“Lady White Lotus, it is an honor for me to serve you. The crown prince has instructed that I present to you these gifts that he has prepared especially for you…” the eunuch said as his hand gestured to the multiple large storage containers that were in the room. They looked like large wooden treasure chests.
Ren…prepared this? Why?
My eyes swept over the many wooden treasure chests in shock more than amazement. Since when did Ren have time to prepare all this and why is there so much stuff?
I didn’t have to wonder long about what was inside the treasure chests because the eunuch proudly presented the contents of each chest.
“This chest contains jewelry all made of gold and precious stones of the highest-grade craftsmanship. This next one contains the finest silk fabric in various patterns and colors. Of course, there will be a tailor that will assist you in designing and tailoring your clothes for you from these fabrics,” the eunuch said as he opened each chest in turn.
“I see…” I mumbled as I eyed the content of the chest, faking my interest.
“This chest here contains the paintings from famous artists throughout the land. It would be an honor for any artist to have their painting hung in Lady White Lotus’s palace,” the eunuch continued.
After a long while, we somehow went through the contents of all the chests. Basically, there were precious gifts that women would normally appreciate in all the chests that Ren had prepared. The only problem with all of this was that I had no desire for all these luxurious things.
Is this Ren’s idea of an apology for what happened last night?
To be honest, I was dissatisfied. Not because I didn’t appreciate all these treasures sparkling in front of me. I was dissatisfied because what I wanted wasn’t gifts or an apology. I just wanted him to listen to me so that we could come to an understanding.
Instead, all I got are these precious gifts that I don’t even need, and Ren was nowhere in sight.
“Do you have any idea where the crown prince is right now?” I asked politely.
“The crown prince is currently in the main palace working with the emperor…” the eunuch replied with a long face.
“I see…then I will return to the inner court,” I declared. If Ren was not here, then there’s no reason for me to be here either.
“My Lady, the crown prince has not left instructions for us to escort you back to the inner court,” the eunuch said in a shaky voice.
I guess that means that I can’t go back to the inner court without Ren’s permission. That’s ridiculous!
“So, I guess I’ll just have to walk there by myself…unescorted?” I asked sarcastically.
Without waiting for anyone’s reply, I turned on my heels and headed for the door. In the end, the eunuch did not know how to deal with my stubbornness, and I was escorted back to the inner court just as I wished. If Ren wanted to see me, he knew well enough where to find me.
…
**Around the same time**
“Auntie!” Jeely called out to attract Auntie’s attention.
“Oh, Jeely. What is it?” Auntie said as she came to a stop.
Jeely had been waiting for Auntie to walk pass in the hallway. There was something that she needed to talk to Auntie about.
“Can we talk a little in private? I have something to discuss with you,” Jeely said sweetly as she smiled.
“Sure. Let’s use this room,” Auntie said as she led Jeely into a small room nearby.
The two women entered the room and made themselves comfortable by sitting on the wooden bench before beginning their discussion.
“Should I call for tea?” Auntie offered.
“There is no need. This won’t take long,” Jeely replied.
“So, what was it that you wanted to discuss?” Auntie asked, curiously.
“You see…I’ve been spending a lot of time with Rin lately and she is such an amazing person. I want to do everything that I can to support her and make her as successful as she can be,” Jeely said, her eyes sparkling with determination.
“Wow. That’s great to hear. I’m sure Rin will be very happy to learn that you’re so supportive of her,” Auntie replied happily.
“Yes. So…I wanted to discuss with you about a certain way to help her,” Jeely said as she reached out a hand and touched the back of Auntie’s hand.
“Do share…” Auntie said with a knowing smile.
“I’ve heard from the Royal doctors that there is a rare miracle medicine that would help a woman get with child. I’m sure if you requested for that medicine and let Rin take it, she would be with child in no time at all,” Jeely proposed confidently.
“Oh that. Yes…I’ve heard of it. Actually, I’ve seen it working before as well. Why didn’t I think of that after all this time. It may be hard to obtain but I’m sure that I can get the emperor’s permission. After all, he is rushing the crown prince to have a son,” Auntie said thoughtfully.
“Exactly. Auntie is a very senior member of the crown prince’s inner court and your family has been serving the royal family for generations. I am sure that if Auntie asks, the emperor would allow the royal doctors to formulate the required herbal mix for Rin.” Jeely said with a sweet smile.
“I shall try my best,” Auntie said with determination.
“Since the crown prince has just returned, I think this is the perfect opportunity for Rin to take the medicine,” Jeely suggested.
“You’re right. Thank you so much, Jeely. Leave it to me!” Auntie said passionately as she squeezed Jeely’s hand back.
The two women smiled at each other before leaving the room and heading their separate ways. Having received a spark of inspiration from Jeely, Auntie quickly went about putting her plan into motion. If Rin got pregnant then Auntie would receive the full credit for it. Once again, she would bring fame to her family and longline of ancestors. Her loyalty towards the royal family would never falter.