Chapter 9: 8. Old Friends, New Allies

"Now that you two have seen each other, Prince Shandong, will you show Princess Fangzi around?"

Prince Shandong turned around and bowed to Emperor Taio. "Yes, Royal Grandfather."

They excused themselves and headed outside. An Mei left after her, and the royal procession headed out to return to Chang. Once the two of them were safely out of earshot of anybody possibly overhearing, he turned towards her.

"Tang Daiyu? What are you doing here?"

She looked at him with pure sadness in her eyes.

"I needed to get out of Chang. I couldn't stand it there anymore. Not after what happened."

"Yes, I heard. I'm sorry, Chancellor Ru was kind to my father and I."

Tang Daiyu nodded sadly. "Thank you."

"So you volunteered to come here?"

"Yes, I wasn't aware that Prince Yelang was the ambassador who had come."

"It wasn't a very well known fact, Tang Daiyu. We tried to keep it quiet."

"I understand, Feng Rong. Tensions weren't great then, and they still aren't."

"Unfortunately, you're right."

Tang Daiyu hung her head. "Everyone thinks I'm dead, Feng Rong. The only ones in Chang who know I'm still alive are Emperor Jianyuan, Sixth Concubine Luli, and Lord Shuo."

"Then how have you survived?"

"I lived as a lady's companion for Sixth Concubine Luli under the name Qiao Yue."

"Qiao Yue?"

She groaned, "Emperor Jianyuan gave it to me. He warned me that if anyone found out that I was a Tang, he'd kill me."

"I'm sorry, Tang Daiyu. I'm sure that must've been hard."

"It was like he erased the fact that my family ever existed. It was like I never existed. I hated it."

Sympathy filled his eyes. "Don't worry, you're safe here, Tang Daiyu. Those in Chang can't get to you here."

She flashed him a genuine, grateful smile. "Thank you, Feng Rong."

He nodded. Then, they heard a rustling noise. Tang Daiyu turned around. She saw An Mei walking towards them.

"Feng Rong, she doesn't know. I'm not sure if she should."

"Whatever you want, Tang Daiyu."

"In public, call me Qiao Yue. At least, until I can openly present myself as Tang Daiyu again."

He nodded just as An Mei bowed before him.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

"Feng Rong, this is my lady's companion, An Mei."

"Hello, An Mei. I trust you like the palace so far?"

She nodded. "My Lady?"

"Yes?"

"Emperor Taio announced a banquet to welcome you. The whole Royal Family of Heping will be there along with our court officials. It’s going to be this big event."

Tang Daiyu tilted her head in acknowledgement. "Thank you, An Mei. Will you go find my residence?"

Her companion nodded, bowed again, and left. Once she was gone, Tang Daiyu turned back to Prince Shandong. They walked over to a nearby bench and sat down.

"Feng Rong, may I ask you for a favour?"

"Of course, Tang Daiyu. Anything."

She chuckled, "It's just a small thing. I only have An Mei with me."

"You mean you want someone you can trust here?"

Tang Daiyu nodded. "I like An Mei. She’s a good girl. I consider her my friend, but I don't fully trust her."

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"I get it. So you don't trust anyone from Chang?"

"Just one: Sixth Concubine Luli. She's been kind to me despite knowing who I really am. I know I can trust her."

"Okay. I'll send someone over to you later."

"Thank you, Feng Rong."

"Of course, Tang Daiyu."

"As I was leaving, I argued with Prince Han. He couldn't believe that I didn't hate people from Heping. He asked me how I could defend them, how I could side with them."

She looked straight at Feng Rong and said, "I didn't tell him this, but it's because I remember when we played together for those two weeks you and your father stayed with us. You weren't bad people, quite the opposite. Meanwhile, it's the people from Chang who've hurt me and been the villains in my life."

He reached out and embraced her. "I'm never going to let anyone hurt you ever again, Tang Daiyu. I promise you that."

"How so?" she asked sadly. "I can't go home as Tang Daiyu. If anything, I'll forever be Qiao Yue."

"Because, silly, didn't you come here for an intermarriage?"

Tang Daiyu pulled away from him in shock. "You don't seriously mean..."

"Yes, if you want to, that is. As my wife, Emperor Jianyuan can't touch you. As a true Princess of Heping, he can't do anything to you without inciting war, marriage or no marriage."

Tang Daiyu thought about it, weighing the pros and cons. Finally, she nodded.

"Alright. I'll take you up on that promise, Feng Rong."

He smiled kindly. "Okay. Why don't I show you to your room? That way, you can get ready for the banquet tonight."

She nodded, and they stood up. He led her over to Wangzhi Hall where she'd be staying. Once there, Prince Shandong dropped her off.

"I'll see you tonight."

"Thank you, Feng Rong, for everything."

"Of course. Don't worry, I'll send someone over later."

"Again, thank you."

He nodded and left. Tang Daiyu went inside and sat down at a table. Soon, An Mei appeared from somewhere with a tray of tea. She set it down in front of Tang Daiyu and poured her a cup.

"I miss being back in Weiyang Palace. This new palace is different. I can't figure anything out here."

"We can acclimate, An Mei. This is our new home. I'm marrying Ro- Prince Shandong. Heping is our home now."

"But we're Chang citizens!"

"Not anymore," Tang Daiyu said coldly. "I will soon be a Princess of Heping. And as my lady's companion, you will also be part of Heping."

"But!"

Tang Daiyu's dark gaze settled on her friend. "The procession hasn't left yet, An Mei. If you really want to return to Chang, then I won't force you to stay here."

An Mei swallowed but said no more. Then, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Tang Daiyu called.

A new attendant walked in and bowed before her.

"Greetings Princess Fangzi. I'm Hua Chao-Xing. Prince Shandong sent me over here."

"Welcome Hua Chao-Xing. Please, get yourself settled. This is An Mei. She came with me from Chang."

Hua Chao-Xing bowed to An Mei.

"Hello. I'm here to serve Her Highness as well."

An Mei looked at Tang Daiyu.

She explained, "I asked Prince Shandong for an attendant from Heping. That way, it didn't look like I wasn't embracing Heping's people and culture."

Unable to argue with her logic, An Mei remained silent. Deciding the conversation was done, Tang Daiyu stood.

"I think it's time for me to get ready for tonight."

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