress. "Consort Han should sit at my left seat," the emperor declared.

The empress shot the emperor a disapproving glance. "Consort Han, find any seat for yourself, or would you like to take the empress's position or defy my order?" the empress asked pointedly.

"I dare not, Your Highness," Consort Han replied, her voice trembling.

"Mother-in-law," Princess Li Chen greeted Consort Han as she took her seat.

The fifth princess, Beihe, entered with her husband. As the second female child of the empress, empress has three children, the fifth princess, the crown prince and the first princess.

"Your Majesty," Princess Beihe and her husband bowed to greet the emperor and empress before taking their seats.

"Princess Hua, you are here?" Princess Beihe said, noticing her.

"Yes, Your Highness," Princess Hua replied, forcing a smile.

Consort Ai also entered, exchanging pleasantries with her daughter before settling down.

"The time has come for the princesses' husbands to participate in the archery competition," the eunuch announced, his voice echoing through the chamber.

"Your Highness, Princess Hua's husband isn't here. How is this possible?" Princess Li mocked, a smirk playing on her lips.

"How about I compete myself?" Princess Hua suggested, her tone defiant.

"Father, everybody knows Qian Hua is skilled at archery. That sounds like cheating," Princess Li retorted, her eyes narrowing.

"Qian Li, how can I be better at archery than your husband, who is trained and also the commander of the palace guard? Or are you afraid your husband might lose to me?" Princess Hua challenged, her confidence unwavering.

Princess Hua turned to Commander Chen. "Am I wrong?" she asked, seeking his reply.

"How insolent! You dare create a scene in my presence," the emperor thundered, his voice booming.

"I am sorry, Your Majesty," both Princess Hua and Princess Li said in unison, their expressions shifting to one of concern.

"Wang Wei disregarded my invitation, and Princess Hua lied that he is sick. The General Mansion's salary should be..." Before the emperor could finish, Bao wheeled Wang Wei into the room.

Princess Hua's eyes widened in surprise at his sudden appearance, though she remained silent, knowing he wasn't aware of her presence. 

"Your Majesty," Wang Wei said, bowing respectfully as he entered, the tension in the room palpable.