Lin Family Mansion.
Lin Meiying had barely eaten her food when she heard a loud noise from outside.
"Anrang, go see what's going on," Lin Meiying said to her maid, and the obedient girl nodded before standing up.
She didn't even get outside the small room when the wooden doors burst open. "Eldest sister, Father wants to see you immediately," Lin Suying said with a mischievous smirk.
Lin Meiying barely showed expression on her pale face, though she wondered why her father wanted to see her all of a sudden. He never cared if she lived or died.
Lin Meiying got up from her sitting position and walked toward her stepsister. "Lead the way," she said calmly.
Lin Suying scoffed and walked out of the room while Lin Meiying followed behind her. "My lady," Gu Anrang pressed her lips together.
She didn't trust Suying. The last time she was here, she led her lady to get flogged by Madam Lin.
Lin Meiying pressed Anrang's hand softly, then smiled at her as reassurance.
Lin Suying led them outside the small courtyard. Meiying's heart wouldn't stop drumming. She had a feeling something was about to happen.
She wondered what she did this time to warrant her father's attention.
They got to the main courtyard of the huge Lin mansion, and Lin Meiying was surprised to see palace guards and a eunuch.
An imperial decree?
Why would her presence be needed for an imperial decree?
She was never allowed outside her courtyard, even for an imperial decree. Why now?
Lin Meiying looked at her father's back figure, then at Madam Lin, who was sneering at her, before turning her gaze to Suying, who quickly walked behind her mother.
Immediately the eunuch spotted the two ladies. He quickly cleared his throat as the entire Lin family gathered before him.
"Minister Lin's family, listen to the imperial decree!" the eunuch shouted, and they all knelt. "First daughter of the Lin family, Lin Meiying, is to be sent to the palace as the Second Prince's bride."
Lin Meiying felt her heart drop to her stomach. She couldn't believe her ears. She is getting married to the Second Prince?
"We heed His Majesty's decree," the entire Lin household bowed, but Lin Meiying was still finding it hard to process as her head reached the back of her palm on the floor.
Minister Lin stood up and collected the decree from the eunuch. "The king has done you a great favor. You should be grateful."
"I thank His Majesty for his kindness," Minister Lin bowed.
The eunuch smiled and walked away with the guards trailing behind him.
"Get ready. You leave for the palace today," Minister Lin said to his eldest daughter, who still hadn't registered her situation.
"But, Father…" Lin Meiying started.
"There are no buts. It's an imperial decree. Do you want the entire Lin household to be slaughtered?" Madam Lin said this time, and Meiying sealed her lips.
Lin Suying was marveling at the situation. She was sure Meiying wouldn't last two days as the Second Prince's wife.
"Elder sister, this is a good opportunity for the Lin family. Father may be promoted to a third-rank official," Lin Suying said.
Lin Meiying shot her a cold glare. "Elder sister, did I say something wrong?" Lin Suying feigned innocence.
"Send maids to assist her," Minister Lin ordered and walked away.
"You better behave well and not disgrace the Lin family name in the palace," Madam Lin warned before walking away, and Suying followed behind her.
"My lady," Gu Anrang cried. "You can't marry the cold prince!"
"Lower your voice. Don't let anyone hear you call the Second Prince that, or else both our heads will fall," Lin Meiying whispered quickly. "I have no choice. Right now, we just need to find a way to survive in the palace," Lin Meiying sighed.
—
Second Prince's Palace
The beautifully adorned red carriage stopped in front of the huge palace, and Lin Meiying descended elegantly with the help of Gu Anrang.
She wore a beautiful red wedding robe which was prepared by her father.
Lin Meiying's hand trembled slightly, her lips pressed together as she looked up at the mansion.
This is really happening.
"My lady," Gu Anrang called, and Lin Meiying nodded.
They walked towards the entrance, and a guard announced her presence before the doors fell open.
There was barely anyone there to welcome her. The palace was eerily quiet and empty.
As expected of the cold prince.
"He isn't even here to receive you," Gu Anrang whispered.
"It's best that way," Lin Meiying whispered back.
They walked into the mansion, and a guard walked up to them. "Princess Consort, I am here to lead you to your chamber," the guard bowed.
It was already getting late. The sun would disappear soon. She wondered where the Second Prince had gone to by this time.
"This way," the guard gestured, and they followed behind him.
Lin Meiying was only allowed to bring Gu Anrang with her. Not like she had any other person to bring.
This little maid of hers had been with her ever since she was locked in that courtyard by Madam Lin.
It's been twelve years since then, and she was only allowed out of the courtyard on special occasions, which always warranted her getting flogged.
Gu Anrang sometimes went out to the market to get some necessities, and she came back to tell Lin Meiying about her trips.
The little maid is her best friend, her only friend.
"Please rest here, Princess Consort," the guard bowed after leading them to her designated chamber.
"My lady, let's go in," Gu Anrang said and led Lin Meiying into the spacious room. "Wow… this is bigger than your old room at the Lin mansion," she exclaimed.
"It's getting late. You should rest. Do you know where you will stay?" Lin Meiying asked.
"The guard outside will lead me to the servant quarters. Take care. I will come see you tomorrow morning," Gu Anrang said, and Meiying nodded.
She watched her maid leave and close the door behind her.
Lin Meiying sat on her bed with a heavy sigh, the weight of the entire day falling on her.
Tears stung her eyes, but she didn't let them fall. She can't ruin her makeup yet.
She still needed to meet the prince, and it would be terrible for him to see her like that.
Lin Meiying held in her tears and picked up the red embroidered fan, covering her face with it as she waited for the prince.
The sun disappeared, and the moon made its way to the sky, but still no sign of the prince.
A part of Meiying was glad he wouldn't be consummating the marriage, but another part of her was anxious.
This could mean serious problems.
Lin Meiying waited for a while longer until she was sure it's almost midnight. She decided to give up and go to sleep.
She heard a falling sound from outside, and then a grunt followed it. Subtle noises were heard, and she quickly stood up.
Lin Meiying opened her room door and walked out, determined to know what caused the noise.
If she thought this place was quiet during the evening time, then she underestimated the night time.
She quickly went back and picked up a candle as she made her way through the mansion carefully.
She really wanted to know where the noise came from.
Are the rumors true?
Lin Meiying had barely walked far from her chamber when she felt a figure behind her. Before she could react, a dagger was placed on her neck.
"Don't move," she heard a cold voice from behind her.
Her blood ran cold, and her feet glued to the floor.