In the heart of the Eastern kingdom, on the east side of the royal province, the Tiger Palace towered with its regal majesty. Intricate carvings depicting the kingdom's greatest triumphs lined its massive gates. The palace's interior was an artistic tour de force.
The marble surfaces sparkled as the sunlight poured in through the open windows. Nature and courtly life were depicted on the silk banners that hung on the walls. From the intricately carved woodwork on the doors to the painstakingly painted murals on the ceilings, every surface was lavishly decorated.
The seventh prince was filled with pride and awe as he made his way through the castle. He was privileged to be given care of this place, which was to become his residence and his seat of authority. He had stopped for a minute to take in the fine carvings on a nearby column when the sound of approaching feet broke into his reverie.
As he turned around, he noticed that his bodyguard, Fan Weng, was coming to stand beside him. The prince was taken aback by his trusted advisor's striking appearance, which included long, dark ocean hair, chiselled features, and a penetrating stare. Fan Weng, who was trying to hide his identity by donning an assassin's hanfu and a mask, was stunningly attractive.
Fan Weng's striking appearance stood in stark contrast to that of Fan Ling, the prince's right hand, as he neared the prince. Fan Ling was attractive, but he didn't have Fan Weng's piercing features. Fan Ling had kind, loving eyes, but Fan Weng's were cold and calculating.
Four years ago, after finding Fan Weng injured in a ditch during a battle with the demon tribes, the prince took him into his care.
He raised him and, impressed by his talent, gave him the name Fan Weng and made him his trusted aide. The prince was still impressed by Fan Weng's timeless beauty, even though the years had taken their toll on his face. With his ageless looks, he would be adopted by his father's concubines if he weren't already his right-hand man.
When the prince saw Fan Weng, he felt a pang of envy. The attractiveness of his right-hand man seemed to be irresistible. At the same time, he was obviously threatening; you could tell he was not someone to mess with.
"What's the latest?" The prince looked directly at Fan Weng and asked.
Fan Weng replied calmly and evenly, "Your awaited position as Crown Prince is imminent." But there's something that needs your immediate consideration. The Emperor has given his blessing to the Liu family's marriage plan, but the Liu family has asked for a delay of two years.
The prince's thoughts returned to the night of the banquet, when he first encountered Liu Mei. He recalled feeling out of place in the midst of the event's grandeur and opulence, like a fish out of water. His siblings had mocked him mercilessly, calling him a country bumpkin and laughing at his awkward efforts to converse politely with the other guests.
He had just resigned himself to a miserable evening when he caught sight of a girl across the room. With her simple yet elegant outfit and bright grin, she was a ray of sunshine in the midst of the stuffy and pretentious throng. He stood there for a few minutes, admiring her grace and confidence as she moved.
The prince's brothers, as fate would have it, soon turned their attention to Liu Mei, teasing and taunting her in the same manner they had tormented him earlier. But, to his surprise, Liu Mei did not flee or cower in terror. Instead, she faced his siblings with a fierce determination in her eyes.
She had treated his cheek injuries, her gentle touch and kind words providing him with a feeling of comfort he had never felt before.
She hadn't judged him even when he was talking to himself. Instead, she had listened and even shared her thoughts with him. The prince realised at that time that there was something special about Liu Mei, something he couldn't quite put into words.
The prince realised at that time that there was something special about Liu Mei. She didn't care about his social standing or riches; she saw him for who he truly was. And, like a moth to a flame, he couldn't help but be attracted to her.
The news of his impending crowning filled the prince with joy, but the postponement of his wedding to Liu Mei dampened his enthusiasm. He was naturally dissatisfied by the holdup, but he had faith in the Liu family's wisdom.
Fan Ling's elder brothers had picked on him and made fun of him because they considered him the family's weakest prince. But he had worked hard to better himself, to grow stronger and smarter, so that one day he could establish his worth on his own. And now, at long last, that time had arrived.
Liu Family Estate
Ancestor Hall
During the time that the family patriarch and the other elders of the Liu family were discussing Liu Mei's request, the ancestor hall was eerily silent. Because everyone present was aware that their choice would have significant repercussions, there was a palpable sense of both tension and anticipation in the air.
The patriarch's father was the first to speak, and his tone was firm and authoritative. "I am aware that some of you are sceptical about the arrangement that has been made. However, it cannot be denied that Liu Mei is a woman who possesses a tremendous amount of worth and virtue. She is going to make a wonderful wife, and one day she is going to be an empress.
The patriarch's father continued to insist despite the objections of several elders. "Other potential spouses have been taken into consideration; however, none have demonstrated the same level of potential as the seventh prince." He has established his worth time and again, not only on the battlefield but also in the courtroom. He is a leader who is both wise and just, and he will bring honour and prosperity to our clan.
There were still some of the elders who did not believe it, despite the fact that some of them agreed. They grumbled to one another, manifesting their obvious dissatisfaction with the fact that they were unable to have their demands met.
When one of the elders finally did speak up, he had a sour tone to his voice. "What about my very own grandson?" "How about it?" He has put in a lot of work over the years to become a worthy opponent for Liu Mei. "Are we really going to put him in the background in favour of the prince?"
Elder Wang, who was present, was the one who spoke up. "I am aware that there are other suitors competing for the hand of Liu Mei in marriage; however, let us not forget that the 7th prince, who will soon become crown prince, is the best option. He is not only a capable leader with a bright future, but he is also a man of great virtue and honour."
Frowning in displeasure at the question of authority, the Father Patriarch said, "I know that some of us may have had other ideas for our sons or even a man from a renowned sect, but we must put aside our personal ambitions and think about what is best for the clan as a whole."
"The prince and Liu Mei will make a wonderful couple, and the two of them will guide our clan to unprecedented levels of success together," said another elder.
Standing in front of his daughter, Liu Mei's father said in a commanding tone, "I agree." If Liu Mei gets married to the man who will soon become the crown prince, we will comply with her request. Because doing so is for the benefit of our family."
As soon as Liu Mei's father uttered those words, the young woman's heart skipped a beat. She had hoped that they would grant her request, but the requirement that she marry the 7th prince took her by surprise.
Having said that, keeping in mind how the academy symbolised freedom, she quickly cast her eyes downward in an effort to contain her excitement. '' It's possible that I could be free for at least two years! That ought to be sufficient for an escape plan.''
She shook her head and took a few slow, deep breaths, attempting to regain her composure. She lifted her chin and met the gazes of her father and the other elders, displaying an expression that was composed and resolute.
"I understand," she remarked in a resounding manner. "I am willing to accept your condition.''
On the other hand, the state of her heart was a complete mess. She couldn't help but be curious about the soon-to-be crown prince's opinion of her and whether or not he would be willing to go along with the plan. She tried to push those thoughts out of her mind and reminded herself that this was an opportunity to escape.
Others showed their approval by nodding their heads, while others remained silent, their facial expressions unintelligible. They were all aware of how important it was to locate a partner who was well-suited for Liu Mei, despite the fact that it was obvious that this was not an easy choice to make. The fate of their clan hung in the balance.