Mei’s Arrival

Chancellor Zhangnu stood upon the dais of the large Throne room of the Imperial Palace. Among him were a number of his staff and Yaomei’s staff. Marshal Haojie was present too with a contingent of his staff, but Yaomei was notably absent from the ceremony. Along the walls of the Throne room stood hundreds of Palace guards that were drilled to **** on ceremony as the young Lin Mei was escorted in by a relatively large entourage of House Lin servants. Unlike Han Jinyu’s arrival earlier, Mei’s father was not with her. Understandable given his history with the Imperial Palace, particularly during Yi’s reign as Empress Dowager. These were just a series of planned formalities that typically happened when welcoming a potential wife of the Celestial Emperor. Later, Chancellor Zhangnu noted to himself, the Song Family will bring their daughter.

The continued arrivals happening almost back-to-back was more of a nuisance to most staff members, as it meant an interruption of duties that the Palace demanded in order to keep the rest of the Grand Celestial Empire in line, but it was a necessary nuisance. Chancellor Zhangnu adjusted his elegant white gown a bit before the coming of the speaking. His good looks caught the attention of some of the maidservants that Mei brought with her, but he was not really concerned about the lowly gals staring. He began his elaborate speech of welcoming as soon as Lin Mei and her servants bowed. As this was going on, other Palace staff in the back of the palace were moving the potential Empress’ personal belongings to her room in the Grand Suites of the Palace.

Chancellor Zhangnu knew he had to time the phrase perfectly within his speech. It could not seem unnatural, but it also had to have enough emphasis to catch the ear of Mei. What were House Lin thinking? That he should have to use an analogy on the resourcefulness of the intelligent Great Apes from the southern bamboo forests was beyond him, but he had to do it. Zhangnu’s loyalties were to the Empire, even if he did get dragged around during Empress Yi’s reign. This was his chance for escape finally.

There! He did it. Chancellor Zhangnu looked at Mei to see if there was any reaction, but there was not so much as a twitch. Did he do it right? Time will have to determine that, it seemed. He concluded his long-winded speech, and the look on all the Imperial Palace’s staff was finally looking a little hopeful.

“I look forward to the hospitality of the Imperial Palace, Chancellor Zhangnu.” Mei’s voice carried well for her size, and it had the same beauty that she carried confidently on her face.

“In the absence of Steward Chen, who is occupied by orders from our Great Celestial Emperor, I shall escort you into the inner palace.” Announced Zhangnu.

This comment did in fact get the attention of the guards and Marshal Haojie. The implications were too great. A man, leading a potential wife of the Emperor into the concubine section of the palace. There was little in the way of alternatives, though. Dowager Yi was absent, for whatever reason she had. Yaomei had yet to arrive, despite her presence being demanded. And if they were to escort the prestigious Lin Mei with just a contingent of Eunuch Palace Guards, it might be interpreted as poor hospitality, or worse, straight up insulting. They were lucky to get away with it with Han Jinyu, but the Han Family never demanded much, they were a family that preferred to gift.

“I graciously accept your escort, Chancellor Zhangnu.” If anyone objected, they failed to speak before Mei. Her short black hair bobbed with her slight bow.

There were some further brief formalities, and then Zhangnu and Mei walked behind the dais of the throne together, there were still a number of staff and guards about.

“Please tell me you have linking stones.” Said Mei.

“This is the Imperial Palace, of course we have linking stones.” Replied Zhangnu. He led her to a corner of one moderately sized room behind the dais and offered his arm next to a floating crystalline stone that levitated. She accepted his arm with her soft hand, and Zhangnu touched the stone. There was a bright light, and they were transported onto the top floor of the administrative/governing section of the Imperial Palace. Right next to the offices of the Imperial Councilors. “See?”

Linking stones were a lost technology to most of the world, and despite their use only working for short distances, they were sought after by those that liked to dwell in these tall towers, as it allowed individuals to skip the climbing of multiple flights of stairs. The Offices of the Imperial Councilors was the highest floor that Zhangnu had access to, besides the Foyer of the Emperor’s quarters. So from here they would have to go up some stairs to get to the Grand Suites, one of which, Mei would be staying at for her time her at the Palace. This normal inconvenience, was convenient today.

“Is it safe to speak here?” Asked Mei along their journey to her new living quarters. Her hand still wrapped in his arm.

The corridors and stairs were quiet. Zhangnu then said, “Yes.”

“You are one of the agents my father sent?”

“Yes, but hired, rather than sent. I’ve been in the palace for some time.” Zhangnu came under the influence of her father because of his dislike of Yi, and her manipulative ways of getting him to do her bidding. Yi had a talent for squeezing a man dry.

“Is there others?”

“A decent handful at least. All under my staff. If there is anything specific you need, just let me know, but for now, know Chen is loyal only to Emperor Yun, Liu and Yi are intimate, Haojie lets his ambitions chain him, and I…am at your service.”

“And you’ll be of greater service than I hoped for coming here. I did not think that the Imperial Chancellor himself would be among my father’s agents.” Mei smiled at him, as they stopped just in front of the lobby of the Grand Suites. Maintaining her perfect smile, she said, “It is no longer safe to speak here. I'll find the rest of my way.”

“It is the one furthest left. There are palace servants inside already, should you need anything.”

Mei retreated into her new living quarters.

Zhangnu looked at the room of the Zhuyao from outside the lobby. Just the act made him feel like he was being watched, and he hurriedly left toward the exit of the Concubine section of the palace. He just hoped he was not seen.