Choices

15 - Dangerous Pt 2

A/N: A clever fox, a pissed off emperor, and a dangerous situation.

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When Zhihe saw this quarter's batch of fairy maids, she couldn't help but be pleased that Tianjun, for once, sent a bevy of women who are neither extraordinary in looks nor in character. None of them stood out, which was good (as it meant that none of them will catch foster brother's eye), and all of them kept their heads down, which was better - because it meant that Zhihe would not have any problem cowing them to submission or keeping them in their places.

So, for the most part of the inspection, Dijun's foster sister was happy; that is, until she got to the end of the line, and saw a young thing of astonishing beauty.

"You." Thick lashes fluttered as a pair of doe-like eyes lifted from the ground to flick a glance at Zhihe. There was a secret in the depths of those dark pupils, and the sight of it caused unease to ripple in Zhihe's spine. "What's your name?"

A curtsy that was much too graceful for a mere fairy maid was given, followed by a very polite, "Jiu greets Your Highness Princess Zhihe."

Pretty, polite, and intelligent. Zhihe pursed her lips in distaste; no wonder the rest of the maids were so-so, Tianjun was probably putting all his bets on this one treasure. Whatever happens, this girl should not make it a mile near foster brother's chambers.

"Assigned to the gardens and the halls at the back area of the palace."

For the days and weeks thereafter, Zhihe kept a close eye on Jiu, and was mollified that the girl didn't try to escape from her chores nor attempted to enter Dijun's chambers, as other fairy maids in her position would have done. Not that it made Zhihe relax her guard; for all she knew, this girl was just biding her time, and with a beauty like hers, a single sighting is all that is needed for a man to fall for her charms.

Still, for all her overzealous guarding, Zhihe failed to take Zhonglin into consideration. Which is why, one day, she strode to the imperial kitchens to find the beautiful fairy maid bent over the fire, stirring a pot of soup.

Zhihe marched over, hands poised on her hips, and demanded in a loud voice that reverberated around the spacious kitchen, "what are you doing here?"

The maid named Jiu turned from her task and bobbed a curtsy, though there was nothing submissive at all by the way she stood up to her full height to regard Zhihe. "Zhonglin Xianguan said the kitchen is currently understaffed, and bade me to help with preparations for His Majesty's dinner with Third Highness Liansong and Star Lord Siming."

That was true, and Zhihe had in fact been caught off guard by this very sudden visit of her foster brother's two most trusted officials, which coincided with the rest day of two of the kitchen's staff. Given the situation, it is entirely possible that Zhonglin would have stepped in without consulting her, which was well within his discretion as Chief Steward.

"Very well then. Stay in the kitchens, but only for today."

How as Zhihe to know that the fairy maid Jiu is not only beautiful, but also an excellent cook? A spoonful into the soup, and both Liansong and Siming were tongue tied, the latter even remarking on how lucky His Majesty is for having such a talented chef.