His Majesty Mo Yi came to see his daughter and received her into his arms with both hands, full of joy, just like with every other birth. He didn't show any signs of preference outwardly even in his heart. That alone eased Qinnu's heart a little. Even though her desire still burned strongly inside her, the fire hadn't dimmed... let alone gone out. She silently vowed that no matter the hardship, no matter the struggle, she would be the one to give him a male heir, no matter what. She would never allow another woman among them to claim that title even the queen herself.
Queen Zaiye didn't visit until three days after the birth. She came accompanied by her attendants... most of them had served her since their days in Henan Palace. Only a few were natives of Tianjin.
She brought a baby gift set of pure gold...necklace, earrings, bracelets, rings, and anklets. From that day on, she never visit again.
The naming ceremony was a grand event, as usual. The baby girl was named Wang Mo Chu, after the king mother. Everyone began calling her by that name, and Qinnu continued caring for her while keeping a watchful eye on both Xueyin and Queen Zaiye.
🔹🔸▪️▫️
Forty-eight days later, Xueyin gave birth late in the afternoon. This, too, was a clear sign of fate and power beyond their understanding. The birth occurred at four in the evening, but there was complete silence about the child's gender. Xueyin, unsure and anxious, started to believe that maybe the midwives had made a mistake... but no, it was a boy. The baby barely cried, and it took a great effort to make him cry. It wasn't until after six that everything was confirmed.
She was thrown into panic and distress. All the shamans had assured her she would give birth to a boy this time. The first thing she said was, "Without a doubt, this is Qinnu's doing. She didn't waste her effort. She'll pay for this..."
Qinnu, already informed, had food prepared and sent to Xueyin's quarters, just as Xueyin had once done for her. Then she dressed up, gathered her entourage, and went to congratulate her.
"Welcome, welcome! So Chu's twin has finally arrived," she said with a bright laugh...the kind of laugh that showed just how satisfied she really was.
Xueyin was seated, eating a beef soup, but it tasted like bitter medicine. Her face looked like she hadn't slept in days. When Qinnu spoke, she stared at her and replied with a sharp and bitter tone, "Your wish has come true. But just remember.... no matter how far you throw something, it will fall back to the ground. I swear, just as you've made a vow, so have I. Anyone who tries to rise above me...I will bring them down with my own hands."
Qinnu walked over, gently placed the baby girl on Xueyin's lap with a soft smile, and said, "There's the field, and there's the horse. Let's see who truly rides."
Then she turned and left the room, instructing her attendants in the outer hall to drop off the congratulations gifts before leaving.
Just like before, Queen Zaiye came three days later and gifted the baby girl the same items she had given to Chu. Then she left.
From that day, the relationship between Qinnu and Xueyin soured deeply. They entered a silent, vicious rivalry... undermining each other in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
Queen Zaiye kept her distance. She didn't get involved in any of it. Their personalities had already made her wary of them all. She wouldn't even let her daughter wander beyond her own quarters, fearing something terrible might happen.
But as time passed and Zaiye entered her final month of pregnancy, everyone's attention turned to her. It was as if the same thought struck them all at once. Each of the women began sending her gifts and messages showing deep concern and care. She never refused anything they sent, but she made sure nothing reached her space. She accepted the gestures, but the items never crossed her doorstep.
When they started to show up for visits, she directly refused to let them in.... without hesitation or politeness. She told each of them to their faces. That shocked them even more, making it clear Queen Zaiye was not like the others. It proved that royal blood indeed ran in her veins, not like them....
Her awareness of the ongoing rivalry made her wish even more desperately to have a son. She wanted to see what they would do if she gave the next king Mo Yi an heir. She wanted to be the first woman to secure that title for him.
On the fifty-fifth night, she went into labor with sudden, intense contractions. Most of the palace was already distraught over the King's worsening condition. Many, including those in her quarters, hadn't slept for days.
That night, Crown Prince Mo Yi was with his father in his chamber, struggling as the old king's illness peaked more than ever. Queen Zaiye called for two of her most trusted attendants and isolated herself as they assisted her.
At the very moment she gave birth to her son, fate showed its hand. The king, Wang Mo Fuliu, passed away.
She let out a deep breath and whispered a quiet thanks to the heavens.
She personally forbade anyone from revealing the baby's gender that night. She wanted to wait until the right moment.
News of Crown Prince Mo Yi's son birth spread through the palace at the same time as the announcement of King Mo Fuliu's death. That helped distract everyone from wondering about the baby's gender, giving her the space to plan her next moves. She already knew giving birth to a son would place her in direct competition with the others.
Crown Prince Mo Yi couldn't see her until late that night. He walked in smiling from ear to ear, kissing the baby like he wanted to absorb him back into himself. Though grief still lingered on his face from his loss, his joy was overwhelming. It was obvious he had longed for an heir...even if he hadn't realized it until now.
"Heaven works in mysterious ways," he whispered. "I lost my father, but was given his reflection in return."
Queen Zaiye gently nodded, sharing his grief. "May he rest peacefully, and may this child carry his legacy."
"Amitabh... but look at him," He said, lifting the baby again. He paused, smiling. "He's a Henan boy. Zaiye, you tricked me! He even has your beauty... did you smuggle a little of Zi Ling in there?"
Despite her own sadness, she couldn't help but laugh. He blessed the child with heartfelt words and handed him back, bidding her goodbye.
He left, then returned briefly. "I'll send the items needed for his protection...make sure they're used properly."
"I will," she promised.
The next morning, the items arrived: a water with a medicinal blend to bathe him in. There was also a fragrant oil to be applied each night before bed. Though Crown Prince Mo Yi didn't explain further, she understood. He had planned this... and she appreciated it deeply.
Despite the tragedy, Qinnu's curiosity about what Queen Zaiye had given birth to remained unshaken. Though she hadn't been able to visit her, she remained actively engaged, going as far as sending spies into her quarters to gather information. However, Queen Zaiye's attendants were fiercely loyal. Despite multiple efforts, no one managed to discover the gender of the baby until the seventh day after the death of king Mo Fulin.
On that day, a quiet naming ceremony was held without celebration due to the mourning period. That same day, Crown Prince Mo Yi was officially crowned as the new ruler of Tianjin, taking his late father's place.
The news of the baby's name...Wang Mo Yibo...shook Qinnu and her circle of enemies to the core. Caught completely off guard, Qinnu exclaimed in disbelief:
"Yibo? Or did you hear 'Ribah'? Are you sure that's the name?" she asked, bewildered, turning to her palace maids.
The maids lowered their heads as though guilty, until one of them finally said,
"Forgive us, Your Grace. But there's no mistake...his name is Mo Yibo." The rest nodded silently in agreement.
"You may leave," she ordered curtly, wanting nothing more than to be alone in that moment.
On Xueyin's side, things were no less complex. Despite her own inner struggles, she composed herself and sent gifts along with a message of congratulations to Qinnu, wishing long life to the heir.
The moment Qinnu read the message, she knew it was from Xueyin. That alone was enough to incense her. Yet, for the sake of appearances, she responded graciously, sending her thanks back.
Later, Xueyin prepared an even grander set of luxurious gifts and sent them to Queen Zaiye, saying they were from Prince Yibo's aunt. Queen Zaiye accepted the gifts with grace and, in return, sent a generous reward...a type of reward that clearly demonstrated power and authority.
Xueyin smiled when she saw the reward, tapping her feet in excitement. She was certain Queen Zaiye had been impressed, and in that moment, an idea began to form. She clapped her hands joyfully and leaned back, already planning how everything would unfold.
From the moment Yibo was born, Zaiye showered him with intense love and affection. The child had captured her heart completely, to the point where she often found it hard to tell whether she loved him or Zi Ling her first daughter more.
Yibo was born with a natural grace and charm that drew people to him, and this made Queen Zaiye even more protective. No matter where he went, security surrounded him. This intense watchfulness not only limited those who wished him harm but also made it harder for his enemies to act.
On Xueyin's part, she tried tirelessly to show the world she loved Yibo. She made every effort to get close to him, hoping that if she could win his affection, things would move more in her favor. But Queen Zaiye made it nearly impossible. If Xueyin saw Yibo at all, it was from afar or under the watchful eyes of his guards.
Since the birth of their third child, Qinnu and Xueyin hadn't seen eye to eye. Each suspected the other of betrayal, and unknowingly, both had taken steps to prevent the other from conceiving again.
▫️▪️🔸🔹
Four years after Yibo's birth, Queen Zaiye had another child...a girl named after Mo Yi's mother. After her came three more daughters. That brought the total to six children: five girls and one boy.
It was clear to all that Queen Zaiye was King Mo Yi's favorite wife... not because of beauty or status, but because of her unwavering dedication to him, her unique character, and the genuine affection she showed. Among all his wives, none could match her.
When Queen Zaiye loved, she did so with all her heart. When she hated, it was with equal intensity. She was firm in her convictions, rarely swayed by others, and not one to easily change her mind.
Aside from her husband and parents, her children were the most important part of her life... and of them all, Yibo held the most special place. Twice, he had fallen seriously ill, and during that time, Queen Zaiye cast aside all pride and status. From that moment on, she no longer trusted anyone fully with her children's well-being.
Though doctors feared he might not recover, Yibo miraculously survived. Since then, Queen Zaiye had turned to trusted monks, paying for blessings and protection for herself and her children.... even though she had never cared much for praying before. This softened her outlook in many ways.
From that point forward, she became fiercely determined. Anyone who doubted Yibo's right to be the Crown Prince was her enemy. She poured every dream and plan into his future. She loved him more than anything...even more than she loved herself.
You could touch anyone in the Palace and she might forgive you...but not Yibo. She could bear anything for his sake. She could sacrifice everything for him. She prepared his life with meticulous care, vowing that he would rise to greatness just as his father had before becoming king. Anyone who lived in the Palace knew of her unwavering love for him.
Yet, despite this, Yibo understood his mother deeply. He knew her intensity, her sharp mind, and her unyielding nature.
Her dream now was for Yibo to pursue a deep, modern education. She believed this was the first step toward establishing him as a bright force...someone whose name would shine beyond even that of his father.
He shared this dream, for the most part. But there was one single thing...just one...that began to alter his vision. One goal of hers that became an obstacle in his life. One idea that began to unravel his peace. Still, she would say to him:
"Yibo, don't reject what I've prepared for you. Everything I do is for you... for your siblings....for the reputation and legacy of this Palace. Set aside your dreams for now. I promise you...your time will come."
Yibo poured all his strength into aligning with his mother's plan. But no matter how hard he tried, he found himself constantly struggling. Deep down, he couldn't help but drift toward a path of his own, even though he loved his mother more than anything...perhaps more than she could ever know. Their bond was pure and powerful, like that of a mother and her only son.
And this, in brief, is the story of the Palace of Tianjin. The rest—those hidden truths yet to surface—will reveal themselves in time.
💚🦁❤️🐰💛🐢
Present.
Concubine Xueyin's Quarters
She gently let the curtain fall back in place, her gaze still fixed on the courtyard where she could usually see everything coming in and out of the residence. Even though the thick, heavy fabric blocked her view, she remained standing there. Her ears, however, continued to pick up the distant sound of celebration—music, instruments, and the sharp burst of flutes echoing throughout the entire palace.
"I beg your pardon, Your Highness. If such things happened often, perhaps by now you'd be used to them," her attendance said with a bow, she turned to face the woman standing quietly behind her, eyes lowered in respect. "But not even my body, let alone my heart, will ever grow accustomed to these disturbances, Tianni. Only I know the turmoil that boils inside me every time that Prince returns to this palace. When he leaves, I fill with hope that it will be the last time...that he'll never be seen or heard of again. And yet… every time, just like yesterday, everything falls apart. Zaiye....I have no idea what kind of witches or sorcerers she's using."
She ended her words with a weary sigh, pressing a hand to her forehead and rubbing it gently.
"May peace return to your heart, Your Highness. Surely, one day, our patience will bear fruit. Everyone who seeks eventually finds," Tianni offered gently.
Xueyin didn't respond to her words. She simply asked, "Have all the gifts and refreshments been prepared?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Tianni replied with a respectful bow.
"Good… Go now. After a while, tell the Prince I'll be visiting to greet him and check on his health."
Even as she spoke, Xueyin felt the bitterness of her own words deep in her chest. She was only doing all of this because there was no other way... because it served a goal she had long worked toward. Yet Queen Zaiye had interfered, sending the Prince away to another country under the pretense of education. With a sigh, Xueyin sank into one of the luxurious armchairs that filled the vast sitting room.
Concubine Qinnu's Quarters
It was a grand courtyard adorned with lush, refreshing greenery meant to soothe the heart and mind. Qinnu lay reclined on a thick, ornate carpet embroidered with the royal crest of Tianjin, resting atop a velvet fabric soft to the touch. Despite its softness, the royal patterns and golden stitching stood out vividly.
She was alone, as she had requested, having told her servants that she needed half an hour of solitude. But no matter how much she longed for peace, she couldn't escape the overwhelming sounds of celebration rising from the palace... the vibrant flutes and pounding rhythms made it feel as though they were right next to her.
She shifted uncomfortably, still unsettled, and let out a long sigh before muttering under her breath, "What kind of chaos is this?" Her eyes and heart were brimming with thoughts... memories that had haunted her for years.
Quiet footsteps approached the courtyard where she sat. Though Qinnu's face revealed her inner turmoil, she didn't look up until the footsteps stopped. Seeing that it was Chu, she turned her gaze away and waited for her to speak.
"Good afternoon, Mama," Chu said softly as she sat beside her on the edge of the carpet.
Qinnu didn't reply immediately. Only after Chu had settled did she glance at her with a deep sigh and ask, "Just tell me...what is it now?"
Chu hesitated, her face falling into sorrow. She swallowed hard, then said, "Mother… the Prince is returning today…"
Qinnu raised her hand sharply, cutting her off. "Enough. I don't recognize anyone by that title. Call him by the name his father gave him."
Chu nodded slightly. She had long known her mother couldn't stand to hear Yibo referred to as "the Prince"....not even casually.
"My apologies… Yibo," she corrected herself. Silence stretched between them for a moment. Then Qinnu asked, almost mockingly, "So, your eyes have seen it for yourself, haven't they?"
She let out a dry, joyless smile and continued, "That's always been her game...his mother's trick. Hiding his return until the very last moment. Whether it's today or tomorrow, it's always the same. Zaiye thinks she's the cleverest of all, but all her cleverness means nothing when it comes to fate. Hmph."
Chu didn't respond to her mother's muttering. She never really understood their way of speaking....none of it mattered to her anyway.
"Mama... it feels like he came back at the worst time. A time we weren't prepared for, a time he shouldn't have returned," Chu said softly, her eyes locked onto her mother's as if searching for answers. Worry and confusion were written all over her face.
"What are you afraid of?"
"My studies. What if His Majesty refuses to let me go abroad for my college?"
"And for what reason?" Qinnu asked, her tone calm but firm, making Chu sit straighter.
"Mama, you know that whenever father makes decisions that concern us, he always consults Yibo. Every single time. He once said that if he ever isn't around, Yibo will act as our guardian. And you know better than anyone how much Yibo disapproves of any of us studying abroad. Nalan alone is proof of that…"
Xueyin expression darkened, as if Chu's words had struck a painful chord. She quickly interrupted.
"Just because Yibo is your brother, does that make him your father? Are we living under his rule now? Must we take orders from him? What are you so afraid of, He's your little brother? The same boy you're almost 2 months older than... Let me tell you something...this time, I won't sit quietly. My children will study wherever they want and however they see fit. No one has the right to restrict them. He wasn't forced by anyone when he picked the country he wanted and left for his education. So, as long as I'm alive, your journey for education is happening. I don't want to hear another word about it."
Chu was overwhelmed with joy. She leaned in and gave her mother a small, grateful hug.
"May you live long and stay healthy."
"hmmm," Xueyin replied faintly, still clearly irritated.
Chu was about to say something else when her phone, resting on her thigh and connected to an earpiece, began to play a ringtone. She quickly released her mother and glanced at the screen, then stood up and slipped on her shoes.
"Tell Bai to bring me water and a drink," she said as she walked off to answer the call. Xueyin nodded silently, watching her go.
Outside, a convoy of sleek, luxury vehicles rolled to a slow stop... except for one striking car that kept driving toward the royal residence. It was a polished gold-colored car, small in size, but with an overwhelming aura of elegance, wealth, and style.
It didn't stop until it reached the entrance of Queen Zaiye's quarters. Only then did it come to a halt. Almost instantly, a palace guard sitting in the passenger sit sprang to action and approached the door of the back sit, waiting silently for permission to open it.
After a moment, a soft knock was heard on the car's tinted glass... one knock only. Taking that as a signal, the guard immediately opened the door and announced reverently:
"Welcome, heir to your father's legacy. May your steps be blessed and your path protected. May you be our guide and strength... our Prince and the king of the future."
As the words left his mouth, Yibo stepped out, both feet clad in polished Italian leather half-cover shoes that gleamed under the sun. A moment later, his full figure emerged.
He wore a stunning suit that looked tailored specifically for him. It clung to his lean frame perfectly, highlighting his stature and charisma. His face was calm and composed, adorned with a luxury gold wristwatch.
The sunlight bathed his fair, healthy skin, giving it an extra glow. His neatly shaped eyebrows framed his deep, magnetic eyes that were neither too big nor too small, but sharp and captivating. There was an irresistible charm in his gaze, one that could easily pull any woman into the whirlpool of his allure.
His features were flawless...tall, straight nose, well-shaped lips tinged with a soft red hue, and perfect white teeth that lit up his face when he smiled. A single dimple appeared on his right cheek.
As he stood tall and took in the surroundings, the structure of his body became even more evident. He was tall, with a well-built but not overly muscular frame...just enough to give off an impression of strength and youth. His broad chest and defined arms, though hidden beneath his clothes, hinted at the power he carried. He couldn't be older than Twenty years.

With composed steps, he began walking toward Queen Zaiye's quarters. It was clear from his presence alone that royal blood flowed through him from both his father and mother. It wasn't just a title...it was in his very being.
Everywhere he passed, attendants and maids lowered their heads in respect, murmuring greetings. True to his nature, he responded only with a subtle hand wave as he moved through the corridors, making his way to the last sitting room where his mother awaited.

Assumed she's Queen Zaiye 😉😀
A beautiful woman sat with regal poise on one of the luxurious royal chairs surrounding the sitting room. She had passed the prime of youth, yet hadn't reached the age one would call elderly. Though she was nearing Fourty-Three, no one could guess her true age. Power, peace, and indulgence had erased most signs of aging from her appearance. One might easily mistake her for someone in her early thirties.
Her complexion was not very fair, but the tranquility of her life had begun to lighten her skin to a soft, glowing shade. A single glance at her face revealed dignity, authority, and noble grace etched into her features.
She wore an elegant clothes tailored for women of high status. Her ears, neck, fingers, and wrists were adorned with jewelry. Her face radiated joy. Since the moment the sound of trumpets signaled her beloved's arrival, a smile had never left her face...her happiness was impossible to hide.
"Excuse me… May I come in?" asked a soft voice. Since she was in such a cheerful mood today, she replied herself.
"Come in, Cassia."
Cassia stepped into the room with quiet grace, a rare honor permitted only to her closest and most trusted attendants. Her face bloomed with a warm smile as she knelt before the woman.
"May you live long and stay healthy, star of Tianjin… the light of the palace, mother to the Prince, our future ruler by the will of fate. The Prince has arrived safely and is just outside, seeking permission to enter."
A wide smile spread across Queen Zaiye's lips...something few were privileged to witness.
"You bring good news, Cassia. You always do. Go to the royal storehouse and take anything your heart desires as your reward for this joyful message. As for the Prince, he doesn't need permission. He may enter whenever he wishes. Tell him he's welcome."
Cassia bowed deeply, overwhelmed with joy. Her mind was already racing through the treasures she might claim.
"Thank you, Your grace. You're too generous. Your blood runs in his veins; of course, he returns to you. Your words will reach the Crown Prince immediately. Thank you....thank you a thousand times…"
Queen Zaiye raised a hand, signaling her to leave. Her heart was now only focused on seeing her son. Cassia stood and swiftly exited.
"My mother," he spoke gently, his voice soft and youthful, resonating with the authority of one raised with both knowledge and power.
She stood to greet him, her smile deepening, her eyes full of affection. She loved her son with all her being.
"My son, welcome home."
He smiled back...his smile was rare and beautiful, one of his most striking features. He wasn't known for being cheerful, and whenever he smiled, it was either with a special person or something significant had occurred.
"May your health flourish, and your days be long, Mother," he said as he knelt before her like a little boy. She placed her hand gently on his soft hair.
"Thank the heavens you've returned safely, full of life and health. May your journey continue to be blessed."
"Thank you, my Mummy," he said with genuine warmth before she gestured for him to rise. He took a seat on one of the chairs once she had returned to hers.
They spoke again, the usual catching-up and gentle exchange they always shared. But today, she noticed a subtle change in his demeanor. A past conversation returned to her mind. She hoped whatever was weighing on him wasn't what she had already warned him against. Regardless, she would make sure to remove that thought from his heart again....at the right time.
"Go and rest. It's not just me...your siblings are longing to see you too. We have plenty of time to talk. For how long will you be staying? A month?" she asked, smiling as she looked at him.
He stood with one hand in his pocket, gaze dropping to the floor before quietly replying, "Not a month, not even weeks, Mother. I came back… for good."
Her smile slowly faded into a frown. The look she gave him was one he had expected, if not harsher.
"What are you saying, Prince? You came back… for good? When you still have over a year left to complete your studies? Even then, you know very well you weren't meant to return yet. You're supposed to go straight into your master's program until I say it's time to come home for good. Don't start this. Don't do anything that would disrupt my plans or make me upset. You know me better than anyone. You know how carefully I've planned your path. So don't you dare do anything that would destroy all that."
He looked at her with eyes full of unspoken emotion, silently begging for her to understand him. She quickly looked away...she knew full well that his eyes alone could melt her resolve. There was something special, something irresistible in them. With a softened, pleading voice, he said:
"Please, Mummy… just listen to me."
"Go rest," she cut in. "Whatever it is, we'll talk about it later. But know this...I will not accept anything that goes against my plan."
With that, she gave a command to one of her most trusted maids, Guan, she entered.
"Your Highness, your instructions are awaited…"
"Prepare everything as usual...for both her and them," Queen Zaiye replied without letting the maid finish her sentence.
Silence fell again as Guan exited. Prince Yibo slowly turned and followed her steps, his voice echoing softly:
"Take care Mom."
She watched him until he disappeared, then let out a long sigh. She reached for her phone, dialing a number as she sank into her chair. She felt his pain deeply, but she forced herself to stay firm. She believed in her plans, and everything she did was for his future... for his benefit.
He pushed open the door to his quarters with a slow, weary movement, both his mind and body tired. It was the last sitting room before his bedroom...spacious and stunningly decorated, filled with light green and gold. Every detail, down to the smallest ornament, spoke of royalty. Even the chairs bore the palace emblem.
It was one of the finest, most exclusive quarters in the entire royal mansion...a place only the fortunate few had ever seen.
He exhaled heavily as he gazed at the grand portraits hanging around the room. They were all of his parents: his father, King Mo Yi, and his mother, Queen Zaiye. Some showed the two of them together, some just one, some with him as a child. They were exquisitely captured, arranged in perfect harmony, their golden-green frames matching the regal color scheme of the room.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛