"(Smiles cunningly) At first I only wanted to use your soul nurturing components to build back my original form but I feel you are a more interesting person than that. I am Tan Ci, King of the forbidden and forgotten snake clan." He said as he used his right thumb to trace my lips as he stared into my eyes.
"The snake clan, destroyed over a hundred years ago after failing to save the king when he was being assassinated? You don't seem as one to come for revenge when you lose something, so what are you actually here for?" I asked as I grabbed the wrist of his hand that was tracing my lips.
"As I thought, the woman I, Tan Ci, picks is no ordinary person. Even able to know things from over a hundred years ago, how intriguing." He said as he licked the finger that touched. "I did not come back for revenge, I came back for war. I will restore my clan and all that hurt will perish at my hands."
I could see the anger and hatred in his eyes even though he tried to keep his voice clam. I knew in my heart that he is a threat but even if I want to go against him, I don't have enough power or strength to do that. I needed to truly find out what he actually wanted, and the only way I could do that was by playing along with him.
"Alright." I said as I stood up from the bath. "Well I have other things to get doing at the moment. This is the end of our conversation." I continued as I started to walk away.
"Don't you want to know why I need you?" Tan Ci asked as he watched me start walking away.
"(Stopped walking) Well, Tan Ci somethings seem better hidden for now." I replied as I continued walking away.
I could hear his low laughter as I continued walking out of the bath house but for some reason, this sounded more pleasing to my ear. This was the first time I said his name out loud but it's definitely not going to be the last time.
. . .
After getting dressed I headed over to the Eastern place to meet the crown prince.
"Wei Wuxian inviting me to pick a gift for father Emperor on the day of his birthday. Couldn't he even find a better excuse to use?" The maids around me we're all used to the rhetorical questions of all royals. A place full of struggle for the throne what are you to expect. Even the minor bit of sibling relation can all be thrown in the dust at any moment.
The crown prince, we never got along but at least our relationship was manageable until they both started influencing my behaviour. Well no one has ever gotten along with me either way, as the Emperor's most favoured child, everyone is afraid that the Emperor might just give the kingdom to me out of a moment of impulse. Sounds crazy, but I also believe that the Emperor could do that. This time even if I don't get the throne, I'll ensure that this kingdom doesn't fall again. But to do that I will definitely need to get along with the crown Prince who's supposed to be the future Emperor or I can directly join the fight for the throne-
"Her imperial highness the princess has arrived." The Eunuch, interrupting my thoughts, announced my presence as I stepped into the Crown prince's residence.
"Oh princess, you have decided to grace me with your presence today, but I didn't prepare any special meal for her highness today, I hope the princess is generous enough to forgive me." Wei Wuxian, surrounded by a group of, women said not even bothering to look up at me.
"Well, Wei Wuxian to think you even had a bit of affection toward family, I see I stand corrected today. You know your father's birthday banquet is at nightfall but you still go around gluing to women as if you can't live without them. Do you want to go to your own father's banquet smelling like the imperial garden? I wonder whether you will end up building a brothel as your first act as king?" I said in sly tone as I watched Wei Wuxian face turn grimmer and grimmer with every word. At some point even the ladies behind him started laughing, but were silenced by his cold stare.
"You as an imperial princess comes to the Crown Prince's chamber and insults him without even bothering to greet him, do you think Crown Prince is not worthy of your bow? How dignified of you." The crown prince said in sarcastic tone as he tried to calm his anger down.
"Well if your highness views it like that then-" I paused as I sat down on chair that was close to me. "Let's make things clear today. I do not think the crown prince is not worthy of my bow, (stares directly at the prince face) I know you are not worthy of it. (Raised my hand to count) One, I was born a day before you Wei Wuxian, so in terms of seniority, I win. Two, In terms of merit, I win at that also, Three, in terms of fighting skills, you don't even stand a finger crown prince. Four, in terms of power and statues, you may have the statues, but don't forget I have the power. Five, (Stands up, walks towards the crown prince and whispers to him) In terms of father Emperors favour, don't forget who has more of that too. (Walks away from Him) Well if your highness doesn't mind I will be taking my leave now."
I said as I turned away from the crown prince who looked like he was going to burst in a fit of rage.
"(Stand up in a fit of rage) Shen Yue!! Don't you dare forget who you are and what your background is. Why didn't you just die like your wretched mother!?" He said as he aimed a teacup to the wall.
Pulling the sword out from the guard beside me and pointing it directly towards him "(Rudely) Crown prince mind your words. Insult me and we can have a peaceful exchange of words, but if you dare insult my mother don't mind me if I just strike you dead right here. You for one should know my temperament and what I can do. Just remember that even if you die at my hands today, your dearest father Emperor would only put me under confinement at most and mourn you for a few days. As the future Emperor you should clearly understand the benefits and losses here." I said as I moved the sword away from his face and turned to leave.
"(Yelling) ALL OF YOU OUT! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT RIGHT NOW! ALL YOU BUNCH OF IDIOTS! JUST LEAVE! GET OUT!" Wei Wuxian kept on screaming and breaking objects as I left, even ending up scaring the ladies away.
. . .
"Your highness pardon my rudeness but will you just leave the crown prince like that?" A maid beside me asked. We were only few steps away from the crown prince's palace so we could still hear the sound of things breaking.
"(In a calm voice) don't worry yourself too much, the tea set he just broke was a tribute from a vassal state that was given to the late Emperor. Even if it doesn't kill him, it can always create a crack in his path to ascension, and once a glass is broken, it's very hard to fix." I said as the maid bowed agreeing to my statement as we continued walking.
Next Chapter to be released within
The period of 1 week.
Stay tuned.