When the cherry blossom fades
If there is one thing people expect out of an alliance, it is peace. No one expects conflicts to heighten or wars to break out. No one expects buried secrets to come to light or hidden agendas to be exposed. So what triggered it all? Was it the Seventh Prince, the King of Jeontu, the Emperor of Shangwei, their minister, or someone neither of them expected? Will peace ever result? If so, who will restore it? Who's tragic back story is going to cause havoc to the nations as two young lovers learn to trust one another? _____ "My romantic mother named me after the sweet sight of the cherry blossom that comforted her in a moment of life and death; after its beauty, and grace. On the other hand, my realistic father named me after a cherry blossom’s fleeting lifetime.' _____ "Aeng-ah, please repeat after me. 'I will not cause any trouble for Jeontu, Shangwei, and especially your husband.' Please keep to those words." "Aye, show me a little trust. I may be a tad bit cheeky, but do you think I would risk anything when so many things are at stake? You have my word - if something goes wrong from this alliance... I'll wash my hands clean." _____ "Your Highness, other than you I don't necessarily have a goal. So please stop threatening me already. Put down the Bao bao, let us have a heart-to-heart." Han Aeng thought for a bit, before continuing, "You can trust me." Long Dahai's heart wanted to trust her words, but her eyes were murky - as clear as a muddy river. It made him think of all the times she'd proven otherwise. "Quite frankly, I don't trust the way you said I can trust you." "Oh, come on! I'm the suspicious one!? Are you all going to ignore the dude running around in a black suit, laughing like a lunatic?!" "...I'll take my chances."
.5 Ruyi
"Right! You don't have a servant, do you?" Rong Shuman scolded Long Dahai with a light hit on his back. Her words were laced with a hint of disapproval at his lack of attentiveness. "I heard your personal servant fell ill at the ceremony."
"Nanny Na is old, and the long travel has been hard for her. " In truth, she had only heard from a servant that Nanny Na had fainted not long ago.
As the wedding ceremony concluded, Nanny Na suddenly collapsed and had to be rushed to the doctor for treatment. Han Aeng couldn't help but wonder if Nanny Na's presence would have allowed them to identify the fake bride earlier.
"You're not going to call for another servant?" He had assumed she would have one of the dowry maids fill in Nanny Na's spot, as most people had multiple servants at their disposal. As it turns out, he was negligent.
"Chenqie feels most comfortable with Nanny Na and is more than happy to wait for her recovery. Moreover, the servants here treat me well; chenqie doesn't feel her absence or need for another servant." She wasn't being polite. Nanny Na had served her from childhood, so naturally, she felt most comfortable having her around. Nanny Na was her only servant to some extent, but that's a story for another time.
The palace servant did their job, so she couldn't care less. Besides, she despised the added presence of unfamiliar servants; it only made her feel like she was under constant surveillance and was too troublesome.
"In that case," Noble Consort Rong turned to her court ladies and waved a young girl over.
Han Aeng's expression turned guarded, her eyes flickering with a hint of suspicion. "There really is no need, chenqie is truly happy to wait for Nanny Na." Her words held a touch of polite dismissal, but her message was clear.
"Nonsense, how can you navigate the palace without a maid by your side." Noble Consort Rong was, once again, unintentionally forceful with her actions. Her pure motive overshadowed by the pushiness of her words. "Ruyi, while creative and entertaining to be around, knows decorum and is reliable. She'll match your nature well, Aeng."
Han Aeng glanced at Long Dahai, an act of seeking his thoughts before accepting Ruyi as her personal servant. He nodded in agreement, understanding that it would provide Han Aeng with an extra layer of security and assistance the palace.
"Then, chenqie thanks, Your Highness, for her generosity," Han Aeng forced a smile and expressed her gratitude, her words holding a subtle layer of wariness beneath the polite tone.
She couldn't help but feel cautious about the offer. Using the excuse of providing a personal servant, Noble Consort Rong seemed intent on keeping tabs on her. Was this seemingly carefree nature merely a tactic to lower her guard?
A shiver ran down Han Aeng's spine as she pondered the intentions of her mother-in-law. As expected, dealing with mothers-in-law could be rather daunting. You could never truly tell what they were thinking.
"It's a blessing for your servant to be at Li Wangfei's service; your maidservant's name is Ruyi."
A little older than Han Aeng in age, Ruyi was tall young girl, with full cheeks and a reserved but friendly smile. Her humble posture spoke of her years of experience at the palace, and her fit figure was formed by years of hard work.
Will the little seed planted by my side be a flower or a weed? "Then I'll be in your care, Ruyi."