Sacred love

SACRED LOVE

Li Meng's body trembled violently as the icy chains bit into her wrists, the iron links cutting into her flesh with every slight movement. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, her once-delicate features now marred with blood and grime. The dungeon reeked of death and decay, a fitting prelude to her fate.

For three days, Li Meng had endured torment beyond imagination. Her strength waned with every passing second, but her stepmother's triumphant smile from the banquet hall haunted her, keeping her awake in her misery.

It had been a simple request. "Fetch that linen cloth, Meng'er," her stepmother had said sweetly, pointing toward the golden-hued fabric displayed near the Empress Dowager's seat. Li Meng had obeyed, eager to fulfill her duties, but the moment her fingers touched the cloth, a sharp scream shattered the festive atmosphere.

"Li Meng, how dare you!" her stepmother shrieked, rising to her feet in mock outrage. "You've stolen the Empress Dowager's treasured linen! I knew you were despicable, but to commit such a vile act here-before the Emperor himself!"

Li Meng froze, her heart pounding in her chest. "No... I didn't-"

"Silence!" her stepmother cut her off, her voice laced with venom. "Your mother was no better-a thief and a disgrace-and you're no different! How dare you shame our family in front of the imperial court!"

Gasps filled the grand banquet hall. The guests, dressed in their finest silks, whispered among themselves, their faces masks of shock and disdain. The Emperor's expression darkened as his piercing gaze settled on Li Meng.

"Your crime is unforgivable," the Emperor declared, his voice cold and unyielding. "Stealing from the Empress Dowager is an insult to the throne itself. By imperial decree, Li Meng shall be punished for seven days and then executed."

Li Meng's knees gave way as the weight of the Emperor's words crashed over her. "No! Your Majesty, I didn't steal-"

"Take her away," the Emperor commanded, dismissing her cries as if they were no more than the rustle of leaves in the wind.

The guards had seized her, dragging her from the hall as she struggled in vain. The last thing Li Meng saw before the dungeon walls closed around her was her stepmother's satisfied smirk.

Now, as the fourth day loomed, Li Meng lay on the cold stone floor, her body broken and her spirit hanging by a thread. Blood seeped from the wounds on her back, where the lash had torn into her flesh again and again.

"Why?" Li Meng whispered to the darkness, her voice barely audible. "What have I done to deserve this?"

There was no answer, only the distant drip of water echoing through the dungeon.

The dungeon was eerily silent, save for the ragged, shallow breaths of the unconscious woman. When the royal guards arrived, they found her collapsed on the cold stone floor, her face devoid of color. She looked as though she was already halfway to the afterlife.

"Summon the imperial physician!" the head guard ordered sharply.

"Yes, sir!"

Imperial Physician Han arrived moments later, kneeling beside her as he pressed two fingers to her wrist. His face darkened. She was barely alive. If left alone, she would die within the hour. A swift, quiet death-far preferable to the humiliation she would face if she lived long enough for her execution.

His hesitation did not go unnoticed.

"Imperial Physician Han, if you value your daughter's life, I suggest you start treating her immediately."

A chill ran down Han's spine. Gritting his teeth, he swiftly set to work. He cleaned and bandaged her wounds, stabilizing her breathing, though her body continued to tremble violently from blood loss.

Then, without warning-

"Why are you all gathered here?"

A deep, glacial voice sliced through the tense atmosphere like a sharpened blade.

The guards stiffened in terror. Their bodies moved before their minds caught up, all of them falling to their knees in unison.

"Your Highness!"

Third Prince Chen Ming stood at the entrance, his expression unreadable, his presence suffocating. His gaze swept over them before landing on the frail figure on the ground.

His voice was eerily calm. "What is she doing here?"

The head guard swallowed hard before carefully explaining the situation. The prince's eyes darkened with every word.

"An imperial decree?" Chen Ming scoffed, his tone laced with biting contempt.

His gaze flicked to the guards. "If anything happens to her, I'll personally see to your executions."

His words were not a threat. They were a promise.

Without another word, he turned and strode away, heading straight for the Emperor's pavilion.

The moment he arrived, every servant in sight immediately prostrated themselves.

"Your Highness!"

"Where is the Emperor?"

"His Majesty is in the Fifth Consort's court."

Chen Ming's lips curled into a mocking smirk. Of course. Enjoying himself while she suffered. Without hesitation, he made his way there.

"Your Royal Majesty, Third Prince Ming requests an audience."

"Let him in."

Chen Ming stepped inside, his expression as cold as ever.

"Chen Ming," the Emperor said, clearly displeased. "What is so urgent that you couldn't wait until I returned to my chambers?"

"So that she would die?" His voice was sharp, his gaze colder than ice. The Fifth Consort flinched, and the servants trembled in fear.

The Emperor's brows furrowed. "Who?"

"The woman you sentenced to exile."

"She committed theft. Punishment is necessary."

"Do you even know who she is?"

"The illegitimate daughter of the Li family. And?"

"That makes her my soon-to-be in-law."

The Emperor chuckled, entirely unimpressed. "And? The Li family has not protested. Theft is an unforgivable crime. Why do you concern yourself with a mere illegitimate daughter?"

Chen Ming's gaze was deathly cold. "Release her."

The Emperor's expression hardened. "You expect me to go back on my word? Do you take me for a fool?"

"You can always find another scapegoat." His tone was devoid of warmth, as if human life meant nothing to him. "I don't care what you do, but nothing must happen to her."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a lethal whisper. "The last time I single-handedly crushed our enemies, you swore in front of the court that you would grant me one wish." His eyes burned with quiet menace. "This is my wish-release her."

The Emperor exhaled, watching him carefully. "You would waste your wish on her? I thought you would ask for the throne."

"Release her," Chen Ming repeated, his patience wearing thin. "That is all I want."

The Emperor studied him before finally letting out a sigh of resignation. "If that means I owe you nothing, then so be it."

"Tomorrow morning, you will gather everyone who attended the banquet and renounce your decree."

"Fine."

"You may leave now. I am busy." The Emperor barely spared him another glance, his attention returning to the Fifth Consort as his hand trailed leisurely down her back.

Chen Ming did not bow, nor did he acknowledge the Emperor's dismissal. Without a word, he turned and strode out, his expression unreadable as he made his way back to his pavilion.

The next day arrived swiftly, and the Emperor summoned all the noble families gathered at the royal banquet for the pronouncement regarding Li Meng's fate.

Upon receiving the news, Madam Li's heart swelled with delight, certain that today would mark the end of Li Meng's wretched existence. She and her daughter, Li Ran, exchanged triumphant glances, their lips curling into scornful smiles.

"Li Meng is finally out of the way," Madam Li said, embracing her daughter. "You can now rightfully claim your place as the princess consort."

"She was never a threat to begin with," Li Ran sneered. "How could that lowly girl ever compare to me?"

"Hurry! We must witness her execution," Madam Li urged, laughter brimming in her voice. With that, the mother and daughter duo climbed into their carriage, eager to see Li Meng's downfall with their own eyes.

The palace courtyard was filled with noble clans, their murmurs echoing through the vast space as they awaited the Emperor's arrival. In mere moments, the majestic figure of the Son of Heaven graced the assembly, his presence commanding immediate reverence.

"Your Majesty," they all chorused, bowing deeply.

The Emperor merely waved his hand in acknowledgment before speaking. "I understand that the seventh day has yet to arrive, but I fear that Li Meng's condition will not hold if we wait. Thus, I have made my decision. Bring her forth."

At his command, the royal guards escorted Li Meng into the courtyard. Though she had regained some strength after a night's rest and a decent meal, her frailty was still evident. She stood quietly, awaiting her sentence.

"Li Meng is hereby released," the Emperor declared, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "This decision is made in honor of a promise I owe to Third Prince Ming, whose request secured her freedom. From this day forward, she is a free woman. Any who dare to speak ill of her shall face exile."

A stunned silence swept over the gathering, hushed whispers rippling through the crowd, yet none dared to challenge the imperial decree. Without delay, the iron shackles were removed from Li Meng's wrists. Tears of relief spilled from her eyes as her loyal maidservant, Su Wan, rushed to embrace her.

"My lady! You are finally free!" Su Wan sobbed, her voice thick with emotion. "I cannot imagine a life without you. I nearly perished alongside you!"

"Are you certain?" Li Meng half-teased, a weak chuckle escaping her lips as she tightened her hold on Su Wan. In this cruel world, Su Wan was the only one who had ever shown her genuine affection.

Madam Li and Li Ran stood frozen in disbelief, their expressions betraying their fury. But they were not fools-they knew better than to reveal their resentment in front of the Emperor. Forcing smiles onto their faces, they hurriedly bowed in gratitude.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your boundless grace," Madam Li said, her voice strained.

As Li Meng and Su Wan made their way back to the Li household, the maidservant could not contain her excitement. "My lady, it is truly unexpected that Third Prince Ming would go to such lengths for you!"

Li Meng's brows furrowed. "I am as surprised as you are. Perhaps he acted out of consideration that am his soon to be sister in-law

Su Wan, however, shook her head. "That cannot be the reason, my lady. Third Prince Ming has never acknowledged First Miss Li Ran, nor has he ever concerned himself with family matters. No, he had another motive."

"Then whatever his reason, I now owe him a debt," Li Meng said solemnly.

Upon arriving at the Li estate, Su Wan immediately dashed to the kitchen, returning with a large meal.

"Did you ask for Madam Li's permission?" Li Meng inquired, arching a brow.

"No," Su Wan admitted.

"Then do you wish to be punished?"

Su Wan lifted her chin defiantly. "My lady, you may not know this, but I purchased these food items with my own savings. It does not belong to the Li family. You may eat in peace."

Warmth spread through Li Meng's chest. "Thank you, my dear Su Wan." Without hesitation, she picked up her chopsticks and began eating heartily, as though she had been starved for years.

Unbeknownst to her, Third Prince Ming observed the scene from his secluded pavilion. He disliked crowds, yet he had stayed behind, watching as her once-solemn expression softened as the emperor renounced his decree. Seeing her regain her freedom was... satisfying.

Meanwhile, in another part of the estate, Li Ran seethed with rage. "Mother, we lost again and again! I thought it was finally over!"

Madam Li's eyes gleamed with malice. "Do not fret, my child. She may have escaped death today, but I will ensure that she does not live for long. We have emptied her chambers-she has no money, no resources. Without food, she will surely perish in due time."

Li Ran, however, scoffed. "Mother, you underestimate that wretched Su Wan. That girl would cross the ends of the earth to ensure her lady does not starve."

Madam Li's lips curled into a sinister smile. "If I cannot deal with a mere maidservant, then I am unworthy of my position as the madam of this household."

A sudden thought struck Li Ran, and she finally voiced the question that had been gnawing at her. "But how does Third Prince Ming know Li Meng?"

"That, I do not know," Madam Li admitted. "Could it be that the girl is somehow acquainted with him?"

Li Ran clenched her fists. "Even I have never had the chance to speak with Third Prince Ming! I doubt he even knows my name, and yet, he personally intervened for that worthless girl? Mother, I swear, I will kill her with my own hands!"

Madam Li placed a calming hand on her daughter's shoulder, a cruel glint in her eyes. "You need not dirty your hands, my dear. Leave everything to me. I will see to it that Li Meng meets her end."

The sun had barely risen when Li Meng was jolted awake by an unsettling silence. Her heart pounded as she called out, "Su Wan! Su Wan!" Her voice echoed through the grand halls of the Li household, but there was no reply. Fear seized her-Su Wan had never left her side without informing her.

Frantically, she scoured the corridors, questioning the maids, but they merely averted their gazes, their silence a cruel dismissal. Desperation clawed at her chest until, amidst the oppressive quiet, a faint, muffled cry reached her ears.

Her blood ran cold. She recognized that voice-Su Wan.

Racing toward Madam Li's chamber, she pounded on the heavy wooden door, her fists relentless. "Open the door!" she demanded.

A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing the imperious figure of Madam Li, her lips curled in amusement. "Didn't expect you to notice her absence so soon," she mused, her voice laced with mocking amusement.

Li Meng's eyes blazed with fury. "Why did you take my maid from me?" she accused. "You already cast out my belongings, discarded all the food she bought just three days ago, and now you dare abduct her?"

Madam Li's expression darkened. "Do I live to your expectations, Li Meng?" she sneered. "This is my household. I do as I please. That vulgar maid needed to be disciplined."

"You're mistaken," Li Meng countered, her voice unwavering. "Su Wan is not just a maid-she is my friend. You have no right to harm her."

Madam Li laughed coldly. "And what can you do to stop me?"

From within, Su Wan's pain-filled voice rang out. "My lady, please... don't fight for me. It doesn't matter if I'm hurt."

Tears stung Li Meng's eyes. "How can I abandon you?" she whispered.

A slow clap interrupted the moment. From the side, Li Ran smirked, entertained by the scene.

"What will you do to free her?" Madam Li taunted.

Li Meng clenched her fists. "Tell me what you want."

A slow smile spread across Madam Li's lips. "That's more like it. You've forgotten your place, but I'll remind you. Kneel in the balcony-on an empty stomach-until I say otherwise."

Li Meng hesitated only for a moment. "Swear to release Su Wan," she bargained.

"I swear," Madam Li lied smoothly.

With a heavy heart, Li Meng resigned herself to fate, trudging toward the balcony, where the sun's merciless glare bore down upon her.

At the palace, a trusted aide approached Third Prince Ming. "Your Highness, your wedding to the Li family's daughter is in two weeks, yet you haven't sent the betrothal gifts."

Prince Ming scoffed. "Must I?"

The aide quickly bowed. "I can arrange it on your behalf."

"Don't bother," the prince muttered, surprising even himself. He didn't understand why, but the thought of seeing Li Meng intrigued him. He had no reason to visit her-after all, they were not close-but now, delivering the betrothal gifts gave him a perfect excuse.

"Prepare the gifts," he ordered.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Moments later, with a retinue of guards, Third Prince Ming set out for the Li household.

Li Meng trembled where she knelt, her vision blurring with exhaustion. She had lost count of the hours, her stomach hollow with hunger. Yet she remained steadfast-Su Wan's safety depended on it.

A maid burst into the main hall, her face drained of color. "Madam, Young Mistress!" she cried. "The Third Prince is here!"

Li Ran's heart leaped with excitement, but Madam Li's expression twisted with alarm. If the prince saw Li Meng in such a state, it would spell disaster.

"Quickly, take her to her chamber through the back door!" she commanded.

The maids scrambled toward the balcony, but they were too late.

A gust of wind announced his presence before his voice did. "Who dares to punish her?"

The world stilled.

Li Meng, too consumed by pain, barely registered the imposing figure that had materialized beside her. Slowly, she turned her head, her breath catching at the sight of Third Prince Ming standing before her.

She lowered her gaze immediately. "Your Highness," she murmured, bowing weakly.

"Stand," he ordered, his voice firm but not unkind.

She hesitated, but his eyes held an authority she could not defy. With great effort, she pushed herself to her feet, her legs wobbling beneath her.

Madam Li and Li Ran rushed forward, their faces drained of color.

"Who did this?" the prince asked, his tone lethal.

Madam Li broke into a cold sweat, her gaze darting to Li Meng-a silent warning.

"Madam Li," Li Meng answered, her voice barely above a whisper.

A dangerous silence followed.

Prince Ming's lips curled into a chilling smirk. "How thoughtful of you, Madam Li."

Terror gripped Madam Li as she fell to her knees. "Your Highness, she was punished because she stole again!" she blurted, grasping at any excuse.

The prince's gaze sharpened. "Do I look like a fool?"

"N-No, Your Highness!" she stammered.

Li Ran rushed to her mother's side. "It's true, Your Highness!" she insisted.

His patience snapped. "Who gave you permission to speak when I am not finished?"

Li Ran recoiled in fear.

Prince Ming tilted his head, his amusement vanishing. "It seems I was too lenient the last time you conspired against her," he mused.

A dagger flashed in his grasp, its blade gleaming under the sunlight.

Madam Li and Li Ran paled.

"Please, Your Highness! I am your soon-to-be bride, not Li Meng!" Li Ran pleaded.

His eyes turned to ice. "So?"

"Please, have mercy!"

A cruel smile played on his lips. He flipped the dagger, letting it land with a dull thud behind Madam Li. "If you seek mercy, cut off a finger."

Gasps filled the courtyard.

Madam Li's face drained of color. "Y-Your Highness-"

"Had I chosen cruelty, I would have taken your tongue instead," he said coolly. "Now, obey."

Shaking violently, Madam Li swallowed back bile, her fingers trembling as she grasped the dagger.

A piercing scream rent the air as she severed her own flesh. Her body crumpled, unconscious from the pain.

"Your Highness!" Li Ran cried, tears streaming down her face.

Prince Ming's gaze remained impassive. "This is your final warning," he stated. "Cross me again, and you'll suffer worse than your mother."

Turning, he made to leave, but a delicate hand caught his wrist.

He glanced down.

Li Meng's fingers trembled against his sleeve. "Your Highness..." she whispered. "Thank you for saving me."

For a moment, his gaze softened.

"Hmm," was his only reply.

"Thank you once more," she added.

"If that's all, I'll take my leave."

She bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Highness."

Without another word, he strode away.

"Dispose of the betrothal gifts," he ordered his men.

Li Ran's world spun as she collapsed in a dead faint, her rage and humiliation consuming her.