In My Guardian’s Shade

In the days following the wedding, Meixin began to show her affection through silent and constant gestures.Every morning, before Zhang Yun awoke, she was already on her feet. She would order a ginseng and chrysanthemum infusion to be prepared, knowing that he often spent sleepless nights poring over maps and military strategies. She placed the steaming tea on his desk, served in a sky-blue porcelain cup, right beside the scrolls—scrolls she also took the time to organize. She added colored ribbons to mark them, making access easier without him even noticing at first.

She also embroidered handkerchiefs with fine threads, carefully choosing colors and patterns. One in particular bore his name, "Yun," stitched discreetly in a corner—small enough that he could carry it without feeling embarrassed. If she noticed a tear or a loose hem in one of his tunics, she would quietly mend it at night, saying nothing. Then she folded it neatly and placed it back exactly where he had left it.

Zhang Yun barely spoke to her. Even so, Meixin did not press him. She sat nearby, sewing or reading in silence. Her presence was light, like a warm shadow.When she noticed he was especially tense, she offered to massage his shoulders. At first, he pulled away with that sharp coldness that defined him. But little by little, without realizing it, he began to allow her fingers to trace the tension in his muscles. She never spoke a word. She simply applied jasmine oil to her hands and gave herself fully to the gesture, calm and devoted.

In the afternoons, if he studied in the garden, Meixin would sit a few paces away, under a willow tree. Sometimes, while embroidering, she would softly hum traditional songs her mother had taught her as a child. And though Zhang Yun never admitted it, there were moments when he paused his writing—just to listen without her noticing.

When the servants whispered about the young master's coldness, Meixin would always respond with a serene phrase:—My husband has lived through many things. It's not that he doesn't feel... he simply doesn't show what lies within.

She said it with such quiet sweetness that anyone who heard her would fall silent. And although Zhang Yun never heard those words, although he remained wrapped in his silence and family duties, something within him began to soften. Very slowly, like snow melting under the sun.

Meixin did not seek recognition. She only hoped that one day, he might return even a single, different glance. And without realizing it, Zhang Yun began to see her—as an inevitable... and warm presence.

And this did not go unnoticed by Huang Fei. From the palace shadows, she watched with growing unease the small gestures of closeness between Zhang Yun and his wife. She could not allow Yun—her Yun—to begin feeling anything for Meixin.With a sweet smile drawn with precision, and a voice soft as velvet, she approached Meixin, feigning affection. She became a devoted friend... while a poisonous plan bloomed in her heart.

—Dear Meixin —Fei whispered as they walked between the pillars—, you look so lovely. I'm sure with your elegance and kindness, you'll win everyone in the Zhang family. You just need small gestures... little details. Men like protective talismans. For Uncle Zhang Tao... an elegant cane speaks volumes about a thoughtful daughter-in-law.—Thank you, Sister Fei. I'll do what I can to please them —Meixin replied with a genuine smile.—And don't forget your sister-in-law —Fei added, her calculating expression hidden beneath a honeyed tone—. Zhang Ron, for example, adores cosmetics. She really loves a lotus-blush I use myself. In fact, I have an extra one. You can give it to her.

Fei handed her a small black lacquered box. Meixin, suspecting nothing, accepted it with gratitude.

Soon after, Meixin presented her gifts. She gave Zhang Tao a gold cane carved with imperial dragons. The old patriarch received it with a rare smile, his eyes gleaming with greed.—An exquisite choice —he said while examining it—. Very thoughtful, Meixin.

Zhang Yun, however, was less receptive. Dressed in a dark hanfu with fine embroidery and his hair tied up with a silver pin, he frowned as he saw the jade amulet Meixin offered him.—I don't need talismans —he murmured, turning the object between his fingers with slight discomfort.—I only wish for your safety —Meixin said quietly, not lifting her gaze from the ground.

For a moment, silence enveloped them. He studied her carefully, as if trying to decipher her true intentions. Then he sighed, and though his face showed no emotion, he slowly took the amulet, almost resigned.—As you wish —he murmured softly, slipping it inside his tunic.

He said no more, but as he turned to leave, his fingers still brushed the smooth surface of the jade. He wouldn't admit it, not even to himself, but there was something in her gesture that pleased him. A part of him, buried under layers of discipline and pride, felt strangely cared for.

Zhang Ron, young and vain, gladly accepted the blush. Her sky-blue hanfu, embroidered with lotus flowers, contrasted with her pale skin and highlighted her delicate features. Her fingers trembled slightly as she took the cosmetic Meixin offered with a kind smile.—For me? —Ron asked, surprised and excited.—Yes —Meixin replied gently—. I hope this shade is your favorite.Ron held the small lacquered wooden case in her hands, gazing at the soft pink blush inside as if it were a jewel.—You have such good taste, sister-in-law! —she exclaimed with a charming smile—. This color is perfect for me. Thank you so much!

Meixin bowed her head slightly, pleased, unaware that this innocent gift would mark the beginning of her downfall.

That night, harmony shattered. Ron's screams shook the residence. Her face was covered in red welts and blisters that spread across her cheeks and neck. The young woman cried as the servants ran to fetch the physician.—She poisoned me! —Ron screamed, pointing at Meixin with a face twisted in fury and pain—. She gave me the cosmetic!Fei stood nearby, hands over her mouth, feigning horror.—Oh no… it can't be! Cousin Meixin, how could you do this?—Lies! —shouted Liu Zhen, a maid loyal to Meixin—. Lady Meixin would never do such a thing!—Silence! —Zhang Tao's voice thundered as he entered the hall—. Insolent!

The guards rushed at Liu Zhen. She struggled, but a blow brought her down. She was dragged away, screaming and pleading.

Zhang Tao then turned to his son.—Yun. It is your duty to discipline your wife. She has harmed your sister. If you don't do it, I will.

Zhang Yun said nothing. He walked toward Meixin. His eyes were cold, hard.—Come with me —he ordered.She didn't move.—Zhang Yun… I didn't mean to…—Come!

He took her to the inner courtyard. The servants were already there, forming a silent circle. None dared raise their eyes.Zhang Yun walked at the front, his expression a mask of stone. When one of the servants offered him the bamboo rod, he took it without a word.

Meixin, her face pale but her body firm, tried to protest. Suddenly, two servants approached from behind and, with trembling hands, gripped her arms tightly.—No...! —she tried to resist, barely turning her head—. Let go of me!—I'm sorry, my lady —whispered one, not daring to meet her gaze—. These are the master's orders.

Meixin clenched her teeth, her dignity fighting not to break as they held her in place. Her knees hit the ground with a hard thud, and her sleeves were stained with dust. Zhang Yun stared at her for a few moments, his eyes as cold as the stone beneath their feet.Then, without another word, he raised the bamboo rod.—For your offense toward my sister —he said with an impassive voice—, you will receive twenty strikes.—But I didn't…!

The first strike fell. The sharp sound of the rod against Meixin's back sliced through the air. She whimpered, then cried out in pain.The second. The third. The fourth.Tears streamed down her face, mixing with dust and sweat. She tried to plead, to beg for mercy, but was ignored. She only cried—until her body collapsed, unconscious.

Zhang Yun stared at her for a moment longer before dropping the rod and walking away without a word.

From the corridor, Huang Fei watched with a barely perceptible smile, her eyes glinting like a satisfied viper.The game had only just begun.