The first golden rays of sunlight slipped through the lattice windows, casting a soft glow over Yanli's sleeping chambers. Her eyes fluttered open to the sound of a gentle knock at the door.
"Miss, it's time," Bai Min called softly, her voice laced with respect yet filled with warmth. Yanli stretched slightly, feeling the luxurious silk sheets cool against her skin as she gathered herself, slipping out of bed.
Bai Min entered with a respectful bow, carrying a basin of warm water and a tray holding freshly brewed tea and a light breakfast. "Did you sleep well, Miss?" she asked, glancing up only briefly before setting the basin down.
"I did, thank you," Yanli replied with a soft smile, appreciating Bai Min's quiet diligence. "What news do you have for me this morning?"
As Bai Min prepared Yanli's hair with gentle hands, she began her report. "Meiyu returned last night, Miss," she said, eyes meeting Yanli's in the mirror. "She requests an audience with you this morning."
Yanli's gaze sharpened, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. She'd sent Meiyu to her family's village under the guise of a visit, but the real reason was to gather a careful selection of candidates to manage the secretive shops she intended to open. These shops would appear unremarkable to the public eye, yet they would sell the rare, exquisite fruits and crops she cultivated in her space. With Meiyu's return, the next phase of her plan could finally begin.
"Good," Yanli murmured. "Once I've dressed, send her in."
Bai Min nodded, her hands nimble as she finished Yanli's hair, fashioning it into an elegant yet modest style, befitting Yanli's quiet reemergence after her recent rebirth. She slipped a subtle hairpin, engraved with Yanli's family crest, into place, a small yet potent symbol of loyalty.
Once dressed and settled, Yanli signaled to Bai Min, who quickly departed to summon Meiyu. A few moments later, the door creaked open again, and Meiyu entered with a deep bow, her face lighting up at the sight of Yanli.
"Miss," Meiyu greeted, her tone respectful but warm with familiarity. "I've returned as you requested."
Yanli's eyes softened slightly. "Welcome back, Meiyu. How was your family?"
Meiyu's eyes shone as she bowed her head slightly, replying, "They are well, thanks to your generosity. The care packages you sent were deeply appreciated. They could hardly believe it all came from their daughter's mistress."
Yanli waved her hand lightly. "Nonsense. Your loyalty and hard work deserve no less." She settled into her seat, her gaze turning serious. "Now, tell me. What did you find?"
Meiyu's demeanor shifted as she produced a small, bound ledger and handed it to Yanli. "Miss, as you requested, I searched the surrounding villages for people with the qualities you specified—discretion, diligence, and intelligence. Among them, three stood out. Each has experience in trade but has kept a low profile, managing small family shops or markets. They could be molded to fit your vision."
Yanli flipped through the pages, skimming Meiyu's notes, her eyebrows lifting with approval as she read the detailed descriptions. "They look promising." She looked back at Meiyu with a satisfied nod. "They're trustworthy?"
Meiyu nodded firmly. "I took care to verify their backgrounds. Each has maintained their integrity, despite their challenges. And they're unlikely to ask too many questions—only eager for a stable livelihood."
"Perfect." Yanli's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. "They will be the public faces of the shops. What about the other matter?"
"I gathered information on recent dealings in the marketplace as well," Meiyu continued. "Some families are already suspecting foul play, noting strange shortages of fruits and supplies. The timing will be delicate if we want to avoid attention."
Yanli listened intently. "We will keep a slow introduction, then. Our priority is secrecy. The moment word gets out that these items come from my personal resources…" she trailed off, glancing at Bai Min, who'd silently reentered the room with fresh tea.
"Thank you, Bai Min," Yanli said, her gaze drifting to Meiyu. "Both of you will be crucial in the final stages of this plan. I need absolute discretion from each of you."
Bai Min and Meiyu exchanged glances, each nodding with conviction.
"Miss, it will be done," Bai Min affirmed, a sense of pride in her voice.
Yanli sipped her tea thoughtfully before sharing the next part of her plan. "In the coming months, the kingdom will gather for the annual festival. I intend to use that day to make a public appearance—not for myself, but to place Prince Zhen's name on the lips of everyone present." She met their gazes, her eyes glinting with resolve. "He will be my voice that day, and I will need both of you to ensure everything proceeds flawlessly."
Bai Min's eyebrows lifted slightly at this revelation. "So, Prince Zhen will… speak on your behalf, Miss?"
Yanli nodded, her lips curving into a soft smile as her thoughts wandered to Zhen, envisioning the trust they shared. "Yes. His voice will lend credibility without drawing attention to myself."
Meiyu smiled, her admiration clear. "Prince Zhen is indeed a wise choice, Miss. His influence in court will grant your ventures legitimacy."
"Precisely," Yanli replied. "I'll be relying on both of you to handle the details and ensure that neither my name nor my resources are linked to these shops. Any slip could unravel everything."
Meiyu and Bai Min both gave solemn nods, their faces mirroring her own resolve.
"Good," Yanli said, standing and casting one last glance toward the morning light filtering through her window. "Let us prepare for what lies ahead. There is much to be done, and only together can we succeed."
The two maids bowed deeply, and Yanli felt a swell of confidence in her heart. This gathering would be a pivotal step toward securing her future and ensuring the prosperity of her family's name.
As Bai Min and Meiyu bowed to leave, Yanli paused, a faint smile playing at her lips. "Before you go, there's something I want to share with you both."
They halted, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
"I trust the two of you not only with the duties I assign, but with my plans, my intentions," Yanli said, her voice low but firm. "With Prince Zhen's support, I aim to create a legacy—not just for myself, but for my family. And that means protecting our reputation as fiercely as we guard our wealth."
Bai Min nodded thoughtfully. "Miss, it is an honor to be part of something greater than myself. Your vision is both inspiring and humbling."
Yanli's gaze softened. "Thank you, Bai Min. And Meiyu, your work has exceeded my expectations. It may take years for our plans to unfold, but know that each step we take brings us closer."
A flicker of pride appeared on Meiyu's face. "I am loyal to you, Miss. Whatever you ask of me, I will do without hesitation."
Yanli held their gazes, her own eyes glinting with determination. "Then let us proceed carefully and decisively. Today, it may only seem like small steps in secrecy. But in time, people will see the fruits of our labor." She paused, a small smile crossing her lips as she added, "Yet no one will suspect where those fruits came from."
Both women shared a knowing smile, feeling the subtle power in Yanli's words.
Yanli took a slow sip of tea, letting its warmth ground her focus as she considered her next move. Her thoughts turned to the annual kingdom gathering, the spectacle of it always stirring whispers and admiration alike. But this year, her own ambitions would subtly intertwine with the festivities.
"Prince Zhen may not yet realize the weight of the words I wish him to share," she murmured more to herself, her gaze distant as if she could see the gathering already unfolding in her mind.
Bai Min looked at her thoughtfully. "Miss, will you reveal your full plans to the Prince?"
Yanli's lips tightened in contemplation. "Not yet. Zhen is too perceptive not to see my intentions, but some things are best kept close, even from allies. His position in the palace must remain unsullied by my… activities, for now. We're dealing with delicate threads—one tug too hard, and everything may unravel."
Understanding flashed in Bai Min's eyes. "You're wise to tread carefully, Miss. The palace is riddled with spies, and even a whisper could reach the wrong ears."
"Exactly," Yanli replied, her voice steely. "We've planted our seeds. Now we wait for them to grow."
After a quiet moment, she dismissed the two women with a soft nod. As they left, Yanli allowed herself a rare moment of vulnerability, inhaling deeply. There were so many forces at play—enemies like Hanyu and Consort Mei watching her every move, Prince Zhen's own quiet struggles within the palace, and the delicate maneuvering she'd orchestrated with her shops and estates. But Yanli felt resolute, sensing the stirrings of something powerful.