The Blood of Two Kingdoms

Illuminated by the soft morning light, Princess Meiyin's chamber was bathed in a serene radiance as the delicate silk curtains allowed the sunlight to filter through. The fragrance of jasmine tea wafted through the air, mingling with the soft rustling of silk.

With utmost precision, Meiyin skillfully balanced a grand, elaborate basket of pears on top of her head. The pears were meticulously arranged, with their vibrant green and gold colors standing out against the pure white of her silk robes.

Before her, a low table was adorned with an exquisite tea service, its porcelain radiant in the gentle lighting. Meiyin's hands, although steady, had a slight tremor as she extended them towards the teapot. Whenever Meiyin had classes with Teacher Zhang, she was expected to demonstrate not just physical grace but also unwavering focus. 

Meiyin's daily lesson involved pouring tea using both hands, ensuring not a single drop was spilled and no sound was made. The addition of a basket of pears made her lesson more challenging, as she had to ensure perfect balance.

Sitting in her seat, Teacher Zhang, an elderly woman with a piercing stare and a razor-sharp tongue, watched attentively. Despite the wrinkles on her face, she maintained a look of careful attention to detail. Meiyin was expected to master the art of etiquette, and the woman embodied it perfectly.

Meiyin was nearly done when a solitary tea drop slipped and landed on the gleaming wooden table.

When the drop hit the table, its sound seemed to fill the room with echoes. Teacher Zhang's eyes narrowed. Silently, she stood up and walked towards Meiyin. With a sharp crack, the professor's stick struck Meiyin's back, causing her to flinch and almost stumble.

"Princess Meiyin!" 

Teacher Zhang's voice was a blend of frustration and sternness. 

"A princess's grace is reflected not only in how she carries herself but also in the attention she gives to every action. Being unable to pour tea without causing a mess would bring great shame upon you, especially if you are presenting yourself as a lady, let alone the Princess of Yanbei!"

Meiyin's face turned red with a combination of embarrassment and discomfort. She held herself upright, ensuring the basket of pears on her head didn't wobble. 

"I apologize, Teacher Zhang. I will put in more effort."

"'The feather that falls must not disturb the water's surface,'" Teacher Zhang continued, "Learning to handle each task with precision and calmness is essential. The expression 'As light as a feather and as smooth as silk.' is not just a figure of speech, it is the standard against which we assess our grace."

The professor tapped her stick on the ground in a rhythmic pattern, emphasizing her words. 

"I recognize that grace is not achieved easily but is developed through discipline and perseverance. Nonetheless, given that you are well beyond 18, this is hardly suitable. It's highly unlikely that a princess can afford to be clumsy, don't you think?"

With a nod, Meiyin acknowledged, her eyes averted. 

The stick caused a sharp pain, but it was the reprimand that hurt even more. 

Meiyin focused intensely as she poured the tea, her concentration renewed. With each step, the basket of pears trembled slightly, but she was able to steady it, moving with deliberate precision. Determined to validate her worthiness, she was resolute this time.

Teacher Zhang quietly observed, her expression showing a slight softening as she witnessed Meiyin's renewed determination. The room settled into a calm rhythm, with only the gentle sound of tea being poured and the occasional whisper of silk. Despite its harshness, it was apparent that the lesson was given with the aim of supporting Meiyin's success.

And it is completely justified, as Meiyin managed to pour the tea without any spills this time.

Princess Meiyin let out a gentle sigh of relief as Teacher Zhang put down her cane and adjusted her posture, her stern face momentarily showing a hint of approval. With the sun dipping lower in the sky, the polished floors of the etiquette chamber were adorned with elongated shadows. 

Meiyin, while keeping her emotions in check, was able to relax her stiff posture, just as she balanced the weight of the basket filled with pears on her head.

"You have made noticeable progress today, Princess Meiyin," Teacher Zhang stated, her voice becoming softer. "You are improving in grace, but always remember that the path to perfection is a long and winding one."

Meiyin felt her shoulders loosen as she gently set the basket of pears on a table nearby. The fragile porcelain teacup, poured with great care, now sat untouched in front of her. 

"Thank you, Teacher Zhang," Despite feeling exhausted, she spoke with a steady voice. "I understand that I have a long way to go in terms of learning."

With a mixture of pride and concern, the elderly teacher nodded and kept her gaze fixed on Meiyin. 

"I admire your determination. The weight of the crown is heavy, and though you are without a husband, the expectations are high. Being the future Empress of Yanbei, it is important for you to embody grace and authority. You have to meet the demands, and I believe in your ability to do so."

Meiyin's gaze drifted away as she pondered her teacher's words. The magnitude and weight of her position occupied her mind. Lost in thought, she gently ran her fingers over the delicate designs adorning the silk of her dress. 

Long before Yanbei became a beacon of unity, Emperan was a land fractured into warring kingdoms, each vying for dominance over fertile lands and scarce resources. The one who imagined a different future was her great-grandfather, King Jinhai. His vision was to unify these distinct regions, establishing a safe haven where peace and economic growth could prosper.

King Jinhai traveled to the heart of Emperan, where he founded The Imperial City of Yanbei. 

This grand city was intended to serve as a neutral ground, a center of harmony where the divided kingdoms could converge. Yanbei's construction was a remarkable feat, demonstrating his great vision. However, the neighboring countries, with their long-standing rivalries and mutual distrust, dismissed the notion of unity altogether. The city's creation did little to quell the tensions, and soon after its completion, King Jinhai vanished without a trace.

Meiyin's grandfather took on the mantle of leadership by securing the right to govern Yanbei, and he subsequently passed it on to Meiyin's father. 

Now, it was her responsibility to carry on the legacy of her great-grandfather's dream.

Meiyin's eyes shifted back to Teacher Zhang, her determination solidifying. 

"I am fully aware of the importance of my duties," she whispered softly. "I am ready to uphold my great-grandfather's legacy and fulfill my responsibilities as the future Empress. His efforts will not be in vain, and this time, Emperan will experience peace."

Teacher Zhang's eyes became slightly gentler, and she nodded in approval. 

"Very well. Continue to practice with diligence. Once you become the Empress, I ask that you promise me to remain resolute in your heart and unwavering in your spirit."

With a smile on her face, Meiyin gracefully bows.

"Absolutely, Teacher Zhang, I give you my word."

Out of nowhere, a loud knock resounded from the door of the chamber, causing both Meiyin and Teacher Zhang to startle. A solemn expression came over Teacher Zhang's face, and her eyes filled with sadness as she exchanged a quick, uneasy glance with Meiyin.

The door slowly opened with a creak, unveiling a figure standing in the doorway.

"Princess Meiyin, Teacher Zhang," With a smile, Chancellor Liu Wei turned to Meiyin, bowing as his voice carried a light tone. "The evening is approaching, and the Emperor eagerly awaits your presence in the Dinner Hall."

In an instant, Meiyin's smile vanished.