Mei Lin bit her lower lip, struggling to catch her breath, trying to calm herself before answering in a slightly trembling voice, "I only want to satisfy you, Your Majesty."
Emperor Li Xuan chuckled softly, a low voice that stirred the heart. He spun Mei Lin around to face him, lifting her chin with his index finger so their eyes met. "And I… am very satisfied." But before leaving, he sat back down on the edge of the bed. His gaze fixed on Mei Lin's face with a look that made her hold her breath. "Starting tonight, your chambers will be guarded exclusively by the imperial guards," he said. "And anyone who tries to touch you without my permission… will have to answer to me."
Mei Lin lowered her head, clutching the edge of the blanket tightly to her chest. She was speechless—only a storm roaring inside her heart. This was no ordinary king's concern. It was a silent declaration that would shake the entire palace.
Emperor Li Xuan stroked his cheek once more before standing up. But just as he was about to leave, he glanced back and said softly, "Rest well, Mei Lin. You have stolen tonight… and a part of my thoughts."
The door closed quietly behind him. Mei Lin remained seated, silent, her heart pounding in the stillness. She looked at the imperial robe still draped over her, then murmured inwardly, "I didn't come here to fall in love. But if this is the path… will I be strong enough to endure?"
Dawn seeped slowly through the wooden window slats, illuminating the chambers that had silently witnessed their night of closeness. Mei Lin still hadn't moved. She leaned against the bed, Emperor Li Xuan's robe folded neatly on her lap.
Her hand brushed the fabric gently, as if trying to comprehend what had really happened. The touch, the words, the emperor's gaze—all still lingered, leaving marks that were hard to erase.
"You have stolen tonight… and a part of my thoughts."
That phrase echoed in her mind, making her chest flutter once more. She came to the palace with a clear mission—not as a woman seeking to capture Emperor Li Xuan's heart, but as someone determined to survive the game of power. Yet now, doubt crept in. Could her heart really stay away from such warm attention? From such tangible protection?
She took a deep breath, then slowly rose from the bed. The morning light touched her skin, still wrapped in the soft, thin fabric. A soft knock came at the door.
"Consort Mei Lin," came the gentle voice of Xie Zhen, her trusted servant. "Breakfast is ready. May I bring it in?"
Mei Lin sat up slowly. Her long hair flowed loose, partly covering her shoulders, and her beautiful eyes looked tired but shone with an inexplicable sparkle. She turned her head slowly. "I want to eat in the garden, Xie Zhen. I need some fresh air. Please prepare everything."
Xie Zhen looked surprised but dared not ask further. He knew after the night spent with Emperor Li Xuan, every step Mei Lin took would be under the palace's watchful eyes. Yet he also knew Mei Lin was not a girl who would hide after becoming the center of attention. She was not only beautiful—she was sharp, and now beginning to realize how valuable she was in the eyes of the Emperor and the entire palace.
"Very well, Consort," he said obediently. Swiftly, Xie Zhen left the pavilion upon hearing Mei Lin's wish. He walked briskly to the guard post where the palace guards stood watch. Bowing politely, he spoke quietly but firmly to one of the chief guards.
"Consort Mei Lin wishes to have breakfast in the Lotus Garden. I request that this be conveyed directly to His Majesty Emperor Li Xuan."
The guard frowned slightly, realizing this was an unusual request for a consort who had only just gained the emperor's attention the previous night. Still, he dared not refuse.
"Understood. I will convey it immediately."
Shortly after, the messenger returned with the Emperor's direct permission.
"His Majesty grants permission. Consort Mei Lin is allowed to enjoy breakfast in the Lotus Garden," the guard told Xie Zhen, his tone more respectful than usual. "He also sends a message… that two personal guards will keep watch at a distance. By direct order of the Emperor."
Xie Zhen's eyes widened briefly but he quickly bowed respectfully. "Thank you."
He knew this was serious. This was no ordinary morning stroll permission. It was a statement. That Mei Lin's position—though not yet officially clear—was already different from other consorts.
As Xie Zhen prepared clothes and makeup, in the distance, the sound of quick footsteps approached the Main Consort's residence. The news of last night… was no longer just a rumor. And now, a small storm was gathering.
A servant knelt deeply before Main Consort Han, head bowed low. Cold sweat dampened his temples. "Your Majesty… forgive me. I only bring what I heard at the palace guard post this morning."
Main Consort Han frowned. She sat gracefully on the dragon-carved chair, but her eyes were sharp as a blade. "Speak quickly. What did you see?"
The servant swallowed hard before saying, "The new consort, Mei Lin… she requested permission from Emperor Li Xuan through her personal servant to have her breakfast in the Lotus Garden," he said, bowing.
SLAM!
Main Consort Han slammed her tea cup on the table, spilling some of its contents. "How dare she show herself as if that garden belongs to her!"
The servant shivered but continued. "Even… I heard she went out with the Emperor's direct permission."
Main Consort Han rose, her blood-red silk gown swirling arrogantly as she stepped forward. "Of course. It's clear. The Emperor is beginning to be dazzled by that raw beauty."
Another servant standing to the right quickly tried to calm her, "Your Majesty, perhaps she just wanted to enjoy the morning air—"
"Silence!" she snapped sharply.
"Is the new consort allowed to choose as she pleases, strutting in the garden like a queen?!" She turned to look at the ladies-in-waiting around her. "Prepare my sedan chair. I want to walk around too. Let everyone know who really holds the place in this palace."
One servant cautiously asked, "Does Your Majesty wish to visit the Lotus Garden as well?"
Main Consort Han smiled coldly. "Of course. I want to see for myself what kind of flowers bloom this morning. And… to pick them if necessary."
Mei Lin had changed her clothes. Now she wore a soft pale purple hanfu embroidered with clouds and cherry blossoms on the sleeves. Her hair was half up in a simple silver hairpin. Not flashy, but enough to make people silent when she walked by.
Xie Zhen walked beside her carrying a tray with warm tea and rice cakes. Two guards in light armor followed several steps behind, silent and alert. Along the way to the Lotus Garden, the palace servants bowed their heads. But from the corner of their eyes, many stole glances. Whispered murmurs began to spread.
"There she is…""Consort Mei Lin…""The one with the Emperor last night…""She's so beautiful…"
No words were needed. Their looks alone made the air feel hotter. But Mei Lin walked without hesitation. Her steps were light but firm. She knew all eyes were on her, and she chose not to be afraid.
Xie Zhen glanced at his mistress briefly. He saw the change. Mei Lin was no longer the shy, confused girl in the palace. There was determination in her gaze—a determination only those who know that to survive here… beauty alone is not enough. You must be strong.
Lotus Garden – Inner Palace
The sound of water trickling from the lotus pond mingled with the morning birdsong. In the middle of the garden, Mei Lin sat gracefully under the shade of a plum tree, her face radiant though her eyes still carried the fatigue from the night before.
Xie Zhen poured tea into a small cup while whispering, "The weather is wonderful, Miss. This garden has never looked more beautiful."
Mei Lin smiled gently. "Or maybe it's because my heart is a little calmer today." But the calm lasted only briefly.
The sound of footsteps and the jingling of a sedan chair bell disturbed the garden's peace. The servants and guards nearby bowed as Main Consort Han arrived, accompanied by her ladies-in-waiting walking with practiced steps and proud faces.
"Consort Mei Lin," greeted Consort Han sweetly but with a sting. "What a beautiful morning. I didn't expect we'd meet so soon in the palace garden."
Xie Zhen froze. "Main Consort…"