'What? Is she in her right mind? Is she serious? I think there's... something wrong with her—no, no, no, she must be joking. Just stay calm. She must be testing my bravery.'
Mèi cleared her throat once more before speaking in her most loyal tone—a little dramatic, perhaps. "I... if that's your order, then I would accept it without any question."
She heard her chuckle, the way noble ladies did. Only a soft "Hm hm." Then Míyǐn stood and walked toward her closet.
"Even more interesting. Quite loyal, too. Firing you would be a loss for Liànlěi kingdom." She took out two sets of robes—one plain white, the other royal deep red.
Mèi's lips parted in surprise.
'Is she... not firing me?'
"You've passed my test. You may go back to your chamber. I'll not tell anyone about tonight. And do change your robe before leaving." She handed Mèi the white robe.
Mèi hesitated, took it—it felt like another trap—then quickly ran behind the changing screen.
---
The next day felt like a threat to Mèi. She couldn't shake the worry: when would Míyǐn expose everything? She was distracted during her daily duties with the older royals and Míyǐn's other sisters.
Breakfast time. The family gathered around the table, the king speaking, the queen nodding, the other sisters offering their opinions.
Mèi nearly dropped a large tray of liquor glasses when Míyǐn entered the hall—wearing the same deep red robe Mèi had seen her choose the night before.
Her eyes landed on Mèi. Perhaps she noticed her embarrassment. She also noticed how Mèi kept glancing at the luxurious food.
Míyǐn sat silently at her place, sharing a quiet moment with her family.
"Do you have a question, dear?" her father asked, noticing her distant gaze.
Mèi tensed. 'Oh no, she's going to expose me!'
Míyǐn looked up through her lashes, set down her chopsticks, and dabbed her lips with a napkin before speaking. "Recently, I've felt the need for a personal maid."
Her family blinked. The sisters exchanged glances.
"But you already have two," her mother said.
Míyǐn nodded once. "I need someone more personal. Someone who can handle my affairs throughout the day. A certain type can't fulfill this. I need someone loyal."
Her father sighed, setting down his cup. "Then... what is your opinion on the matter?"
Mèi watched silently, a strange feeling stirring in her chest.
"I'll choose one from the newly arrived maids." Míyǐn's answer came almost immediately, her tone soft yet quietly sharp.
"Alright. Permission granted." Her father agreed and returned to his drink.
Without another word, Míyǐn stood and walked toward Mèi.
Mèi felt her soul might circle the entire palace in silent panic.
Others watched, curious but silent.
"I choose her." The decision was final. She claimed the newly arrived Mèi as her personal maid—a position far too grand for a newcomer.
Mèi couldn't believe her ears. Not after last night.
Míyǐn's silent eyes stayed on her. Her family glanced at Mèi, their gazes holding nothing special—they knew nothing, and the demand wasn't strange enough to question.
Míyǐn's older sister rolled her eyes lightly and returned to her novel. The other three sisters murmured among themselves and with their parents.
After a moment, Míyǐn's father spoke again. "If you desire this so much, keep her. We don't usually grant such positions to newcomers without proper proof, but since you've chosen her... perhaps she truly is suited for this."
Míyǐn nodded once. "I do."
Mèi couldn't refuse. The position was luxurious, and she needed it. She accepted with respect, bowing to them all. "I am honored by this position, Your Highness."
---
Later that day, Mìan Mèi began handling every personal task Míyǐn asked of her—tying her robes, arranging her hair. Almost as if these tasks were excuses to keep her close.
Because none of it truly required her. Míyǐn could tie her own hair better, and her waist belt fastened at the front—no help needed.
Yet Míyǐn would teach her. How to do this, how to arrange that. Things mistresses never bothered with.
Mèi found it strange, awkward. But Míyǐn would say: "I'm not a man to get flustered. Maids like you exist at other princesses' doorways too. So why not me?"
It left Mèi speechless. Every word held logic.
And that was dangerous—when someone could sense something was off but couldn't prove it.
Their relationship grew. Almost like friends.
Mèi grew comfortable. She had someone to talk to in this vast palace, where she could only meet her parents once a month—money sent by guards, or her younger brother Tòng Yù visiting the public garden behind the palace.
Five months passed.
Míyǐn grew closer, more possessive. Like a protector. Like a hen with her eggs.
And Mìan Mèi was that egg.
Not odd. Not yet. But still... something felt off.
---
One day, Mèi received a letter from her parents.
She was working on Míyǐn's hair when the letter arrived. The stubborn woman refused to let her touch it.
"I keep track of everything concerning my personal maid. I'll read it aloud so you can hear. Don't lower your hands—my head still aches from the meeting."
Mèi huffed lightly, no longer hesitating as before. The line between maid and mistress barely existed in their minds anymore.
"Yes, Your Highness. As you wish."
Míyǐn's lips curved slightly—mischief poking through her polite mask.
She began reading:
"Dear Mìan Mèi,
It's been so long since we've spent time together under the open sky in the cornfield. If your mistress grants you a day off..." She paused, as if feeling their ache. "...please come to meet us. Your father misses you terribly. He still says it was his fault—for your current situation. We'll be waiting.
If she does not give you a day off, we invite her with deep respect as well. She has kept you under her roof not as a discarded servant, but as a wise woman with a heart."
The air grew colder as the words hung between them.
Mèi quickly, almost awkwardly, reached for the letter. "My apologies—"
But Míyǐn looked at her with both curiosity and empathy. She wanted answers.
"What fault? May I know?"
Before Mèi could reply, she added: "And I'm not giving you a day off. Because I'm invited. And I won't deny it."