Threads Of Fate.

HATE.

The grand hall was filled with dignitaries, the atmosphere formal yet lively. The Empress Dowager, resplendent in her imperial attire, took her seat at the center of the gathering. The Prime Ministers from both sides, along with council members, arrayed themselves according to rank.

As the entertainment began, musicians played soothing melodies, and dancers performed interesting routines. The hall was filled with the scent of incense and the soft mumbling of conversation.

Yìlán, though not a part of the main gathering, watched from a distance, ensuring that everything proceeded smoothly. Her eyes occasionally drifted toward the imperial family, particularly the Emperor and Princess Měi Xiāng.

The event reached its c****x, everyone had had enough to eat and drink. But suddenly, Panic erupted as the Empress Dowager's choking became more pronounced. Guests gasped in shock, and some rose from their seats. The Princess's expression turned grave, and she immediately called for medical attention.

Yìlán, who had been observing from a distance, sprang into action. With her knowledge of the palace and its workings, she swiftly cut through the crowd and reached the Empress Dowager's side without anyone noticing.

Without hesitation, Yìlán checked her wrist with her left fingers as the other one did strange pressure punch around her heart using two fingers. Her hands quick and precise. After a few attempts, the Empress Dowager coughed up blood and relief washing over her face.

The hall fell silent, with all eyes on Yìlán. The Emperor's gaze met hers, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. Princess Měi Xiāng smiled, her eyes shining with approval.

The Empress Dowager, still recovering, nodded weakly at Yìlán. "Who are you?" she whispered, her voice hoarse.

"Yìng Yìlán, your majesty."

"Your techniques are strange, but it is helpful. You will be rewarded."

The incident had turned Yíng Yìlán fortunes around, and she had inadvertently caught the attention of the imperial family in a most favorable way.

The imperial consorts, Lady Wén, exchanged disapproving glances, their faces reddening with contempt. They seemed displeased by the sudden attention Yìlán received.

The other maids who had been hostile towards Yìlán earlier also looked on with resentment, their faces twisted in scowls. They seemed to feel that Yìlán actions had unfairly elevated her status, and they didn't hesitate to show their disapproval.

Suddenly, a voice sounded from the entrance of the hall. "Don't praise her yet, your majesty." A lanky man walked in, his movement intentional when he reached the imperial family and bowed.

"What is the reason for your comment?" The princess asked.

"Your highness, i have reason to believe Yìlán did this for a purpose. I saw her add something into her majesty's meal."

Everyone gasped and mumbled among themselves, the emperor stared at Yìlán, his brow furrowed. Everyone's gaze was now on her, as Yìlàn's eyes grew wide.

"Lé Yàng, what is this?" She asked. Lé Yàng was one of the kitchen assistant, she was shocked to hear him say this, considering how cordial they were.

"I thought you were just adding spice, i didn't know this was your plan to elevate yourself." He added.

"Of course, She is a very cunning woman." Imperial Consort Míng Yuè said.

The atmosphere in the grand hall grew increasingly tense as the maids who resented Yìlán began to mock her, their whispers and snickers spreading like wildfire. The two imperial consorts, fueled by their own disdain for Yìlán, seized the opportunity to speak out against her.

"Indeed, Your Majesty," consort Qing lian said, her voice dripping with malice. "We've noticed that Yìlán has been acting suspiciously, always lurking around trying to get close to the imperial family . It's clear she had ulterior motives."

The other consort, consort shi yun chimed in, her voice equally venomous. "She thinks her beauty is a medium to gain favor whenever she want?"

The accusations and mockery casted a dark shadow over Yìlàn's reputation. The Emperor's expression remained neutral, but Princess Měi Xiāng's eyes seemed to be weighing the evidence, her mind working overtime to uncover the truth.

The Empress Dowager, still recovering, looked at Yìlán with a discerning gaze. "Enough," she said finally, her voice firm. The Empress Dowager's face darkened, her eyes blazing with anger. "Seize her and throw her in jail!" she commanded, her voice trembling with rage.

The guards grabbed Yìlán immediately.

But Princess Měi Xiāng intervened, her voice calm and measured. "Mother, perhaps we should be cautious until we have proof of Yíng Yìlàn's guilt," she suggested, her eyes locked on the Empress Dowager's face.

The empress dowager frowned at princess Xiāng's protest.

The Princess turned to the Emperor, her eyes filled with a polite request. "Your Majesty, would you be so kind as to order an investigation into this matter? I believe it would be wise to uncover the truth before we act."

The Emperor cared less about whatever happens to a maid or any low class individual, but he hated his step mother undermining his leadership even more. "She's innocent until proven guilty." He said, his voice calm. "General Gao, investigate this properly."

The guards dragged Yìlán away, satisfied smile on the lips of her oppositions. Yìlán was thrown into the prison cell, she hoped for someone to surface and defend her. But only her could do it, only her could clear her name, but she couldn't do it from the prison cell.

****

The empress paced up and down, seething in anger. The Prime Minister bowed respectfully upon entering the Empress Dowager's palace. "Your majesty, may i ask what's troubling you?"

The Empress Dowager's pacing slowed, and she turned to face him, her expression still tense. "That insolent Meì Xiāng and the Emperor.... how dare they embarrass me in front of the entire court!"

The Prime Minister smiled slightly. "I think we've been too lenient with them your majesty, Wèi Shén should be under our control.

The Empress Dowager's voice rose as she recounted the events. "That Yíng Yìlán, accused of poisoning me! And instead of punishing her on the spot, they suggest an investigation. An investigation!"

The Prime Minister listened attentively, his face a mask of disgust. "The emperor doesn't care about low class, maids or servants."

The Empress Dowager's anger seemed to simmer just below the surface. "Ha! He did that to undermine my authority, plain and simple. I won't be treated like some ordinary elder. I am the Empress Dowager, and my word should be law."

"Your majesty, i think it's time we tame your step children."

"Don't call them that, don't associate me with those ingrates."

The Prime Minister's eyes gleamed with calculation as he said to the Empress Dowager. "Your Majesty, I have a plan to address your concerns. We can create a sense of discontent among the people, making it seem like the Emperor's policies are to blame for their struggles."

The Empress Dowager's interest was piqued, and she nodded for him to continue.

The Prime Minister's voice took on a conspiratorial tone. "We can start by manipulating the prices of essential food items and spices. As the shortages and high prices bite, the people will grow restless. We can subtly fuel their discontent, making it seem like the Emperor's aloofness and lack of concern for their welfare are the root causes of their problems."

The Empress Dowager's expression turned thoughtful, weighing the potential benefits of the Prime Minister's plan. "Go on," she said, her voice low and measured.

The Prime Minister's smile grew wider. "As the people's dissatisfaction grows, we can orchestrate subtle protests and petitions, making it seem like the Emperor's policies are failing the people. With careful manipulation, we can create a narrative that the Emperor is out of touch with his people, and that you, Your Majesty, are the one who truly understands their struggles and concerns."

The Empress Dowager's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Yes, perfect." she nodded for the Prime Minister to proceed with his plan.

^^^

It's been two days, Yìlán grew pale from being starved, her energy weak and her limps wobbled. The investigation proceeded slowly, the kitchen assistants and maids were of no help, or rather, scared to say a word.

Princess Měi Xiāng's face darkened as she entered the prison cell, She was taken aback by Yíng Yìlàn's disheveled appearance, the young woman's eyes sunken and her skin pale.

"Why would they treat you like this!" Princess Měi Xiāng exclaimed, her voice low and furious. She turned to the prison guard standing at attention outside the cell. "You want to starve her half to death?!"

The guard cowered under the Princess's glare, but before he could speak, Princess Měi Xiāng's hand flashed out, slapping him across the face. "How could you be so cruel?" she demanded, her voice trembling with rage.

The guard stumbled backward, his face reddening from the slap. "I-I received instructions from Consort Qing Lian not to feed her, Your Highness," he stammered, his eyes darting nervously between the Princess and Yíng Yìlán .

Princess Měi Xiāng's anger seemed to ignite further at the guard's words. "Consort Qing Lian," she spat, her voice venomous. "You will feed Yìlán properly from now on. Do I make myself clear?"

The guard nodded hastily, still rubbing his sore cheek. "Y-yes, Your Highness. I'll see to it immediately."

With a final glare at the guard, Princess Měi Xiāng turned back to Yìlán, her expression softening.

Yìlán eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at Princess Měi Xiāng, her voice trembling with desperation. "Your Highness, please... I beg of you, grant me freedom. I need to find evidence to clear my name. I'm innocent, I swear it."

Princess Měi Xiāng's expression softened further as Yìlàn's words struck a chord within her. She watched as Yìlán knelt before her, her eyes pleading.

"Please, Your Highness," Yìlán repeated, her voice cracking with emotion. "I need to prove my innocence."

Princess Měi Xiāng's heart went out to Yìlán, and she reached out to gently help her up. "I can't offend the empress dowager further, Yìlán," she said softly. "Only the emperor can grant your request, let's get you fed and cleaned up first."

Yíng Yìlàn's eyes shone with gratitude, and she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Your Highness." She couldn't ask the princess to speak with the emperor, Yìlán knew what kind of man he was.

As Princess Měi Xiāng helped Yìlán to her feet, she made a silent vow to uncover the truth behind the accusations and to protect Yìlán from those who sought to harm her.

The Emperor listened attentively to Princess Měi Xiāng's account of Yíng Yìlàn's situation, his expression thoughtful. As she finished speaking, he sighed and waved his hand in a gentle gesture.

Princess Měi Xiāng's face lit up with a happy smile, and she quickly turned to the guards. "Go release Yíng Yìlán immediately," she instructed.

As the guards hastened to comply, Princess Měi Xiāng turned back to the Emperor, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you your majesty."

The Emperor's expression turned introspective, and he leaned back in his chair. He said, his voice measured. "What sparked this newfound concern for a maid?"

Princess Měi Xiāng's smile faltered for a moment, and she hesitated before responding. "I suppose I just feel sorry for her, Brother," she said finally, her voice soft. "She seems like a different person, almost like a fairy. Her beauty is divine, she's unique."

The Emperor's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing. "Is that all?" he asked, his voice low and questioning.

Princess Měi Xiāng's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she suggested, "When Yíng Yìlán is proven innocent, perhaps you could make her one of your maids? She seems like a capable and intelligent woman."

The Emperor's expression turned skeptical, and he frowned slightly. "How sure are you that she's innocent?" he asked, his voice tinged with doubt.

Princess Měi Xiāng's smile never wavered. "I'm quite certain, Brother," she said confidently. "I've spoken to her, and I believe she's telling the truth. Besides, her actions when stepmother was poisoned seemed genuine enough."

The Emperor's gaze lingered on his sister's face, as if searching for any hidden motives behind her words. After a moment, he nodded thoughtfully. "I'm curious to see how your Yíng Yìlán will prove her innocence."