6 Lady Gaze Disaster (1/2)
The second emperor after the great divide created Lady Gaze for his true love. The beauty of the constantly blooming garden represented his love for the empress; it would always be pure and lasting. This tale was repetitively told, both by maids and noblewomen who swooned at the gesture. They looked at the trickling ponds, array of plants and unique ornaments in envy, dreaming of a caring man to wed.
Meifan belonged in this fantasy-like garden, amongst all things sweet and innocent. The real world hurt her too often, Mingzhu watching subtle acts of mistreatement. Each day, Meifan's beauty was accompanied by jealousy, many other maids tripping her, ruining her garments or causing disasters in their cleaning areas. Mingzhu watched but refused to help. To be involved in the petty behaviour would distract her from the mission. It wasn't worth the effort.
”I wonder which has more power in Shanhe: beauty or status,” Meifan pondered aloud while picking the plant leaves. Near the darker parts of the garden were the servant supplies, like wormwood for washing.
”Status,” Mingzhu replied.
”I disagree. I heard that if you are as beautiful as a plum blossom, men will whisk you away to marry, no matter your status. A friend of mine told me it happened to a maid once.”
”Your friend lies. There are no happy endings in reality. The real world is full of secrets, lies and death.” And monsters, Mingzhu added in her head and the image of her father came to mind. Those dark eyes looked at her in disgust, the thin lips breaking apart to yell more combination of moves. Any attractiveness became overshadowed by Mingzhu's opinion; smooth skin was tough like leather so no one could penetrate it, a dimple deepening in his cheek was a sign that she messed up again and the mop of hair on his head were long tentacles, ready to attack. ”Status dictates everything. Why else are maids whipped at the slightest mistake? Do not dream of a free life that cannot be obtained.”
”At least we get to visit Lady Gaze. Even people at the border wall dream of seeing this place one day.”
A knife of realisation stabbed Mingzhu. Not everyone saw Lady Gaze. Only a handful of people knew the intricate paths and details. On the map for the mountain clan, she simply wrote 'garden' in the blank area. This maze could be advantageous to a Masked Master. How could she be so foolish?
”Let us take the main path back,” Mingzhu suggested, trying to formulate the garden paths in her mind. Another letter needed to be sent, containing a new map as well as the Fox's appearance. The mountain clan would be anxious.
”No. We cannot. We are slaves and do not deserve to bask in this privilege.”
”It is a garden, not a royal building.”
”I-I do not think it is a good idea...”
Determined to serve the mountain clan, Mingzhu ignored Meifan and walked along the main path. Soon enough, Meifan shakily followed, jumping at every small sound. Meanwhile, Mingzhu remained deeply focused to visualise a map in her mind. They wound around several paths. The main path forked, the right led to a pond while the left continued to spiral around. The pebbled track near the tree had a dead end. The trail with pink flowers opened into a spacious area with a well, designed for tea ceremonies. Another path turned into wooden planks that formed a bridge over the water and–
Three young women interrupted Mingzhu's thoughts. They all wore floral embroiled gowns, each soft in shade. Their hair was elaborately styled up, showcasing the luscious and tempting skin around their neck. To display wealth, not a single hair rested on their shoulders.
Mingzhu watched Meifan – who bent down low, her hands raised to cover her eyes – and attempted to copy. Over the last few days, Mingzhu received multiple snickers, worried glances and laughs as she did the incorrect movements or ignored noblemen completely. Jiang sat her down and wouldn't let her sleep until she bowed correctly. Every wrong movement received a hit with her fan.
In the mountains, bowing was different. The younger person's hands were placed behind the back to represent vulnerability and show submissiveness. The head was bowed to acknowledge the wisdom of the elder. For the recipient, they replied by a small bow and positioning open hands in front of them to offer and share their knowledge. There was a beauty in it, unlike the palace protocols.
”What are you doing lurking in Lady Gaze?” The palest woman asked accusingly. Her oak-coloured hair shined in the sun, complimenting her white skin. An abundance of jewels wrapped around the hairstyle, all shaped like flowers and a fake, red rose signified she was betrothed. 'A bird would love to nest in there,' Mingzhu thought.
”Miss, we did not mean to disturb you. We are collecting wormwood for washing,” Meifan squeaked and shook like a leaf in autumn.
”Then why are you taking the noble path?” Bird-nest asked.
”My apologies. We did not mean to offend you. Time was our focus, not the dismay of nobles. We sincerely regret our actions.”
”Song Meifan. You need to be taught to stay in rank.”
The noble women shoved and prodded Meifan. They snickered and delighted themselves with her reactions. The more tears Meifan showed, the more they cackled. Mingzhu's morals screamed at her to do something. Her hand twitched to react. Meifan audibly sobbed.
Mingzhu stepped back and patiently waited until the women were satisfied.