After the 20 lashes, Mei Lan was dragged away by the palace guards, bloodied and humiliated. Her cries, raw, desperate, and all too human—bounced off the marble, fading only when the heavy doors closed behind her. Anming stood composed among the nobles and courtiers his expression passive and unmoving. He watched in silence debating if he should follow Mei Lan out, but quickly decided against it. She was injured, not dead. He'd let her simmer in her own hatred of him a little bit longer. If he went now he'd get nothing out of it.
He glanced toward the 1st Prince and found Haoran unable to take his eyes off him. Anming frowned, he could see the wheels in the princes head turning: just like he had wanted, but it was not the look he had expected. There was a subtle playfulness in Haoran's gaze and also passive intrigued, almost fleeting. Anming had hoped for something more, something deeper, but the 1st Prince was not at all easily impressed.
He wanted more but this would have to do for now. This was their first encounter after all. Quick results were rarely sufficient and Anming knew patience would serve him better—he had plenty of time. Even a small spark of interest was enough to begin; all he needed now was to keep the prince's attention on him.
Soon the celebration had ended, guests began to disperse and servants hurried to clear away the remnants of the grand event.
The Empress, radiant in her gold-threaded robes, congratulated him with a sly smile. Nobles whispered in small, animated clusters, glancing at "Mei Lan" with awe and envy. Some lauded her beauty and skill, others wondered aloud at the serenity with which she accepted both victory and the Empress's favor. Rumors began to take root, curling through the air like smoke.
Anming slipped away as soon as decorum allowed, the mask of a noble daughter quickly dropped and in its place a cold calculating expression, it was now time to check up on his "dear sister". He made his way through a maze of corridors back to the changing room, where Mei Lan was sprawled on a low bench, her head bowed. A loyal maid dabbed gently at the blood on her back, Mei Lan's face was pale and streaked with tears, but the fury in her eyes flared bright as ever when Anming entered.
She viciously shoved the maid aside. "Get lost!" Mei Lan snapped as she stormed toward Anming, her anger heavy in every step. Without warning, she pulled her right arm back and swung, her palm connecting sharply with his cheek.
Smack!
The force of the slap turned Anming's head. Mei Lan's glare could kill. "You wanted to harm me. You could have stopped it," she spat. "You could have said something, but you just stood there and watched while I was humiliated in front of everyone!"
Anming touched his sore cheek and slowly turned back to face her. For a brief moment, a murderous glint flashed in his eyes, quickly and expertly concealed. If looks could kill, neither would be left standing. But as always, Anming calmed himself in an instant, reeling in his anger so swiftly that Mei Lan never saw it. The emotion vanishing as quickly as it came.
Anming's expression was unreadable, his eyes lowered. "If I had spoken up, it would have made things worse. The Empress expects obedience. If you had defied her, there would have been more than just lashes. Everything I did was for your benefit, sister."
Mei Lan scoffed, her laugh brittle. "My benefit? You let them beat me like a dog. You make yourself look like a hero, but you're just as cruel as mother says. You're a snake, Anming. A two-faced snake."
Anming's lips curled in a faint, enigmatic smile. "You're alive, aren't you? The court admires you more than ever. The 1st prince himself was captivated. If I had asked for marriage or a title, it would have gone against our character, or rather your character. Now, you're the talk of the palace for your skills and humility. It was the best outcome possible."
Mei Lan's eyes filled with fresh tears, anger and humiliation twisting her features. The constant thought of what happened and what she had to go through, angered her even more. She reached for the nearest object a small glass bottle and flung it at him. Anming moved, taking a step back before it could strike, the bottle shattering harmlessly on the floor. He remained standing and unflinching but his eyes turned darker and darker the longer he stood in front of Mei Lan.
"You're so proud of yourself, aren't you? I should have let you die with your wretched mother," Mei Lan hissed, voice shaking.
Anming clenched his jaw and his words icy. "Perhaps you should have," he replied softly, "but you didn't. And now we're both here, aren't we? Bound together by your mother's ambition and your fear."
Mei Lan gave a small cackle, "Fear? Oh my dear little brother, you should know I fear nothing."
Lies. Anming thought as he allowed Mei Lan to whisper in his ear, her voice low and venomous, "You seem to have forgotten the most important thing. I am not to be trifled with. What you did today will be repaid 10 times over. I swear it."
Anming brushed some of the glass from earlier off him and replied. "I look forward to seeing you try, sister." His tone was mild, but his smile was cold.
He stepped back, allowing the maid to help Mei Lan put her robe back on. As they left the room, Anming lingered a moment longer, letting the silence settle. His sister was in for a world of reckoning. He'd pay for what he did today. She swore it?
He tilted his head back and let out a long bellied laugh that made one uneasy and the ends of one's hair stand up.
She would try to get back at him. How childish and mediocre.
But he welcomed it. Her downfall was inevitable and he'd make it so that she would never be able to lift her head up high again.
"Soon." he repeated to himself. Soon he'd have her unraveled into a million pieces that could not be put back together again.
He straightened his posture, smoothing his hair and adjusted his robe. It was time for them to return home.
As he made his way through the palace's dim corridors, a shadow detached itself from the gilded wall. The 1st prince, Haoran, stood in his path, his eyes bright with curiosity and calculation.
The prince's smile was warm, but there was a sharpness beneath it, like velvet hiding a blade. "Lady Mei Lan," he greeted, voice low and smooth, "I couldn't let you leave without offering my personal congratulations. Your performance today was…unexpected."
Personal congratulations. Don't joke with me.
It was obviously an excuse to approach him and feel him out. Haoran had already given him compliments alongside the Empress giving more now would be unnecessary.
Anming inclined his head, careful to keep his voice soft and demure. "Your Highness is too generous. I only did what was required."
Haoran stepped closer, his gaze searching. "Your archery was flawless. I've never seen such skill from a young lady of the capital. Or such composure, after…well, after what happened to your maid."
Anming smiled politely, keeping his real thoughts hidden. "One must learn to endure disappointment gracefully, Your Highness. The court is a place of many challenges."
The prince's eyes narrowed slightly, as if weighing the truth in Anming's words. "You're full of surprises, Lady Mei Lan. I hope you'll allow me to know you better."
"I am honored, Your Highness," Anming replied. "As my mother always says, a lady's reputation is her most precious possession."
The'd get to know each other alright.
Haoran's laughter was soft, genuine, or very well practiced. "Indeed. I look forward to our next meeting." He bowed slightly, then disappeared into the shadows, leaving Anming alone in the corridor.
The air was thick with incense and intrigue. Anming let out a slow breath, feeling the weight of Haoran's attention settle on his shoulders. The prince was dangerous, clever even, and obviously ambitious, and, above all, watchful. Anming would have to tread a bit carefully around such a man.
The return to the Earl's residence was quiet. Mei Lan sat stiffly in the carriage, her face turned to the window, refusing to look at Anming. The maid who accompanied them said nothing, her eyes fixed on her lap. Outside, the city was alive with celebration, unaware of the battles waged inside its grandest halls.
Back at the Su household, Lei Ming awaited their arrival in the receiving room, her posture rigid and her eyes alight with fury. Mei Lan recounted the day's events, her voice trembling with anger and shame.
"He tried to manipulate me!" she cried, gesturing at Anming. "He embarrassed me in front of everyone! He set me up to fail!"
Lei Ming's gaze snapped to Anming, who knelt before her, hands folded and expression blank.
"Explain yourself," Lei Ming snapped, her voice sharp as a whip.
Anming remained calm, his eyes lowered in perfect deference. "My actions brought better results, Madam. If I had asked the Empress for marriage, it would have appeared shameless and desperate. Instead, I preserved Mei Lan's reputation and drew the 1st prince's interest. The court now admires her for her skill and humility." He had repeated what he had told Mei Lan earlier.
The Truth was that he didn't have to humiliate Mei Lan, he wanted to. He could have easily garnered the prince's attention without it. But what was the fun in that.
Lei Ming's lips pressed into a thin line, her anger barely contained. "You presume to know better than your superiors? You think yourself clever? You forget your place, Anming. One day your arrogance will bring us ruin."
Anming bowed his head lower. "I only wish for the family's success, Madam." And it's downfall.
"Enough," Lei Ming spat. "Go to your quarters. If you dare cause another scandal, I will see you beaten myself."
Anming rose, bowing deeply. "As you command, Madam."
He turned and left, the tension heavy in the air behind him.
Anming's quarters were quiet, a sanctuary of shadows and cool stone. He undressed in silence, peeling away the layers of silk and powder that made him "Mei Lan." The marks on his own skin, invisible to the world, were a constant reminder of who he truly was.
He filled the wooden tub with hot water, the steam curling up in lazy whorls. He sank into the bath, letting the warmth seep into his bones, washing away the day's sweat and dust.
The water stung where it touched old scars and new bruises, but Anming indulged in the pain. It reminded him he was still alive.
He closed his eyes, replaying the day's events in his mind. The humiliation of Mei Lan, the satisfaction of seeing her brought low, the careful dance with Haoran, the Empress's approval. Every detail was cataloged, weighed, and stored away.
He thought of Haoran's probing gaze, the subtle threat in his charm, the promise of more. Anming would have to be careful. The prince was no fool, and the palace was a nest of vipers.
Sleep would not come easily tonight, but Anming did not mind. Rest was for those who could afford to let down their guard.
By morning, the palace and noble houses buzzed with fresh gossip. Word of "Mei Lan's" beauty, skill, and humility had spread like wildfire. In every tea-house, in every parlor, ladies whispered about her flawless archery and her enigmatic refusal of the Empress's favor.
At the Su residence, a procession arrived bearing gifts: silks, jewels, rare teas, and a gilded invitation sealed with the 1st prince's insignia. The message was clear: the prince's interest in Mei Lan had been piqued.
Mei Lan, still sore and seething, was nevertheless elated. She clutched the invitation to her chest, her eyes shining with renewed ambition. "He's noticed me. I will be crown princess. I know it."
Lei Ming nodded, her anger forgotten in the face of opportunity. "You must be perfect from now on. No more mistakes."
Anming watched from the shadows, a small, knowing smile playing at the corner of his lips. Let them celebrate for now. Every step they took toward their ambitions brought them closer to falling down the rabbit hole.
The game was only beginning.