Volume 1: Chapter 1

...Li Dukedom, Crimson Manor...

"And dear brother, they ordered me to fetch water out in the cold night and when I'm at the entrance, they grabbed the bucket and splashed me with water! leaving me cold and shivering while they laugh!" The Lady of the Li Manor. One and only daughter of duke and duchess Li who had long passed and his beloved sister. Mai Xie Li was a spitting image of him. Despite not being born as twins their similarities could be seen as uncanny.

The lady cried pitifully in her brother's arms and Jin could do nothing but caress her back. Her beautiful face was smeared from all the tears she shed whilst explaining the unsightly treatment she went through amongst palace concubines  despite being of higher rank in the harem.

Odd.

After the death of their parents, to maintain their title and land. Jin reluctantly accepted the offer from the imperial palace, stating that his sister be involved amongst the wife selection for the fourth prince's coming of age. He was not happy of the news as the mourning period for both their parent's death had not concluded yet saying no to the imperial decree is a choice he couldn't make. With a lot of hesitance coming from him, his younger sister who he thought could see the bigger picture better than him accepted before he could make a decision of his own.

It had caused him great pain. The imperial palace and his family had a long history of feud in the inner court from what he had learned. The previous emperor and empress ruled the kingdom unfairly and it sparked many controversies among the court officials which consist mostly of the Li family and close connections back then.

After Mai departed, he recieved news that his sister was chosen as the third wife and their house recieved great amounts of gifts and an increase in salary, all of which he could not even appreciate as he had hoped his sister would not be chosen and sent home. Worst comes to worse, not even a year after his sister stepped foot in the imperial harem did the previous emperor died and the fourth prince ascended to the throne. The ascension also affected them as her sister was promoted and became a Noble Consort, giving him an even harder time as his sister's visits became less until it was rare to come by.

"Stop crying now Xie Xie, your big brother will think of a plan to stop them!" He stated, voice filled with utter concern and a hidden sadness as he wiped the tears streaming down her sister's soft pale cheeks. After the prince's ascension, the imperial harem grew bigger. As per tradition it should have atleast a dozen of woman, many families sent their daughters in hopes of landing it big inside the imperial harem. Although the empress seat was something far out of reach due to rumors that only the imperial lineage could be crowned queen of the country, even the position next to it can grant families great merit. It was all a big political fight for power and luxury, so Jin didn't doubt the idea that his sister may have been receiving mistreatment.

Even though her make up was smeared with tears, she was still so lovely in his eyes and the sudden thought of those ignorant women harassing his sister was made his blood boil with rage.

'How dare that man allow such hostility in his harem!' Jin thought spitefully, anger clearly written all over his face.

Mai stared at him confused and concerned, reaching out to grasp his hands in hers.

"Don't be mad on my behalf, it cannot be helped. I know many woman in the imperial palace constantly fight to have a higher seat in the harem as the empress seat is most impossible to have, this was unavoidable. It is my fault to be so weak" the young lady tried to reassure him but he felt even more enraged with a twinge of guilt.

Yes, what she said was correct and true but order should still be placed and despite not being the main wife her sister still seats second to the empress as there are currently no imperial noble consort present after the death of the last one which he suspects to be done by those in the harem with ulterior motives.

"I'm taking your place!" he suddenly exclaimed, making the lady flinch in surprise as he stood up and directly went to her room, her sister following after in slight confusion.

Mai stared at her brother in complete horror, she watched him put on her clothes, adorn his hair with beautiful pins and apply make up on his face.

Wait where did he learn that?

"Brother have you lost your mind!?" She exclaimed incredulously, watching him turn to face her but deep inside Jin knew the face she saw was a replica of her own with the way Mai's eyes widened.

"Brother?" She gasped, staring at his face.

He couldn't help the smirk that made it's way unto the corners of his lips while he stuffed his chest with cloth to make it look like a pair of large breasts.

"Isn't this great Xie Xie? I heard lots of folks whispering how much our face look exactly the same and now I have no doubts they're telling the truth!"

"B-but brother what if-" He cut her off, placing a finger on his lip.

"Hush now Xie Xie, your suffering will no longer continue for you shall stay here at home and I'll take your place at the Royal Palace. Temporarily, that is." He put his arms in his hips, attempting a girlish pose and failing miserable, making his sister choke a laugh that made him smile.

'Atleast she's happy' Jin thought.

"Today, I will go back to the palace as you and you will stay here at the manor enjoying the comfort of our home!" He declared proudly, stomping in a determined way towards his quarters to pack up some of her sister's clothes, he was uncomfortable but he's ready to sacrifice anything just to see his beloved sister smile.

"I'm so smart, I'm sure Xie Xie is proud to have such brother as me" He chuckled, picking up the pace as he imagined the face of appreciation his sister may give him once he had things fixed.

Mai stared blankly on the stairs leading to the second floor for a minute longer before turning her back and making her way towards the dining area where a feast was ready.

"Wow look at all that" Mai exclaimed, eyeing all the meat layed out on the table. She wasted no second and began hungrily devouring each plate.

"My Lady, your brother was very worried, I don't think this is a good idea" her personal maid stated, watching the supposed elegant Noble Consort and Lady of the Manor eat meat like a pig.

"Oh come on now you know how much I hate that place with all those strict rules.  Besides, all I ever eat was leaves! And those stupid concoction to induce pregnancy chances taste like crap" Mai groaned in between bites. Her maid was taken aback by the way she spoke and looked upstairs with sadness hinting in her eyes as she listened to the master of the house's cheerful humming while he packed the rest of the lady's luggage.

"Well, I hope your brother won't find out about this, my lady" the maid sighed worriedly. Mai just waved her hand to dismiss her as she continued to stuff food on her mouth.

'Oh sweet brother of mine, I'm not being mistreated in the royal palace, the people do treat me with care and keep me away from harm but I absolutely refuse to eat anything other than meat or even fathom the idea of bearing a child for the person I don't have an ounce of affection towards. Sorry if I tricked you but you're such an airhead sometimes, I hope you enjoy your time in the palace. Consider this revenge for not doing anything to get me out of there'  Mai smiled at the satirical explanation she had came up with on her head if her brother ever found out. Hopefully it won't be that soon.

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