Meng Zi stood just outside Prince Yibo's sitting room, her heart pounding so fiercely she feared it might burst. It was the first time in her life, and in this line of work, that she'd felt such fear. She pressed her hand to the doorknob and hesitated, closing her eyes to steady herself and imagine success. Gathering courage, she flung the door open and hurried inside.
Back in the sitting room, Sikong exhaled in relief when Meng Zi appeared on Yibo's laptop screen. He straightened, adjusted his posture, and repositioned the webcam to focus entirely on them.
Prince Yibo barely looked up when the door opened; he'd assumed it was Ka Gang returning and didn't want anyone noticing how tense he was. In fact, he'd forgotten to lock the room.
Meng Zi lingered at the threshold, studying him. Every detail—his composed posture, the elegance of his features... convinced her that he was extraordinary. Second‑guessing herself, she resolved to make her approach so bold he couldn't refuse. Confident that his racing pulse would betray him, she let the final layers of her clothing slip away and, with steady steps, walked straight to the chaise where he sat.
As if in a dream, Prince Yibo felt a rush of sensations overwhelm him. Meng Zi advanced, and his heart thundered; he watched, wanting to halt her advance yet utterly unable to move. She closed the distance and pressed herself against him. Minutes passed as she steadily dismantled his composure... until, with a jolt, he seemed to spring her away, she land on the tiled floor.
Sikong... who'd been watching in the sitting room... hit the stool infront of him. Stunned, he muttered, "How did Yibo escape this trap?" Flaring with frustration, he clasped and unclasped his hands.
Prince Yibo's anger boiled over. He refused to look at Meng Zi since he saw her naked; then he shoved her clothes at her, trembling with outrage. She quickly dressed, fumbling for the door. He barked:
"Who are you? How did you get in here? What do you want?"
Meng Zi froze, her breath caught in her chest. She had no answers—she barely recognized herself. Sweat beading her skin, she trembled as he strode toward her.
He raised his hand as if to strike, but a sudden spasm in his abdomen caused him to double over, clutching at himself. Seizing the moment, Meng Zi bolted through the door as though her legs might give way.
Prince Yibo didn't pursue her—instead, he staggered to his pharmacy shelf, grabbed handfuls of various medicines, and swallowed them in desperation. Minutes later, feeling no relief, he took more, chasing away his mounting panic. Eventually, his heart slowed, and he sank onto the chaise, barely aware of where he was or what had happened.
Since Sikong hurriedly packed up his laptop and slipped out of the sitting room the moment he realized what had happened.... so that Yibo wouldn't see him and blow his cover....Meng Zi never noticed him leave. She, too, didn't pause to look for him; she simply got into a taxi and went home.
It was twenty minutes later that Sikong finally returned to the house. The eerie silence and Yibo's continued absence worried him deeply. Fearing the worst, he rushed to Yibo's room and found him in a perilous state....pale, weak, and unconscious. They didn't want to take his life; all that mattered was damage Yibo's life and stole his status. In a panic, Sikong phoned the nearest hospital. Within minutes, an ambulance arrived, and they whisked Yibo away.
🔸🔹▫️▪️
A private gallery in one wing of Queen Zaiye's palace had been transformed into a refined "resting room," adorned with sumptuous seating and elegant décor celebrating the Tianjin dynasty's heritage.
This afternoon, as usual, Queen Zaiye reclined on a plush, flush-carpeted platform surrounded by low tables etched with the royal crest. At her right and left sat her most trusted attendants, invited to keep her company and entertain her with news from the court.
No story was more eagerly awaited than those from Ms. Bao...formerly Ms. Bao.... whose tales never failed to captivate the Queen. Today, Zaiye's only response was a gentle smile, clearly delighted by what she'd just heard.
One of the small tables held her mobile phone. When it rang, Zaiye's nearest attendant rose and respectfully handed it to her. The Queen lifted the handset to her ear.
"WHAT?" she said, startled upright as though someone had injected her with cold water. At once her ladies‑in‑waiting sprang to their feet, alarmed by her reaction.
"May God guide and protect you, Your Majesty," Ms. Bao said warmly. Zaiye set the phone beside her ear, her face paling despite the soft breeze.
Minutes passed in tense silence as Zaiye mulled over the message from Xielin, son of the Prime Minister. Finally she lifted her head and spoke softly: "Liu…?"
Her attendant Liu bowed and answered swiftly, "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Go at once and tell His Majesty's court lady that I request His Majesty's Permission to see him immediately," the Queen ordered, her voice urgent.
"It will be done at once, Your Majesty," Liu replied, hurrying off to fetch her sandals and obey.
The gallery fell silent again. Ms. Bao moved next to Zaiye and, with calm reassurance, began to soothe her anxieties.
"Thank you," the Queen said, lifting her hand in acknowledgment. Though her expression remained grave, she clearly appreciated the comfort.
Concubine Xueyin
In the quiet of Concubine Xueyin's private chambers.... where only her closest relatives and children ever entered....she was just raising her hand to answer the phone. Xueyin was notoriously strict: she ordered not even a chirping bird would disturb her calls let alone human being.
It was Princess Hanwen, Sikong's mother, on the line, Xueyin allowed herself a small smile. She'd been expecting news since yesterday, and her heart had raced at the thought of Hanwen's call. In her world, nothing mattered more than to distroyed Queen Zaiye and her children....even her own children sometimes felt eclipsed by that royal affection.
"How are things? I trust everything's settled?" Xueyin asked, her voice warm.
"They are indeed not. Prince Yibo is resting in the hospital bed, unconscious," Princess Hanwen replied.
Xueyin sighed in annoyance. In her heart, she hope he dies for all she care. "That's not what worried me, Princess Hanwen. Was the plan successful?"
"Completely ruined, Your Highness. He escaped every trap."
A frown crossed Xueyin's face at the news....her carefully laid scheme had failed. She snapped off the call and sat down to gather her thoughts: What to do next?
Soon after, court lady message came through Liu to Queen Zaiye, updating that His Majesty would soon exit evening prayers. Her majesty would meet him then. Upon hearing this, the Queen rose silently and made her way, accompanied by three trusted ladies‑in‑waiting, toward His Majesty's private quarters....where only the closest family and courtier could follow.
Queen Zaiye couldn't sit still; she paced the room in agitation, feeling as if she'd suddenly found herself flying above New York. Her mind was in turmoil, terrified that something terrible had happened to Yibo. Xielin incomplete explanations only heightened her anxiety, and she still didn't understand the cause of her son's illness.
When she sensed His Majesty's arrival, she whirled to face him. He met her gaze and immediately saw her distress....her pallor, the way her eyes glistened as if on the brink of tears.
He knew what was wrong: Yibo's issue. He understood Zaiye's anguish....she could not bear the thought of any harm befalling Yibo. Gently, he stepped forward, intercepted her, and held her as she collapsed against him in silent sobs. His hand soothed her back in a tender gesture of comfort. After several moments, he whispered, "Why are you crying my Queen?"
Her voice barely rose above a whisper... yet he could hear the tremor of her tears... "I'm afraid something serious has befallen Yibo… he's gravely ill, my King."
King Mo Yi lifted her chin, studying her worried face. "My Zaiye, I told you to banish these fears. Look at you...tears do not suit the queen of Tianjin." His gentle tease brought a small smile to her lips, brightening her expression.
He guided her to a nearby chair and settled her there. "Now tell me, what happen to Prince Yibo?"
She reached for his hand, still trembling with worry. "He's laying on the hospital bed and I want to go see him...know for myself how he truly is."
He smiled and brushed a lock of hair from her face. "Prepare to depart at dawn tomorrow, with whomever you choose."
Her relief was immediate. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Just one more request please?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
Zaiye's voice dropped to a hush. "Please...keep Yibo's condition a secret. None in the palace may know."
He paused, then nodded. "Your wish is my command."
She looked up, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Tell me truly… between i and Yibo, whom do you love the most?" King Mo Yi asked with a raising brow.
King Mo Yi laughed softly. "Yes tell me, I want to know the answer."
She leaned into him, smiling. "Of course... your love comes first."
"liar" King Mo Yi tease laughing.
At that moment, his court attendant announced a visitor requesting entrance. Recognizing Concubine Qinnu, His Majesty granted permission.
Concubine Qinnu entered with measured grace. But the glow of Queen Zaiye's jewels seemed to dim hers. Seeing Zaiye's stern expression, Qinnu advanced confidently. Both King Mo Yi and the Queen sat in their seats... respectfully, but with tension in the air. She greeted His Majesty and the queen, His Majesty greet her with a warm smile as always, though her own face showed no warmth or ease. The only thing that pleased her was having encountered Zaiye there; it gave her courage to speak her mind....after all, this meeting concerned Zaiye's son, Yibo.
"I have urgent matters to discuss with Your Majesty," Qinnu said.
"I'm listening, Qinnu," King Mo Yi replied, settling back. Zaiye watched quietly as Qinnu composed herself and cast a quick, unreadable glance at the Queen.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Qinnu began, voice trembling slightly. "I come with a sincere concern. While some have spoken ill of her, I speak only of truth…"
She paused to steady her breath. King Mo Yi and Queen Zaiye both watched her in silence.
"With Xueyin children, mine and Her Majesty Zaiye's… I believed they were both your children," Qinnu continued. "Each child has rights and deserves equal consideration in this palace, regardless of gender. I am talking about Chu, regarding the matter of sending her abroad for schooling... at first Your Majesty said you would consider it.... but once Prince Yibo arrived and departed, you declared that no daughter of you if not Tianjin or near cities would study overseas. My King, I suggest that the decision should rest with you, rather than the one being asked. Only then will your daughters feel that justice has been done. After all, no child's will is unimportant, and Prince Yibo himself that decide their future I think he's one choose the country he like to study and go, and if a person wants to be spoil he will weather here or foreign countries... Who knows what he was doing there…"
Queen Zaiye sprang to her feet the moment Qinnu mention that...she couldn't bear to stay and interrupt her husband's affairs. She moved toward the door to slip away just as King Mo Yi raised his hand to stop Qinnu. Uncertain what was being said, Zaiye bowed her head and left.
As she hurried down the corridor, Zaiye replayed the concubine's schemes in her mind. Without unwavering vigilance and her own cleverness, they could ruin her and her children's reputation in Tianjin Palace. She distrusted them all....even when they didn't realize it....yet she'd never allow a cruelty against her blood. After all, their children shared Mo Yi's lineage.
That evening, Zaiye finalized every detail of her upcoming journey: selecting which trusted attendants would accompany her, issuing quiet orders for preparations, and deciding where they would stay. With spirits high, each chosen lady-in-waiting secretly packed, careful that none outside the inner circle suspected a thing.
▫️🔸▪️🔹
"Thank goodness," Zhan murmured as he stepped onto his family's courtyard steps. He hadn't expected to make it home before dinner...his long walk from school had left him hollow with hunger. His only meal since last night had been the food kindly sent by Ms. Bao, which he distributed it among his siblings without taking a bite.
He inhaled the rich aroma of soup bubbling in the new bride kitchen... From the aroma anyone can tell there is a lot of meat, he knew, despite no one having to tell him. The scent seemed to fill his very bones. Eagerly, he hurried through the gate.
Inside, his father's bride, Tengji, sat primly on a small chair at the room's entrance. Dressed in a long green gown....bold makeup with bright red lipstick that people used since 1980s, too much white powder that made her look like a ghost, bright yellow ribbon in her hair... she looked as though she belonged in a brothel. Tengji glanced at Zhan but offered no greeting. Zhan wasn't truly part of the household, and his presence rarely merited recognition.
He recoiled from her disdain yet said nothing. Zhan hated scorn and humiliation...they were two insults he could hardly bear....which was why he tended to avoid gatherings unless summoned.
He glanced into Fenghua's room to let her know he'd returned as usual. Fenghua never had good answer...sometimes she scolded him harshly with cutting words:
"What is my problem with your returning? Do you think you can just come back and bother me? You're always off chasing your studies, and I doubt any of that learning does you a bit of good. If you go to school, don't border coming back home...find your own place there for all I care! Here I am, struggling to feed and clothe myself, and still you return to trouble me. Hmph!"
Fenghua reserved that tirade for moments when someone had slighted him or when they heard news of their shared father. Zhan could only stare in bemusement. Even if Fenghua had never lived with his birth mother, he would've never expected such treatment after the kindness his late mother did once shown her.
He'd never forgotten how, when his mother was still alive, he and his younger siblings she cared for them alike....raising them on the funds sent by her family, ensuring neither of them ever went hungry. Because of that love, even now, the says family's who came to the door give him something, no matter how small.
After greeting Fenghua Tengji watch Zhan head back to their room, Zhan went to check if his siblings eat. He expect to find them in lessons, he discovered their bowls nearly empty....just a few spoonfuls of porridge left. Placing his clothes aside, he sighed in relief, knowing they'd saved him a portio knowing yesterday night and this morning he hadn't eaten. His brothers always insisted he eat first, even if it meant they went without.
Later, as he unpacked his schoolbooks and worried over the cost of extra tutoring for their final exams... His tuition fees are already paid for but still there's this small things that his aunt forgot to paid....warm tears filled his eyes. He thought of his Aunt Anu's sacrifice: she had taken his mother's place, caring for him and his siblings when no one else would.
Each morning he rose with hope, each night he fell asleep yearning for her return. Though hunger gnawed at him, he washed, dressed, and set out for his work... determined to honor her memory in everything he did.
💚🦁❤️🐰💛🐢
Zhan stood in front of his father's room, where his father spent most of his time lying in bed. In the evening, he would go out to find the money for the new wife, leaving the rest of the people in the house like tenants. They had no rights, no anything over his life. He didn't care about their thoughts, their well-being, or their health. They were merely there to occupy space, and from time to time, he would neglect them when he decided to marry another woman.
For the first time in his life, Zhan felt a stir of emotion in his heart. It was the first time he had dared to speak to his father, to bend down and ask him for a single favor. It had taken him ten minutes to gather the courage to speak, and in the end, he just couldn't stop himself, walking away toward the veranda of the Tengji room, which he had never been walked upon since it was built.
He paused at the door, knocking softly. Xiao Yun's voice answered from inside, "Who's there?"
"Zhan," he responded quietly, hearing the sound of him shifting from his bed.
"Who's that again?" Xiao Yun asked.
"It's Zhan," he replied, nervously.
Xiao Yun, who had been lying down, responded, "Oh, it's you, come on in. Looks like you've had a rough day. Come in and see your stepmother's room," as he shifted, preparing the space for him.
Zhan didn't pay attention to that. He took off his shoes, which had become dusty from the long walk, and entered the room.
Xiao Yun was sitting on a soft chair with a blanket over it, while Tengji sat beside him, gazing at Zhan as he walked in. Zhan moved directly to Xiao Yun, lowering himself to greet him. Xiao Yun responded with a nod, waiting to hear what Zhan had to say. With calmness, Zhan spoke, "Baba... I've come to ask a favor. Our exams are nearing, and we have two major tests coming up. Each one is vital for a student, and as such, we have been allocated extra time for additional lessons after regular classes. But there are additional fees for this, as experts will come to help us prepare. Each student must contribute."
Zhan paused, thinking carefully before continuing. Xiao Yun, with a relaxed smile, said, "So you mean, you want me to pay for these lessons?"
Surprised, Zhan looked up at him, but Xiao Yun shook his head. "No, Zhan. I don't have the money for that".
"Aunt Anu already paid for the tuition and other things, but not for this. That's why I'm asking if you could help."
Xiao Yun raised his legs and looked at Zhan, "You know, I've never doubted your integrity before, but today you're really surprising me. You, who go to work every day, want me to help you out when I'm struggling just as much. You think I'm rich enough to hand out money for everyone? I thought you were coming to offer me some work, not asking for a handout."
Zhan lowered his gaze, feeling the weight of Xiao Yun's words. "I never meant to offend, but I thought you could help. If not, I'll just have to find another way."
Tengji, who had been silent, spoke up. "Yun, you've got a child to care for, but you're letting him struggle. You should have taken care of things earlier, maybe even married him off to someone wealthier sikh since he's this handsome. That way, you wouldn't be in this situation now."
Xiao Yun clenched his fists in frustration but smiled at Tengji. "Well, now that you mention it, I never got advice like that from Fenghua. But now, since you mention this, I'll figure something out."
Zhan didn't wait any longer. He put on his shoes and walked out of the house, letting the cool breeze fill his senses.
As he walked down the road, his mind drifted far from the present. He couldn't stop the painful thoughts swirling inside him, thoughts of how many children around the world suffered without proper care. How many were left without dignity or status, abandoned by fathers like his? Why had fate dealt him such a hand?
In deep thought, Zhan finally arrived at Ms. Bao's house. She was in the middle of a conversation, and her words were full of excitement as she spoke of her upcoming trip. Despite the chaos in the room, she smiled at Zhan, speaking of her journey and how she was preparing for a big move, from China to New York.
"New York, Ms. Bao?" Zhan asked, surprised.
"Yes, New York".
"And look at all these clothes you've packed! If you're going to a foreign country, this much clothing is unnecessary. Six or seven set should be enough," Zhan said with a grin.
"Come, Zhan, help me choose what to bring."
Zhan smiled faintly. "I think it's a bit too much, Ms. Bao."
"Better too much than too little. After all, I'm going to a new place." "I'll help you pick what's needed," he said as she ushered him toward the packed clothes.
Zhan prepared everything as instructed... and Ms. Bao was delighted.
"Open my pantry and bring ten packs of pasta, ten pack of macaroni, two bowls of rice, and whatever remains of the flour. Whatever's left over, cook something with it for you and your siblings."
Zhan's heart lifted at the thought of a few days without hunger... and he'll hurried to hide those supplies when he return before his his father could seize them all for his new bride.
NEW YORK CITY
Queen Zaiye stood beside the bed where Prince Yibo lay, her hands resting on his forehead, eyes fixed on his drawn features. She felt his pain as if it were her own. With a heavy sigh, she withdrew her hands and slipped into the doctor's office to learn exactly what was ailing Yibo.
Her focus never wavered as the doctor studied Yibo's file. He began explaining in Spanish; she gently asked him to continue in English.
"I'm sorry," he said with a sympathetic smile. "Your son's condition is severe. In our tests we found that he's taking medications that drastically reduce his sperm count...drugs that over time have weakened every system in his body. And tried a series of injections, but yesterday he arrived collapsed. We gave him emergency care, and our analysis shows he's overdosed on these hormonal suppressants. They've essentially almost destroyed his capacity entirely. Without a proper way to clear the excess compounds from his system, he could face life‑threatening complications."
The doctor paused to let his words sink in. Zaiye's mind raced...she had never imagined Yibo problems could wreak such havoc.
"Furthermore," he continued, "even his blood pressure is dangerously low, and his system can no longer handle these medications safely. If he continues, he risks catastrophic organ failure and his desires can totally dies."
Queen Zaiye closed her eyes, absorbing the gravity of the diagnosis. "Thank you, Doctor," she said quietly, and withdrew.
She'd called His Majesty but spared him the full details. Only Xielin and her knew the truth....that Yibo's collapse was self‑inflicted through medication abuse. Xielin wasn't surprised; he'd seen Yibo seeking remedies whenever life felt overwhelming, while visiting him every weekend.
Unable to leave Yibo's side, Zaiye made her bed in his room, determined to find a discreet yet effective solution for his problem.
That night, Prince Yibo stirred once. When his mother's face came into view, he managed a weak smile...and then, sleep claimed him again until dawn.
▪️▫️🔹🔸
A week passed before Prince Yibo finally began to rally; by the tenth night he'd recovered enough to sit up, and before long he was nearly well again. Throughout, his mother never once mentioned that she knew the true nature of his illness, nor did she speak a word of reproach. In fact, she even bought plane tickets...for herself and him... to return to China, not to Tianjin but to Henan province, where they would stay two weeks in her ancestral hometown.
Her decision surprised Yibo... she'd only arranged the trip after conferring with her closest confidante, determined not to return empty‑handed but with a solution that could truly restore his health.
Three days later, Sikong came by under the pretext that school had sent him on a research assignment in another town. From the moment Yibo heard Sikong's excuse and noted his behavior, he sensed something in his cousin's manner that put him on edge... though Yibo couldn't have said why.
Tuesday, 10:30 AM
In the grand reception hall of Queen Zaiye's Henan palace... overseen by her father.... Zaiye sat apart from the court ladies, her posture cool with the dignity of her rank. Though her mother was gone, her birthright and standing remained unquestioned.
Opposite her, on a plush carpet, sat Prince Yibo, dressed simply in trousers and a light‑gray tunic. He was spooning porridge from a small bowl with quiet deliberation; each bite spoke of regained strength. When Zaiye finished her melon, she laid down her spoon and sat forward, hands clasped.
Her voice cut the hush:
"Why did you resort to taking those pills that would destroy your manhood forever, Yibo?"
Her question startled him... he'd never imagined she'd learned of his self‑medication. He cleared his throat, set the bowl aside, and fetched a cup of water. Hands shaking slightly, he drank deeply before answering.
"Mom…" She cut him off, "I don't need your excuse or explanation." She paused, gathering himself. "You couldn't endure the pressure; you couldn't become the man I needed you to be. So I'll did what I could. The rest is up to you... this life is yours anyway, and if you're to survive, I must shape it for you."
Zaiye watched him coolly. "Given your condition, as your mother I owe you every possible solution…."
She paused, and he felt a chill run from crown to soles. Then, softly:
"You will marry, Yibo."
He blinked, startled.... and for a moment the world seemed to spin. He drew in a breath, searching her face for meaning, his heart pounding.
"Not the marriage I had planned," she continued, "but a marriage of convenience."
His blood ran cold. "A marriage of convenience?"
Zaiye's eyes met his. "Yes. Right now, you will wed the young lady who can care for you through your studies... live with her for as long as your education demands. Afterwards, you will marry Qiantang, in the union we have planned: the one I truly desire for you."
Her words filled him with confusion and dread. He opened his mouth to protest, but she lifted a hand.
"I'm not asking your advice or consent... this is the only path forward, Yibo. No other solution exists. You will do as I say."
With that, she rose and left the hall.
Yibo exhaled sharply, clutching his head. Heat and cold warred through him as he slumped back, eyes shut. "A contract marriage… a marriage of convenience?" he whispered to the empty hall, wrestling with the reality she'd thrust upon him.
NB
I will update the other one later.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛