As I neared Mei's chambers, I hear arguments coming from within. I cautiously come closer and quietly opened the door a little. I see Emperess Mei, speaking a foreign language. I couldn't clearly see or hear whom she was arguing with.
I came closer and held my breath when I see a woman, the same built and voice with the woman that ordered my babies be ripped out from me alive while she ruthlessly mocked and watched.
The same woman, the I was accused of being mad, some weeks ago, because I thought I saw her behind the statue in the garden with Mei.
But with the help of the king, Tanaka, Hiroshi and my cat , I got better. I gasp. Making them pause their argument to make sure no one was there. I moved from the door so as not to be seen and I only listened.
After some moments of not hearing anything, they resumed their argument. Then suddenly, I hear a rough slicing and a thud. I couldn't just stand there anymore.
Against my best judgement, I ran into the tea room and see the woman lying dead and bleeding on the floor. Cheng seeing me panicked and resulted to another cruel plan.
She used the dagger she used to kill the woman and sliced her arm and a bit of her face, she quickly rub some blood on her body and shove the tray of fine plates and cups to the ground making them break all over the floor.
I was panicking and tried frantically to revive the woman. By pressing her wound, blood splashed on my face. As if on cue, two of Cheng's maids entered , they looked horrified at the scene and were about to scream but Cheng silenced them to shut up which they obeyed.
Mei's maids stared wide-eyed at the chaotic scene - broken ceramics scattered across the floor, Bella kneeling over a lifeless body with blood splattered across her formal gown. The Empress quickly took control of the situation, her voice sharp with panic.
"Silence! No one leaves this room!" she commanded her servants while pressing a cloth against Bella's bleeding arm. "Bella, what happened? Were you attacked?"
Her acting skills were impressive as she surveyed the damage with feigned innocence ." Guards will be here any moment."
One of the maids trembled nervously. "Empress Cheng, should we call for the physician?"
"No!" Mei snapped immediately. She then whispered something to them , as they opened their eyes wide.
Some Moments earlier at the Grand hall. Chang sits nervously as the last round of the games were about to end . His eyes kept roaming around and feeling uneasy at my absence.
After the last round ended and aculades were given he got up to announce his gift.
He decided not to dwell on it. Perhaps she wanted to check a few more details of the party provision. Maybe before he finished announcing his long awaited gift, she will appear smiling and surprised. He thought to himself . He rose up , cracked a little joke to warm his guests up.
He was about to publicly announce his secret wedding to Bella and his intention to divorce Empress Mei and all his concubines making her the sole empress and his sole wife.
But, before he could announce it, he heard screams coming from Emperess Mei's wing.
Chang Hao's face paled instantly at the sound of distant screams cutting through the festive music. His entire body tensed, muscles coiled for action. The ceremonial fanfare died abruptly as musicians froze mid-note.
"What was that?" someone whispered nearby.
Without a second thought, Chang Hao bolted from his seat on the dais. "Guards! With me!" he bellowed, his voice echoing across the stunned hall. Servants and dignitaries scattered out of his path as he sprinted toward Empress Mei's wing.
General Kenji, who had been watching proceedings from a strategic position near the exits, immediately fell into step beside him. "Your Majesty, allow me to lead the way!"
"No," Chang Hao snapped sharply. "Stay behind me." His red robes billowed behind him as he navigated corridors filled with confused guests and hurrying staff members.