"Had I truly shaken off danger, or was it only a matter of time before they found me again?"
———
Mei's Pov:
Something was off.
Something felt wrong the moment I stepped into Golden Lantern Alley.
A tight pull formed at the back of my neck, tight enough to make me slow down.
My instincts whispered that someone was on my trail.
I pretended to study a stall filled with hair ornaments and carefully glanced behind me.
And I was right.
The same men from the teahouse were there.
Their strange cloaks stood out among the crowd. They moved together, never far from my sight.
They acted like they were shopping, but I felt their eyes on me. No real merchant watched someone that closely.
My pulse kicked up as I slipped deeper into the crowd.
I ducked into a cloth stall. The bright colors of the silks blurred in my vision until I spotted a simple white dress with a light veil.
I bargained quickly, and the shopkeeper agreed. Then changed behind a screen.
When I stepped out, the change was obvious. The veil covered my face, leaving only my smile visible, warm and friendly. A young man, alone and looking kind, stood nearby. I walked over, and politely asked if he could escort me.
He smiled, clearly flattered, and offered his arm.
We walked together while I kept my face low. I spotted the men who had been following me, they looked confused, their eyes searching, but they couldn't find me anymore. Once we turned a corner, I smiled at my companion.
"Thank you for your company," I said, giving a smile that I hoped looked genuine.
"It was my pleasure," he replied with a polite bow. "I am Li Ming. What should I call you?"
"Meiying," I answered, deciding it was safe to share my name now.
Li Ming smiled warmly. "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I hope this won't be our last meeting, Meiying."
With another bow, he disappeared into the crowd.
I stood there. The men were still somewhere behind me, but I did not look for them. Losing them was enough for now.
They would return. Someone, somewhere would make their move soon.
I breathed deeply and slipped back into the busy street.
The palace
The sun had set when Cheng entered the palace's jewel-bright chamber. Ministers whispered behind their painted fans as the emperor slowly sat on his throne.
"The people are getting worried about the choice of the next emperor, your majesty."Minister Li began.
"Prince Cheng's health is...uncertain, and Prince Yizong shows no interest in ruling. Maybe we should name Prince Xuan as the first in line."
Cheng tensed but stayed silent. The emperor frowned, sinking further into the soft cushions of his throne.
"My son Cheng will follow me, as the heavens have decreed."
Another man stepped forward. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, this curse threatens the empire's stability. Prince Feng's line is free from magic, he would provide a reliable hand."
Murmurs grew louder, like the rumble of a storm, until the emperor slammed his fan onto the armrest.
"Enough!"
The court went silent instantly.
But in the averted gazes, Cheng felt that the storm within had slowly begun to rise.
As the emperor's voice rang through the throne room, Cheng felt the familiar tremor deep within.
Lokiàn Shén, clawing its way up his throat, with an overwhelming surge of energy.
Not now.
He swallowed hard, locking his knees to stay upright as sweat ran down his face. If the curse took over now, his weakness would show and his enemies would have the proof they needed.
Carefully, Cheng mumbled the words that usually calmed him. But this time, the fury within surged stronger, fed by days of suppressed anguish. The power roared, refusing to be contained.
He gritted his teeth, summoning every ounce of strength from his weary body, forcing the spirit back, inch by inch, until it finally retreated. When he opened his eyes again, his visions had cleared, and no one seemed to have noticed the struggle.
The emperor's expression went serious. "I understand the people's concerns about the next successor, but Cheng have always been the best of my sons."
Sudden silence filled the room and Cheng sank to his knees. "Father...
It appeared like a gesture of respect, but inside, he felt drained from the struggle.
"Rise my son. My age and wisdom may fade, but I am still the master of this house. Cheng will be named heir and crowned emperor when I am gone."
Murmurs of dissent arose again, but the emperor's words were final.
As Cheng bowed deeply in gratitude and relief, he caught glimpses of disdain and calculation on the faces of some courtiers from the corners of his vision.
"Your Majesty, you cannot ignore Prince Cheng's cursed weakness!"Minister Li muttered. "The people will not accept a leader burdened by a curse."
"Prince Bai is strong and untainted,"another minister chimed in. "That was why the heavens blessed you with more sons."
The eldest among them, Minister Lao, stepped forward with a calm expression. "Great emperor, think of your realm in these fragile times. Is a cursed prince truly the right choice?"
The emperor's face was like carved stone as he raised a hand for silence. "My decision stands, only Cheng do I trust with the future of this realm."
With deep bows hiding their simmering anger, the ministers retreated.
The emperor sagged in his throne. "This court is dismissed!"
The ministers exited in unison, their complaints barely audible as they left. Only Cheng and Minister Lao remained.
"Your Highness, I fear dark days lie ahead for the realm," Lao murmured. "Keep your allies close and trust no pretty words. Danger can come disguised as a friend."
Bowing low, Lao took his leave, his shuffling footsteps echoing down the empty halls.
That night, Cheng slept in restless meditation, his mind and body unable to find peace.