The kitchen courtyard was crowded, hot, and loud.
Wei Lin sat on a low stone ledge near the outer wall, his back against the rough brick, a thin stick in his hand. He tapped it against the ground in a slow rhythm—tap, tap, pause—his ears tracking the sounds around him.
Behind him, through the open kitchen doors, servants rushed back and forth. Steam rose from enormous cauldrons. Someone shouted for more wine. A tray of pastries nearly fell; someone else caught it.
A shadow passed the doorway. Wei Lin glanced up. No one was there. Just a flicker of movement—a figure in fine robes, gone before he could see a face. He frowned and tossed the stick no longer in the mood.
He turned around looking at the thin figure hidden among the cluster of women near the wall.
His Sister Wei Mei
Most of them were older—cooks, supervisors, matrons with sharp eyes and worn hands. At the center, a plump woman with a kind face was speaking.
Madam Yan.
Her voice was warm, unhurried. She was explaining the evening's flow—which dishes went where, which guests needed special attention, which servants would be stationed near the main hall.
Wei Lin watched her hands. They moved gently, emphasizing her words without urgency.
He turned away grabbing the stick he thrown to the ground and resumed tapping it.
"Why can't I grow up fast enough," he thought. His mind dazed as he glanced down" Why does my Jie jie have to suffer?"
Madam Yan finished speaking. The women dispersed, heading to their stations.
Wei Mei turned, spotted her brother, and walked toward him.
She crouched down, her pale blue robe brushing the dusty ground.
"What are you thinking about? " She smiled and pinched his cheek
Jolting from his daze, Wei Lin face flushed slightly as he glanced at his sister with false disgust.
"Jie jie, how could you .... and.....and in front of so many people " he pointed at the older woman who immediately turned away pretending they hadn't witnessed anything.
"I practically saw when you were only wearing crotch shorts what's the difference " she said matter-of-factly
Wei Lin face turned a deeper shade of red" You...."
But before he could say anything more, she shoved a bun into his mouth.
"Here," she said pulling a small cloth bundle from her apron pocket
Wei Lin swallowed the bite in his mouth his eyes lighting up.
"These are snacks I made for you earlier today. So, in case you get hungry, and you can't find me just eat. Ok" she said with a slight smile watching him devour the first one. Looking like a hamster.
She really wanted to pinch his cheeks again but knowing her brother he would rather jump into a well than let her get what she wants.
"Eat them here," she stood. "Don't go wandering around. The kitchens are chaos tonight, and I may be very busy, but I want you to promise to me that you will stay put until I'm done. Ok"
"I'm not five," he muttered.
She smiled and patted his head. "Yes...yes you're a little adult Jie jie understands."
He scowled, but he didn't pull away.
Then after a long while he nodded
"Better to stay here and keep an eye on his silly sister anyway" he thought
Seeing him nod, she brushed off her robes. Patted his hair one more time before walking back into the kitchen.
Wei Lin watched her go. Then his eyes drifted to the doorway again. The shadow was gone. But he couldn't shake the feeling that someone had been watching.
He bit into another pastry, his eyes still on the door.
"Please stay safe, Jie jie."
---
The main hall was a sea of silk and candlelight.
Shen Miao walked slowly, her jade-green robes brushing the polished floor, her hairpin catching the warm glow. Her mood was light—lighter than it had been all evening.
"Brother fixed my hair. In front of everyone."
She still couldn't believe it.
She smiled—small, private, real.
Then she turned a corner around a cluster of nobles and stopped.
Ling Feng was standing near a pillar, cup in hand, leaning slightly toward Shen An. His voice was low and eager, his smile wide and insincere. He was trying too hard—laughing at something Shen An said, nodding along like a dog begging for scraps.
Shen An listened with half-closed eyes, his expression bored, almost dismissive. He held his cup loosely, not drinking, just watching Ling Feng perform.
She frowned.
As if feeling her gaze, Shen An turned.
His eyes found hers. His bored expression shifted into a smile—smooth, practiced, just for her.
Shen Miao's stomach turned.
Her face scrunched in disgust before she could stop it.
Then Xi Shu stepped forward.
He moved silently, smoothly, positioning himself directly between Shen Miao and Shen An's line of sight. His broad back blocked the view completely.
"Fourth Miss," he said quietly, "perhaps you'd prefer to move to the ladies' table. The evening will begin soon."
Shen Miao exhaled. "Thank you, Xi Shu."
He inclined his head.
"Shen Miao."
The voice came from behind her—clear, composed, familiar.
She turned.
Feng Yin stood a few paces away, her robes immaculate, her expression unreadable. The crown prince's fiancée. The woman who had once pulled her from a room full of bullies.
"Your Highness," Shen Miao said, bowing slightly.
Feng Yin stepped closer, her voice dropping. "Walk with me. And be careful of your cousin. He's been asking about you."
Shen Miao's blood chilled. She nodded.
Feng Yin smiled—small, but genuine—and offered her arm.
Shen Miao took it. Together, they walked toward the ladies' table.
Behind them, Shen An watched them go. His smile faded. He turned back to Ling Feng, who was still hovering.
"That's enough," Shen An said, his voice flat. He set down his cup and walked away without another word.
Ling Feng stood alone, his smile cracking. He stared at Shen An's retreating back, his face slowly twisting with resentment.
"That arrogant little—"
He looked down at his empty cup. Then he glanced toward the kitchen door.
His eyes narrowed.
He walked.
Standing close a beam nearby a young woman smiled slightly.