Battle of Palaces

Ru Lingyi sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers nervously intertwining as her thoughts spiraled. The dangerous wind she feared was inevitable, and she knew it would sweep through the Forbidden City with no regard for station or innocence. And yet, here she was, stranded in uncertainty, waiting for a response that seemed as though it might never come.

Her gaze shifted to the small writing desk across the room, where she had meticulously penned her last letter to Prince Lan. Days had passed, and no reply had been delivered. She pressed her palm against her forehead, exhaling deeply.

"Was it all a lie?" she murmured, the words hanging heavily in the still air.

Prince Lan's promises had felt sincere, but the gnawing doubts wouldn't let her rest. "What if I have been bamboozled?". The thought made her skin crawl. Yet another voice in her mind countered—Prince Lan cannot be playing me like this. He wouldn't do that.

The duality of her thoughts, hope battling with despair, only served to further frustrate her. Lingyi threw herself onto the bed, her gaze fixed on the wooden beams above as if they might offer some clarity.

"I need a breakthrough," she whispered to herself.

She considered seeking out Prince Lan herself, but the thought was swiftly dismissed. She had no idea where his manor was located, and even if she did, how would it look for her to chase after a man? The mere idea of lowering herself to such desperation brought a bitter laugh to her lips.

"No," she muttered firmly, "I still have my pride. I am not so cheap as to beg, even in this world."

But the truth was undeniable—she needed this alliance. She needed him. And she hated herself for it.

A sharp knock at the door startled her, snapping her out of her gloomy trance. Lingyi sat up reluctantly, smoothing her hair before moving to answer. She opened the door to find a junior maid of Chengqian Palace standing there, her head slightly bowed.

"Ru Lingyi," the maid said softly, "our mistress requests your presence immediately."

Lingyi's brow furrowed, but she nodded, stepping aside to let the girl leave. Her heart quickened as she closed the door. Why would Consort Xian call for me at this hour? she wondered as she straightened her robes and made her way toward Chengqian Hall.

Lingyi entered the grand hall of Chengqian Palace, her footsteps measured but deliberate. She braced herself for anything, but what she saw left her momentarily frozen at the doorway.

Seated at the elegant tea table at the center of the hall, his posture regal and at ease, was none other than Prince Lan. Opposite him sat Consort Xian, her composure as sharp as ever, her lips curved in a faint, knowing smile.

The room seemed to hum with an energy Lingyi couldn't place, and for a moment, she stood paralyzed. Her thoughts raced. What is he doing here? Why is he with her?

A deliberate cough from Prince Lan broke her trance, and Lingyi's eyes flicked toward Prince Lan, who was now watching her with faint amusement.

Realizing her blunder, she quickly lowered her gaze and stepped inside, her knees bending into a low bow. "Niang-niang," she said softly, addressing Consort Xian first, then turned to Prince Lan. "Your Highness."

Consort Xian set her tea cup down and ordered for lingyi to step forward.

Lingyi obeyed, her steps cautious as she approached. Her gaze flitted between the two, her thoughts racing. The ease with which they conversed was undeniable, yet it puzzled her.

Prince Lan set down his cup, leaning back with a relaxed air. "I imagine you're wondering why I'm here," he said, his tone light yet deliberate.

Lingyi hesitated but nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."

Before he could respond, Consort Xian spoke, her tone as calm as ever. "Perhaps I should clarify. Prince Lan is my cousin."

The words struck Lingyi like a physical blow. "Cousin?" she echoed, struggling to hide her disbelief.

"Yes," Prince Lan confirmed with a slight smile. "Surely you noticed some resemblance?"

Lingyi's mind raced. She had never suspected such a connection. It explained much about his confidence and yet, it also unsettled her.

"Now that this is clear," he continued, his tone softening, "let me speak plainly. I have come to make my intentions known. Lingyi, I wish to marry you."

The room seemed to still at his words. Lingyi froze, her heart pounding as she struggled to process the declaration. She has wanted him to come do this but still, everything looked awkward. Her eyes darted to Consort Xian, searching for her reaction.

Consort Xian regarded her with a measured expression. "The prince has shared his thoughts with me," she said. "While his intentions appear sincere, I've advised him to act with caution. Matters such as these require careful consideration."

Lingyi's throat felt dry, her voice barely audible as she replied, "I... I don't know what to say."

Prince Lan rose gracefully from his seat, his gaze fixed on her. "You don't need to say anything now," he assured her, his tone gentle yet firm. "But understand this: I am not one to make empty promises. I will ensure that we are united."

His words sent a jolt through Lingyi, a mix of hope and unease settling in her chest. She had longed for his support, but this—this was beyond anything she had imagined.

"Lingyi," Consort Xian's voice broke through her thoughts, drawing her attention. "You may leave us now. The prince and I have matters to discuss."

Lingyi bowed low, masking her bewilderment. "Yes, Mistress. Your Highness." With that, she retreated from the hall, her mind a whirl of confusion and disbelief.

---

Outside, Lingyi leaned against the corridor wall, her legs threatening to give way beneath her. She replayed the scene over and over, struggling to reconcile the man she thought she knew with the cousin of her mistress.

Inside Chengqian Hall, Consort Xian set her teacup down and regarded her said cousin with a raised brow. "You've always been bold, Lan," she said, her tone carrying a hint of reproach. "But this may be your most daring move yet."

Prince Lan met her gaze evenly. "I know what I want," he said simply.

"And you believe Lingyi is worth the risk?"

"I do," he replied without hesitation.

Consort Xian leaned back in her seat, studying him. "Then tread carefully. She is loyal to me, and for the time she has spent in my palace, I can say she is not a dumb one. You better look for another young lady."

"she is the perfect choice," Prince Lan promised.

Consort Xian's eyes narrowed slightly. "Well then, if you insist. But you must be careful, do not drag me into any drama of yours when things go south."

"I'll heed your advice," he said with a nod.

"See that you do," she replied, her tone firm. "This palace is not a place for careless ambition. One misstep, and both of you will pay the price."

Prince Lan's expression hardened. "I won't fail her. Or you."

---

As Lingyi returned to her quarters, her thoughts were a chaotic blend of emotions. The man she had placed her hope in was closer than ever, yet his connection to her mistress complicated everything. For the first time, she felt the weight of her position—not just as a maid, but as someone who had unwittingly become entangled in the intricate web of palace intrigue.

She sat by her window, staring out into the night. The prince's words echoed in her mind, filling her with a fragile hope. But in a world where promises were often broken, she knew better than to trust too easily. Time would reveal the truth, and until then, she could only wait—and prepare for whatever came next.