"Sit down and list all your younger siblings. Choose some for each of them. Today, the Queen must have ordered a wardrobe change... just pick the ones you want, I will sell some few, donate, or give away. These clothes look brand new...barely worn. I could make quite a bit from them, Zhan," Ms. Bao said, smiling.
Zhan let out a soft, amused chuckle, once again reminded of Ms. Bao's obsession with money. The clothes were exquisite... high-quality and clearly expensive. Anyone could tell they weren't made for ordinary people, even without knowing the exact price.
He crouched down select for Chou, Que and started selecting outfits for each of his siblings. He knew the clothes would be too big for most of them, but he planned to have them altered. That way, they'd fit just right.
"There's something going on at the Tianjin Palace. We might hear more about it in the next few days," Ms. Bao finished with a sigh, clearly in a cheerful mood.
The moment Zhan heard the name of the palace from her lips, something shifted in his expression. Mo Nalan was the first person who came to his mind. Did that mean these clothes came from her family? If so, there was a good chance something of hers was among them. A part of him wanted to leave the clothes behind, but the gesture was meant to be kind and generous. He had no right to refuse. He bundled the clothes, packed them into a large bag, thanked Ms. Bao, and left.
As planned, he didn't return home until around 10 PM. Along the way, he thought about what he could buy for his siblings to eat. He knew he hadn't left them dinner, and he wasn't sure if anyone else had fed them either. He considered several things but realized they'd cost too much. Then sweet potatoes came to mind...simple and filling...but cooking them would take time. By then, the younger ones might be too hungry or even asleep. So he chose to go home directly, hoping there would be leftovers with Fenghua, who often had extra food.
From outside the house, Zhan could already hear his father laughing loudly and chatting cheerfully inside.
"Now this is surprising," Zhan muttered under his breath. "What kind of blessing has come over us today?"
He couldn't remember the last time he heard his father so lively in the middle of their courtyard. Maybe not since his last marriage, and even that had ended badly. With these thoughts, Zhan stepped into the house.
He froze in his tracks when he saw his father seated among the children. Plates filled with rice were laid out everywhere. Everyone was eating happily. On closer look, Zhan even thought he saw chunks of chicken in the food. He kept walking toward them, feeling like he was dreaming.
"Watch where you're going," his father snapped. "If you're hungry, go get your share from Fenghua."
The tone was stern, the voice filled with unusual authority, as if the man had just won a lottery. The comment drew the attention of the others, who paused mid-bite and rushed over to greet Zhan. Some welcomed him back, while others proudly showed him their food. They had already forgotten the last time they had even seen plain white rice with salt, let alone chicken. A few of the kids even tried to feed him directly, but he gently pushed their hands away. The whole situation didn't sit right with him, and the food didn't appeal to him either. He could tell the others hadn't realized something was off.
One thing was now clear to Zhan... something was definitely happening beneath the surface.
With a calm voice that matched his nature, he said, "Thank you. Please sit and enjoy your meal."
"They're just excited kids," his father added. "Now sit down properly and eat!" Zhan asked them.
The kids giggled and obeyed, returning to their plates.
Zhan respectfully turned toward his father and greeted him, "Good evening, Baba. I hope your day went well."
"Just fine. Though it's a bit late for you to be getting back, isn't it?" his father replied, sounding like he thought Zhan had been out too long.
Zhan simply nodded. "Yeah... I stayed out a bit longer."
"Alright, no problem," his father said, shoveling another spoonful of rice into his mouth.
Zhan was about to go to their room but paused. He thought it would be better to settle his debt with Fenghua first. So he turned toward her room instead...right as their father shouted:
"Hey, Fenghua! come out and enjoy yourself more. Enjoy the chicken soup and thank the heavens for today's bounty!"
Fenghua let out a long, irritated sigh just as Zhan stepped inside.
"Save your breath. You don't need to announce it...I'll eat, alright? It's my right anyway. I've waited long enough for it," she grumbled. "But don't think I've forgotten how you have been treated me. It's not today or yesterday. I've already memorized every insult. Let's see how long this 'kindness' lasts."
She slapped her thigh and shifted in her seat, clearly boiling with anger.
She barely acknowledged Zhan's greeting but perked up when he mentioned paying her back. They counted the money, and she took her share with a satisfied smile, then handed him two bowls... one with rice, the other with chicken soup.
"Here's your share. No one's sleeping hungry tonight," she said, hiding the money carefully as she spoke.
Zhan stared at the bowls. Nothing about the food excited him. Not because of Fenghua...but because he had a feeling something strange was about to unfold in their home. Maybe even in the next few days.
"Hope it brings good fortune," was all he said, carrying the bowls into their room.
The younger kids, seeing him leave, followed right after, abandoning their father behind...who, truth be told, had never really formed any close bond with them.
Zhan finally tied the clothes and set it aside. He sat down properly, pulled the dishes closer, and began serving the food. Just as he started, Ao, the youngest among them, chirped excitedly,
"Gege, the food tastes so good today! Especially the chicken...it's just like the roster they make at my friend's house!"
Her cheerful face radiated joy, making Zhan smile softly. Chou, Que, and Ayulou burst into laughter.
"So you're saying this is real cooking, Ao? It's a proper chicken dish, not just scraps!" Zhan teased, making Ao laugh too.
"Come closer, everyone! Let's eat more!" Zhan said.
Que while rubbing her stomach and widening her eyes. "Gege, I don't think anyone here isn't stuffed today. I feel like I might throw up from eating so much. I kept eating and resting because I don't know when we'll be this full again," she said.
Zhan glanced at them with a small, sympathetic smile and replied,
"A mouth meant for eating should never be denied food, Que."
With that, he continued eating while chatting with them. He asked about everything that happened in his absence...his usual habit. Whenever he returned, he would carefully ask questions, gently drawing out what had occurred. If he sensed something wrong, he'd correct it or guide them accordingly.
"So, what's going on with you, Chou?" he asked as he finished eating and pushed his plate aside. Chou, who had been staring at him and resting her chin in her palm, lowered her hand and smiled.
"Gege, you're more handsome than all of us. Sometimes I wish I were you."
Zhan couldn't help but laugh, revealing his perfectly aligned white teeth.
"Oh? What's with you today, Chou?"
"Seriously, Gege. Even my friends can't stop staring at you when they visit. They say we can't possibly be from the same household...you look like someone straight out of a fashion magazine," Que added, causing Zhan to laugh again.
When he calmed down, he replied,
"You're all beautiful, Chou. You're not done growing...you look like a fairy already. And your hair is even smoother and shinier than mine. And you, Que
...haven't you looked in a mirror?"
His words seemed to stir something in Chou. She lowered her voice and called softly,
"Gege?"
"Hmm?" he responded with full attention.
"Am I really a fairy? But I've never seen my mother, or any of our relatives. Ever since she left, I haven't seen her again. Do you think… do you think I'll ever see her again? Or did she… did she die, like your mother?"
The room fell silent. Chou stared at him, waiting for a real answer. Her words hit him deeply, stirring a tender place in his heart. Zhan's sympathy for her only grew.
He gently took her hand and replied softly,
"Your mother is not dead. She's still alive. She thinks about you every day and wants to see you. One day, you will see her again...she will come to visit her little Chou."
A big smile spread across Chou's face. Brimming with hope and joy, she asked,
"Really, Gege?"
Zhan nodded with certainty.
"Yes, really, Chou."
Her face lit up in pure happiness.
That night, they went to bed with those conversations still lingering in the air. But Zhan lay awake, the children's words echoing in his heart. Each of them longed to see their mothers...how he wished he could grant them that. He, too, longed for even one moment with his own mother. Just one chance to talk with her, even if only once.
Sometimes, his compassion for the children outweighed what he felt for himself. At least he knew who had passed will never be back forever...there was no false hope. But them? He couldn't bear how their father had ripped them from their mothers, nor how he himself couldn't give them the love they deserved. And some of their mothers had even chosen to abandon them... hurt by what their father had done, they'd walked away.
That night, Zhan cried a lot before finally falling asleep.
💚🦁❤️🐰💛🐢
THE TIANJIN PALACE
As mentioned before, the Tianjin Kingdom was a grand empire filled with authority, power, and undeniable majesty. From the ancient years long past to the present day, it had stood tall, rivaling neighboring kingdoms both near and far. Known for its unique style of leadership rooted in justice, dignity, and nobility, the city carried an air of reverence and distinction bestowed upon it by fate.
Tianjin was a vast city with a wide expanse of land and a thriving population. The capital city, Tianjin, bordered both Beijing and Wuhan...a blessed city where the people lived under the fair rule of their revered monarch, King Mo Yi. The rulership of Tianjin had been in his family for generations, passed down from one noble ancestor to another.
The royal palace of Tianjin was so massive it could be mistaken for an entire neighborhood. It was divided into multiple sections, all carefully planned and structured...from the quarters of junior and senior servants, minor officials, and palace guards to the residences of the king's wife, concubines, and close relatives.
King Mo Yi was known for his just leadership, and the people of Tianjin genuinely loved his reign. He was compassionate, approachable, and kind-hearted. However, he was not lenient when it came to important matters...his words were final and non-negotiable. Despite having received an advanced Western education and once holding many prestigious positions, including that of an ambassador, he upheld the traditions of his land with pride. He returned home only after his father passed, taking on the mantle of leadership with honor.
At present, King Mo Yi had one official wife and two concubines. The third concubine had passed away after giving birth to a daughter. His first concubine, Qinnu, had been with him since his time as a Crown Prince and Minister of Gas. Their relationship had not lasted long before he met his second concubine, Xueyin. The two women had shared the palace for a while in a quiet rivalry, until eventually, King Mo Yi married his official Queen...Zaiye. He met her during his ambassadorial post in Korea. She, too, came from royalty in Henan.
From the moment they met, Zaiye captured his heart completely. Her beauty was exceptional...everyone knew of the charm and elegance of her people, especially those who dwelled in the mountain regions. Her poise, her grace, and her alluring scent suited her royal status perfectly. She was a woman whose presence demanded respect and admiration, and even King Mo Yi had struggled to win her over.
This union stirred unrest in both Qinnu and Xueyin. Each of them had secretly hoped to become the Queen. But after researching Zaiye's background, they realized she surpassed them in every aspect. They noticed how eager the King was to marry her, despite trying to conceal his excitement. They attempted to interfere, but every effort failed. Eventually, they agreed to confront him directly.
They found him resting in the royal sitting room and brought up the issue. He tried to reason with them gently, but they insisted. Eventually, Qinnu broke into tears and said:
"We understand now. We see where your heart lies, and we know your intentions. You're doing this because we didn't bear you a son. You accepted the throne and now you're already thinking of your heir. But it's not our fault. We didn't choose our fate. Just because one gives birth to a girl doesn't mean she can't later bear a son."
King Mo Yi was stunned by her words. He had never thought that way, not even once. Only the heavens could know the future. When his own father was still alive, he never imagined he would inherit the throne, let alone worry about succession.
He simply stared at them as their frustration boiled over. Despite their protests, the marriage to Queen Zaiye went ahead. He left her in her Korea temporarily as he resumed his diplomatic duties. Queen Zaiye never responded to the concubines' provocations, even though she loved her husband dearly and was naturally protective of him. She remained dignified and respectful, though eventually she understood the root of their jealousy. She knew they were not the same... each woman had her own nature. King Mo Yi never spoke to her about them, but Zaiye was perceptive. She could read between the lines and understand everything from his mannerisms whenever he returned from their Palace. She had a sharp intellect and great foresight.
The jealousy didn't ease up until Zaiye gave birth to her first child, a daughter. Only then did Qinnu and Xueyin begin to relax. They even agreed that Qinnu would travel all the way to Henan to attend the naming ceremony. King Mo Yi was surprised at their sudden change in attitude, but he didn't think much of it. He had never been one to care whether his children were boys or girls, and he had long forgotten the confrontation at the time of his marriage. He was simply happy, believing they had finally accepted Zaiye because of the growing royal lineage.
And so it happened. She dressed elegantly, bought luxurious gifts, and traveled along with all four children...hers two, and the two belonging to Xueyin.
Queen Zaiye's family were known for their hospitality, so she was received with honor and respect, once again highlighting the difference in their status. What they had anticipated was nothing compared to the reality. The grandeur of the naming ceremony for the newborn princess was far beyond their expectations. Queen Zaiye was truly cherished by her people.
Since her arrival, she had only greeted Zaiye once when the baby was brought to her. She didn't see her again. Nevertheless, every courtesy... even those not necessarily required... was extended to Qinnu. Gifts were sent to her in appreciation of her visit. However, deep down, Zaiye sensed that Qinnu's presence was not entirely genuine. Whatever the case, she had no intention of allowing anyone to harm her daughter, whom she had loved fiercely from the moment she was born.
When Qinnu prepared to leave, she did so with a heavy heart. She had come to terms with many things during her visit... especially the extraordinary beauty of the child and the unmistakable affection shown to both mother and daughter. Upon returning, she shared everything with Xueyin, who fell into a long silence before finally saying, "Well, at least it's a girl. Had it been a boy... we would've seen it all unfold before our eyes."
Life continued until King Mo Zhuo fell ill. His condition was the reason his son, Prince Mo Yi, resigned from his ambassadorial position and returned home permanently. He was the king's first son and the one closest to him in both bond and spirit. This time, Queen Zaiye also returned with her husband to Tianjin to be by his side. All three women were pregnant at the time, though at different stages... Qinnu was seven months along, Xueyin six, and Queen Zaiye five months. Because of her tall figure and graceful presence, most people didn't even notice her pregnancy.
During this shared period, Queen Zaiye once again proved herself to everyone.... inside and out. In turn, the others became more aware of just how deeply she had captured King Mo Yi's heart. Even the palace staff and the people around them began to gravitate toward her. Despite her regal aura and reserved nature, she was incredibly generous and never hesitated to help others. She rarely smiled or engaged much in small talk, yet that didn't matter to those around her...by now, it was clear to everyone where true power and influence lay.
At that time, both Qinnu and Xueyin were doing everything they could to ensure they gave birth to a boy. Money was spent, rituals were performed, and promises made to both loyal and disloyal servants... anyone who could help them succeed. They believed the time had come for their husband to be crowned king, and each was determined to be the mother of the future heir.
Yet behind closed doors, neither truly wished the other well. Outwardly, they maintained civility, but privately, each was hoping that the other would bear nothing of importance. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, each had secretly placed trusted aides in the other's quarters, gathering information from within.
As for Queen Zaiye, she was completely at ease, focusing solely on caring for her husband and supporting him in tending to his ailing father. The other women had assigned new maids to try to get close to her and win her favor, but none succeeded. Her personality was different... she was highly intelligent and cautious. Because of that, no one had any solid information about her or what went on in her private quarters, only vague whispers at best.
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Two months after their return, on a Saturday morning, Qinnu gave birth. Panic and devastation filled her heart when the midwife informed her that she had delivered a baby girl. It didn't take long before the news spread throughout the palace. That day, her wing of the residence felt like a mourning ground. Everyone knew how much she had longed for a son, and now, she was shattered. Her maids moved in silence, avoiding eye contact, no laughter, no joy... only a heavy atmosphere of disappointment.
When Xueyin received the news, she danced with glee and twirled around before her trusted companions... the very same people who had delivered the news. What she didn't know was that they were the ones betraying her, feeding her secrets to others. Still, she ordered her male servants to prepare a lavish meal and deliver it to Qinnu, pretending to show support... while making her way there herself.
The food and Xueyin arrived at Qinnu's quarters almost simultaneously. She had rushed to see it with her own eyes.
"This is fate. It's destiny," Xueyin said with a face of feigned sympathy as she sat beside Qinnu, who was lying on a special couch in a private recovery room.
Qinnu let out a deep sigh, then slowly lifted her eyes to meet Xueyin's. She had already heard what Xueyin had done and was watching her closely. After a pause, she straightened up and said firmly,
"Perhaps this is the destiny for all of us." She then took a breath, her eyes still locked on Xueyin, and added,
"But I swear on the very crown that rules this palace... if I, Qinnu, was the first to enter this royal house with King Mo Yi and I didn't give him a son, then no other woman will."
A chill passed through Xueyin. What if she were pregnant with a boy and Qinnu planned something to change the outcome? Still, she masked her fear and asked with feigned curiosity,
"What… what do you mean by that?"
Qinnu leaned back and replied with calm resolve,
"Time will tell." She said no more.
Xueyin then gently placed the baby girl by Qinnu's feet and stood up.
"Everything is written by fate. I wish you good health. I'll be going now."
Qinnu watched her leave, a sly smile creeping onto her lips.
"You speak of fate, Xueyin? We shall see," she muttered to herself. Then she turned to look at the sleeping baby... innocent and unaware of the brewing storm around her. For a moment, Qinnu wished the child would open her eyes and reveal herself to be a boy, not a girl. She summoned one of her maids to pick up the baby and return her to her bed.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛