Chapter 3

   Liu Mei’s chambers were dimly lit by the soft glow of morning sunlight filtering through the heavy curtains. Her mind, clouded with the dreams she had just escaped, felt the weariness of a long night lingering on her as she finally drifted off to sleep. The silence of her quarters wrapped around her like a protective veil. Her breathing slowed as she surrendered to rest.

Hours later, the gentle knock of Shiu Meng, her personal maid, disrupted the stillness. The maid’s soft voice echoed in the room. "Miss, Miss Liu Yan is in the courtyard. She insists on seeing you."

Liu Mei stirred, her long, dark lashes fluttering open. For a moment, confusion clouded her mind, but as the words settled, she sat up, slowly pushing aside the silk covers. It was not usual for Liu Yan to be so insistent. Liu Mei leaned back against the soft cushions of her bed and glanced at Shiu Meng.

"Tell her to wait," Liu Mei’s voice was calm, though a tinge of curiosity lingered in her tone. "I’m busy."

Shiu Meng hesitated, then nodded obediently and left, leaving Liu Mei alone again. She returned to the book she had been reading, but her thoughts drifted. It was strange, indeed. Liu Yan usually came straight in, always eager to chat or complain, but today… today, something felt off. Her fingers idly traced the edges of the book as her mind wandered, grappling with vague memories of a certain conversation, a certain prince. She frowned but pushed the thoughts aside, deciding to focus on her reading.

Time passed, and the light in the room shifted from the golden warmth of early morning to the soft coolness of midday. The usual quietness of her chambers felt oppressive. When half an hour had passed, Liu Mei finally set the book aside. She sighed and glanced toward the door, knowing she could no longer avoid the inevitable.

"Let her in," Liu Mei called out softly.

Within moments, the door opened, and Liu Yan entered with the grace of a woman used to being the center of attention. Her beauty was striking, her features delicate yet commanding. But it was not her appearance that caught Liu Mei’s attention—it was the way she was dressed. Liu Yan was clad in an extravagant gown of deep red silk, trimmed with gold embroidery, and adorned with intricate jewels. It was a dress Liu Mei had worn many times before, a gown so familiar that the sight of it now felt almost like a personal intrusion.

But it wasn’t just the dress. Everything about Liu Yan screamed of Liu Mei’s life. Her jewelry. Her fan. Her hairpins. All were hers.

Liu Yan stood there, unbothered by the weight of the silence in the room. She didn’t greet Liu Mei, didn’t acknowledge her presence with any formality. Instead, she marched directly forward, her expression filled with a rare intensity.

"Why did you do it?" Liu Yan’s voice was sharp, carrying an edge of concern and accusation. "Why did you fall into that pond? You’ve brought shame on yourself. You’ve made a mockery of everything we’ve worked for."

Liu Mei remained unmoved, her gaze cool and unreadable as she returned to her book, ignoring the ranting of the younger woman. Her fingers traced the spine of the book in delicate rhythm, as though the words on the page held more significance than whatever Liu Yan was saying.

The silence stretched, and Liu Yan’s frustration grew. Her words became louder, more urgent, as she paced back and forth in front of Liu Mei. "You can’t just give up like this. The prince—"

The mention of the prince stung like a silent slap, but Liu Mei didn’t flinch. Instead, she slowly lowered the book, her eyes never leaving Liu Yan’s face. Her thoughts turned cold, like the deep waters of the pond. The prince had come that day yes, the very same day Liu Mei had fallen into the water, drenched and humiliated. He had come to see Liu Yan, not her.

        "Liu Yan, do I need to remind you that you're a Shu daughter and I'm the di daughter of this Fu."

TN: Di means legitimate, born by the official wife.

Shu means Born by a concubine.

Fu means household.  

    Liu Yan stood there, her mouth slightly open in shock, as Liu Mei’s words hung in the air. The usual meek and submissive Liu Mei, the one who followed Liu Yan’s every word, had disappeared. The girl before her now was sharp, composed, and unyielding.

For a moment, Liu Yan hesitated. Her eyes narrowed, her lips parted as if to say something anything before she could process this shift. But before she could form the words, Liu Mei’s voice cut through the silence with cold finality.

“Shui Meng,” Liu Mei called out, her gaze never leaving Liu Yan’s shocked face. “send my words to the punishment court, that Liu Yan should be punished, she, a mere child horn from a Shu,has failed to greet the Di daughter of the Liu household in her own courtyard. It is only fitting that she be punished for her disrespect.”

Shui Meng, who had been standing quietly by the door, nodded immediately. Her eyes flickered from Liu Mei to Liu Yan, understanding the weight of the situation. She rushed out of the room, leaving Liu Yan standing there, rooted in disbelief.

Liu Yan’s face flushed with a mix of anger and humiliation. She opened her mouth, but her words failed her. Her usual self-assurance had cracked, leaving behind a vulnerable girl struggling to regain control.

“Wait! You can’t—” Liu Yan started, but Liu Mei raised a hand, silencing her.

“Do not speak,” Liu Mei said, her voice low and firm. “You have already spoken enough.”

Liu Yan’s hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. This was not how she had imagined confronting Liu Mei. She had thought she would walk in, chastise her for her pitiful display, and leave with her usual dominance intact. But now, the tables had turned, and she could not understand how it had happened so quickly.

Liu Mei stood up, her posture poised and regal. “You dare come into my court with arrogance, Liu Yan. You have forgotten your place.”

Liu Yan’s breath hitched, the sting of the words landing heavily. She had no response. Her mind scrambled to regain control, but it was too late. Liu Mei’s presence filled the room like a storm, and she could only stand there, facing the girl she had once thought beneath her.

With one final glance, Liu Mei turned away, her back straight, her every movement deliberate. “Now leave. You are not worthy of being here any longer.”

Liu Yan, her cheeks burning with the weight of her disgrace, stormed out of the room, her footsteps echoing in the hallway. The door slammed behind her with a finality that made the room feel colder.

Alone, Liu Mei exhaled deeply, a calm smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The first step had been taken. Now, she would move carefully, patiently. She had no need to prove anything to Liu Yan anymore.

And as for the third prince? That was a matter for another time.

-