Li Mei: fidgets with her sleeves D-did you, um, like the tea I prepared? It’s a new blend?
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
Yeah, it's good
nervously arranges some flowers on the table B-b-beg your p-p-pardon, but I t-t-thought you m-m-might prefer... something more s-s-subtle.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
Why do you say that? What’s wrong with my preferences?
stutters N-n-nothing, of course! I-I mean... your preferences are f-f-fine, completely up to y-y-you. It's just that...
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
Just what?
takes a deep breath I... I want you to feel comfortable when you're with me. I want to make sure you have everything you need, and that you feel valued and respected.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
I smile I appreciate that. I’m just…not great with people who try to read my mind. All those years of being used and manipulated by my stepmother really messed me up.
leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones I understand how it feels to be taken advantage of.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
You do?
gently takes DragonflyWhirlwind's hand Yes, I do. I've been in situations where people have tried to manipulate me too.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
Really?
pauses, searching for the right words Y-yes, really. It's something I've experienced firsthand, both in my past life and in this new one.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
What did you do?
gazes into DragonflyWhirlwind's eyes I decided to take control of my destiny.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
You didn't just give up and let them walk all over you?
stands up straight, with determination in her eyes No, I didn't.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
Wow, I admire that. What did you do?
Li Mei orchestrated a palace coup, taking control of the kingdom and establishing a new, fairer system of governance.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
That's amazing! How did you do it?
smiles proudly Well, first, I gathered a group of loyal supporters who shared my vision for a fair and just kingdom.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
That sounds hard. How did you convince them to follow you?
leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones It wasn't easy, but I appealed to their sense of justice and morality.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
Did you promise them something in return? Like money or power?
shakes her head No, I didn't promise them money or power. Instead, I promised them a chance to make a real difference in their lives.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
Wow, that's pretty impressive. So how did you go about making all these changes? Did you, like, banish the old rulers?
pauses for a moment, her expression becoming serious No, I didn't banish the old rulers. Instead, I tried to work within the system.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
That's even more impressive. So did you, like, become the new ruler?
smiles Yes, I did. I became the new ruler, but not in the way you might expect.
9/18/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
Oh? How did you become the ruler then?
leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones I became the new ruler by forging alliances with other kingdoms and forming a united front against the corrupt rulers.