Chapter 15: The crown prince’s visit and new challenges.

Silla had grown accustomed to the bustle of her Imperial Beauty Shop. The customers, both noble and commoner, lined up to purchase her carefully crafted cosmetics and beauty products, each one enchanted by the emperor’s personal endorsement. Yet, despite the overwhelming success of her business, Silla knew that it wasn’t just the products that drew people in—it was the aura of power and prestige that now surrounded her.

As the days passed, the Crown Prince’s words lingered in her mind. The letter he had sent was polite, respectful, yet there was something more beneath his formal tone. She had noticed the shift in his behavior since her act of bravery during the royal hunt, something deeper than admiration, something that could grow into something more.

It was a quiet morning when the announcement came: Crown Prince Wei Cheng would be visiting the Imperial Beauty Shop.

The Visit

Silla stood before her mirror, adjusting her appearance with practiced care. Despite her newfound title and wealth, she knew the importance of presenting herself well. Her reflection was that of a woman who had risen from humble beginnings to stand at the peak of society. Yet, beneath the surface, there was a sharp mind and an unyielding will, honed by years of adversity.

As the Crown Prince entered the shop, accompanied by his entourage, the crowd parted in reverence. The young man, dressed in regal robes, moved with quiet confidence. His piercing gaze swept across the room, and his eyes lingered on Silla. His demeanor was calm, yet there was an unmistakable intensity in the way he regarded her.

"Princess Mei Yongqi," the Crown Prince greeted, his voice steady but warm. "It is an honor to finally see your shop in person."

Silla bowed deeply, her posture graceful. "Your Highness, the honor is mine. I hope you find everything to your liking."

The Crown Prince glanced around, his eyes scanning the rows of delicate jars, brushes, and ornate bottles. "I’ve heard much about your products. It’s impressive to see such craftsmanship. The empire’s people speak highly of you."

Silla inclined her head. "I am merely doing what I can, Your Highness. Beauty is not just for the noble, but for all people. I wish to bring that to them."

Wei Cheng smiled slightly, a subtle recognition of her ambition. "And that ambition is what makes you so remarkable. I believe you are destined for even greater things."

Silla felt a shiver run down her spine, though she kept her expression neutral. She had become adept at reading people, and there was something in the Crown Prince’s gaze that hinted at more than simple admiration. His interest in her seemed to go beyond just her products or her title.

The Crown Prince’s Interest

They walked through the shop, discussing Silla’s products and her future plans. His interest was genuine, asking insightful questions about the ingredients, the market, and how Silla intended to expand her reach. Yet, as the conversation unfolded, there was an unmistakable shift in the atmosphere.

The Crown Prince’s usual diplomatic demeanor seemed to soften as he focused more intently on Silla. His gaze lingered longer than necessary, his words more personal than polite. The warmth in his voice was no longer solely the courtesy of a ruler, but something deeper, more personal.

"I must admit," he said as they paused before a table of delicate porcelain jars, "I have a newfound admiration for you, Princess. Your beauty is not only in your products but in the way you carry yourself. You’ve come so far in such a short time."

Silla felt her heart skip a beat, but she quickly masked her surprise with a calm smile. "Your Highness, I am honored by your words. I am only doing my best for the empire, for my family, and for myself."

Wei Cheng’s expression softened, his eyes holding hers for a moment longer than necessary. "Your best is more than enough. I suspect the empire will soon know your name in ways that even I cannot predict."

Silla’s heart raced as the Crown Prince moved closer, his proximity commanding yet gentle. She had always been able to control her emotions, but something about him—something unspoken—sent a ripple through her composure.

Before she could respond, the Crown Prince looked away, as if sensing the tension that had built between them. "I should not overstay my welcome," he said, his voice a little more measured now. "But I must say, Princess, I look forward to seeing more of your work. Perhaps we shall meet again soon."

Silla bowed deeply once more, her mind a whirl of thoughts. She had gained a great deal from the Crown Prince's visit, but something inside her stirred—an unsettling feeling that this could be the beginning of something far more complicated than she had anticipated.

A New Threat: Lord Choi

As Silla saw the Crown Prince off, her thoughts were still lingering on their conversation when another set of news arrived that shifted her focus. The moment the Crown Prince’s entourage left, a messenger arrived bearing troubling news: Konga, her mother, had returned—along with her son Gou and daughter Nian Dou.

But it wasn’t just their return that was unsettling. Konga had brought with her a new suitor—a man named Lord Choi, a wealthy and powerful merchant who was well-known for his vast fortune but little else.

Lord Choi had made his fortune trading exotic goods, and his name was now spoken with increasing frequency in the capital. However, he was also known to be naive, easily manipulated by those with more experience.

Konga, ever the ambitious woman, had set her sights on him, planning to marry him and secure a new position for herself and her children. But what Konga did not know was that Lord Choi’s naivety would be a weapon that Silla could use to her advantage—or, conversely, a weapon that could be turned against her.

The Storm on the Horizon

When Konga, Gou, and Nian Dou arrived at the Lee estate, they were welcomed with a lavish ceremony. Lord Choi, tall and broad, appeared in the grand hall like a deer in the woods—unsure and uncertain of his place in this world of nobility and intrigue.

Silla watched the scene unfold from the upper balcony of the estate. The merchant, while wealthy, was a man easily swayed by beauty and charm—qualities that Konga and Nian Dou were more than happy to deploy in abundance. They had never been subtle, and now, with their sights set on Lord Choi, the delicate balance Silla had worked so hard to achieve threatened to tip dangerously.

Silla could already hear the whispers. Konga’s return was sure to stir up old rivalries and resentments. Gou, with his arrogance and lack of tact, would likely cause even more trouble. And Nian Dou—ever the opportunist—would not rest until she had a hold on Lord Choi’s wealth.

It was clear to Silla that she would have to act quickly to protect herself and her business. If Konga’s machinations went unchecked, they could unravel everything she had worked so hard to build. The return of the Lee family’s more dangerous members signified the start of a new battle, one that would require all of Silla’s cunning and strength to win.

But for now, she stood silently on the balcony, watching as the storm gathered on the horizon.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***