My King of Flowers
10. Hesitation

CHAPTER TEN

Inside the great hall, droves of guests filled each crevice, celebrating the marriage with cheers and alcohol that clinked and disoriented Yinuo. Panic rising in her heart, she bolstered her way through the guests, some gasping at her torn sleeve, others crying out for her to stop and join them. She couldn’t, though, not when Cuilin could be harmed because of her recklessness. Yinuo had escaped her aunt and now ignored each cry, carrying herself tall and looking for her father and Prince Cuilin. He wasn’t there. She ducked beneath a large round serving tray and rushed her way towards the back of the hall.

“Miss Yan!” someone called for her, but she didn’t hear them. Moving without thought, she dodged under a table to lose herself into the crowd and emerged on the other side of the hall. They must have taken him to her father’s study. It would be the only secluded place in the wedding, and she found the doors shut, but a light came from beyond.

Yinuo steeled her heart, shoving herself through the sliding door just as a resounding slap echoed across the room. “How dare you lay a single finger on my daughter! I will have them broken one by one!” her father shouted.

“Father!” she screamed, seeing that his hand had struck the prince. “Stop this at once!” She rushed them, inserting herself between her father and Prince Cuilin. Besides her father, a chorus of the court, old ministers and officials who were friends of the family, looked on at the scene as if they were judges of the crime. Their faces were red from the drink, and their eyes were glossy, with a disturbed irritation from being taken away from the ceremony. Some stood with raised hands to cover their whispers, their efforts made evident by the flickering light of the dimmed candles. The light turned them into shades, hooding their eyes and making the whole assembly feel as if darker in intent.

Lord Nie prostrated himself in front of the court and her father’s desk, a symbol of his authority, while a guard looked on without the need to lay a hand on Lord Nie for their intent to be made clear. Families fell for the actions of one; Yinuo dreaded this as the frail man did nothing in response to Cuilin’s treatment. Whatever Yinuo had interrupted, even Lord Nie didn’t believe in his innocence. A bitterness coated her throat as she stole a glance at Cuilin, whose arms were restrained behind his back by two palace guardsmen.

Besides them, Lei Yingzhe looked smug and then marred by her sudden appearance.

“How dare—Yinuo! What are you doing here!” her father demanded from her.

“How dare you!” she retorted, “Release him this instant, and let me explain! Magistrate Lei is jumping to conclusions and doesn’t understand the situation!”

“Magistrate Lei would not make such light accusations! Besides, look at yourself, daughter! Your ruqun is clearly torn!” Lord Yan’s voice boomed, his eyes sweeping critically over the tear on her sleeve.

“Because I fell! He was merely trying to help me up!”

“You are too ignorant to know of a man’s true intentions! You shouldn’t have been alone with him in the first place!”

“He never hurt me!”

“You do not know what has happened! He will be made responsible for his actions!”

“Tell me then! Tell me his crimes if I am so ignorant of them! I am the victim here! Shouldn’t I be the one to scream to the heavens my wrong! I have none to scream!”

“And still, our voices are raised!”

“You won’t listen to me!” she retorted, aiming to strike her father.

“That is enough,” Prince Cuilin’s growl cut through the crowd, freezing Yinuo in her step. As if she’d fallen into a frozen lake, the stinging sensation hit her. A calm fell over the room as Yinuo distanced herself from her father and Prince Cuilin. He glared to the two men restraining him and then addressed Yinuo with a restrained head bow. “I am—”

“Don’t,” Yinuo interrupted him, fear racing her heart. She shook her head.

“Let me finish,” he said.

Yinuo bit the bottom of her lip. No, she couldn’t have him be her shield; she couldn’t bear the thought of him taking responsibility for her actions. “There’s been a misunderstanding. Please, Father, hear me out. You know, I would never knowingly shame my family or myself. Prince Cuilin—”

“I have heard enough,” he spat, turning away from her and towards Magistrate Lei. He opened his mouth when a resounding voice replaced his.

“But not all of the truth,” a voice boomed from behind them. Sweat glistened across Danbei’s brow as he pulled the door open and stood there, almost panting with a slight disarray look to his wedding red hanfu. The tone sounded just like their father’s, as it silenced the entire room. Danbei handed an umbrella to a nearby servant and marched himself up down the aisle and towards the others.

With the proper bow, Danbei raised his eyes to his father and challenged the authority in the whole of the room. “What are you doing here?” Yinuo whispered, but Danbei ignored her comment.

“Magistrate Lei’s report of the crime, while done so with good intent, has been misguided,” he proclaimed.

“You have evidence of otherwise; bring it forward, Young Master Yan,” Magistrate Lei responded with an incline of his head.

Danbei nodded and then said, “I serve as evidence and a witness to the events that unfolded. Prince Cuilin did not assault my sister, nor did he engage in any form of questionable misconduct with her. As the rains began to pour, Yinuo, like many other guests, sought shelter. Observing her struggle in the open, made vulnerable by the storm due to her weakened leg, Prince Cuilin acted out of concern. My Lords, Magistrate Lei, it’s known that Yinuo suffered a leg injury in her youth, an ailment that never fully healed. While she bears this quietly, it pains her significantly, especially during storms.

Had Prince Cuilin not intervened, Yinuo might have remained exposed to the storm, risking injury or worse. My brothers and I, while securing furniture against the storm’s wrath, witnessed their attempt to replace cover under the pavilion. Startled by a clap of thunder, Yinuo lost her footing. In his attempt to prevent her fall, Prince Cuilin inadvertently caught her sleeve, leading to the tear in her ru. This act, born of concern and quick reflexes, was unfortunately misinterpreted by Magistrate Lei upon his arrival. There was no crime; the prince’s actions were misconstrued in a moment of urgency and confusion.”

“Is this the truth of what happened, Prince?” Lord Yan asked, his voice breaking the hush that had fallen over the room. Cuilin met Lord Yan’s gaze with a composure fitting of a prince of Zhuo.

His voice was steady as he spoke, “I am aware that my actions breached social and customary boundaries, Lord Yan. However, my only intention was to safeguard your daughter from harm’s way and shield her from the storm. Nothing more,” he explained.

Lord Yan turned to Yinuo, “Is what he states true, daughter,” he stressed.

Acknowledging their moment of intimacy would only bring disgrace and shame to them both, a thought that turned her stomach. If she revealed the kiss, then even Danbei’s testimony that protected both her and Cuilin’s reputation would be shattered. Yinuo cast her eyes down. Fine. At most, she’d lose him forever. She’d lost him once; what was another time? Her eyes reached for Prince Cuilin, and she saw him hesitate with a tip of a word on his lips, barely audible and more of a breath than a syllable.

“It’s as Danbei says,” she uttered. “Thank you, Danbei, for bringing this to light.”

“See, Father, let us return to the wedding banquet and forget this unpleasant conversation,” Danbei beamed. He bowed to Magistrate Lei, “Brother-in-law, thank you for defending my sister’s honor. I am glad to have found such an upstanding friend.”

“I am glad to have a brother-in-law who is committed to revealing the truth as well and for understanding the gravity of this manner,” he returned the bow.

A small cough, interrupted the pleasantries. Yinuo felt it too, resonating in the words the cat-like purer said. “This matter is not easily settled,” Lord Nie stated.

“Lord Nie, the matter is settled. Come enjoy the feast with us again,” Danbei suggested, aiming to brush aside the man’s concerns before he could change the topic.

“It is my son who has been insulted,” he stated. “The prince’s reputation and honor has been marred by this situation. Would it not be forthcoming to offer consolation for this matter?”

Lord Yan weighed it. “Of course, as it should be. What do you suggest to make amends for this shame?”

Lord Nie cleared his throat, “We replace ourselves marred by misunderstandings and false accusations. The truth of the matter lies in Prince Cuilin’s unimpeachable character; he is an exemplar of duty and integrity. Had it not been for his timely intervention, we might have faced a regrettable incident on this day of significance,” he began, his gaze sweeping over the court members present to this statement. The whole world would know the request by the end of the day, and it made Yinuo’s breath hitch as she focused on the small man.

While Young Master Danbei’s testimony has been invaluable in clarifying the nature of the events, it’s crucial to acknowledge that he wasn’t the only observer. Others, such as Magistrate Lei, have already demonstrated a propensity to misconstrue Prince Cuilin’s and Miss Yan’s interactions, casting shadows where none should exist. Given the influence and reach of such individuals, the potential for rumors to proliferate and tarnish the reputations of both Prince Cuilin and Miss Yan cannot be underestimated. Their characters and future prospects stand at the precipice, vulnerable to the court of public opinion, which, as we all know, can be both capricious and merciless. To leave this matter unresolved would not only harm their reputations but also cast a lingering shadow of impropriety over them.”

Lord Nie then shifted slightly, his voice softening but retaining its persuasive edge. “In the spirit of good faith and to quell the tongues of rumor, please reconsider our proposal. Such a marriage would not only dispel any doubts of their conduct but also stand as a testament to our families’ unity and mutual respect. It is, after all, a matter of protecting Miss Yan’s reputation as much as it is about restoring Prince Cuilin’s honor.”

Yinuo could hear her heart in her ears. Her father’s breath hitched in his throat, and he chuckled at the response. “This is convenient, isn’t it? For Prince Cuilin to use the unfortunate circumstances to coerce our family into a marriage agreement! And what of the rumors that you’ve been conducting a scheme to please the Emperor!”

“If it were a scheme, why would your own son be the one to exonerate mine?” Lord Nie said, lifting his eyes to him. The room tensed, awaiting the fallout from such a blunt accusation.

Lei Yingzhe, spoke up, “Master Yan, if I may give insight as a Minister of Justice? Young Master Danbei acted in the interest of justice and truth without any thought of manipulating the situation toward this outcome. What benefit does he have for coming forward in defense of Prince Cuilin, if not only to protect his sister? Can your family not consider that this proposal, rather than being a ploy, is actually a gesture towards resolving the situation with dignity and honor for all involved?”

Lord Yan raked his hands through his hair, “I gave you my answer. I will not entertain proposals until after this day has passed...However, Magistrate Lei, I hear your wisdom. I may have been rash, Prince Cuilin. I apologize. You are a guest, and your character did not need to be criticized.” He softened and sighed. He turned to them, and Yinuo could almost think the matter settled, “Danbei, take your sister from this room. We shall revisit this conversation at a later time, under less... charged circumstances.”

“Yes, father,” he replied. He gestured for her to follow. Yinuo did, carefully walking out of the heavy air, but not removing herself completely. She stood at the door, and then shared a look with her brother.

“Danbei...why did you—“she started, but he covered her mouth. For an intense moment, her brother stared into her eyes carefully, judging for himself before finally speaking with her.

“You’re reckless,” he stated.

“I...I know, but I had to know, brother. I—”

“He is not Dehai,” Danbei stressed. “I have to return to the other guest. Go to your room and wait for me there. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Please, sister, trust me.”

“You saw us...” Yinuo awed, “Brother, why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because I understand,” he stated firmly, his voice trailing off as he departed. Yinuo lingered for a heartbeat, her gaze fixed on the hall through which he disappeared. Then, with a sudden resolve, she diverted her path, her steps quick and quiet as she navigated through an adjoining room, moving towards the unsettling silence that blanketed the side quarters.

Reaching the threshold of her father’s study, she cautiously slid open a panel of the wooden screen just enough to allow her a glimpse inside. Her father struck Cuilin with such force that he crumpled to the floor. No one moved to intervene, not even his father. Lord Yan stood over him, imposing and cold.

“You are nothing,” Lord Yan declared, his voice cutting through the tension, relentless and devoid of warmth. “Nothing but a hostage who breathes solely by the Emperor’s grace! Your defiance has not gone unnoticed. Unless you yearn for death, Prince of Zhou, curb these selfish acts at once.”

Yinuo’s hand flew to her mouth, stifling the gasp that fought to escape as a mix of horror and disbelief washed over her. She observed as Cuilin struggled to his elbow, his gaze fierce, yet overshadowed by the shades who judged him. “I have only acted upon the Emperor’s orders,” he countered, his voice laden with resilience.

“See the Prince to his quarters,” Lord Yan commanded dismissively. The guards, in a swooping motion, descended upon Cuilin, dragging him away with chilling indifference.

Yinuo retreated from the room, pushing off and running towards the back of the house. She slipped her way through the servants’ quarters, where the raucous conversations of the Main Hall distilled into mere gleeful murmurs as she navigated through the dimming light of the setting sun towards where the prince was housed.

As she reached the prince’s assigned room, a muffled scream pierced the stillness, followed by the unmistakable sound of something heavy collapsing against the floor. Heart in her throat, Yinuo pressed against the door, only to meet resistance. With determined effort, she forced apart the sliding door, which finally gave way to reveal the dimly lit room. There, in the sparse light filtering through the window, she found him at the desk, a mere shadow with his head cradled in his palm. Heavy chains encircled his wrists, glinting in the dim light.