"They had slivers of Donghwa's powers. The HuaPi Gui are horrendously grotesque creatures—with squirming worms for skin and they must consume human hearts to survive. In order to thrive in a place ruled by humans, they paint beautiful faces on paper and wear them to seduce unwitting young men to their doom."

HuaPi Gui—The Tome of Evil

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Green leaves turned gold, then a vibrant shade of red before the wind blew them to the ground. As the Mid-Autumn banquet drew near, the Jade Palace exploded with decorations, slaves bustled about, hanging red lanterns from every pillar they could find and dusting every corner of the Palace. Cherry-blossom trees were dug up and placed into enormous porcelain vases lining the corridors. Rows upon rows of tables were set in the great dining hall, and the Emperor's throne was polished to near blinding.

Wanru was more excited about the banquet than I was, although slaves weren't allowed to attend unless they were working. But I promised her nevertheless. No one but Wulin could forbid me from bringing my own "servant", and I doubted he minded.

While Wanru busied herself rummaging through my dresses, I spent my time practicing dancing and visiting the Imperial Tailor who promised me the most beautiful dress I'd ever feasted my eyes upon. He refused to show me the dress until the evening itself and kept repeating the phrase 'It's a secret' over and over again until I was tired of his scratchy voice.

"My father will be present," Wulin had said as he walked me through the corridors and decorations. "Your name has reached his ears. He is ecstatic to meet you."

"Wouldn't he be able to tell I am an impersonator?" I asked. "An Emperor should know all the noble Houses he is affiliated with. We can't trick him like how we tricked the commoners."

"My father is old and sick. Even during his youth, he rarely ventured out of the Palace. Before I was born, it was my late mother who had to carry out the nation's affairs and meet with the generals. He can't even remember the Houses in the Jade City, let alone the name of a House from a distant province."

I knew I should be terrified at meeting the Emperor. He was the backbone of the Empire, more powerful than Wulin. I still remembered how old and frail he looked when I performed in the Pearl Hall. I could Whisper and sway his thoughts without much effort.

There was nothing to fear.

I opened my eyes and took in the woman in the mirror. My dress was a gentle shade of celeste with white muslin folds. Little diamonds decorated the left sleeve, and my hair was held up in an elegant knot by a silver peacock pin. My lips were not colored—the Imperial tailor had envisioned the look of a water sprite; clean and pure. My eyelids were dusted with the faintest trace of silver powder, my cheeks smoothened with pink, and finally, an aquamarine necklace completed the look.

"You're absolutely stunning, my lady," the tailor said, face radiant. "My dress couldn't have found a better owner."

I touched my face. My fingers came off with some of the silver powder. The tailor bristled and slapped my hand away, warning me not to touch my face or rub my eyes, lest I ruined my makeup.

"Let's get you to the crown prince." The tailor bowed and gestured at the door. "I am confident that his majesty would love you even more than he already does now. Our crown prince has never loved a woman. You're his very first. That's an immense honor, my lady."

Wanru appeared at the door. She was wearing one of my lilac dresses, and had her hair held up by a brindled sapphire pin I had given her. She looked absolutely exquisite.

"Do you think this is a bit too much?" she asked. "I'm not sure if slaves are allowed to dress like the Imperials."

I took her hand. "I think you look lovely. Come, we're late."

Wulin was waiting for me outside the court. For once, he had discarded his gloomy robes for a deep shade of blue and bronze. His long dark hair was drawn up into a tight knot on top of his head where a copper crownlet fastened it in place. Next to him was my carriage drawn by four handsome brown horses with black manes.

"My lady." Wulin greeted me with a smile on his face. "You look beautiful."

I curtsied. "My prince."

His eyes fell on Wanru, who took a step back at once. "Is this the slave you asked to be relieved from Princess Shila?"

"Yes," I said. "Her name is Wanru. She's my personal maid."

"While I have no qualms having her with us, Shila might not be pleased."

"Doesn't matter," I said. "Wanru is with me."

Wulin straightened. "Alright then. Everyone is waiting for us."

He helped me into the carriage. My dress was longer than my legs, and it trailed behind me, making it difficult to keep my balance. Wanru climbed in after me, her face glowing with excitement.

Wulin got onto his horse, and we journeyed toward the Pearl Hall.

Through the muslin curtains, I took in the golden phoenixes and prancing dragons on the red and green roofs. Torrents of memories resurfaced, and none of them pleasant—the gunpowder of the explosion, chunks of bloodied meat flying outward and splattering the walls, Biyu's head bashed in by a guard.

I was reminded of how much I hated this place.

"Qara." Wulin opened the carriage door. "We're here."

He then frowned as I exited. "You don't look too well."

"It's just a bit chilly." I rubbed my arms. "This dress isn't exactly warm."

Wulin took off his coat and draped it around my shoulders. The coat was already warmed by Wulin, and it hugged me comfortably.

"Better?" Wulin asked.

"The guests won't be able to see my dress then," I said. "The Imperial Tailor would be disappointed."

"I'd rather you hide the dress than let you catch a cold." Wulin held my hand and led me toward the Pearl Hall. "Shall we?"

I turned to Wanru. "I'll see you in a few hours. There are tables for the common folk. Head there and have fun."

She squeezed my hand and went off.

"She's a delightful one," Wulin observed.

"She is."

True to Wulin's words, the Pearl Hall was saturated with people, but mostly nobility. The difference was as stark as a mirror laid under the sun. The nobility was swathed in gleaming jewelry and heavy silks; anything that flaunted their ostentatious status and glamour. They huddled in small groups, chatting in low voices and pointing at anything they deemed of lower status, which was everything. The commoners, although invited to the party, sat isolated in corners. Their jewelry lacked the luster of the nobility for their accessories were made from glass, and their clothes were cheap silk.

The blare of a suona made me jump. Wulin tightened his grip on my hand.

"Announcing the arrival of Crown Prince Wulin and his escort, Lady Qara of the Tenth Province!"

Thunderous claps filled the hall. Wulin prompted me forward.

Smile, Wulin had said. A smile is the most dangerous weapon you can wield in a room filled with conniving nobles. They will press you with questions, and they will try to break you out of jealousy, but you can silence them with nothing but a smile.

So, I smiled.

Amidst the clapping, I heard whispers—whispers that could not be heard by normal humans, but with my enhanced High Immortal senses, I heard them all.

So, this is the whore from the Tenth Province. I'd heard that everyone from the Tenth Province are good for nothing fools that rely on the Emperor for aid and military support.

She seduced the crown prince. I cannot believe he would choose this whore over Princess Shila.

Let's see whether she is as intelligent as rumors go.

I stole a glance at the commoners.

She's so beautiful, one little boy said.

She's a High Immortal, another said. Of course, she's beautiful. The Heavenly Father sent her to protect us from the big evil people.

Hush, their mother said. Be silent and observe.

She gave us food and money, the little girl continued saying. She's a High Immortal.

After Wulin and I had taken our seats, the suona sounded again.

"Announcing the arrival of the Imperial Ward, Princess Shila!"

The fair, golden-haired demon glided her way into the hall. She too was dressed in her finest, but she sported the dress style of her home kingdom. Her hair was braided, and an enormous silver headdress made from hundreds of tiny pins where jeweled tassels hung from the edges. Her dress swept the ground in an elaborate twist of silver and white. A glittering dagger hung by her side.

There she is, our princess, a noble lady said.

She's so gorgeous, another sighed. I wish I had her grace.

The nobility sang their praises, but the commoners hid their children behind their backs.

Mommy, that's the demon princess!

She wants to eat us!

Papa, do you think the High Immortal lady would save us from the demon lady?

Once again, Wulin was right. Every act I had faked, won the hearts of the commoners. Wulin didn't open the doors of the Jade Palace to commoners, he opened them with the motive that I win the trust of the nobility as well. He did not just want the support of the people, but everyone with power as well.

He wanted the best of both worlds.

Shila stopped in front of Wulin and curtsied. "My prince," she said, then turned to me. "My lady."

Her words were laced with so much venom, it put a cobra to shame.

"Princess Shila." Wulin smiled. "Welcome to the banquet."

"You changed colors today," Shila said. "I'm surprised."

"Black is hardly the most exquisite color to wear to a festival celebrating the High Immortal of the moon, no?"

"I lack the knowledge of your gods, my prince," Shila said.

"You've been here since you were five," Wulin said. "Surely the monks have taught you our beliefs?"

"I have my Ilahs, you have your High Immortals. We have different gods and life rules to abide by."

"Indeed," Wulin agreed. "I believe our differences do not stop at religion and morality, but also political beliefs."

"Our nations share the same ideologies, that is to unite as one," Shila said. "Don't you agree that it would benefit both Erden and Zmerkï should that dream be realized?"

"I believe this is not a suitable time to debate ideologies," Wulin said flatly. "You are unfamiliar with our traditions, so let me educate you. We do not speak of the nation's internal affairs during the celebration of any High Immortals."

Shila stiffened. "Very well. I shall leave you and your princess be. Talk soon, my prince."

"She's not going to give up, is she?" I said once Shila was out of earshot.

Wulin took a sip of wine from his goblet. "Not until she wears the crown of Erden on her head, no."

The suona sounded for a third time, this time announcing the arrival of the Emperor.

Everyone rose to their feet, knelt, and placed their foreheads on the back of their hands as the Emperor entered the Great Hall.

"Rise, my beloved people," he ordered.

As we rose, I stole a glance at the Emperor. He looked older and thinner since the last time I saw him. There was more silver on his head than black, and his face was sunken.

The Emperor scanned the room, where his eyes fell on Wulin, then to me. "Lady Qara. Come up here so I can look at you."

I trembled. My legs refused to move.

Wulin held my hands in his. "You're brilliant. You can do this."

I took in a shaky breath. "I'll try." Deep breaths, one step at a time. You can do this.

I imagined myself on a stage where spectators surrounded me. The audience was always hard to please—they paid for the show and expected to be thrilled. These nobles and the Emperor were no different.

You are an actress. You are anyone they want you to be.

"Your majesty." I curtsied.

"You're even more beautiful in real life," the Emperor said. "Come closer."

I obeyed, but still maintained a distance where he couldn't reach and grab me.

"My courtiers say you're from the Tenth Province, and that you've aided them in military strategy."

"You flatter me, my Emperor." I smiled. "I am indeed from the Tenth Province. As for the courtiers and generals, all I did was to provide a bit of insight on the terrains."

"All from the Tenth Province are valiant and intelligent, be it man or woman," the Emperor said. "What is your House?"

"Olzii," I answered.

"Ah," the Emperor said. "And no wonder. All women from House Olzii are magnificent."

"You flatter me, your majesty," I said.

"How is Ratu?" the Emperor continued asking. "Is she well? The Tenth Province is too far out in the wilderness, and I am too old to travel great distances. It had been a long time since I'd last seen and heard from her."

Who in Eighteen Hells is Ratu?

"Ratu is well," I lied. "But she is suffering from a chill."

"Ratu was never a strong person." The Emperor sighed and plucked at his beard. "When we were children, she would always fall ill. She hardly left the house because of that. When you return to the Tenth Province, tell her I sent my regards, and take twenty pounds of our finest herbal powder with you."

"You're too kind, your majesty." I bowed. "On behalf of House Olzii, we are indeed grateful for your blessings and generous gift."

The Emperor suddenly straightened up. "You are my son's escort?"

"I am, Your Majesty."

He stared at me for a good few minutes, as though trying to read my mind. I remained motionless, keeping my eyes downcast.

The Emperor suddenly seized my wrists and drew me close toward him.

"Tell me," he whispered the words into my ear—words so soft only I heard them. "Do you have Erden's best interest at heart?"

"Yes, I do," I whispered back.

I stared into his tired gray eyes. There was nothing there but fatigue. Unlike the eyes of his sons which sparked with ambition, his were dull. He released me and waved me off. "You may return to your seat."

Perplexed, I headed back to my table.

"You did well." Wulin kissed me on the forehead. "I knew you could impress my father."

"He didn't look impressed."

"He believed you're from House Olzii. Their roots trace back to the earliest Erden dynasties where the founder was sworn brothers with my ancestral House, House Zhou. Even now, House Olzii still holds a powerful fist over the Tenth Province. If not for the great distance and obstacles between Erden and the Tenth Province. I believe they would be part of the Imperial Household."

"I suppose that's a positive sign."

"Despair not," Wulin said. "It is a positive sign."

I spent the rest of the banquet nibbling at the sweet biscuits served in silver platters and drinking from dragon-shaped goblets. One after another, young women entered the Great Hall to dance and perform. The musicians at the back of the hall strummed their instruments, but the dull atmosphere of the banquet persevered. The air was thick with sickly perfume, incense, and awkwardness. The dancers were forced to dance to songs generations old, and the music was as dry as a withered stick in the desert.

Even the Emperor looked bored.

"Are you ready?" Wulin asked me.

I wasn't, but I still nodded.

Wulin rose to his feet and held up his hand. At once, the music stopped, and the dancers fell motionless.

"Father," he said. "My loyal courtiers. My beloved escort, Qara of House Olzii, has a surprise for everyone."

Murmurs and muttering broke out.

"What surprise do you have in store for us?" the Emperor asked.

The crown prince chuckled. "If we told you, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore, would it?"

I rose. Wulin's coat slithered off my shoulders and fell onto the ground in a heap.

Wulin nodded at the orchestra as I took my place in the middle of the hall. Hundreds of eyes fell upon me. Some were judgmental, some were pleased, but none were not curious.

The first note of the yangqin landed, and I started to dance. For this performance, I had chosen the fifteenth chapter of the Great Scripture. I danced the tale of Erlang and his sister, Yangtan, whose mother was trapped under a mountain for all eternity for falling in love with a mortal man. The siblings suffered greatly at the hands of the Jade Emperor and were continuously tortured until Yangtan was given the Lotus Lantern. Together, they used their combined powers to break their mother free from her prison, only for Yangtan to fall in love with a mortal man, and their tragic story repeated. This time, Erlang was the one tasked to murder his sister and his nephew.

The Pearl Hall fell silent. Silence was desired. It enabled the audience to bask in the song and the story, their focus directed entirely at the performers.

I held up hands above my head. I imagined myself as Yangtan. I felt her joy and her relief as the thousand-year-old lotus became solid gold in her hands. The lotus heart hardened, forming a pearl. Lotuses were sacred to many High Immortals, as they were the first plant to breathe after Pangu's death. Lotus flowers were everything—life, death, rebirth, and reincarnation.

The music slowed, as did my steps. The whole hall held their breaths as I slowly sank onto the ground. One thousand years. It took the siblings one thousand years to save their mother, only for her to die at the very end.

I stopped. All was still. All was silent.

Then, the clapping started. The nobility embraced me with tears on their faces.

However, I only had eyes for Wulin. He was beaming.

"That was beautiful," a noble lady cried. "Where did you learn to dance?"

Another lady seized my hand. "I didn't realize you're from House Olzii. I apologize for everything I'd said about you when you came in. We didn't know you came from such a powerful family."

As the nobility continued to shower me with praises and promises of gifts in the future, I slipped out of the commotion and headed to the balcony outside.

Once, I had danced in this hall. It resulted in nothing but pain.

Now, I danced in this hall again. And I enjoyed it.

Dancing was my passion, but now I felt like a fool. For almost two months, I had paraded myself like the crown prince's in the Jade Palace, strutting my way up and down. I had used my face to trick the commoners into loving me, and now I used my most sacred treasure to coax them into believing my fake status and family background, all for the sake of trying to get them on my side.

No. I touched Qara's face.

This wasn't even my face. I was caught up so much in the splendor of the palace, I had almost forgotten who I was, and which side of the battle I should be fighting on.

I turned around, half-expecting Wulin to follow me out of the room. However, he was nowhere in sight.

I was sick of the fabricated society within the Pearl Hall. All I wanted now was a breath of the city air and to be lost in memories.

Removing the silver pins from my hair and dropping them onto the ground, I ran toward the stables and found myself a handsome black horse.

No one dared to stop me. Hands tight around the reins and feet in the stirrups, I rode out of the Palace gates and toward the heart of the Jade City.