Mei Lin's POV
The new quarters arrived with the morning sun.
Servants appeared at my door carrying my few belongings—which took approximately thirty seconds since I owned almost nothing. Eunuch Chen supervised, his sharp eyes missing nothing.
The Emperor has been generous, Noble Lady. He gestured for me to follow. Your new residence is in the eastern pavilion.
The eastern pavilion was nowhere near the cold, forgotten corner where I'd spent my first night. It sat in a pleasant garden with actual sunlight and flowers that hadn't died from neglect.
The room inside was ten times larger than my previous quarters. A real bed with silk covers. Screens painted with birds. A proper washing basin. Windows that actually closed.
It was beautiful.
It was also a declaration of war.
The other Noble Ladies will not be pleased, Chen said quietly. You've risen two ranks in two days. That's... unprecedented.
I'm aware.
Good. He studied me with those hawk-like eyes. Because Lian will interpret this as a direct challenge. You've caught the Emperor's attention in a way no one has in years. She'll see you as a threat to her position.
She already tried to kill me. Twice.
Chen's eyebrows rose slightly. The assassins. I wondered. He lowered his voice. How did you survive?
I convinced them that killing me would get them killed.
Clever. He paused. Noble Lady, may I speak frankly?
Please.
I've served this palace for thirty years. I've seen concubines come and go. Most are beautiful but vapid. Some are intelligent but too ambitious. You're different.
Different how?
You have nobility in your bones. The way you speak, carry yourself, think strategically—that's not something you learn as a servant. You were born to it. His eyes were knowing. I don't know who you really are, and I won't ask. But I recognize quality when I see it.
My throat went tight. Why are you telling me this?
Because the Emperor needs someone like you. Someone intelligent who challenges him. He's been lonely for too long, surrounded by sycophants and manipulators. Chen's voice softened. I've watched him become harder. Colder. Then you appeared and he laughed. Actually laughed. I haven't heard that in years.
I'm not here to make him happy.
Aren't you? Chen smiled slightly. Then why do you keep returning to his chambers? Why does your face soften when you speak of him?
It doesn't
Yes, it does. He moved toward the door. Your servants will arrive within the hour. The banquet is tonight. I suggest you prepare carefully. Lian will be watching for any weakness.
He left me alone in my new beautiful cage.
I sat on the silk bed and let myself feel the weight of it all. Two days ago I was scrubbing floors. Now I had servants and fine quarters and the Emperor's favor.
And enemies who wanted me dead.
A knock interrupted my thoughts.
Come in.
Tang Qing burst through the door, eyes wide. Mei Lin! Have you seen this place? It's huge! And the bed—you have an actual bed!
Despite everything, I smiled. I know.
She spun around, taking it all in. Then her face turned serious. This is going to make Lian furious.
I'm counting on it.
That's insane.
Maybe. I pulled her to sit beside me. But if she's angry, she'll make mistakes. And when she makes mistakes, I can use them.
Tang Qing gripped my hand. I have information. About Lian. You were right—she meets someone outside the palace walls. I couldn't see who, but I heard them talking. Something about shipments and money transfers.
Embezzlement. Just like I thought.
There's more. Tang Qing lowered her voice even though we were alone. One of the older servants told me Lian wasn't always Imperial Noble Consort. Six years ago, she was just a Noble Lady. Then three concubines above her died mysteriously and she rose through the ranks.
Six years ago. The same time my family was destroyed.
What else happened six years ago?
A major corruption scandal. The Emperor executed several officials for embezzlement. But the servant said everyone knew they were scapegoats. The real criminals were protected by powerful people.
Prime Minister Wei. It had to be. He'd used my father as a scapegoat too.
Tang Qing, I need you to do something dangerous.
How dangerous?
Tonight at the banquet, Lian will try to poison me again. I need you to get an antidote from the physician's stores. Without being caught.
Her face went pale. If they catch me stealing medicine
I know. But it's the only way to expose her. I'll drink the poisoned wine. You'll give me the antidote. I'll survive and everyone will know she tried to kill me.
That's insane!
It's strategic. I met her eyes. Lian thinks I'm weak. Powerless. I need to show her she's wrong. And I need witnesses.
Tang Qing was quiet for a long moment. Then she nodded. Okay. I'll get the antidote. But Mei Lin, if this goes wrong
It won't.
You can't know that.
No. But I can plan for every possibility. I squeezed her hand. Trust me?
Always.
After she left, I spent the afternoon preparing. Servants arrived—three maids assigned to help me dress, style my hair, and navigate court protocols. They were young and nervous, clearly afraid of serving the controversial new favorite.
What are your names? I asked.
The boldest one spoke. I'm Hua, Noble Lady. This is Mei and Xiao.
Have you served in the Inner Court long?
Two years, Noble Lady.
Then you know the dangers. Anyone serving me will make enemies. I looked at each of them. If you want to request a different assignment, I'll arrange it. No punishment.
They exchanged glances. Then Hua spoke again. The other servants say you're different. That you treat people with respect. That you were one of us.
I was. For six years.
Then we'll serve you gladly, Noble Lady.
Something warm bloomed in my chest. Loyalty given freely, not bought with fear.
Thank you. Help me prepare for tonight's banquet. I need to look like I belong.
They worked magic. Hua styled my hair in an elegant twist with jade pins—gifts from the Emperor's stores. Mei chose a rose-colored robe that actually fit properly. Xiao applied subtle cosmetics that made my eyes look larger, my lips fuller.
When they finished, I barely recognized myself in the bronze mirror.
I looked like nobility.
You're beautiful, Noble Lady, Hua said softly.
I look the part. That's all that matters.
As sunset approached, my stomach twisted with nerves. Tonight I'd walk into Lian's trap deliberately. Drink poison. Trust that Tang Qing would save me in time.
It was possibly the stupidest plan I'd ever made.
But it was also the boldest. And sometimes boldness was the only way to survive.
A knock. Eunuch Chen's voice. Noble Lady Mei Lin. It's time.
I stood, smoothing my robes. Checked that the small vial Tang Qing had slipped me earlier was secure in my sash, backup antidote, just in case.
I'm ready.
The Lotus Pavilion blazed with lanterns. Concubines filled the space, dressed in their finest robes. Servants circulated with trays of food and wine.
And at the head table, presiding like a queen, sat Imperial Noble Consort Lian.
Her smile was poisonous when she saw me. Noble Lady Mei Lin. How lovely you look. The Emperor's favor suits you.
Every eye in the pavilion turned to study me. Whispers rippled through the crowd.
Thank you, Imperial Noble Consort Lian. You're too kind to host this banquet.
Not at all. We must welcome our new sister properly. Lian gestured to a cushion directly across from her. Please, sit in the place of honor.
The place where everyone could watch me die.
I sat gracefully, chin high. Imperial Concubine Su sat to my right, offering a small, concerned smile.
Are you sure about this? Su whispered.
No. But I'm doing it anyway.
Servants brought course after course. Delicate pastries. Roasted duck. Fruits carved into flowers. I ate sparingly, watching everything.
Finally, Lian stood. A toast! To Noble Lady Mei Lin. May your time with us be long and prosperous.
Servants filled everyone's cups with plum wine from large pitchers.
Everyone except me.
A different servant approached with a single cup on a tray. The wine inside was darker. Thicker.
There it was.
My heart hammered but I kept my face calm. I caught Tang Qing's eye across the pavilion. She had the antidote ready.
This was it.
Lian raised her cup. To new beginnings.
Everyone drank.
I lifted my cup and met Lian's eyes. Saw the triumph there. The certainty that I was about to die.
I smiled.
Then drank the entire cup in one swallow.
The wine burned going down. Sweet with a bitter chemical undertone.
For a heartbeat, nothing happened.
Then fire exploded in my stomach.
I gasped. The cup slipped from my fingers, shattering against the floor.
Mei Lin? Su's voice sounded distant.
The room tilted violently. My vision blurred. I tried to stand but my legs wouldn't work.
I collapsed sideways, head cracking against the floor.
Screams erupted. Footsteps. Chaos.
Through fading vision, I saw Tang Qing pushing through the crowd. She had the antidote. Just had to hold on
Everyone stay back! Lian's voice cut through the panic. Give her air!
She's dying! Su's voice. Someone get the physician!
It's probably just weak constitution. Lian knelt beside me. Her face swam in my vision. Too much wine. Poor thing.
She was going to let me die. Right here. Claim natural causes.
My fingers clawed at the floor. Couldn't breathe. Vision going dark.
Tang Qing broke through the crowd. Let me help!
A servant touching nobility? Inappropriate. Lian's voice was ice. Guards—
What's happening here? A commanding voice boomed through the pavilion.
Prince Zhao Feng strode in, hand on his sword. Behind him was Eunuch Chen.
Prince Feng. Lian stood quickly. We're having a small celebration. Nothing to—
That woman is dying from poison. Feng's eyes were sharp. I've seen battlefield poisonings. I know the symptoms.
It's just wine
Then you won't mind if the physician tests it. Feng knelt beside me. You. Servant. You have medicine. Give it. Now.
Tang Qing didn't hesitate. She forced the vial between my lips.
Bitter herbs and hope.
For agonizing seconds, nothing changed.
Then warmth spread through my chest. The fire cooled. Air rushed back into my lungs.
I gasped and coughed. Prince Feng supported my back as I struggled to sit up.
My vision cleared slowly. The room came back into focus.
Every concubine stared in shock. Lian's face had gone white as death.
Interesting. Prince Feng stood, towering over Lian. A servant just happened to have antidote ready. Almost like someone knew there would be poison.
This is absurd. Lian's voice shook. No one poisoned
Then the wine will test clean. Feng gestured to the shattered cup. I'll have the imperial physicians examine it personally.
Su stepped forward. The wine was different. A separate cup just for Noble Lady Mei Lin. I witnessed it.
Other concubines nodded. One spoke up. I saw it too.
Lian's carefully constructed trap was collapsing.
Guards. Prince Feng's voice was steel. Escort Imperial Noble Consort Lian to await the Emperor's judgment. Attempted murder of an imperial concubine is treason.
You have no authority Lian's composure finally shattered.
The Emperor gave me authority to protect his household. Feng's smile was sharp. You just tried to murder his favorite. That's definitely my jurisdiction.
Guards surrounded Lian. Her face twisted with rage.
This isn't over, she hissed at me. You think you've won? You know nothing. My cousin will—
Will what? Feng interrupted. Confess to being part of this conspiracy? Please, continue.
Lian's mouth snapped shut.
The guards dragged her away.
Prince Feng helped me to my feet. Can you walk?
I think so. My legs wobbled but held.
Good. The Emperor wants to see you immediately.
My stomach dropped. Now?
Yes. He's been waiting for my report. Feng's expression was knowing. You planned this. The poison, the antidote, the public exposure. Clever.
I don't know what
Save it. I recognized strategy when I saw it. My cousin's going to want answers. He gestured toward the door. Let's go.
As we walked through the pavilion, Su caught my eye. She smiled slightly. Respect.
I'd survived. And I'd exposed Lian publicly.
But walking toward the Emperor's throne room, I felt dread pooling in my stomach.
He'd want to know how I'd known about the poison. How I'd planned so carefully. Why I'd risked my life instead of just refusing the wine.
And I had no good answers that didn't reveal too much.
We reached the throne room. The doors stood open.
Inside, the Emperor sat on his throne. But he wasn't alone.
Standing beside him was Prime Minister Wei.
And the way Wei looked at me, with knowing eyes and a cold smile, made my blood freeze.
Ah, Wei said pleasantly. The remarkable Noble Lady Mei Lin. So good of you to survive. Again.
The Emperor's face was unreadable. Prince Feng. Report.
Imperial Noble Consort Lian attempted to poison Noble Lady Mei Lin at tonight's banquet. Multiple witnesses. Mei Lin survived due to antidote administered by a servant. The poisoned wine is being tested now.
I see. The Emperor's voice was dangerously quiet. And Mei Lin? Do you have anything to add?
I stepped forward on shaking legs. Wei watched me like a cat watching a mouse.
Only that this was the second attempt on my life in two days, Your Majesty. I came prepared.
Prepared. The Emperor's eyes pinned me. How did you know to bring antidote?
Trap. This was a trap.
I didn't know specifically. But given the previous assassination attempt, I thought it wise to take precautions.
Very wise indeed, Wei interjected smoothly. Almost as if you expected to be poisoned. One might wonder if you provoked such a response deliberately.
My heart stopped. He was turning this around. Making me look like the aggressor.
I provoked nothing. I simply attended a banquet.
Where you accepted my cousin's wine despite knowing her reputation. Wei's smile never wavered. Some might call that foolish. Others might call it calculated.
Are you suggesting I poisoned myself?
I'm suggesting you're far more clever than you appear, Noble Lady. A servant who rises to imperial favor in two days? Who survives multiple assassination attempts through sheer wit? That's... unusual.
The Emperor watched our exchange silently. I couldn't read his expression.
Prime Minister Wei, I said carefully, if you're accusing me of something, please be direct.
Not an accusation. An observation. Wei's eyes glittered. You remind me of someone. Someone from years ago. Can't quite place it.
He was playing with me. Like a cat with a mouse.
Many people remind each other of someone, I said.
True. But there's something specific about you. Your bearing. Your intelligence. The way you think strategically. He turned to the Emperor. Your Majesty, perhaps we should investigate Noble Lady Mei Lin's background more thoroughly. For security purposes.
No. No no no.
That won't be necessary. The Emperor's voice cut through the tension. I'm satisfied with what I know.
Wei's eyebrows rose. Your Majesty
Lian attempted murder. That's treason. She'll be dealt with accordingly. The Emperor stood. As for Mei Lin, she defended herself cleverly. I see nothing wrong with that.
Of course, Your Majesty. Wei bowed but his eyes never left my face. I simply want to ensure the palace is secure. These are dangerous times.
Indeed they are. The Emperor descended from his throne. Everyone leave. Except Mei Lin.
Prince Feng and Wei exchanged glances. Then bowed and left.
The doors closed with an ominous boom.
I was alone with the Emperor.
And he looked furious.
You drank poison deliberately. His voice was ice. Knowing it could kill you. Knowing the antidote might not work in time.
Yes.
Why?
To expose Lian publicly. To show the court she's dangerous. To protect myself from future attempts.
By nearly dying? He crossed the distance between us in three strides. Do you have any idea—any idea—what it was like to hear you'd collapsed? That you were dying?
The raw emotion in his voice shocked me.
I had a plan
Plans fail! His hands gripped my shoulders. People die! You could have died!
But I didn't.
This time. His voice broke slightly. Mei Lin, you can't, I can't
He pulled me against his chest. His heart hammered against my ear.
I've known you for two days, he whispered into my hair. Two days and already the thought of losing you
He didn't finish. Just held me tighter.