"Lord Mei has given many years of excellent service to the Emperor and the people. His wife, Madam Yu, is virtuous, beautiful and a model mother. The Emperor invites their six children to join the annual spring hunt at Purple Mountain," intoned the palace eunuch.
The invitation was read out in the Mei's front courtyard, while Lord Mei and his wife and sons knelt to receive it.
"Our thanks to the Lord Emperor," spoke Lord Mei formally, as the scroll was placed into his raised hands.
"You may rise," the eunuch called.
The family rose to their feet, and the Mei brothers broke into pleased chatter.
Only First Brother had previously been on the royal hunt. It was an honour to be invited. It reflected well on Lord Mei that all of his children were included this time.
Madam Yu sidled up to her husband. "Tian Yun," she whispered. "This will be the second prince's doing. He wants to invite Meili!" she said crossly.
"There's nothing to be done about it," her husband replied calmly. "They must all go. Her five brothers will be there, and she'll be veiled. There shouldn't be any issues."
"I have a bad feeling about this," his wife said. "Bai Li will be there, and so will the second prince. She's not equipped to deal with this type of thing. We didn't raise her that way."
"That's why you must find her a good man to be promised to, my dear."
"Yes, yes. I'm working hard. It's not easy to discern the hearts of young men," she complained.
"Truer words have never been spoken," he sighed. "That's why you must take your time and get it right, wife. Just as distance tests a horse's strength, time can reveal a person's heart. Watch the actions of these men. As time passes, you will know the answer."
She looked gratefully at her husband. She should expect no less from a military strategist.
"I don't want her to participate in the actual hunt. It could be dangerous," she said.
"Wife. We have trained Meili meticulously in archery and riding since she was tiny. She's an expert. To be at the royal hunting grounds and prevented from joining the hunt is not fair on her. Mei women have been skilled hunters for generations. The princess will hunt. Let's not reopen this old chestnut."
She pursed her lips but didn't continue. She knew it was pointless, and it only made them both upset with one another. If Meili was hurt, he'd be sorry then...
Third Brother immediately swung by her chambers to give Meili the good news.
"Meimei, guess what?" he said mysteriously, wiggling his eyebrows.
"I can't guess, tell me!"
" All of us brothers have been invited to the royal hunt on Purple Mountain."
"Oh gege! I'm so happy for you. You've been wanting this for years," she held his hands happily, feeling a little pang of envy.
"And... you've been invited too!" he smiled broadly at her.
"What? No! No way!" she squealed. "Wait! What did father say?" she asked anxiously.
"It was an imperial invitation, so he could only say... 'thank you'."
She leapt up and down on the spot like a little bunny rabbit.
"Alright, alright, settle down meimei," he laughed, "you're making me dizzy".
"I'm going huuunting, I'm going huuunting," she sang.
"Yes, you're finally going hunting," he smiled dotingly at her and patted her head.
"I have to go and pack," she said with excitement, rushing away from him. "Wait, when is it?" she ran back towards him.
"Two-day's time, meimei. Slow down, you have plenty of time to pack."
"Right, right. I must go and practice my mounted archery," she cried, now running in the opposite direction. "Manni, where are you?" she called. "Get Tufei saddled up for me right away!"
"Yes, young miss!" Manni sprang into action.
She was almost as excited as her young mistress. She would be needed to accompany her.
She had so much to do! She must pack for both of them. It could be cold in the mountains. She should pack warm and cool clothing, snacks, Tricky's food... The list in her head was growing by the second.
On the morning of the hunt, the five Mei brothers surrounded their sister's carriage, riding two abreast on each side and one in front, like a mini army, daring anyone to approach.
Tricky-Wu stood on the platform at the front alongside the driver, keeping watch for any incursions.
Meili had called him a few times to come inside and sit down to rest, but he simply chuffed in reply. 'I have work to do mamma,' she was sure he was saying.
She and Manni were bright as buttons in their excitement. Meili must have opened the curtain to peep out at least five hundred times during the journey.
Third Brother asked her if he should just tear the curtain off to save her the effort.
After more than two hours travelling on bumpy roads, the carriage approached the lavish campsite.
Meili was dressed in an intricate hunting outfit which she had never had the opportunity to wear before. It was deep navy blue with orange trim, tightly fitted, with matching pants underneath for modesty, and a navy veil. The colour flattered her fair skin tone and deep hazel eyes.
The five brothers left to attend to their sleeping arrangements, before Third Brother returned to assist Meili down from the carriage and lead her to her tent.
Her large tent sat in the middle of a beautiful clearing in the wilderness, surrounded by five tents, one for each of her brothers. Hers was like the centre of a five-pointed star she reflected; happy to be ensconced in the safety of her family.
She pushed back the flap and looked around the inside of her tent with childlike wonder. A proper bed, rugs, a wash basin. It was like a mini version of her bedroom transported to the forest. She wriggled with delight, wishing she could live here forever, just like this.
She hoped these three days would pass by as slowly as possible. She planned to suck the marrow out of every minute she was here, creating treasured memories for mulling over later while she was in her courtyard.
She flopped onto her bed in a star shape, and sighed happily, while Manni busied herself unpacking her extensive belongings.
Her excitement threatened to overwhelm her; this, was like a dream come true!