Ying Yue wakes up to the noises of maids running around the mansion. With her eyes barely opened, Ying Yue drags herself out of bed. Trying not to wake her mother, she climbs out of bed and prepares to leave to her room. Ying Yue spots Chunhua as she reaches the hallway that leads to her room.
"Chunhua? What's with all the morning ruckus?"
"My lady, you were deployed and didn't know, but it looks like the crown prince has send news for the second miss to enter his harem as a consort. The crown prince is coming himself shortly."
"What?!"
Ying Yue froze in spot, unable to utter another word. In disbelief she makes her way to her room. There she finds that her room was broken into. Her poems and letter were scattered around her room.
"Chunhua! Who dares to break into my room?!"
Screaming at the top of her lungs, Ying Yue was furious. She wanted answers and was not going to wait around to find out.
Chunhua was taken off guard, fearing that Ying Yue might do something to her. Chunhua quickly kneeled on both her knees with her face, facing the ground.
"My lady, no one has come to this side of the mansion, so I am not sure who broke in."
"Someone broke into the mansion and no one was aware?!"
"I'm sorry my lady, I do not know. I was with your mother while you were away."
With a heavy sigh, Ying Yue dismisses Chunhua to have some time alone. With tears in her eyes, Ying Yue picks up whatever was left of her letters and poems from the prince. Wiping away her tears she forces herself to change her clothes and do her hair. She wanted to at least look presentable for when the crown prince comes to pick up Jia Li.
"Sigh...it looks like I will never be happy in this life time. God tell me why? Why am I the one that must suffer?"
After a moment, Ying Yue collects herself and reminds herself that she is not like other women. She must put the kingdoms safety and happiness before her own. Ying Yue finally puts on a dress, the dress she had originally bought to meet the crown prince in. She places a jade hair pin in her hair and adds light blush to her pale skin. Ying Yue then leaves to go greet her father. Hoping for a better explanation.
"Good morning father, I hope you rested well."
"Ah! Ying Yue, today is a joyous day! Ha Ha!"
"Father, why don't you fill me in on how the crown prince decided to add Jia Li to his harem? I thought you were against women of the Yangs joining the imperial harem?"
"Hmm I was, but the crown prince has promised to make Jia Li his empress if I were to let her join now as a consort until he becomes emperor. Ha Ha what a joyous day! God is truly blessing us."
Ying Yue thought to herself that god does not exist. If they did exist, they were blind. Allowing only the horrible greedy people happiness while her and her mother worked so hard in life just to get nothing in return. Ying Yue decides to leave the main building and heads out towards the entrance. There she sees Jia Li.
"Well if it isn't sister Jia Li."
"Oh? Look who it is Nanjing."
Chucking among each other. Ying Yue still hasn't forgotten about her room incident.
"Enough of your laughing, Jia Li, I know it was you who broke into my room."
"Oh my! What could you have in that run-down shabby room that I could want?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about."
Ying Yue knew that the only person who would benefit from raiding her room was Jia Li, but she had no proof. She had no evidence either. Ying Yue was bluffing at this point.
"You think I wouldn't know it was you? You think I won't tell the crown prince?!"
"Tell him what? I have nothing to hide. Hmph If that's all you have to say then excuse me. I have to go get ready for the crown prince's visit."
Forcing herself to remain calm. Ying Yue bites back her lips and heads back to her mother's residence.
"Mother!"
"Oh, my dear Ying Yue, what's wrong? You look like you've been crying."
"Mother why is life so unfair? Why do we have to live like this?"
"My dear sweet daughter, life is never fair. We suffer now, but I'm sure someday we will get the happiness we deserve. Now let's go fix your makeup and hair."
Ying Yues mother did her own hair and makeup all the time as she didn't have any personal maids while married to Ying Yues father.
"Since the crown prince is coming, we all must look presentable. Isn't that right Ying Yue?"
Ying Yues mother clips Ying Yue's hair up, braiding a portion and weaving it into a small bun. She then pins the jade hair pin Ying Yue was wearing on. Although they were poor, Ying Yues father still sends over products for his first wife as she still has to look presentable in case of any events. Ying Yues mother then applies a hint of blush and lipstick for Ying Yue. With a look of satisfaction Ying Yues mother breaks into a smile.
"There...you look a lot like me when I was your age."
"Really mother?"
Ying Yue faces the mirror and sees her reflection for once. She never thought she'd look so feminine. Ying Yue looked like a noble daughter. Before they could say much, the crown prince and his guards were near the residence.
"Be on your way Ying Yue."
Ying Yue leaves and walks to the front entrance where Jia Li was. Jia Li was shocked the instant she saw Ying Yue.
"Oh my, is the sun facing the other way today or is Ying Yue actually a woman?"
"I'd be careful with what I say Jia Li, you don't want to ruin your face on the day you enter the palace do you?"
"Why you!"
Jia Li and Ying Yue stopped bickering after they notice the crown prince's carriage approaching. They both ran out of the main hall and went to greet the prince at the entrance. The moment the crown prince stepped out of carriage and walked to Jia Li, Ying Yues heart was struck once again. She had never felt anything like it before. She felt like she was stabbed, yet there was no wound. The crown prince then approaches Ying Yue.
"You must Ying Yue. Who would've thought you'd also be a beauty? It must run in the family."
"Thank you for your kind words, your highness."
" Not at all, you've done many things for this country. I heard you had to return after sustaining an injury. Thank you for your services."
"Thank you, your highness. For acknowledging this one, I was merely doing my duties as the imperial general. If I may ask, how did your highness and Jia Li meet?"
"Funny story, Jia Li turned out to be the girl I've been writing to for two years."
"Oh....is she now? And you believe her?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I? She's the woman of my dreams."
"Your highness what if I told you I was the original writers of those poems and letters would you believe me?"
The crown prince was no longer smiling. Rather he had a serious face on. Even his tone of voice changed. In his soft low voice, he whispered to Ying Yue.
" Ying Yue Yang, I will pretend I didn't hear what you said. Out of respect for your father and what you've done for this kingdom I will pardon you."
"Your Highness! I am no liar!"
Ying Yue tries to grab the prince's hand, but the prince slaps away Ying Yues hand. Ying Yue knew it was too late. Whatever she said now the crown prince would not believe her, he was too enchanted with Jia Li to notice who's real and who's not.
Jia Li noticed the crown prince and Ying Yue talking. She walked over and interrupted their conversation. Worried that Ying Yue might mention something that will give her away. Breaking into a smile, Jia Li linked her arm with the crown prince, right in front of Ying Yue.
"Your highness lets be on our way! I can't wait to see my residence there."
"Yes, you're right. I must greet mother and father in law first before we leave. My mother is eager to meet you as well."
Ying Yue stood all alone, by the big tree in the front yard. Staying feet's away from the crown prince and Jia Li, as a way to hide her tears. Ying Yues father and step mother hurriedly rushed out of the mansion to greet the crown prince.
"Greetings crown prince, welcome to our humble home."
"Ah! marquis, no need for formality. We will be family soon."
"Crown prince, please come inside and rest. How rude of me to make you wait in the sun like this."
"No need marquis. I have prior engagements I need to attend. I've come to pick Jia Li up. We will be leaving soon. Do come and attend our wedding tonight at the palace."
"Of course, your highness, we would never miss our daughter's wedding."
Just like that the crown prince left the Yang residence with Jia Li and her maid. Hurt and betrayed Ying Yue remained silent. Watching the royal carriage leave and nearly out of sight Ying Yue softly whispers to herself.
"...Goodbye my first love..."
Tears rolls down Ying Yues face. That day she promised to never cry about this incident again. She burned all her poems and letters to the crown prince and the ones she got from him. Ying Yue wanted to forget and move on.
Meanwhile, Jia Li and the crown prince makes their way to greet the empress. Jia Li kneels in front of the empress, with her hands clasps together. The empress did not smile, nor show any signs of affection. Jia Li was worried she'd be sent back to the Yang residence so she mustered up her courage and spoke.
"Greetings empress, this one's name is Jia Li."
"Mother! She is marquis Zi Wei Yang's daughter, the one I told you about."
Glaring at Jia Li, the empress was not impressed. Dignified, elegant, even with some fine line wrinkles and some dashes of gray hair she was still was still a beautiful woman. After a moment, the empress finally spoke.
"Hmph, I pictured her different from what you told me. I figured she'd at least look smart. Are you sure it's her?"
Jia Li froze that instant. For lying to the prince, she could lose her head. Lightly shaking Jia Li couldn't utter a word. The crown prince was worried she was scared cause of the empress presence. He had to speak in her place.
"Mother! What are you saying? Of course, it's her! I promised to take care of her here, so I will not allow you to mistreat her."
"Hmmm....very well son, if you are willing to go that far for her I will it slide this time. In the future, I will not allow another woman with no actual background to enter the palace, do you hear me?"
Gasping in relief, the crown prince thanks his mother. Jia Li snaps out of her daze and thanks the empress for her kindness.
"Thank you, your majesty for your kindness."
"Think nothing of it. I welcome you into the palace Jia Li Yang. Treat my son well and I will treat you well, do you understand?"
"Of course! That is my intention! I promise to love and care for only his highness."
The empress breaks into a small smile, stands up and walks to Jia Li. She helps Jia Li stand up and officially welcomes Jia Li as a daughter in law. Jia Li wiping away her sweat, gently smiles at the empress.
"We will hold a small banquet to welcome you into the royal family as a consort. You will have your wedding night as well."
The empress takes Jia Li to prepare for their wedding night, and sends the crown prince off to prepare as well. Night rolls in and guests filled the banquet. Esteemed ministers and neighboring prince and princess attended. Everyone attended, but Ying Yue and her mother. The celebration went on into the night, even from where Ying Yue was at home she could hear the laughter's.
"Sigh....I guess this is it."
Feeling sorry for herself and not wanting to be alone Ying Yue walks to her mothers room. Night draws near and Ying Yue decided to sleep in her mothers room again tonight. Feeling depressed and sad, Ying Yue dreamed of the red-haired man. The world he lived in was so different and beautiful. For some reason, tonight when Ying Yue dreamed of him again, Ying Yue was unable to move. Ying Yue looked at her feet and realized she was being pulled down by what looked like monsters not of this world. Ying Yue screamed and screamed for help in her dream.
"Ah...Jianyu..help me...!"
Ying Yue screams at the top of her lungs, sweating. Clenching the blanket in her hands. Ying Yue screams were so loud she woke up her mother. Her mother sees Ying Yue struggling in her dreams, she had to shake Ying Yues arms.
"Ying Yue! Wake up!"
"Ah! Don't come near me!"
Ying Yues mother shakes Ying Yue again and she finally snapped out of it. Ying Yue sat up so quick she almost reopened her wound.
"Mom?"
"What's wrong with you Ying Yue? Why were you screaming like that? Tell me!"
After a moment of silence, Ying Yue collects herself and finally speaks and decides to tell her mother of her dreams.
"Mom, please listen to what I have to say. For the past four years I've been having these really vivid dreams. I'm in a place that looks like another world. I see beautiful nature, lands, crops, and creatures that don't look like the ones here. It looked like a place blessed with the heaven's blessings. There's also a handsome man with red hair, in my dreams he's calling my name. The way he looks at me, makes it look like he knows who I am."
Ying Yues mothers' eyes widen. She was stuttering to say something, but couldn't.
"You...you said red hair?"
"Yes, red hair mother. Why?"
"No..no no this is not good! Ying Yue have you told this to anyone else?!"
Ying Yue was shocked, her mother just clinging onto her and not explaining wasn't helping. She knew she had to try and calm down her mother.
"Mother, what's wrong? What does it mean?"
"Ying Yue...red haired people are from the royal bloodline of the dragon clan."
"What? What does me dreaming about it mean?"
"Shhh! Ying Yue! You must not tell this to anyone else okay?! No one else, not even his majesty or your father! Do you understand?!"
Ying Yues mother was squeezing her hands so hard she knew something was wrong.
"Ah! Alright mother I won't."
"Good! Now try to sleep and forget about ever having those dreams."
Ying Yue sat up in silence, while her mother went back to sleep. Ying Yue then forces herself to go back to sleep. This time she doesn't dream of anything. Just empty darkness.