The palace halls echoed with the sweet melodies of early morning birdsong. Shu Yan, one of the twin princes, ran playfully, his laughter ringing out as he chased after the fluttering wings of a bird. His carefree joy was contagious, but it was short-lived.
As Shu Yan rounded a corner, he collided with his twin brother, Shu Shu, sending them both tumbling to the floor. Shu Yan's face contorted in disgust as he scrambled to his feet.
"Watch where you're going, Shu Yan," Shu Shu said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he brushed off his robes.
Shu Yan's expression transformed, and he let out a loud, fake wail. The sudden, ear-piercing cry sent a nearby maid rushing into the hallway, her face etched with worry.
"Shu Yan, what happened?" the maid exclaimed, hastening to his side.
Shu Yan continued to wail, his voice growing louder. "Shu Shu pushed me!" he accused, his eyes welling up with fake tears.
Shu Shu's face reddened with indignation. "I didn't push you, you ran into me!" he protested.
The maid's expression turned stern as she grasped Shu Shu's ear, twisting it painfully. "Are you trying to harm the future emperor? Do you know the consequences of your actions?" she scolded.
Shu Shu's eyes welled up with tears as he cried out in pain. "But I didn't push him! It was an accident!" he pleaded.
The maid's grip tightened. "Stop lying! You're a menace, Shu Shu!" she spat, shoving him away.
Just then, Empress Mei swept into the hallway, her face etched with concern. "What happened to Shu Yan?" she demanded, rushing to her son's side.
The maid hastened to explain, "Shu Shu tried to harm Shu Yan, Your Majesty."
Empress Mei's gaze turned glacial as she turned to Shu Shu. Her hand flashed out, striking Shu Shu's cheek with a resounding slap. Shu Shu's eyes widened in shock as tears streamed down his face.
"Why are you trying to harm your brother?" Empress Mei thundered, her voice dripping with venom. "Don't you know he's the future emperor? Are you trying to supplant him?"
Shu Shu's lips trembled as he tried to defend himself, but Empress Mei's words cut him off.
"Don't dare call me Mother! You're a curse!" she spat, her eyes blazing with contempt.
Shu Shu felt the sting of her words, and his eyes dropped to the floor, unable to meet her gaze.
Empress Mei turned to Shu Yan, cradling him in her arms. "Let's get you checked by a physician, my love."
As she swept out of the hallway, the maid turned to Shu Shu, her expression scornful. "You're a disgrace."
Shu Shu stood alone, his heart heavy with the weight of his mother's rejection and the cruelty of the palace's politics...
The throne room was abuzz with the morning's formalities as Empress Mei, Lady Hua, and Lady Jing gathered to pay their respects to Emperor Jian. The air was thick with tension, a stark contrast to the serene atmosphere of the palace.
After the customary bow, Emperor Jian granted them permission to rise. Lady Hua, the third wife, spoke up, her voice laced with a subtle mockery aimed at Lady Jing. "My lord, may I be excused? Carrying a child can be quite...taxing." Her gaze flickered to Lady Jing, whose face remained impassive.
Emperor Jian nodded, and Lady Hua took her leave, her personal maid assisting her as they departed the throne room.
Empress Mei seized the opportunity to air her grievances. "My lord, I have a complaint." Her voice was firm, yet laced with a hint of desperation.
"Speak," Emperor Jian commanded, his tone measured.
Empress Mei's words tumbled out in a rush. "It's Shu Shu. He tried to kill Shu Yan this morning. I fear for my son's safety. What if Shu Shu's jealousy consumes him, and he harms Shu Yan again?"
Emperor Jian's eyes narrowed slightly. "How can an eight-year-old boy possibly kill another? They're brothers, and such a thing will never come to pass. You worry too much, Empress Mei."
Empress Mei's face reddened with indignation. "But, my lord—"
Emperor Jian's raised hand silenced her. "Enough. I assure you, no harm will come to Shu Yan. He is the future emperor, and his safety is guaranteed."
Empress Mei's anger boiled over, and she rose from her seat. "You favor that cursed child over your own flesh and blood? Shu Yan, born with the sacred lotus bracelet and blessed with magic, is the true heir to the throne! I will not stand idly by while Shu Shu threatens his life!"
Lady Jing intervened, her voice calm and measured. "Aren't you being overly dramatic, Empress Mei?"
Empress Mei's laughter was cold and mirthless. "And what would you know of being a mother, barren woman that you are?" The jab struck true, and Lady Jing's face fell, her eyes downcast.
Emperor Jian slammed his fist on the armrest, the sound echoing through the throne room. "Enough! I will ensure Shu Shu is punished for his actions. Leave me, both of you."
Empress Mei's smile was a thin, wicked line as she departed the throne room alongside Lady Jing. The air seemed to vibrate with the weight of her malice.
Shu Shu's quiet reverie was shattered as four guards burst into his room, their sudden entrance making him gasp. The guards' faces were impassive, their eyes cold and detached.
"Young prince, the emperor requests your presence," one of the guards announced, his voice firm but devoid of emotion.
Shu Shu's eyes widened as he trembled. "W-what did I do?" he stammered, but the guards remained silent.
One of the guards scooped him up, and they marched out of the room, Shu Shu's legs dangling in mid-air. The throne room loomed before them, its grandeur now a daunting specter.
As they entered the throne room, Shu Shu was forced to kneel before Emperor Jian, who sat on his throne, sipping tea from a delicate ceramic cup. A maid had brought the tea earlier, and the aroma wafted through the air, a stark contrast to the tension that gripped the room.
Shu Shu trembled as Emperor Jian's gaze bore into him. "Shu Shu, what happened this morning?" the emperor asked, his voice low and menacing.
Shu Shu's voice shook. "I...I didn't do...anything, Father."
Emperor Jian's face twisted in rage, and he hurled the steaming hot tea at Shu Shu. The young prince screamed as the scalding liquid seared his skin, his cries echoing through the throne room.
"You dare try to kill your brother and then lie to me?" Emperor Jian thundered, his face purpling with fury. "I hereby sentence you to flogging. You will be punished until I deem it sufficient!"
Shu Shu's cries grew louder, his words incoherent as he begged for mercy. "But, Father, believe me! I didn't do anything! I didn't do anything!"
Emperor Jian's expression turned disgusted. "You're pathetic! Take him away!" he barked, and the guards dragged Shu Shu, still screaming and crying, to the dungeon of punishment...