Chapter 5: The Silk Trap

The Xiu mansion was unusually quiet that evening. Haein sat by the window, staring out at the lanterns swaying in the courtyard. Though her body was exhausted, her mind replayed the day’s events like a broken record—Zhao Tian’s arm around her, his voice sharp yet protective, the flicker of something unguarded in his gaze.

She pressed her wrist, remembering the heat of his grip. This is bad. This is really bad. I can’t afford to get tangled in royal feelings.

Meiling entered carrying a sealed scroll. “Milady, a messenger just arrived. You are invited to attend tomorrow’s tea ceremony hosted by Concubine Yan Bai.”

Haein froze. “Concubine Yan Bai?”

“Yes. It is considered a great honor. Few are invited to her gatherings.”

Haein frowned. She had seen Yan Bai’s piercing eyes at the banquet. This invitation was no honor—it was bait.

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The Tea Ceremony

The next afternoon, the palace teahouse shimmered with elegance. Fine silk curtains swayed in the breeze, tables were laid with rare porcelain cups, and the air was perfumed with jasmine.

Yan Bai sat at the head of the gathering, a vision in crimson robes. Her smile was sweet, but her eyes gleamed with calculation.

“Lady Xiu Ying,” she said warmly, as Haein bowed. “How fortunate that you could join us.”

Around her sat other noblewomen and concubines, whispering behind their fans.

Haein forced a polite smile. “It is an honor, Lady Yan.”

Yan Bai gestured for her to sit. The tea was poured, delicate steam curling upward. For a while, conversation flowed politely—about poetry, silks, and the latest palace rumors. But soon, Yan Bai’s voice rose, sharp as the edge of a blade wrapped in silk.

“I hear,” she began, tilting her head, “that the king himself saved you from danger yesterday. How lucky you must feel.”

The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Haein.

Haein’s heart skipped. She lifted her cup slowly, hiding her nerves behind its rim. “I was fortunate, yes. His Majesty values his people’s safety.”

Yan Bai’s smile widened. “Is that all you are to him? One of his people?”

A ripple of laughter spread through the ladies, though it carried an edge.

Haein set her cup down, her smile tight. “I would never presume otherwise. His Majesty is far above me, as the heavens are above the earth.”

For a moment, the air held. Then Yan Bai laughed softly, though her gaze did not soften.

“Well spoken. But be careful, Lady Xiu. The palace is not forgiving to women who forget their place.”

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The Test

As the tea ceremony continued, Yan Bai clapped her hands. Servants brought out silk embroidery frames.

“A small game,” Yan Bai announced. “Let us test our skills. Each of us will embroider a lotus. The most graceful one will be sent to His Majesty as a token of beauty and devotion.”

The women tittered, excited. Haein, however, nearly choked.

Embroidery? I can barely thread a needle!

She glanced around—nimble fingers danced gracefully across silk, petals forming with precision.

Her own attempt looked like a lopsided cabbage. Heat rose in her cheeks.

Yan Bai’s gaze sharpened. “Oh, Lady Xiu, struggling? How unusual. You were always so proud of your skills before.”

Of course. The old Xiu Ying probably was good at this.

Haein forced a laugh. “I had an… accident, remember? My hands don’t obey as they once did.”

Whispers rose. A few ladies covered their smirks.

Yan Bai leaned forward, voice low enough for only Haein to hear. “If you embarrass yourself too much, the court will devour you. Perhaps you should… bow out gracefully.”

But Haein’s stubbornness flared. She lifted her uneven lotus high, smiling brightly. “Imperfections are beauty too, don’t you think? Even a crooked lotus still blooms.”

The room fell silent again. Some of the ladies giggled nervously, while others hid their surprise.

Yan Bai’s lips pressed into a thin line. For the first time, her control slipped.

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The King’s Interruption

Before tension could thicken further, footsteps echoed at the entrance. Zhao Tian appeared, his golden robes trailing like sunlight. The women rose instantly, bowing.

“Mother told me you gathered here,” he said, his eyes sweeping the room before landing on Haein. “What are you doing?”

Yan Bai recovered quickly, bowing gracefully. “A small game, Your Majesty. To honor you, we prepare lotus embroidery.”

Zhao Tian’s gaze flicked to Haein’s crooked lotus. For a moment, silence stretched. Then, unexpectedly, he spoke:

“This one.” He pointed at Haein’s. “Send this to me.”

Gasps filled the air. Yan Bai’s face tightened, her nails digging into her sleeve.

“B-but, Your Majesty,” she stammered, “surely—”

“The lotus,” Zhao Tian said firmly, cutting her off. His gaze lingered briefly on Haein before he turned to leave.

The room was left in stunned silence.

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Aftermath

Later, as Haein returned to her carriage, her mind reeled.

Why? Why did he choose mine? It looked awful! Unless… unless he wanted to protect me from humiliation.