THE IMPERIAL BRUSH

    "It's almost the end of the Morning Assembly and the Courtiers will be getting out of the Palace, at this hour your supposed to supervise the changing of the Emperor's robes." Nuwa said.

        "Fair enough." Yang Meizi replied as she walked into the Emperor's Chambers and there finding other Ladies in waiting they bowed their heads while she moved over to the Imperial robes and inspecting it lightly a while later the Emperor walked in while being accompanied by Eunuch Qin.

       "Your Majesty." Everyone said in unison as they bowed their heads to him and his eyes travelling across to the young woman he smiled as he got closer to his robes.

        "Yang Meizi?" He called.

        "At your service Your Majesty." She replied.

        "At last I see the Empress' benefactor in person I feel very glad all the more you seem to be much honoured to serve in the Imperial Palace that's if I am not mistaken." He said.

        "I am very grateful Your Majesty." Yang Meizi replied and standing there she watched him changing his robes with the help of other ladies in waiting and much younger women.

        "Tell me, what were you thinking taking that arrow for Her Highness all those days back?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

        "My mind to be very honest was very blank nonetheless if I could protect her I at least had to try." Yang Meizi replied.

        "Protecting?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

        "Considering that I haven't heard about the person who orchestrated the whole plot being caught they must have been very skilled and while lingering between life and death the true Confucian doctrine is putting others before oneself and that is also the state before oneself if I may say." Yang Meizi replied.

       "I heard that you are in deed well learnt and that you are a very remarkable dancer, sure for a woman who is strong I never thought that there would be another side to you that is so soft and reserved with Grace." Emperor Xiaozong said.

       "I am flattered Your Majesty." Yang Meizi said.

       "I am not the most extravagant of people and I am much more studios and settled you won't have to work very hard.

       I understand that the poison that was on the arrow was very lethal and you seem energetic yet you haven't made a full recovery." Emperor Xiaozong said.

        "How can I rest when Your Majesty us ruling, as your head Lady my responsibility is to ensure that you are very comfortable ruling the state." Yang Meizi replied.

        "Don't take it to heart." The Emperor Xiaozong said, "I cherish your devotion and commitment but how would it seem to the world if I overworked the Empress' benefactor?" He asked.

       "I understand." Yang Meizi replied and bowing her head she walked out of the hall.

        "There's was an attempt on the life of the Empress days ago and until now there are no leads in the investigation on who the culprit is?" Shi Miyuan asked Zhao Ruyu.

        "I'd like to think that His Majesty already made up his mind on who the enemy is but he dares not to bring it up." Zhao Ruyu replied while they descended the stairs from the Assembly Hall.

       "It's still strange though, I heard that the Empress' benefactor was promoted and created Head Lady of the Emperor's Palace yet everyone is dying to have a glimpse of her as she is said to be very young and beautiful." Shi Miyuan said.

        "Many believe that She is in His Majesty's favours." Zhao Ruyu remarked.

        "But His Majesty has long lamented his disinterest in women especially after a harem war led to the death of his second wife and First Empress." Shi Miyuan replied.

        "It's impossible to not love a very strong and beautiful woman but whatever it is the Emperor might be thinking that to have her around is surely a good omen and as I heard that she came from the Empress Dowager's Palace, since there are a lot of rumours surrounding the death of the Late Retired Emperor he'd find her slightly much more faithful to keep around." Zhao Ruyu replied.

       "I have a memorial to submit to His Majesty." Shi Miyuan said.

        "I'll detain you no longer." Zhao Ruyu replied as he halted and the young man continued straight into the direction of the Emperor's Palace.

       While he walked through the gates and then appeared in the hallway coming from one end, Yang Meizi coming from the other she caught sight of him and instantly froze where she was standing while he did the same.

       At that moment she recalled the words that he'd told him.

        "I like you." They replayed at the back of her mind while he envisioned the incident as well.

       "Milady?" Nuwa said while Yang Meizi coming to her senses she decided to continue while Shi Miyuan did the same.

        They were about the same age after all and seeing how well dressed he was and how noble he looked for a moment his stare still fixed on her her heart beat louder than usual while her breath grew more and more intense.

        Lan He and the young Prince Zhao Ruyu passing by he caught sight of the two and identified him instantly.

        "Your Highness?" Lan He called suddenly concerned that they were already in close proximity and that his master's temper was unstable the young Prince instantly halted him with his left hand.

       Yang Meizi looked at him.

       "Your Excellency?" she said while he also returned her salutation.

       "I didn't know that you worked in the palace." Shi Miyuan said.

        "Isn't this world full of many surprises?" Yang Meizi asked.

        "Then I suppose that I should say that we are fated to meet one another." Shi Miyuan replied.

        "But I'm a Court Lady now." Yang Meizi said.

        "I don't really mind." Shi Miyuan said, "what I told you last time for me won't change." he added.

       Yang Meizi was surprised by how serious he looked saying that but she didn't bother to say anything else about it as she instead chose to walk past him but he ceased her hand and as she hadn't expected she didn't hate it at all.

       "My name is Shi Miyuan." He said, "I was probably wondering what the name of my saviour is?" He added his eyes a little bit teary while she didn't bother to turn back around.

        "Yang Meizi, Court Lady Yang." She replied and Shi Miyuan letting go of her hand she continued in her own direction while he too moved up to the Emperor's study that the young Prince Zhao Kuo where he was standing he clenched his fist and smacked the balcony while Qing Yi, Princess Consort Han's close lady in waiting was watching.

        She quickly barged into the Princess Consort's Chambers and found her seated and looking at her dressing mirror while she combed her hair.

        "Why is it that you seem a little bit too unsettled?" Princess Consort Han asked.

        "His Highness the Prince." Qing Yi replied.

        "What did he do this time?" She asked.

        "The New Head Lady." Qing Yi replied and the Princess Consort hearing this she turned around from where she was seated and faced the young woman.

         "Tell me about her." She said.

         "A short while ago she was having a conversation with the Scholar Shi Miyuan and they seemed a little bit intimate from a distance and yet judging from the expression on the Prince's face he seemed a little bit too bothered." Qing Yi replied.

         "Bothered you say?" Princess Consort Han asked.

         "Even Lan He knew better to simply keep quiet otherwise I believe that it is suspicious enough that the Prince would be angry over the both of them." Qing Yi replied.

         "Court Ladies can possess affections but with Courtiers that's a matter best reserved at heart, what you are trying to imply though is that either the Crown Prince is simply jealous of Shi Miyuan or he's simply endeared to the young woman." Princess Consort Han said.

        "Your Highness, I am simply cautious." Qing Yi remarked.

         "I understand that you are but there are very many women already in my husband's harem, why should I be so concerned over a lowly Court Lady?" Princess Consort Han asked.

         "She's not just a lowly Court Lady, she is supposedly the one that saved the Empress from the poisoned arrow and I heard the Empress is fond of her, the Empress Dowager has also been her protege since she was eight seventeen years ago and she is the daughter of the deceased Yang Cairen, I am only afraid that considering Your uncle's position and the Empress Dowager's she couldn't possibly have been sent to the Emperor on purpose or she could be intentionally seducing your husband." Qing Yi said.

         "How long has she been in the palace?" Princess Consort Han asked.

         "Seventeen years." Qing Yi replied.

         "If the Prince was at a distance it's likely that you didn't see very well and when you think about it, I heard that she is a very talented dancer but considering the number of times His Highness has been to the Cifu Palace wouldn't he have taken an interest in her before now?" She asked.

        Qing Yi kept quiet.

        "If it's nothing serious then you don't have to worry and what more could a Court Lady do to me if I could cut her down the very moment she'd prove a threat to me?" Princess Consort Han proudly said while she looked at herself in the mirror and smiled.

        "Perhaps I over thought it Your Highness." Qing Yi said.

        "Very good." Princess Consort Han remarked.

         Prince Zhao Kuo barged through the doors of his Chambers while Lan He followed.

         "Did you see the way that he held her hand?" he asked.

         "Please appease your anger Your Highness." Lan He said.

         "How could I possibly do that?" Prince Zhao Kuo asked.

         "I don't know Your Highness but what is your position in her heart?" Lan He asked and the young Prince kept quiet.

         "How hard have you endeavoured and tried?" he asked, "you have only been silent moreso there is no courage for you to face her at this moment you dare to be displeased because of their actions?" He added.

        The Prince sat down in tears.

        "I have served Your Highness for a while and even at a time like this you still choose to not understand a thing or two yet I still tell you that there is nothing you can ever have under heaven until you have gained a legal hand over it." Lan He said.

        "So what are you suggesting?" Prince Zhao Kuo asked.

        "She is but a Court Lady and that alone hinders her from possessing any loyalties whether intimate or shallow to outsiders that are not of her blood.

        It's the one advantage that you have over Shi Miyuan and the sole weapon that you reside in the very Palace where she is." Lan He replied.

        "She was cruel to me in the morning, let alone as the Minister of State lingering throughout the Palace every now and then I would be as good as a liar in her eyes she'll start to get suspicious and the more she is what will I do?" Prince Zhao Kuo asked.

        "Then you must first make sure that before it's too late you have already made her fall for you." Lan He cautioned.

        "It's not that easy." Prince Zhao Kuo said.

        "You can refrain from going after her then Your Highness but if you choose to hold on a little longer then it's the only way you have left to win her heart." Lan He remarked.

        Yang Meizi entered her Chambers accompanied by Nuwa and halted in the midst when she recalled everything that had happened outside.

        "Shi Miyuan?" She said to herself as she held her hand and recalled his warm touch that had sent shivers down her spine and his gaze that looked most sincere than anything that she had ever seen.

        She was certain that the feeling in her was something she had never felt before and moreso to imagine the Innocence with which the young man had faced her she couldn't help it but think back at all the times that she had saved his life.

       "I suppose that we are in deed fated to meet." She muttered while Nuwa curious about her behavior she touched her shoulder.

        Yang Meizi quickly turned around and faced her.

        "Are you alright Milady?" She asked but the latter absent minded she debated about whether to tell her the truth or not.

         "I'm alright." She replied as she turned to look the other side.

        "You aren't the type of person to feel shy looking into my eyes, you also aren't the type of person to be speechless Milady." Nuwa said.

        "Why?" Yang Meizi asked.

        "Ever since you saw him and the way that he looked at you, you seem to each be well acquainted with one another and yet I can see that there's something you feel." Nuwa replied.

         "You're talking nonsense." Yang Meizi denied.

        "Am I really Milady?" Nuwa asked, "I have spent nearly my entire life time by your side and I take you to be my sister, I know you well enough and you can not hide anything from me." She added.

        "Alright." Yang Meizi defeated responded with a sigh, "I suppose I do feel strange around him." She confessed.

        "How strange?" Nuwa asked.

        "I just don't feel myself right." Yang Meizi replied.  

        "Perhaps it's a form of affection." Nuwa said.

        "No." Yang Meizi rebuked, "I really don't think that I can afford one right now." She replied.

        "You have become a Court Lady, any other emotion out of the equation is a violation to the position that you hold, yet as you reflect on the people that you are fighting for, much more important than anything else is that there are people behind you and there are many more women in the world for him to choose from." Nuwa said.

       "How could I forget what happened seventeen years ago, how could I forget all those brothers and sisters, our very own victims from the cruel reality of these heartless people, if I could abandon them for my own pleasure then their loved ones shall have sacrificed themselves to protect us in vain." Yang Meizi said.

       "I know that Milady does understand." Nuwa said.

       "Thank you for reminding me." Yang Meizi replied and Nuwa bowing her head she walked out of the room leaving her alone while she turned and faced the window looking through it up to the sky.

       She placed her right hand on the left part of her chest and there she felt her heartbeat only getting faster and faster with every memory that seemed to have the young man painted in it.

         Prince Zhao Kuo walked into his grandfather's Chambers and halting in front of him he bowed his head and offered his salutation.

       "Imperial grandson?" He called while the latter stood up from where he was kneeling and approached his grandfather taking a seat at his feet.

       "Won't you tell me?" He asked.

       "It's been a long while since I visited you and I hoped that I'd stop by this time." Prince Zhao Kuo replied. 

       "I know you too well." Emperor Xiaozong said, "you couldn't possibly leave the luxury of your abode to come here on formal business." He added.

       "Grandfather knows my thoughts much better than anyone else." Prince Zhao Kuo replied and the old man flattered he smiled at him while he looked down.

       "What is it this time?" He asked.

       "I'm the Imperial grandson, heaven one day most likely after the ascension of my father to the dragon throne shall make me the Crown Prince, how could I be lax all this time now that I have grown, I personally think that I would appreciate the wisdom of some of our nation's greatest scholars moreso to help him through." Prince Zhao Kuo replied.

       "Is there anyone in particular that you wish to tutor you?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

       "Scholars Shi Miyuan the son of Chancellor Shi Hao and then there is Peng Zishou who was excellent in study himself, I'm not older than any of those talents and they are younger than me that I am begging for Your Majesty's Approval to take classes with them under the guidance of Great Grandmother." Prince Zhao Kuo replied.

       "You are very decisive, sure enough to have the best young talents in the country with you what could possibly be more pleasing in my sight?" Emperor Xiaozong said.

      "I am ready when Your Majesty is ready." Prince Zhao Kuo said.

       "Effective tomorrow, how is that?" Emperor Xiaozong Asked.

       "Thank you Your Majesty." Prince Zhao Kuo replied as he withdrew from the hall.

       Getting outside he caught sight of Lan He and a smile appearing on his face the two of them walked casually.

       "Your Highness is rather excited." Lan He said.

       "Grandfather approved of the idea." Prince Zhao Kuo replied.

       "Yet still I don't understand how is this supposed to help you get the Head Lady Yang to fall for you?" Lan He asked.

       "I heard that Shi Miyuan is a scholar that sucks at Martial arts, on the other hand I am very Excellent in the liberals and perhaps he can not much up to me, if Yang Meizi can see that of the both of us I am the better then perhaps I could score highly and cause her to fall for me." Prince Zhao Kuo replied.

       "I do not mean to sound offensive as it may seem Your Highness but that's not smart a move." Lan He said.

       "Why?" Prince Zhao Kuo asked.

       "Your Highness, firstly do you know how many things Shi Miyuan is good at?" Lan He asked.  

       "Should I be afraid?" the Prince asked.

       "At only eighteen he topped the national exam, I had that he is very Excellent in both painting and calligraphy, poetry is his daily meal and surely much greater a national hero than many that have ever been heard of, she stood on the roof of the Fortress in the North while the enemies advanced, he rehearsed the Holy Heavenly Kingdom and the Great Song registered Victory and reckless as he may seem his Majesty granted him the Noble Title Lord of the Taiping Commandery." Lan He replied.

      The Prince Zhao Kuo instantly froze in his footsteps.

       "Moreso with this tutorial it's likely that Head Lady Yang will find out that you are a Prince and not the Minister of State." Lan He said.

       "Well why didn't you tell me earlier?" Prince Zhao Kuo scolded.

        "Your Highness didn't tell me what you were thinking, to put it frankly this scheme of yours isn't a brilliant plan." Lan He replied.

        "I can't tell grandfather that I have changed my mind, he'll simply grow suspicious and then he'll skin me alive." The Prince lamented.

        "Your Highness is in a tough position so what is there for me to possibly do?" Lan He asked.

         Shi Miyuan was seated at the balcony in his father's rocking chair while he ate at the persimmons and recalled the way that those dark eyes had stared at him.

        "Yang Meizi?" He called remembering how she had mentioned her name to him and his heart flattering he chuckled lightly while bowing his head.

       "What a beautiful name that is!" He muttered under his breath when he was joined by Dong Hua who noticed that he seemed slightly happier than usual and he quickly got closer and put his face in front of him.

        "Are you thinking about me?" He teased.

        "Yes." Shi Miyuan replied when he realised that the voice in front of him a little bit deep he opened his eyes only to see Dong Hua's face very close he shrieked in fear.

         "What are you doing?" He screamed taking the persimmons in his hands and then throwing them on his face.

        Dong Hua closed his eyes feeling embarrassed while Shi Miyuan seemingly calm he looked at him a little bit sorry.

        "I didn't mean to." He apologized.

        "I understand, you are simply a young man in love." Dong Hua said.

         "It's also your fault for sneaking up on me like that." Shi Miyuan scolded.

         "Don't worry, I understand." Dong Hua said, "but you seemed rather happy that I wish to know what's the reason for your excitement?" Dong Hua said.

         "How to tell you this?" Shi Miyuan muttered.

         "Is this About that girl?" Dong Hua asked.

         "Yes." Shi Miyuan replied.

         "It seems she really has been very successful in stealing your heart." Dong Hua said.

        "Don't blame me, just yesterday after the Morning Assembly I met her on my way to the Emperor to submit my memorial and holding her hand she looked at me and mentioned her name." Shi Miyuan said.

        "You finally got her to tell you her name?" Dong Hua asked so surprised.

        "Hmmm." Shi Miyuan muttered nodding his head in approval.

        "No wonder." Dong Hua remarked, "but you in this seat right now don't you think that you are not yet that old for this chair?" He asked when the gates of the manor were flung open and Eunuch Qin personally walked in with his entourage of Imperial guards and attendants.

       Shi Miyuan seeing him he stood up from where he was seated while his father walked out of the living room and he followed into the Courtyard.

        They offered Eunuch Qin their salutations while he returned them and one of the Imperial guards handing over a golden scroll to him the Shi household quickly went onto their knees.

        "This is an Imperial Edict from His Majesty." Eunuch Qin said as he opened it.

        "Effective tomorrow, the Scholar Shi Miyuan is to attend lessons with His Highness the Prince and other members of the Imperial family in the Hall of Mental Cultivation." Eunuch Qin said and folding it, Shi Miyuan looking at his father who nodded for him to approve stretched out his hands and then took it into his possesion.

       "Congratulations Chancellor Shi." Eunuch Qin said.

       "We are very old friends, I am already more thankful that you have delivered this good news to my house." Chancellor Shi Hao replied and the latter bidding them farewell he walked out while everyone in the Courtyard stood up and faced the young master who was just as surprised seeing the Edict in his hands.

       "Wow, even His Majesty formalized it on paper then you really must have amused him." Dong Hua said.

       "It's rare for His Majesty to grant favours to young scholars so what did you do that must have impressed him?" Chancellor Shi Hao asked.

       "To be frank I too am not certain, I simply submitted a memorial to him yesterday after the morning Assembly and perhaps it's what impressed him to do this." Shi Miyuan replied.

        "It makes sense." Chancellor Shi Hao said while his son looked at the edict once again.

        "But effective tomorrow what do you think I'll be doing with other relatives in the Palace?" He asked.

        "Yours is to do and not to start reasoning why, besides, this is a very good opportunity for us as this is a once in a lifetime privilege that is unheard of in our clan." Chancellor Shi Hao said.

       "Young Master is in deed very lucky." Dong Hua remarked.

       "Then nothing must be delayed, you personally supervise the laundry room and see that he has the best clothes prepared for him everyday because to be appreciated by the Emperor is something very wonderful you shouldn't load your face with the Royals when they hold their heads high." Chancellor Shi Hao said to Dong Hua.

       "Yes Sir." He replied bowing his head as he walked away immediately leaving his master puzzled.

        Empress Dowager Wu was in her Chambers when the doors being flung open, she quickly turned and saw the Emperor walking through.

        "Greetings Your Majesty." She said as she bowed her head to him and her foster son smiling at her he did the same while he raised his hand and signalled for everyone else to move back leaving the both of them in the room together.

       "You seem cheerful Your Majesty, what's the joyous occasion?" she asked.

       "I was simply amused moreso that the Imperial Grandson finally chose to sit with the prominent young scholars in the land and study." Emperor Xiaozong replied.

        "He's starting to act a bit more mature." Empress Dowager Wu said as she poured him a cup of tea.

        "And all the more I am starting to feel that perhaps he is almost ready." Emperor Xiaozong said.

        "You're right Your Majesty." Empress Dowager Wu remarked but the Emperor sighed a little bit while his excitement was immediately turned to gloom.

        "What's wrong?" Empress Dowager Wu asked.

        "I also once was like him, it reminds me of the very time that I myself chose to be studious." Emperor Xiaozong said.

        "You were. Natural talent back then." Empress Dowager Wu remarked.

        "And talents grow old which perhaps I must have learnt after father's death it made me realize I myself don't have much time left in the world given that the hair on my head is already turning grey and my sight is still failing me, when once I used to ride the finest horse and swing my sabre, spear and sword at the moment my muscles feel too weak." Emperor Xiaozong said.

       "You have been a very good Emperor, yet I am older than you so if someone is closer to the grave then chances are very high that person is me and not Your Majesty." Empress Dowager Wu remarked.

       "An assault on the Empress' life?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

       "I know Your Majesty's thoughts a little bit too well as I take you to be like my own son, you know it but why do you seem hesitant to act?" Empress Dowager Wu asked.

       "It's a little bit too late now that my daughter in law is a supporter of my enemy and yet when I choose to look the other side I am just as dismayed knowing that the person that I envy the most is now a part of his kin because of his marriage." Emperor Xiaozong said.

        "Forget It Your Majesty, I can only look after them for you as long as I can but even me myself I get weary at times." Empress Dowager Wu said.

       "I understand." Emperor Xiaozong remarked sipping at his cup of tea.

       "I heard that you created one of my people here the Head Lady of the Imperial Palace." Empress Dowager Wu said.

        "Come to think of it I have been wondering what type of person that young woman is?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

        "Yang Meizi." The Empress Dowager muttered thinking of what to say first.

        "I'm interested in whatever comes to mind." Emperor Xiaozong said.

       "Compared to all the beautiful women in Lin'an she is above par, moreso as I have nurtured and raised her she is very strong willed, she is very quick witted and decisive when it comes to very many things and Strange enough for anyone she can act with both grace and submission and at the same time she can show her own sense of Independence." Empress Wu replied.

       "In deed she sounds to be a very rare young woman." Emperor Xiaozong said.

        "Putting all that aside you seem to be interested in her." Empress Dowager Wu said.

        "It's very rare to find a woman who would take an arrow, looking at her on that bed and compared to what I have heard you say what's the difference between both her and you?" He asked.

        "She seems to have taken after me so much." Empress Dowager Wu remarked when something came to her mind.

       "In deed she has." Emperor Xiaozong complimented.

       "If you would please Your Majesty?" She asked.

       "What is it?" Emperor Xiaozong asked.

       "Now that she is a Head Lady she must supervise a series of things yet now that the Imperial Palace isn't as busy because we are mourning his Late Majesty I think it wouldn't be bad if she too were to attend these lessons with the boys." Empress Dowager Wu replied.

        The Emperor seemed startled.

        "Wouldn't the boys be uncomfortable?" He asked.

        "She is very competent when it comes to the liberal Arts of Painting, poetry, calligraphy and music and I am certain the boys would borrow a thing or two, perhaps even better I heard and I have seen for my self how excellent she is she would surely make the boys work harder not to lose to her." Empress Dowager Wu replied.

       "This Yang Meizi girl seems to be very interesting." Emperor Xiaozong remarked.

       "She herself is a talent of the inner Court they would very much be proud of her if she were to participate in this as well, besides, if she is there as a monitor it's even better." Empress Dowager Wu convinced him.

       "Alright." The Emperor agreed while she smiled to show her contentment, though I am also eager to know how capable this young girl is." The Emperor said.

       "Trust me you won't be disappointed." Empress Dowager Wu muttered and standing up, she bowed her head while the Emperor walked out of the room.

       Wan Mei and Wan'er walked in a short while later to find their Master rather excited she turned around and mounted the stairs to her seat.

       "Is there very good news Your Highness?" Wan'er asked.  

        "For the first time I must admit that Yang Meizi has really helped me acting up on her own." Empress Dowager Wu replied.

       "Because His Majesty is suspicious of Han Touzhou?" Wan Mei asked.

        "It seems that that one blow was effective in its own way and at the time that she is the Empress' benefactor and she is young and beautiful, the age difference between her and the Imperial grandson I notice isn't too big." Empress Dowager Wu remarked.

       "Your Highness intends to make her a Concubine to the Imperial grandson?" Wan'er asked.

       "She might appreciate the privileges that come with it but at the time I heard that his relationship with the Princess Consort Han and his sister isn't the very best and yet Han Touzhou is confident and boasts just as much hoping that one day his daughter would become the ruler of the Harem and the Inner Court if she becomes Empress and I hate the thought of it alone." Empress Dowager Wu replied.

       "Sure enough with a bad relationship it's going to result in their failure to produce a spare for the throne." Wan'er remarked.

        "And I have to ensure that the Imperial grandson holds no affections for that wench the best way to do it would be to find him someone who is about just as more beautiful and I'm certain that they won't betray me." Empress Dowager Wu said.

       "You raised Yang Meizi with your own hands and she owes you her life, certainly if she were to become the favourite of the Imperial grandson in future then she'd sever him from Han Touzhou's time." Wan Mei said.

       "Which is why I find that she is more qualified for the job and considering that she is a mortal enemy of Han Touzhou the quicker that the both of them fall in love the better it is for me." Empress Dowager Wu muttered.

       "Your Highness is very brilliant." Wan'er remarked while she smiled ghastly at herself.

       "What?" Yang Meizi asked Nuwa surprised on hearing what she had said.

       "His Majesty has requested that effective tomorrow you shall be present to look after the Imperial scholars in the Hall of Mental Cultivation." Nuwa replied.

       "Very old men?" Nuwa asked.

       "They are all about your age Milady." Nuwa replied and Yang Meizi relieved she sighed.

       "Who would have thought that as a Court Lady I would have to deal with this much?" She remarked.

       "But as far as I have heard His Majesty has become suspicious of Han Touzhou." Nuwa said.

       "That's not enough." Yang Meizi replied, "I only hope that in being close enough to the Emperor I could have his trust and when the time is right even for Han Touzhou's crimes to come to light, I shall give him the blood letter and that false Edict." She added.

       "Who would have thought?" Nuwa asked.

       "We are getting close to our main objective and that's what matters, we can not be too lax or we will lose out in the end and if we do then I would never forgive myself." Yang Meizi swore.

        Prince Zhao Kuo was still absent minded when Lan He approached him from behind she surprised him that he shrieked in fear while holding onto his chest.

       "I had you there Your Highness." He said.

       "You scared me." Prince Zhao Kuo replied.

       "Have you thought about how you are going to deal with things tomorrow because I have heard that His Majesty has asked his new Head Lady to supervise everything and attend the discussions with you." Lan He said.

       "Seriously?" Prince Zhao Kuo asked.

       "Would I lie to you?" Lan He muttered.

       The Prince Sighing in disappointment he raised his head and looked up at the sky.  

       "This time around she is going to be very close and she'll certainly know that you are the Prince and not the Minister of State unless there is another Prince that's going to take up your place while you play the role of the Minister of State?" Lan He said and the young Prince seeming to get an idea he turned to him.

       "unless there is another Prince that's going to take up my place while I play the role of the Minister of State?" He re echoed his words.

       "And who would be as willing?" Lan He asked later noticing that the Young Prince was staring at him with that awkward demanding expression.

        "No way." He rebuked instantly.

        "But I am your master." Prince Zhao Kuo muttered.

        "It's already worse that I don't know how to act like a Prince and even if I did all the maids and Eunuchs in the Palace would make a joke of me let alone the mere fact that I was there defending you last time, she would be very suspicious." Lan He said.

       "Perhaps if she were to look at you as the Imperial grandson then she'd think that you are a carefree person, besides it just a temporary act and there's no one that can help me on this except you?" Prince Zhao Kuo pleaded.

       "You are digging your own grave Your Highness, what if the plan defects and she ends up falling for me?" Lan He asked.

        "Break her heart and I'll be there to comfort her." Prince Zhao Kuo replied with a smile on his face Lan He only sighed in distress.

        "I tell you this Your Highness, this is the worst idea." Lan He lamented.

       "You are like a brother to me, aren't you going to help me on this?" Prince Zhao Kuo asked sadly.

        "Alright." Lan He gave in and the Imperial grandson exited he hugged him.

        "You're the best." He remarked.

        "I am merely trying to save my head." Lan He replied in a very lowly tone.

        It was very early in the morning and Dong Hua had brought with himself a series of attires for Shi Miyuan to try on.

        "Too blue." He commented, "too buggy." He added, "too heavy." He went on and on but he never seemed content with one or two of his choices he wound up tossing them on his bed.

        "You aren't going for a wedding Young Master." Dong Hua scolded.

        "You heard what my father said, I can't be going to the Palace to lose face." Shi Miyuan replied.

       "Are you afraid of losing face or perhaps you are using that as an excuse because you are worried that you might run into her again when you aren't dressed to your very best?" Dong Hua asked.

       "All in all, I am trying to preserve my face both with the Imperial relatives and also with the her." Shi Miyuan replied.

       "Forget it." Dong Hua discouraged.

       "I have to put in every bit of effort that I can possibly find." Shi Miyuan remarked.

        "No offense but I heard that she was the girl that saved the Empress from her assassination and she is quite popular here in the capital." Dong Hua said.

       "She is that heroic?" Shi Miyuan asked.

        "The Emperor bestowed upon her the honour of being a Head Lady in the Imperial Palace even if she did fall in love with you in accordance to the rules which govern the country you can not be together unless she is to quit her service or she is fired by the Emperor himself." Dong Hua said.

       "The future will worry about itself, I prefer to look at the present for the time being." Shi Miyuan muttered and he stepped out from behind the screen and appreciated his blue and green attire that was sewn with gold and silver thread and embroidered with beautiful spiral designs.

       "You look smart Your Excellency." Dong Hua complimented.

       "I'm certain that if I run in her today she won't stop looking at me." Shi Miyuan bragged.

       "You are handsome and you are well built, definitely in this, she wouldn't think twice before falling for you." Dong Hua said and Shi Miyuan content he smiled.

       "We'd better get going." He said, "I don't want to be late." he added and Dong Hua moving aside, the young Scholar led the way.

       Yang Meizi had finished putting on her attire with the help of her other female attendants and while they put on her head the black flowered hat, she smiled and turned around putting her hands together with her head held high. 

       She walked out being escorted by Nuwa and the others and at about the same time the Imperial grandson dressed as His Bodyguard and Lan He dressed in the Princely attires walked out of his Chambers and was headed towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

       Shi Miyuan had arrived in the Palace and he himself was being led by a series of attendants while Dong Hua followed him closely behind and mounting the bridge he crossed over until he arrived at the intersection in front of the Hall with two other parties.

       While Yang Meizi's eyes had first landed on Lan He who was dressed as the Prince she bowed her head and greeted him formally while Prince Zhao Kuo excited to see her he smiled but she looked the other way instead where Shi Miyuan emerged.

       His eyes meeting hers they were both surprised and as they glittered and stared intensely, the young Prince Zhao Kuo who could feel the affections that were being exchanged clenched his fist angrily while Yang Meizi and Shi Miyuan ignoring his presence they smiled at each other.

       "Your Excellency." She said gracefully as she bowed her head.

       "Lady Yang." Shi Miyuan replied doing the same that the Prince Zhao Kuo pinched Lan He who cried a little bit louder everyone turned around and looked at him.

      "I think we should go inside." He said.

      "Sure Your Highness." Shi Miyuan replied, "after you." He added while The Prince walked in and the other two followed to find another young man inside who seemed to notice Prince Zhao Kuo immediately.

      "Peng Zishou?" Lan He called and the latter looking at Zhao Kuo who nodded his head he seemed to understand what he was trying to imply that he stood up and bowed his head.

       "Your Highness." He greeted while Shi Miyuan also facing him returned the salutation as the four men sat down while Yang Meizi stood across near the door.

        A short while later a group of Eunuchs came in holding in their hands trays that were filled with pieces of paper, ink, brushes and grinding stones.

        They placed them in front of the four young men while a fairly old man walked into the hall and facing them each one perhaps familiar with the old man they bowed their heads to him.

       "Master Wengong." They greeted while he returned the salutation and Shi Miyuan looking at Yang Meizi she was trying very hard to resist his gaze.

        Prince Zhao Kuo noticing the way they looked at each other he pinched Lan He who broke their attention.

        "We are all gathered here it is necessary that we know each other." He said and the old master seated at the front didn't seem to show any signs of objection to the idea the first of them to stand up was Peng Zishou.

        "I am Peng Zishou of the Peng Clan." He said briefly.

        "I am Shi Miyuan." He also spoke up.

        "Prince Zhao Kuo." Lan He said.

        "Leng Su." Prince Zhao Kuo lied.

        "Now that we have had that brief introduction let's get straight to the point." Master Wengong said and Yang Meizi watching the man stood up and he suspended a scroll which had five characters written on it.

        "LOYALTY, PEACE, LOVE, FRIENDSHIP and LONGEVITY."

         "There are five words here for you today, I was hoping that to begin with you each composed a poem that is short but could give us the very deep meaning of those feelings you can find." Master Wengong said and Yang Meizi staring intently her interest seemed to surround the point of love.

        Shi Miyuan noticed that there was something just as similar and picking up his brush along with the others they each started to write down something they believed was wonderful while the Prince Zhao Kuo staring at her she didn't seem bothered.

         After a while everyone had finished and each one of them putting down their brushes, Prince Zhao Kuo stood up.

         "Minister Leng please present." Master Wengong said and the latter rather excited he raised his head confidently staring at Yang Meizi in the corner of his eye.

         What makes you more beautiful in this world?

        I ask myself looking up at the stars.

        When in everything that's wonderful I see your face,

        When in everything that's full of life I feel your presence,

        Can I let my eyes wander afar?

        How is it that I forget you who is by my side,

        For hills and mountains never meet even once.

        Let alone me and you are we that much alike?" He narrated.

        Master Wengong listening he stood up and everyone around exchanging glances Shi Miyuan looked at Yang Meizi while he stood up.

      "Your tears are precious much more than anything to me,

       As Moons come and go I mourn where you have been,

       I recall our time of youth and feel complete,

       As whispers of love dance across our crystal sea."  Shi Miyuan said and Yang Meizi pleased she smiled at him while hiding his eyes the defeated Minister prince sat down disappointed.

      Poetry is the heart of the spirit and the song of the mind, where one cherishes beauty and the other mourns a lost love in memory." Master Wengong said.

       "What do you think?" He suddenly asked and then looking around he raised his eyes to Yang Meizi who seemed entirely immersed in her own thoughts.

       "You there." he said while Yang Meizi coming to her senses she smiled while bowing her head.

       "A true poet can appreciate such Language yet you seem happy with something missing in your mind." Master Wengong said.

      "I brandish my sword, he sharpens his sabre,

      Alone we march with no strength we only fear,

      Once I gazed at hills now the stones rise,

      The sky is filled with banners and raining arrows of fire." Yang Meizi recited.

      "It wasn't one of the words that I had given." Master Wengong said and everyone was as shocked that she had spoken up courageously.

      "I know " she said.

      "Then why did you go ahead?" Master Wengong asked.

      "If I do remember Your Excellency, before everything when you showed us all those words and spoke up, you said you hoped that each one of us composed a poem that is short but could give us the very deep meaning of those feelings we could find." Yang Meizi replied.

       "And surprisingly all these I taught paid less attention you were the only one that heard." Master Wengong said as he walked up to the centre of the room.

       I won't teach you poems, I was merely concerned, I am here to turn you into great statesmen of the country while you debate on affairs of state with one another." He said.

       "Yes Master." They replied in unison.

       Yang Meizi at the time moving across the hall Shi Miyuan noticed a part of the carpet had been raised and coincidentally as she slipped her rushed in while she fell backwards and he held her by the waist under the gaze of everyone.

       Yang Meizi staring at him he looked back with do much concern and while she seemed to enjoy the moment along with him, the Young Prince that was seated nearby clenched his fists out of so much fury.

       Yang Meizi couldn't dare resent such a moment as the courage to break free vanished as fast as it had come, one thing that she knew with all her heart was that with Shi Miyuan, she was starting to feel much stranger than she had ever felt with any other man in the world.