The winding stone pathways of the imperial gardens were lined with pink plum blossoms, their delicate petals perfuming the air with a fragrant smell. Meili slowly strolled down the path, enjoying the immaculately pruned pine trees and ornamental bushes that flanked both sides. The natural beauty of her surroundings brought a sweet ache to her lonely heart, telling her of the peaceful village she left behind.

After passing through an intricately carved moon gate, Meili walked into a secluded area that held the private residence of the young prince. The golden yellow walls of the palace glowed warmly under the spring sun, smoothly blending into the idyllic surroundings.

As Meili approached the door to the courtyard, she heard the soothing sounds of trickling water. Stepping through the elaborately painted doors, her breath caught in her throat. An elegant fountain stood in the middle of the courtyard, releasing a fine mist of water droplets into the balmy air. The droplets fell with a musical tinkling on the surface of a round marble pool filled with colorful koi fish.

Potted plants of azaleas, gardenias, and camellias lined the courtyard, their pink and white flowers scenting the breeze. The chirping of songbirds hidden in the greenery finished the harmonious atmosphere, filling her heart with a strange wistfulness.

Meili walked over an arched wooden bridge that spanned a little stream, her silk robes swishing gently with each step on the cobblestoned ground, enjoying the simple beauty in the details of her surroundings. For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine this place as her new home.

Consort Ruolan approached her, followed by a line of servants. She eyed Meili closely, her shrewd gaze taking in her delicate features and graceful manner. Meili bowed low, her long dark hair flowing down like a silken curtain.

"You must be the new servant assigned to my son," she said, her voice clear and authoritative. "What is your name, child?"

"Meili, Your Excellency," she answered.

Consort Ruolan examined her carefully. "I understand you possess some skill in healing. My son has been frail since childhood and requires constant care. You have been assigned to assist his maid, Lin. She is not here today; therefore, you will be in charge until then."

Meili nodded. "I am honored to be of service to the young prince."

Consort Ruolan frowned slightly. "My son can be difficult. He sees weakness as a sin and is impatient with those he perceives as incompetent. You must work hard to gain his trust."

"I understand, Your Excellency," Meili responded. She was determined to prove herself in her new job. Although it was a challenging duty, she will not fail the important mission that brought her to the imperial palace.

"Come, let me show you around the prince's quarters," Said the consort before walking towards the house, still followed by her line of servants.

Meili followed into the residence, always keeping a distance from Consort Ruolan. Though not large, the interior was lavishly decorated in a stylish way befitting the prince's status. Silk tapestries intricately woven with golden thread hung on the walls, showing scenes of mystical beasts and auspicious symbols. Exquisite vases of cobalt blue porcelain, artfully painted with themes of lotus and cranes, adorned carved wooden tables.

However, Meili felt an air of gloom and disuse permeating the place, hinting at the isolation and loneliness of the reclusive prince. The gleaming rosewood floors and screens looked spotless, as if they were rarely walked on or touched. An imposing throne of gilded ebony stood at the head of the main hall, looking more forbidding than welcoming.

Consort Ruolan showed Meili the separate bed chambers, study, bathing rooms, and dressing quarters of the residence. "His Highness values his privacy. As his new servant, you must be respectful of his needs and space at all times," She stressed.

Meili nodded in understanding. Her interest in the mysterious prince grew even more. She continued listening with increasing sadness as Consort Ruolan explained the circumstances surrounding Prince Zhiyuan's confinement. "His Royal Highness was once one of the most beloved sons of the Emperor, destined for greatness. He was very talented, whether in literacy or archery. Alas, his declining health over the years has rendered him weak and useless in the eyes of all. He might not even live to see his 20th birthday, now merely three years away," Ruolan sighed, her eyes clouding over with sadness for her young son.

Meili's heart warred within her as she learned more about Prince Zhiyuan's sad circumstances. But while she pitied his lonely plight, her mission couldn't be forgotten.

Ruolan led Meili to the private grounds belonging solely to Prince Zhiyuan. Enclosed within high walls, the gardens were even more stunning than the imperial grounds outside. Rare and exotic flowers bloomed in abundance, filling the air with their delicate scent. Ancient fruit trees, gnarled with age but still bearing fruit, offered shade along winding pebble walks.

"My son spends most of his days among his beloved flowers and trees," Ruolan said. "He finds solace in tending to them with his own hands."

Meili's steps slowed as she walked through the abundant grass. She thought of the prince, a lone figure confined to this secret paradise, cut off from the outside world. And as her eyes met Ruolan's, she smiled knowingly. "Come. I will show you where he sleeps."

Meili followed the consort and her servants into Prince Zhiyuan's bedchambers with some anxiety. Her interest in the mysterious prince mingled with apprehension at finally meeting him in person.

Consort Ruolan announced her presence before parting the silk curtains surrounding the big canopy bed, and Meili's eyes widened. There, resting against embroidered pillows of crimson silk, was Prince Zhiyuan. Her breath caught in her throat at his look.

Though pale and wan from years of confinement, his features were refined and noble. His eyes, however, were cool and disdainful as he regarded her in silence. Meili immediately bowed low to hide her face, her heart beating. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her like a physical touch, even as her interest was piqued by this enigmatic prince.

The bedchamber was lavishly furnished, hinting at the wealth and status of its owner. Intricate scenes of clouds and cranes were painted with gold leaf on the wooden beams above. A massive rosewood wardrobe, carved with images of life, stood in one corner. Precious relics and trinkets were displayed on an altar table against the wall. The flickering light from the brass oil lamps accentuated the beautiful details, even as the room was illuminated by these traces of hidden elegance.

Yet, like the rest of the residence, an air of gloom and neglect pervaded the area. The velvet rug was pristine as if rarely walked. A layer of dust dulled the surface of a guzheng that had looked unchanged for years. Meili's heart ached at the signs of the prince's solitary life within these once-opulent walls. There were no traces of laughter or joy in this bedchamber; only quiet, shadows and faded vestiges of beauty remained too long untouched.

Meili raised her eyes warily, only to find Prince Zhiyuan staring at her with unveiled scrutiny. His grip on a nephrite jade pendant tightened slightly, hinting at a flicker of emotion behind that frigid facade. His voice was cool when he finally spoke: "So you are the new maid sent to attend to me."

Even though it was a statement and not a question, Meili quickly bowed low to the floor. "This servant's name is Meili. I have been summoned by Her Excellency the Consort Ruolan to assist in caring for Your Highness."

Prince Zhiyuan stayed silent, and Meili kept her eyes lowered, not daring to meet his gaze. Her hands trembled slightly as she waited, unsure of what to expect from this proud and difficult man who was now under her charge. Their encounter today would be the first of many, and she must show her worth if she hopes to gain his trust and unlock the secrets behind his strange illness.

There was a long, awkward pause. Meili's knees began to ache from kneeling too long on the hard wooden floorboards. Her anxiety grew as the seconds dragged on. Was His Highness going to bid her rise anytime this century?

After what seemed like a lifetime, the prince finally spoke. However, his words were not directed at her. "You may leave us; I will see you later, Mother," he said dismissively to his mother. Meili heard the consort retreat without a word, still followed by her maids shutting the heavy wooden doors behind her.

Her heart pounding, Meili stayed prostrated on the floor, unsure of what to do. She dared not raise her head without the prince's permission. Her knees protested at the prolonged discomfort, but she willed herself to remain still, sharply aware of the prince's presence and his disconcerting silence.

What was going through the prince's mind as he gazed down at her motionless figure? She had never felt so vulnerable and helpless, totally at the mercy of this enigmatic master. Her fate rested in his pale, thin hands, and a single word from him could end her time here in the blink of an eye.

Cold sweat broke out on Meili's forehead as the silence stretched on interminably. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing her erratic beating to slow. Her chest tightened with dread at the thought of the prince dismissing her and foiling her plans altogether.

After a small lifetime, Meili finally heard the rustle of silk as the prince stirred. She held her breath, bracing herself for the command that would seal her fate, for better or for worse.

"Rise!" ordered the prince.

Meili rose gladly to her feet, only to find Prince Zhiyuan's eyes raking over her in a cursory and judgmental assessment from head to toe. Her initial image of him as a tragic, vulnerable figure flew out the window. In its place arose a different observation: Pompous peacock!