Chapter 20: Konga’s final gamble

Despite the public humiliation she had suffered at the Imperial Beauty Shop and her exile from the Lee family, Konga was far from defeated. Her face may have been stained with disgrace, but her ambition remained as sharp as ever. If anything, the setbacks had only intensified her drive. Now, with her family’s fortunes in tatters, she set her sights on her second daughter, Nian Dou, whom she believed could be the key to restoring the family’s power and influence.

Her target was the Crown Prince, Wei Cheng, and in Konga’s mind, if Nian Dou could capture the Crown Prince's heart, it would not only redeem the family but elevate them beyond their previous standing. She had to succeed. There was no other option.

The Scheme Unfolds

Late one evening, Konga gathered her daughters, Nian Dou and Gou, in the modest house that Lord Xu had rented for them. Gou was away, busy courting local merchants and trying to make himself useful, but the women were left alone to devise a plan.

Konga spoke to her daughters with a low, calculating voice. "Nian Dou," she said, locking eyes with her, "you are my hope now. Your beauty surpasses that of any woman in the capital, even that wretched Silla. If we play our cards right, the Crown Prince will see it too."

Nian Dou listened intently, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. She had always dreamed of a life beyond her family’s fall from grace. "But, Mother," she said hesitantly, "the Crown Prince has already shown a clear preference for Silla. Everyone in the capital speaks of it. How can I possibly compete with her?"

Konga’s lips curled into a sly smile. "Silla's charm lies in her cleverness and ability to adapt. But you, my dear, possess a different kind of power. Your beauty, grace, and obedience will outshine hers. Men like Wei Cheng are drawn to what they cannot resist—uncomplicated beauty and a pure heart."

"And how do you propose I meet him, Mother?" Nian Dou asked, skepticism clouding her gaze.

"There will be an Imperial banquet in three days," Konga said confidently. "I’ve arranged for us to be invited through Lord Xu’s connections. Once we’re there, you’ll have the chance to show Wei Cheng exactly what a true jewel looks like."

Nian Dou, still uncertain, agreed. If there was a chance for a better life, she would take it. But deep down, she felt the weight of Konga’s relentless expectations pressing down on her.

The Imperial Banquet

Three days later, the grand hall of the palace was ablaze with light and music, filled with nobles, merchants, and dignitaries from all corners of the empire. The soft melodies of a zither mixed with the laughter and gossip of high society.

Princess Mei Yongqi, now at the height of her newfound fame, stood near the Crown Prince's table, engaging in a lively conversation with Pei Tian, her cousin and trusted confidant. Dressed in a gown of deep sapphire silk that shimmered with every movement, she exuded an elegance that was both regal and unpretentious. The crowd around her seemed to part with every step she took, drawn to her poise and the quiet strength she radiated.

The Crown Prince, Wei Cheng, had already cast several admiring glances in her direction, and his gaze often lingered on her. It was clear to anyone with eyes that his admiration for Silla—or rather, Princess Mei Yongqi—went beyond mere courtesy. It was genuine, and it hadn't gone unnoticed by the rest of the court.

Meanwhile, Konga, Nian Dou, and Lord Xu were seated at the edges of the grand hall, their position far from the center of attention. But Konga's eyes were fixed on Wei Cheng, watching his every movement. She knew that now was the time to make her play.

“Nian Dou,” Konga whispered urgently, “Now is your moment. Walk past the Crown Prince’s table. Let him see you, and if he speaks, respond with charm and humility.”

Nian Dou, dressed in a crimson gown that hugged her figure like flowing water, rose to her feet. Her every step was deliberate, calculated to draw attention. The faint fragrance of jasmine from her hair swirled around her, further enhancing the allure of her beauty.

As she walked near Wei Cheng’s table, she pretended to drop her embroidered silk fan. It fluttered to the ground near his feet with the softest of sounds. Nian Dou, with practiced grace, bent to retrieve it. "My apologies, Your Highness," she said with a melodious voice, bowing low.

Wei Cheng glanced at her briefly, his expression polite but distant. “It’s no trouble,” he said curtly, before turning his attention back to Princess Mei Yongqi, who was speaking with enthusiasm about the future of her shop and its expansion.

The Crown Prince's Choice

Feeling humiliated, Nian Dou returned to her seat, the faint sting of failure settling in her chest. “Mother,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “he barely noticed me.”

Konga’s face darkened, but she did not give up. “Be patient,” she hissed. “This is only the first step.”

The Crown Prince's Interest

As the evening progressed, the banquet continued to unfold around them. The music played softly in the background, but there was no sign of the type of dance or performance that Konga had anticipated. Unlike Western courts, where nobility would often engage in dances at grand events, the noble class in this realm held such activities in contempt. Only courtesans and low-ranking women were permitted to dance at such events, and even then, it was a performance for the entertainment of others, not something enjoyed by the elite.

The Crown Prince stood as the evening wore on, ready to make his departure. But just before he could leave, his gaze once again swept toward Princess Mei Yongqi. His eyes locked with hers across the room, and there was no mistaking the depth of his admiration.

With deliberate composure, Wei Cheng walked toward Silla with quiet confidence, his steps measured but full of intent. As he reached her, he bowed slightly before speaking, his voice low but unmistakably sincere. "Princess Mei Yongqi, I hope the evening has been to your liking."

Silla, momentarily taken aback by the attention, smiled gracefully. "It has been a pleasant evening, Your Highness," she replied.

Wei Cheng’s gaze lingered on her, and he took a step closer. “I must admit,” he began, his voice carrying a note of something deeper, something more personal, “I have heard much about your beauty and your intelligence. It seems they do not do you justice. You are truly a woman of great substance.”

The words were not just compliments but a declaration of interest. Konga, observing from her seat, seethed in frustration. Her daughter Nian Dou had failed to gain even the slightest acknowledgment from the Crown Prince, yet here was Silla, effortlessly commanding his full attention.

Meanwhile, Lord Xu quietly observed the exchange, sensing that the game was shifting. His hopes for a successful union between Nian Dou and the Crown Prince were fading with each passing moment.

Konga’s Desperation

Unable to accept the defeat, Konga approached the Crown Prince after he had spent some time conversing with Princess Mei Yongqi. With Nian Dou in tow, she made her move, intent on pressing her daughter into his sight one more time.

“Your Highness,” Konga said, bowing deeply, her voice thick with desperation. “May I present my daughter, Nian Dou? She has admired you from afar for quite some time and wished to express her gratitude for your leadership.”

Wei Cheng glanced at them both but did not show the warmth that Konga had hoped for. He nodded politely, his gaze moving past Nian Dou to Silla, who was speaking with a small, confident smile. “I appreciate your daughter’s kindness, Madam Konga,” he said, his tone polite but distant. “I believe we’ve already met.”

“Yes, Your Highness," Nian Dou murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "I only wish to express my deepest respect for you and the future of our empire."

Wei Cheng gave a small nod. "Your words are appreciated," he replied coolly, before turning on his heel and walking away, leaving Konga and Nian Dou standing in stunned silence.

A Quiet Triumph

From her position across the room, Princess Mei Yongqi observed the exchange, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips. She had seen this coming—the desperate efforts of Konga and her family to use their youngest daughter to gain favor with the Crown Prince. But Wei Cheng's attention was no longer available to them. He had already chosen his interest.

As Wei Cheng returned to Silla, he leaned in slightly, speaking with quiet amusement. "It seems some people never learn," he said with a knowing smile.

Silla chuckled softly, the sound light and full of grace. "Indeed. Desperation always betrays itself."

The Crown Prince’s gaze lingered on her, filled with admiration. "May I escort you to your carriage, Princess?"

She hesitated only for a moment before nodding. "Of course, Your Highness."

As they left the banquet together, the whispers among the crowd grew louder, cementing Silla's place as the undeniable favorite. The Crown Prince's attention, it seemed, was firmly fixed on her, and the path before her had never seemed more certain.

Meanwhile, Konga, along with Nian Dou and Lord Xu, left the banquet in silence. The dreams of regaining their former glory were slipping further from their reach, and Konga knew her schemes had failed. What remained now was the bitter sting of defeat.

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