The Return of Wang Mei

Chapter 23: The Return of Wang Mei

Princess Hua's eyes widened when she saw the person approaching. It was Wang Mei, her beauty more striking than ever, captivating all the ministers present. "Isn't that Lady Mei? Didn't she leave the General's mansion three days ago?" Chen Xui whispered, her voice barely audible. "I nearly couldn't recognize her," she added, astonished.

"Who are you?" the Emperor inquired, his tone commanding.

Mei quickly knelt before him. "I am Wang Mei," she replied, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment.

"General Wang's daughter?" the Emperor asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Mei confirmed.

"Aren't you the sick daughter? How come you are fine?" the Emperor pressed, curiosity etched on his face.

"Father," the Crown Prince interjected, stepping forward. "Wang Mei is the daughter of the Empress's cousin. She bears a striking resemblance to her mother. The Empress felt pity for her and arranged for a private physician to care for her."

"Yes, Father, the Crown Prince is right," Princess Beihe added, nodding in agreement.

"Lady Mei, are you married? I have a son," the Minister in charge of state affairs declared, his eyes gleaming with interest.

"Lady Mei, I have a son too!" another minister chimed in, and soon the room erupted into a cacophony of voices vying for Wang Mei's attention.

"Wang Mei, since all the ministers are interested in you, is there someone you are engaged to?" the Emperor asked, his tone softening.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Wang Mei replied, her heart racing.

"May I ask who you are engaged to?" the Emperor inquired gently, concern lacing his voice.

"His name is Bao, my brother's personal guard, and we love each other," Wang Mei said, her eyes shining with affection.

Princess Hua and Chen Xui exchanged glances. "Bao?" they said in unison, surprised by the revelation.

"Very well. Someone Give Lady Mei two thousand worth of silver and one thousand worth of gold," the Emperor commanded, gesturing for her to leave.

The ministers reveled in the excitement, while Princess Li's gaze remained fixed on Princess Beihe, who was smiling at her husband. 

"Princess Beihe has gained another enemy," Chen Xui remarked, a hint of pity in her voice.

"Let's go, Xui," Princess Hua said, leading the way to the Empress's chamber.

"Your Highness," Princess Hua greeted as they entered.

"Hua, what brings you here?" the Empress asked, her expression warm.

"I am here to see Lady Mei," Princess Hua replied.

"You wish to see me?" Wang Mei said, approaching Princess Hua, with Ruo Xuan standing behind her.

"Your Majesty," Lady Mei bowed respectfully to the Empress.

"You may chat alone; I wish to rest," the Empress said, leaving the two young women alone.

"Your Highness," Mei bowed in courtesy, but the connection between them felt distant, as if they were strangers. She was no longer the Mei who had once held Princess Hua's hand.

They sat down and engaged in conversation. "I am happy you are okay," Princess Hua said, her voice sincere.

"Thank you, Princess, for visiting," Mei replied, her heart heavy with unspoken words.

As Princess Hua departed with Chen Xui, she felt the weight of the distance that had grown between her and Wang Mei. "Princess, I sensed the distance between you and Lady Mei; she is no longer who she was," Chen Xui observed.

"I thought as much," Princess Hua replied, her heart aching as they entered the carriage.

Meanwhile, Mr. Guo was engaged in conversation with the ministers when a palace eunuch approached him. "Mr. Guo, the Emperor wishes to see you," he announced.

Excusing himself, Mr. Guo made his way to the Emperor's chamber. "Your Majesty," he bowed respectfully.

"Mr. Guo, I am glad you came," the Emperor said, his expression serious.

"It is my pleasure, Your Majesty," Mr. Guo replied.

"Do you think Hua can handle this? She recently lost her child; won't it be a huge task for her if I tell her she needs to retrieve the secret door manual from General Wang?" the Emperor pondered aloud.

Mr. Guo recalled the day the Emperor had sent him a message after hearing that Princess Hua had attempted to break her engagement with the General's son. They had devised a plan, knowing she would refuse to marry Mr. Guo due to his five wives, but they never anticipated she would run away.

"Your Majesty, if we don't act, General Wang may pose a threat later. I know he has changed, but I doubt he possesses a forgiving heart. That is why you sent Princess Hua there; regardless of her personal struggles, her marriage should be peaceful, and she needs to retrieve the secret door manual. We must inform her before it is too late," Mr. Guo urged, his voice firm.

"Hua may be innocent, but I believe she has feelings for Wang Wei. Even before we knew, she had been involved with him secretly. Wouldn't she refuse?" the Emperor questioned, concern etched on his face.

"Your Majesty, you are the Emperor; no one can refuse your commands. Sacrifices must be made to maintain your throne. Since Princess Hua has always desired to choose her partner, why not give her an ultimatum? Either she retrieves the secret manual or faces consequences regarding her husband and mother..." Mr. Guo suggested, but was interrupted by the eunuch.

"Your Majesty, Consort Ai is here to see you," the palace eunuch announced, prompting the Emperor to signal Mr. Guo to leave.