The Jingbei Prince’s Residence in Zhao Jing was unexpectedly large, situated at the foot of Fushan in the northern part of the city. It spanned several hundred acres, with elaborate carvings, painted beams, and luxurious finishes—green-tiled roofs, vermillion gates, a display of extreme opulence. It was said that the Emperor of Yan had spent two years building it specifically for the Third Prince upon granting him his title. The servants of the Jingbei Prince’s Residence were always proud of how favored their lord was by the Emperor, but only a few knew that it was actually a gilded cage.
Mei Lin was assigned to live in Shuanglin Courtyard, where two other women also resided. One was named Jiang Tu, the other Lian Xiu, both of whom were also Murong Jing He’s women. Interestingly, Adai, who had arrived with Mei Lin, did not live with them.
The day Mei Lin moved in, Jiang Tu was sitting by her window doing embroidery. When she saw Mei Lin, she paused, surprised, before lowering her head and continuing her work without expression. After everything was settled, she finally brought Lian Xiu over to meet Mei Lin. Their attitudes were surprisingly friendly, and when Lian Xiu learned that Mei Lin didn’t have many clothes to change into, she offered her a newly sewn autumn dress.
"None of us in these nearby courtyards are even close to the status of the middle-ranking maids who serve the prince directly, so there’s nothing worth competing for," Jiang Tu said.
Murong Jing He had many women. Every so often, the palace would send a few beauties as gifts, and other officials would also occasionally present him with exceptional women, not to mention those he pursued himself in brothels. In total, the number of beauties in the Jingbei Prince’s Residence likely rivaled that of the Emperor’s harem. It was no wonder he always looked as though he had indulged in excess.
So, Mei Lin realized she was now far from Murong Jing He, so far that she might never see him again, even if she stayed in this place for the rest of her life. This possibility brought her a sense of relief, but also a hint of frustration. If she couldn’t get close to him, the information she could gather would be extremely limited. But she wasn’t too concerned about that and quickly pushed the thought aside.
The two women didn’t stay long before leaving, and Mei Lin took the opportunity to explore her room. She was quite pleased with the spacious and well-furnished quarters, which were divided into inner and outer sections. It was her first time having a room all to herself, and one that was bright and filled with light at that.
Outside the bedroom window, a few old branches with sparse, half-withered leaves stretched out. She couldn’t tell what kind of tree it was, but perhaps next spring, it would bloom with vibrant flowers.
Thinking about this possibility, Mei Lin couldn’t suppress the joy bubbling up inside her. She carefully closed the door, then turned and threw herself onto the bed, rolling around on the soft mattress. Finally, she lay on her side, resting her head on her arm, smiling as she admired the branches outside the window, imagining them covered in blossoms. Everything seemed perfect.
The bedding carried the fresh scent of sunlight, enveloping her in a subtle warmth. As she lay there, a wave of drowsiness began to wash over her.
In a half-dreaming state, she found herself back in the damp, cold prison, where darkness invaded like a nightmare. The air was thick with the stench of rot and the sound of oppressive groans, mingled with vulgar curses and malicious laughter...
"Amei, you’re having a nightmare." A rough shaking and a concerned voice brought her back to reality.
Mei Lin opened her eyes to see a young woman with delicate features standing by the bed, frowning and pursing her lips. Mei Lin was momentarily confused, unable to remember where she was or who this person was.
"Get up, wash your face, and eat," the woman said, not waiting for a response. She turned and walked to the window, closing it as she spoke. "It’s natural to feel unsettled in a new place. Don’t sleep with the window open; this is a peach tree, and it can attract nightmares..."
As she listened to the woman’s rambling, Mei Lin’s racing heart gradually calmed, and she finally remembered it was Jiang Tu.
"So it’s a peach tree..." Mei Lin murmured as she sat up, feeling the cold sweat on her back.
That place... she thought. Now that she was out, she would never go back.
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