Li Mei's life had become a delicate dance on a razor's edge. Every day felt like walking across a thin blade suspended above a pit of gossip, schemes, and doom. One misstep and her name wouldn't just be whispered about in passing—it would be dragged through the court's gilded mud. Or worse… she'd become the main course in Lady Yun's endless feast of malice.
The morning sunlight slanted through the tall palace windows, casting latticed shadows across the marble floor. Each step Li Mei took made a soft echo in the corridor, but to her ears it sounded like a drum announcing her doom.
Why does this place always feel like a horror game dungeon at 6 a.m.?
The system, ever unhelpful, chimed with its usual dramatic flair.
[Warning: High-risk social encounter detected. NPC: Lady Yun, allies present. Probability of intrigue: 87%.]
Li Mei's stomach dropped. "Ugh… can we not do social combat today? I didn't even have breakfast yet."
[Ding! Objective: Navigate Noble Intrigue. Recommended tactics: bluff, chaos, distraction.]
Her steps faltered. She darted her eyes left, then right, scanning for an escape route like a guilty cat. The palace corridors were far too open, too wide, too polished. No helpful broom closets, no conveniently placed curtains to hide behind—just endless stretches of marble and gilded lanterns that seemed to mock her.
Of course, fate—or the system, or karma—decided now was the time to strike.
Lady Yun appeared at the far end of the corridor, her silk robes trailing like shadows in the sun. Three nobles flanked her, their gazes sharp and assessing, like blades drawn halfway from their scabbards. Their smiles weren't smiles at all, just thin curves sharpened into weapons.
Li Mei froze. Her pulse hammered against her ribs like she'd just been caught sneaking snacks from the kitchen.
"Oh no. Boss encounter unlocked."
Lady Yun's eyes glittered like a predator catching sight of prey. Her lips curled into something that might have been mistaken for politeness by anyone else, but Li Mei recognized it for what it was: the smile of someone who enjoyed watching flies squirm in her web.
"Ah… there you are, little maid," Lady Yun purred, her voice rich and venomous. "Tell me, would you care to explain why you continue to survive… while others falter?"
Li Mei gulped so hard she was sure everyone heard it. Her brain scrambled for something clever, something dignified, something that didn't sound like a total disaster.
Instead, what came out was: "Um… survival training?"
Nice. Real smooth. Top-tier protagonist energy right there.
Lady Yun's smile thinned, and her allies chuckled softly under their breath, as if she'd told the best joke in court. "Survival?" Lady Yun tilted her head slightly, dark eyes narrowing. "Your little stunts have made you a subject of amusement… and envy. But let me tell you a secret, little maid. The palace has no room for fools."
Li Mei's system flared again, its text glowing red like a fire alarm.
[Hint: Host's survival depends on exploiting chaos or unexpected opportunities.]
Li Mei wanted to groan. Exploiting chaos? What am I, the CEO of nonsense?
But running wasn't an option this time. Lady Yun's gaze had already pinned her in place, sharp as a needle through silk. The nobles' eyes glittered with the promise of gossip, of stories they'd carry into the court like wildfire.
Li Mei squared her shoulders, her palms sweaty. Okay. Time to channel every RPG bluff check, every improv class I never took, every time I've lied about finishing my homework… Think, think, THINK.
"Actually," Li Mei said, voice wobbling but growing steadier with each word, "I believe fools are the most dangerous."
The words had slipped out before Li Mei could stop them.
"Fools are the most dangerous."
The corridor stilled, as if the palace itself leaned closer to listen.
The nobles blinked at her, their expressions caught between offense and confusion. Lady Yun's painted lips curved in disdain. "Dangerous?" she repeated, the single word sharpened like a blade.
Li Mei's heartbeat thundered. Her mind was a blur of static. Okay, you've opened your mouth. Now you actually need to finish the sentence or you're toast. Quick, nonsense plus confidence—go!
"Yes!" she blurted. "Dangerous because they're unpredictable! You never know what a fool will do. They might… make mistakes… or, um, genius moves!"
One noble arched a brow. Another snorted softly. Lady Yun's eyes narrowed into slits.
"You speak nonsense," Lady Yun hissed.
Li Mei spread her hands helplessly, pretending she totally had a strategy when in fact she was running on pure adrenaline. "Nonsense… or survival strategy! You see, chaos favors the brave and the stupid. Both are dangerous."
The system pinged approvingly.
[Ding! Bluff Skill Activated. Effectiveness: +12%. Audience Confusion: Rising.]
Oh gods. Did I just invent philosophy by accident?
Before Lady Yun could retort, the faint echo of measured footsteps cut through the tension. The air itself seemed to shift, as if the palace was exhaling in reverence.
Empress Celestia.
Her silver eyes glinted as she appeared behind Li Mei, her presence as soft as a whisper but heavier than iron chains. She stopped beside the maid, her gown brushing faintly against the floor like ripples of moonlight.
"Interesting," Celestia murmured, her voice low and musical, each syllable a quiet command. "Chaos… when harnessed correctly… is indeed dangerous. Continue."
Li Mei's heart nearly stopped. Continue?! What am I, giving a TED Talk on stupidity?!
"Uh… thank you?" she croaked, then cleared her throat. "I mean—exactly! That's what I meant. Harnessing chaos!"
Lady Yun bristled, the composure cracking in her eyes. "I do not like being lectured by a maid."
And of course, because fate had no mercy, another voice drifted down the corridor.
"Lecture?" The drawl was amused, lazy, and entirely too smooth. "I might call it… entertainment."
Crown Prince Jianyu leaned against the wall at the far end of the hall, dark eyes glittering with wicked amusement. His arms folded loosely across his chest, posture casual—but the sharpness of his gaze gave him away. He was enjoying every second of her misery.
Li Mei groaned inwardly. Perfect. Both bosses in the room and me stuck as the clown. Fantastic.
The system was practically buzzing with delight.
[Ding! New Skill Activated: Bluff Mastery Level 2. Passive: +10 to chaos-based social influence.]
You're welcome, I guess?
Li Mei drew a shaky breath. Okay, Mei. If you can survive this, you can survive anything. Go big or go home.
"Look," she said, stepping forward with a boldness she absolutely did not feel, "I know you all think I'm a fool. But here's the truth—fools survive where geniuses fail. You underestimate me, and that is your weakness."
The nobles whispered amongst themselves. One even muttered, "She… she speaks with confidence."
"Confidence?" Lady Yun spat the word like poison. "That is not skill."
"Maybe not," Li Mei shot back quickly, "but it can be effective! Watch!"
Before her brain could veto the idea, her hands grabbed a decorative vase from a nearby table. She lobbed it toward a shadowed corner and shouted, "Oh no! A rat!"
The reaction was instant.
The nobles yelped. One leapt back and tripped, sending a tray of drinks crashing to the floor. Another shrieked, clutching his robe hem as though the phantom rat might gnaw at it. Chaos rippled through the corridor like a dropped stone in water.
Li Mei stared at the pandemonium she had just created. …Huh. That actually worked?
The system went wild.
[Achievement Unlocked: Chaos Distractor. Passive bonus: +5 Survival, +5 Influence.]
Suppressing the hysterical laugh threatening to escape her throat, Li Mei dipped her head and stepped past the flustered nobles with exaggerated grace, skirts gathered in her fists. "Oops! Excuse me!" she chirped.
Lady Yun's face flushed crimson. "This… this is ridiculous!"
Celestia's lips curved ever so slightly. "Ridiculous… and brilliant."
Jianyu's smirk widened, his voice a low purr that carried easily down the corridor. "Your chaos is artful, little maid. But don't think I won't challenge you next time."
Li Mei's entire soul groaned. Challenge?! What is this, a battle pass subscription?!
[Ding! Daily Log Updated: Survived First Multi-layered Court Scheme. XP +400. New skill unlocked: Charm by Chaos Level 2.]
The nobles scattered with muttered excuses, robes rustling like startled birds. The corridor quieted, leaving only the faint drip of spilled tea and the acrid scent of shattered porcelain lingering in the air.
Li Mei slumped against the nearest wall, her legs shaking so badly she thought she might collapse altogether. Her pulse hammered in her ears, loud enough that she was certain even the Empress could hear it.
"I… I can't believe that worked," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
Celestia moved forward with the unhurried grace of a predator who had all the time in the world. She stood beside Li Mei, silver eyes catching the light and burning like twin moons. Her voice, soft but unyielding, slid into the silence.
"It did," the Empress said. "But remember this—each victory draws eyes. And eyes invite danger."
The words sank into Li Mei's bones like ice water. She straightened automatically, even as her heart continued to quake.
"Yes, Your Majesty," she murmured, because what else could she possibly say?
Celestia's gaze lingered on her a heartbeat longer, sharp and assessing. Then, softer—almost like an echo brushing against the skin—"Do not let the chaos rule you entirely, little maid. Harness it. Shape it. Become its master… or it will consume you."
The corridor seemed to still again, as if the palace itself had leaned closer to catch the lesson.
Li Mei shivered. Harness chaos? Lady, my chaos is like a raccoon hopped up on sugar—how exactly do I harness that?
"Yes," she said weakly. "I think I'm going to need a manual for that."
Celestia's lips curved ever so faintly. "Perhaps one day, you will write it yourself."
And just like that, the Empress glided away, her presence lingering long after her footsteps had vanished.
The silence stretched. Then, a low chuckle warmed the air.
Jianyu had not moved far—he still leaned lazily against the wall, his eyes glittering in the dim light, filled with a mischief that made Li Mei's stomach lurch.
"It seems," the Crown Prince drawled, "chaos is your ally… and your weapon."
Li Mei groaned, dragging her hands down her face. "I didn't choose this weapon! It chooses me!"
His smirk deepened. "Then wield it well. Or be cut down by it."
Her heart skipped, then tripped, then flat-out fell down the stairs. Wait… why does that sound romantic? Is he threatening me or flirting with me? Or both? Why is this my life?!
The system, ever unhelpful, chimed in.
[Ding! Warning: Emotional entanglement critical. Probability of crush deepening: 87%.]
Li Mei muffled a groan into her palms. I'm doomed. Completely, romantically, diplomatically doomed.
Jianyu pushed away from the wall, his steps unhurried as he moved past her. He didn't look back, but his voice curled over his shoulder, rich with amusement.
"Survival is entertaining when it involves you."
And then he was gone, his sandalwood scent trailing faintly in his wake, leaving Li Mei staring after him in a daze.
By the time she staggered back to her quarters that evening, her body felt like a wrung-out cloth. She collapsed onto her narrow bed, staring at the ceiling as the system filled her vision with glowing, overly cheerful notifications.
[Hint: You survived. XP gained: +500.]
[New Objective: Prepare for escalating court intrigue. Anticipate Lady Yun's next move.]
"Anticipate?!" she croaked. "She's plotting my death in high-definition and you want me to anticipate it?"
[Ding! Side Quest Activated: Train in Chaos Manipulation. Objective: Learn to turn accidents into advantage.]
Li Mei rolled onto her stomach and groaned into her pillow. Great. I'm basically getting certified in disaster management.
[Hint: Progress is commendable. Survival rate increasing.]
"Yeah, yeah," she muttered. "Meanwhile my dignity is decreasing."
Her eyes drifted to the window, where moonlight spilled across the floor in silver threads. Somewhere out there, Lady Yun was sharpening her next scheme. Somewhere else, Jianyu's dark eyes were probably alight with amusement, watching her stumble through court like a firecracker on legs.
And Celestia… Celestia was watching too, but with the cool patience of someone who already knew the ending to the story.
Li Mei hugged her knees to her chest, whispering into the quiet. "Survive first… noodles later."
The system flashed one last notification before fading.
[Warning: Boss-level intrigue approaching. Prepare wisely.]
Li Mei groaned. Why do I feel like my life is just one long boss rush?