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Extra Chapter: Mel
I am Mel. When I was nine years old, I entered the palace with my older brother Meike to study with several princes of the Xuan Family. From a young age, I had a strong interest in poetry and literature, but I rarely involved myself in political affairs. Many people thought Mel was charming, while others considered Mel incompetent. As a youth, I did not see things as clearly as I do now; back then, I was just a boy seeking recognition and validation. Therefore, the words of the Grand Tutor and my father always struck me heavily, leaving me unable to lift my head.
I lacked political talent and was powerless, which made me seem like a useless person in the eyes of the Xuan Family—someone who did nothing productive every day. In contrast, my brother performed exceptionally well, and many princes sought to befriend him.
I often sat alone under a tree. Although I somewhat enjoyed this poetic tranquility, watching others gather and socialize filled me with envy.
However, I truly had no talent; no matter how hard I tried, it felt like I was merely seeking attention.
The first time I saw Spiritual Incense, she was chasing butterflies, with several palace maids behind her calling out, "Princess, be careful."
Her face was chubby, and she wore soft pink clothing that looked like cotton candy—sweet and delightful. When she saw me sitting under the tree, she had her maids bring her cushion to me.
"The ground is cold; Mother Empress said you shouldn't sit on it," Spiritual Incense said. She and the princes of the Xuan Dynasty lost their mother when they were very young. The Empress, having no children of her own, asked the Emperor to give them to her. They were born of a secondary consort and became the princes and princesses of the Eastern Palace.
At that time, Spiritual Incense was very kind. She couldn't bear to harm the butterflies she caught and released them all. When the Sixth Prince threw down broken branches, she picked them up and planted them in the ground. She would share her favorite pastries with me and with her maids and the Chief Steward; she never scolded them like other princesses did.
The princes in the palace and young masters from other noble families were all diligently studying; no one played with Spiritual Incense. I was different; I had no interest in politics anyway. So almost every day, I played various novel folk games with Spiritual Incense.
In my first year's examination, I came in last place.
My father felt very embarrassed and ordered me not to go to school anymore.
I was grounded at home, facing the dullness of knowledge every day. That oppressive feeling almost made me rebel early.
One day, the Third Prince of the Xuan Dynasty came to our house with Spiritual Incense.
It turned out that Spiritual Incense had asked the Xuan Dynasty to plead on my behalf.
The Xuan Dynasty cared about Spiritual Incense, so he came along with her.
Due to the Xuan Dynasty's presence, my father allowed me to continue going to the palace.
I realized I had fallen in love with Spiritual Incense when I was fifteen. That year happened to be when the Former Emperor was gravely ill. The Mother Empress of the Xuan Dynasty and Spiritual Incense had already passed away; she died while testing medicine for the Former Emperor, not as the rumors suggested during her funeral. This was told to me by Spiritual Incense, as she witnessed it herself. She cried while saying it, and I could feel her fear; she loved her Mother Empress dearly.
She even dared not tell the Xuan Dynasty but confided in me.
At that time, the princes were starting to covet the throne because the Xuan Dynasty was the crown prince of the Eastern Palace, making him a thorn in the side of those who would become future emperors. They were eager to eliminate the Xuan Dynasty.
Thus, a great fire broke out at Chengqian Palace.
The Xuan Dynasty was a born emperor; he was clever and brave, unlike me who only knew how to play. He excelled in everything and had already sensed the sinister intentions of his enemies. That day, while drinking tea at my house, he said to me, "Today, the Fifth Prince and others are planning to set another fire at Chengqian Palace, so he brought Spiritual Incense out here to drink tea with me."
Hearing this made me panic because Spiritual Incense had something she wanted to give me and went back to get it. The Xuan Dynasty's expression changed drastically. "Damn it, that girl really doesn't make things easy."
We rushed to the palace, where the fire had already blazed fiercely.
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