CONTENT WARNING
This chapter contains themes that some readers may find sensitive or unsettling, including complex family dynamics and taboo implications. These elements are integral to the plot and are portrayed as morally conflicted and taboo within the story's world. They are not endorsed or romanticized. Please proceed with care, and feel free to skip if this content is distressing. Your well-being is important. Thank you for engaging with the story thoughtfully.
**************************************
The scent of medicinal incense drifted through the Emperor's chamber, the flickering lanterns casting long shadows against the embroidered silk curtains. The Empress sat beside her husband's bed, her delicate hands folded on her lap, her face pale from the injuries she had sustained. Yet, despite her weakened state, she exuded an aura of unwavering devotion.
The Emperor woke from his slumber, turning his gaze upon her, his brows furrowing with concern. "Zhen Hua, you look unwell."
She smiled wearily, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze. "I did not sleep much, Your Majesty. I was too worried about you."
His expression softened, and he reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. In his eyes, she was the perfect wife—beautiful, loyal, graceful, and endlessly devoted.
The chamber doors opened. Shui Yi, dressed in flowing blue robes, her presence as serene as the tides, walked beside Long Fei. When Zhen Hua saw the two of them together, her heart tightened, a bitterness tugging at the edges of her practiced gentle smile.
The Imperial Physician hurried to the Crown Prince. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, His Majesty's condition has not improved much. If we do not act soon—"
Long Fei placed his hand on the physician's shoulder. "There's no need for worry. I've brought the Legendary Healer with me."
Shui Yi stepped forward. She moved with the grace of the sea, kneeling before the Emperor's bedside as she took a deep breath. A soft hum filled the air, a warmth spreading through the chamber as her power flowed through her voice into him. The tension in his features eased, the pain in his body dissipating as her healing magic worked its way through his veins.
Zhen Hua, watching intently, felt her body tingle—her hidden wounds mending themselves. As expected. She had foreseen this outcome and planned for it. This healing magic would be very useful to her.
Shui Yi remained focused on the Emperor, seemingly unaware that her magic had touched others as well. But her body began to falter, her breath hitching as she swayed. She collapsed, and Long Fei caught her, drawing her against his chest. He cradled her as though she were made of fragile jade. His voice carried a rare gentleness. "You overexerted yourself again."
Zhen Hua's fingers dug into the silk of her sleeve. Watching him hold the mermaid made her blood boil. She stifled her rage and lowered her gaze, feigning gratitude as she spoke. "Legendary Healer, your kindness knows no bounds."
Still breathing heavily, the mermaid managed a faint smile as the prince helped her sit upright. "I just did what was right," she murmured.
The Emperor sat up, strength returning as his complexion regained its color. "You have saved me, Legendary Healer. How can I ever repay such kindness?"
She shook her head. "I'm glad you're feeling better, Your Majesty."
The Empress seized the moment, her voice laced with warmth. "Then let us express our gratitude properly. Tonight, allow me to host a banquet in your honor."
Long Fei's brows slightly furrowed as Shui Yi gave a graceful bow. "That is unnecessary, Your Majesty."
"I insist," the Empress said smoothly. "It would bring me great joy to celebrate this moment."
The Emperor nodded appreciatively. "Then it is settled."
***
The banquet hall was alight with golden lanterns, and the aroma of exotic spices danced through the air. A grand table was set, adorned with delicate porcelain and dishes of the finest delicacies.
Zhen Hua, dressed in an embroidered golden robe, elegantly poured wine into three cups. The flask she held was exquisitely crafted—an intricate piece with two compartments, undetectable to the untrained eye. One stored a fine vintage; the other, the prepared potion made from her blood.
She poured the potion into Shui Yi's cup, the vintage wine into Long Fei's, and her own. Lifting her glass, she smiled. "A toast—to the Legendary Healer who has saved our Emperor."
The Empress waited with bated breath as the mermaid lifted her glass. Long Fei took the glass from her grasp. "Mother, she does not drink alcohol, so I will drink in her stead."
Before Zhen Hua could stop him, he tipped his head back, downing both glasses. No! She clutched her hands beneath the table, her smile faltering.
He exhaled sharply and shook his head as a flush crept up his neck. Elbow braced on the table, he lowered his head to his hand. She caught the faintest trace of crimson veins blooming beneath his skin — the potion was sinking in.
"Long Fei, you didn't need to do that for me. I could have managed one glass," said Shui Yi. She placed a hand on his shoulder and he turned to her. Their gaze locked.
"Fei'er, are you alright?" the Empress asked, voice tight. But the prince did not respond. He continued to stare at the mermaid. She must separate them immediately. This was not how it was supposed to be.
"Legendary Healer, you must be tired from today, I will arrange a maid to escort you to your chamber." The Empress signaled a nearby maid to tend to their silver-haired guest, who lingered at the prince's side. After the pleading eyes from the maid, the guest stood and left the hall.
Zhen Hua rushed to the other side of the table. "Fei'er, are you alright?"
His head fell to the table with a resounding thud. People began to whisper. She cleared her throat and called a pair of eunuchs over. "Take the Crown Prince to his chamber. It seems the wine was a little too strong tonight."
The eunuchs wrapped an arm each around their shoulders and carried the prince out of the hall. A sharp pang stabbed at her heart. Oh no! The potion has taken effect.
She dashed out of the hall and to her private chamber. She locked her chamber door, closed the curtains, quickly located the hidden golden mechanism in the mural, and twisted it. The bookshelf slid to the side and she hurried down the narrow stone steps as the bookshelf slid shut behind her.
Another sharp pang at her heart made her gasp. The spell was backfiring. She rummaged through the scrolls for the ancient spell she had used, unfurled the parchment on her desk, and scanned it for warnings. In fine print at the bottom, it said: "Under no circumstances should this spell be used on your bloodline. The consequences would be dire."
That was it? No further elaborate explanation? She flipped the parchment over, heated it over a candle flame. There were no further notes.
In this lifetime, Long Fei was her blood son. How cruel must Fate be? She swiped everything off her desk and screamed.
The sound of her voice was swallowed by the stone walls as the torchlights flickered.