5. The Secret Path
Chapter five
The Secret Path
Monique
The chill of the secret passageway seeped into my bones as Aunt Min led us deeper. Our footsteps clicked and clacked on the stone floor.
I had always imagined secret passages to be the stuff of fairy tales and old ghost stories, not real paths that wound their way beneath a modern palace.
Yet here I was, trailing behind Aunt Min, her confident strides echoing off the narrow stone walls.
“Jing's upbringing instilled in her values of privacy, humility, and a deep connection to the simpler pleasures of life.” Aunt Min held the flashlight in front of her. “Of course those values would later clash with the demands of her public role as Mountain Mistress.”
“Min is right. As Jing stepped into her role within the Palace, the relentless public exposure and the invasive gaze of the press began to weigh heavily on her.” Aunt Suzi followed closely behind me, while my three ladies-in-waiting huddled together in the back, whispering nervously among themselves and holding my heels for later.
Dimly lit by sporadic torches mounted on the walls, the flickering light cast dancing shadows. It descended gently at first, then more steeply, as if we were spiraling into the mountain's very core.
“Jing's discomfort did not go unnoticed by my brother,” Aunt Min said. “When Jing confided in him, without hesitation, Leo commissioned the construction of the secret passageways within the Palace and the surrounding estate.”
“Oh yes.” Aunt Suzi chuckled. “They worked day and night.”
Taking careful steps, I gazed at the passageway’s rough, uneven walls. They definitely spoke of a hurried construction.
Leo was like, get this shit done quick for my wife or I’m killing everybody.
Despite the passage's rustic appearance, there was an unmistakable sense of order and security. Every few meters, armed men stood guard, their silent, watchful gazes scanning us as we passed. They were like statues unmoving and seemingly unbreathing, yet there was no missing the sharpness in their eyes.
Once we came close, many of the armed men offered silent nods to Aunt Min.
“The secret passageways became Jing's sanctuary.” Aunt Min glanced over her shoulder. “Let these paths give you a sense of peace too as you deal with everything in the East.”
“Yes, Monique.” Aunt Suzi’s voice rose behind me. “There is great strength found in quiet moments.”
“Honestly, I’ll probably be back here most of the time.”
They chuckled.
I’m serious.
A smile spread across my face. “Does Lei ever take this way?”
“Almost never,” Aunt Min replied.
“Why not?”
“He said it reminds him too much of his mother.”
“Aww.” My heart ached. “I get it.”
The tunnel began to gradually widen now, the ceiling arching above us in a majestic display of stony architecture.
The air grew cooler and damper the further we descended.
I couldn't help but wonder what stories these walls had to tell.
I bet you all seen some crazy shit back here.
I was a stranger here, a foreign element in a world bound by tradition and power. Yet, as we continued on our silent journey, I felt a burgeoning sense of belonging. This secret path was about to be my story now.
But then my mind returned to what I’d learned earlier.
Leo killed people over me?
The news of the deaths—innocent lives taken because of their family member’s hate—clung to me like a persistent shadow. It was hard, so hard, to wrap my mind around the reality of what had happened.
Yeah. That can never happen again. I’ll make sure of it. . .somehow.
After several minutes, a huge blue door appeared with brass nobs.
Two men stood there and watched us.
Aunt Min halted, turning to face us. “We're almost there.”
“And where are we going?”
Aunt Min scowled. “Monique, you are in the East. Never go into secret passageways with people without knowing where you are going first.”
I tensed.
Then, she chuckled. “Thankfully, my sister and I have fallen for you harder than Lei. Or this would have been the end of you.”
Fuck.
I widened my eyes. “Noted.”
“But Min.” Aunt Suzi passed me and got to her side. “We wouldn’t have told her the truth anyway.”
I blinked.
Aunt Suzi lowered her voice. “We wouldn’t have wanted to scare you.”
“Then. . .” I stepped back. “Where are we going?”
“Lotus Blossom.”
I gave them both a skeptical look. “Okay. Why would I be afraid to go to Lotus Blossom?”
Aunt Suzi rubbed her hands together. “I hope you are hungry. We will be having a lovely breakfast with the most amazing tea—herbs taken straight out of my garden.”
That didn’t answer my question.
“And speaking of gardens.” Aunt Min gestured at the guards.
One turned the knob and pushed the door open.
My eyes adjusted to the sunlight.
Oh. My. God.
Taking the lead, I emerged from the passageway into this massive garden.
Is this really going to be mine?
The air here was fresh, filled with the sweet fragrance of blossoms and the underlying earthiness of the greenery that surrounded me.
On the helicopter, I thought I had gotten a great view of the space, but I had not.
Damn.
We were let out at the back of the garden were a serene pond stood. Lotus flowers adorned the surface in full bloom.
I stepped onto the winding stone path, weaving throughout the garden. “This is just breathtaking.”
The garden was an ocean of blue, with carefully arranged flowers and plants.
A traditional Chinese pavilion stood tall in the center.
The further we walked, the more I fell in love.
T.T. is going to grow up here. Wow. Her childhood is going to be so much better.
I might have lowered to my knees and thanked God, if not for everyone constantly glancing my way.
No hard times for my sisters. I’ve finally got this, Mom. Finally.
I looked around, trying to see it through T.T.’s eyes. She would be able to really explore nature and breathe in fresh air.
Aunt Min pointed to the outer parts of the garden that was only large patches of newly sowed soil. “Lotus Blossom staff has spent a week making room for your imagination.”
Aunt Suzi nodded. “What will you plant?”
I couldn’t keep the silly grin off my face. “Everything.”
They laughed.
“You sound like Jing.” Aunt Suzi smiled then sadness filled her eyes. “I miss her so much sometimes.”
Aunt Min cleared her throat. “You will have to come to our garden. It’s near the Palace.”
“I sure will come, and I’ll bring my sisters so they can learn some things.” I took in more of the garden. “I’m going to have them out here with me planting.”
It’ll be good for them.
“Oh, you’re going to bring the girls too.” Aunt Min grinned. “I was hoping to meet them immediately. It would be so nice to have some young feet running around here.”
“You’ll love them. . .hopefully.” I chuckled. “Jo is twenty and I just heard she has a comic book store job in the South right now.”
Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi exchanged odd glances.
“What?”
“Lei may have her take a job in the East.” Aunt Suzi shrugged. “One doesn’t live in the East and work in the South or any other part of Paradise City.”
“What? Are you serious?”
“Many have not left the East in years.”
“Wow.” I blinked.
Aunt Min sighed. “It is a different world here, Monique, but not without its own charm.”
Aunt Suzi added, “And you’ll have to learn to navigate it. Both for yourself and for your sisters.”
I swallowed.
Still, I understood one thing. If Jo wanted to keep working in the South, Lei would have to back down. I didn’t know when this conversation would happen, but eventually I would have to let him know.
No Master Mountaining my sisters.
Continuing our walk , I went back to the original topic. “Anyway, Chloe is seventeen. She’ll actually be turning eighteen this month.”
Aunt Suzi widened her eyes. “Do you have plans? I love to throw parties. It would be the biggest event of the East.”
“Oh. Well. . .before all of this, I had simply planned to do a nice cake and her favorite dinner, maybe take her to the movies if I could afford it.” I looked around. “Now. . .maybe we could have her friends from her old high school in Glory come for a small cookout.”
The aunts exchanged glances again.
I held out my hands. “What now?”
Aunt Min gave me a sad smile. “The East isn’t big on having strangers visiting.”
“Oh, come on. It would just be a two to three hour thing.”
Aunt Suzi shrugged. “Perhaps, we’ll see what Lei does. I have a feeling that our nephew will surprise us a lot this month.”
Dude. . .the East is going to have to chill the fuck out.
With this big house, I would have tons of family get-togethers. Of course there would be holiday things—Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter feasts.
I can’t wait to check out this kitchen. I’m going to throw down in there.
I looked further out on the garden where it was less blue and represented various colors. “Are there fresh herbs planted here?”
“Every herb you could think of Jing put in this garden.” Aunt Min pointed toward the right side. “You will never have a problem leaving your kitchen and going to get something perfect to season your food—thyme, chives, basil. It’s all here.”
“Tons of stuff for tea too—lavender, chamomile, hibiscus, rose hips, and much more.” Aunt Suzi’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “This garden is a paradise for any cook or herbalist.”
I gazed out at the abundance of life surrounding me, my mind already working on potential recipes and remedies.
Man, it is fucking on!
The urge to roll up my sleeves and dive in was nearly overwhelming.
“There's even a small orchard behind the house where you will also find many of the vegetables.” Aunt Min pointed towards the left where several fruit trees stood, their branches heavy with ripening fruits. “Apples, peaches, pears. . .and in the corners are bushes of berries.”
Already, I could see T.T. running around during the summer with sticky fingers dripping with fresh fruit juice.
“Yes, my sister is correct. There’s patches of vegetables and root crops—potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, beets—”
“You and your sisters are going to put Lotus Blossom to good use.” Aunt Min let out a happy sigh. “I am so excited to look out my window and see the lights on over here.”
I spotted a small greenhouse nestled further out from the pond. “Oh, Lei’s mother was not playing at all.”
Aunt Suzi breathed in the fresh air. “So, Monique, don’t you have more than two sisters?”
“Oh yes. Last but not least, T.T. is twelve going on fifty-five. She may be the most mature of all three, but absolutely adorable.”
“Twelve?” Aunt Suzi’s eyes lit up. “Every Sunday we’ll have tea parties—lace, diamonds, and stuffed animals. It will be gorgeous.”
Aunt Min nudged me. “You have just messed up. My sister will now spoil her to no end.”
I laughed then stopped as the house fully came into view.
Oh my. . .
The three level structure stood in serene majesty amidst the lush greenery. It was a sight to behold, a perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern grandeur.
This place is fucking huge.
I counted the windows, imagining at least five bedrooms, each likely to offer views of the garden's sprawling beauty.
Now Jo and Chloe won’t fight over space and I can actually sleep in during the morning.
The roof, with its edges curving upwards in a graceful arc, was adorned with blue tiles that shimmered under the sun's caress.
The house's architectural beauty was further accentuated by embellished gables and beautifully carved wooden panels that framed the windows and doors.
As we approached, I noticed that the trees near the stairs were oddly covered in black crows. There, those birds crowded the branches.
That’s weird.
It reminded me of the first time I met Leo and how tons of them were in a tree and watching him.
I returned my view to the house.
Aunt Suzi, noticing my awe, beamed with pride. “This will be your family’s new home, Monique. A place for you and your sisters to grow, to be happy.”
Aunt Min added, “Jing loved this place dearly. She poured her heart into making it a sanctuary, not just for her but for all who came to visit. Now, it's yours to love, to fill with new life and new memories.”
“I sure will.”
The idea of my sisters and me living here, away from the hardships we had known, was overwhelming. T.T. exploring the garden, Chloe celebrating her birthday in grand style, and Jo perhaps finding a new chick in the East—it was a future so bright it was almost blinding.
We walked toward the house, and the aunts stopped.
I paused.
My ladies-in-waiting got to my side.
Aunt Min gave me a sad smile. “This is where we will end for now.”
Aunt Suzi bowed. “Enjoy your tour of the house and we will meet back up for breakfast—”
“Wait. What?” I quirked my brows. “You’re not going inside with me? I thought that’s why we came out here.”
“Well. . .” Aunt Min sighed. “I would have rather enjoyed giving you the tour personally, but. . .some can be rather convincing.”
“Some?”
A man’s deep voice sounded behind me. “I wanted to share this time with you, Monique.”
Hold up.
A cold chill ran up my spine.
No. . .it can’t be. . .
I slowly turned around.
There, Leo stood on the porch wearing a spiffy blue designer suit and dark blue hat.
My nerves frazzled.
Uncle Song stood next to him, holding the door open and wearing his usual dark blue robe and wooden cross.
Leo's hawkish eyes were fixed on me, his lips holding back a smile that hinted at secrets only he knew. “Don't be afraid.”
I stared at him in utter shock. “D-don’t be afraid?”
“Who else would be the most proper person to welcome you to the Lotus Blossom?”
“You. . .k-killed my father.”
He tipped his hat. “You’re welcome.”
“That wasn’t a thank you.”
“I’m sure you have questions.”
“I do.”
“Then, come.” He gestured for me to get on the porch. “As we know, you are part of my big plan, so you know I won’t hurt you.”
“And. . .” I tensed. “And what if I decide not to come?”
“Then, I will hurt them.” He pointed to my ladies-in-waiting.
One shrieked and inched back.
Aunt Min sighed. “Leo, that’s enough.”
“It was a bargaining tactic.”
Aunt Min jabbed her finger in the air. “Be nice or it will be me hurting you .”
Leo gave a dramatic bow. “Yes, sister.”
Then, all turned to me.
God damn it.