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Bao Mei's father, Zhao Xin Cheng was a rock of a man. A scholar, top of his class, and unfortunately a whore. Her mother, Tao Ying, was ignorant and in love, unknowing that her death would come when Bao Mei was at the age of 4 by the man she loved most.
Bao Mei learned early in life how evil and conniving the Zhao household was, and how unfortunate it was that she was born into it. Tao Ying's legitimate family was a long line of generals in India, her grandfather being the Chief of the Military. With such power tied to her name, Zhao Xin Cheng knew he could look past her interracial background and marry her. A child was bound to come when he enjoyed her flesh every night. However, Xu Li Hua was his first and only love.
Finding out about this other woman drove her mother into a depression that killed her. Instead of mourning her death as he should have, this uncanny man married his deceased brother's wife a week later. His sad face on his wedding day was a mask, pretending to the public as though he wasn't eager for another wife. However, when 16-year-old Bao Mei sat in the crowd, a lazy smirk passed his lips when others weren't watching.
At 20, she was now on the verge of being considered unmarriageable. However, the Di daughter of the Zhao household was slowly being forgotten. There were two reasons why no one asked for her hand in marriage and Bao Mei refused to acknowledge them. First, she is the product of an interracial union. Second, she wasn't a part of any social circles and was never invited. She wasn't favored. And anyone could tell due to the mildly shabby courtyard her two maids tried to clean each day but couldn't keep up with. Or the out-of-date clothing she wore.
This Fu was truly harsh. But even though she was unfavored, her younger siblings had to respect her. Only one couldn't fake her love, always by her side.
Li Mian's feet carried her across her eldest sister's courtyard, her servants trying hard to keep up with her. Bao Mei was already outside in her courtyard enjoying the summer sun unabashedly in a red sheer dress that only covered her most intimate parts.
"Jeijei!" Li Mian shouted, hopping on her sister's lazy form that lay on the ground.
Bao Mei chuckled and hugged her gently, her cold heart warming immediately. "Mian er, you must ask Madam Lee An to see this eldest sister or you will get in much trouble. Aren't you supposed to be studying? People will say this sister is a bad influence." She gently scolded, her youngest sister immediately having a pout on her face.
"Others will grow to love Mei Mei as I have! Watch and see!" She stated proudly, her fists on her hips in an unladylike manner.
Bao Mei could only smile at her younger sister who threw her manners out of the window. "Go. Third Mother is waiting for you." It didn't take long for Li Mian to run off, leaving Bao Mei to prepare for tonight's banquet hosted by the Empress.
It was the first event she'd attended in years. Her plan? Stay in the background and away from the judging eyes of the nobility.
Her attire was anything but plain. Her dark green hanfu with white around the sleeves. The length of the dress was embroidered with white patterns at the end of the hem. She cursed her large globes that peaked at the top of the neckline while also loving it. Su Lin smiled proudly after she finished dressing her miss. She had made that dress in two days, knowing her miss would have nothing to wear to attend such an extravagant banquet. Just as her father would have liked it. It took much yuan to get the fabrics but it was worth it.
Her hair was styled in a half-up half-down fashion to show off her neck and appear delicate. Plain jewels decorated her hair along with a headpiece fit for a lady. By nightfall, Bao Mei looked at her servant with gratitude. "Su Lin, you are so good to me."
Su Lin blushed and kowtowed.
Zhao Bao Mei was alone as she traveled in the carriage, the silence being her best friend as usual. The carriage behind her, that held her family, was noisy and laughter filled her ears. She didn't feel angry or bitter anymore from the exclusion and instead relished in it.
The lavish banquet was large and she felt the stares the moment she walked through the door and then the whispers. A sigh left her lips and she found an area where she could be alone. She sat silently, staring off into space. She wouldn't be able to tell anyone the hundreds of things said about her.
When the empress and emperor showed up, following behind them the princes and princesses, she traditionally kowtowed with the rest of the crowd out of respect. During the meal, in the corner of her eye, she saw Zhao Su Shen, her second sister looking at Crown Prince Bai Yun with an expectant look as he drank his wine. Of course her sister would have her eyes on the crown prince.
It was natural and as the daughter of a high-ranking general, she could become his wife by Fall. However, if the rumors about the crown prince were true then he'd never touch Zhao Su Shen. He was already 26 with no wife, only bed warmers, and he usually went for mature women. Zhao Su Shen had just turned 16 and had plenty of suitors lined up to marry her. However, she aimed high. And right now, she looked in triumph as Crown Prince Wang drank his tea.
Bao Mei sighed in her heart for him as she knew exactly what was in the tea. Her younger sister was the most cruel, her skill learned from Li Hua.
Crown Prince Wang began to sweat moments later, his jaw clenching and unclenching. The large appendage in his undergarments hardened and he grew uncomfortable as he sat next to his Queen Mother. She gave him side glances before they both conversed and he suddenly stood, bowed, and rushed out of the banquet room.
Zhao Su Shen didn't waste any time before she dismissed herself to 'use the washroom'. Bao Mei once again sighed, watching the scheme unfold before her eyes. She had a decision to make now. Save the prince and possibly get her sister killed or stay at the banquet and refuse to get mixed up in the drama.
After five minutes, she sighed and sat the wine down on the table before silently sneaking off.
