A Celestial Requiem: The Secrets of Tarot Series, #1

By Wera Niyom

Shen Mingxia is far from a monster.

After a violent childhood outburst leads to the disfigurement of her bully's face, Mingxia is labeled as Shangzihua's village yaoguai. The humans fear her destructive power, leading to years of hostility, distrust, and abuse. Despite the humans' hatred towards her, she strives to prove them wrong by becoming a successful herbalist.

But fate has other plans. When Crown Prince Liwei and Emperor Xun arrive in Shangzihua, a powerful mate bond ties her and the Crown Prince together, revealing her true identity and the secrets of the past.

As she tries to accept her Celestial dragon origins and the truth about her parents, Mingxia faces another inevitable truth: the coming of the Tarot. In order to fulfill her destiny as the Last Celestial, she must overcome the demons of her past and successfully cultivate to prove to the Council, and the people of Wuzhen, she is worthy of being their Empress.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wera Niyom
• Release date: Jul 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9781737945604

Wera Niyom

Born and raised in Oregon, Wera Niyom is a fantasy and historical fiction author who started her journey on the largest online writing platform, Wattpad, where she won the 2019 Watty Awards. As an Asian and Black author, Wera’s works predominantly feature WOC protagonists and mythology/folklore from around the world. Outside of writing, she enjoys watching dramas or superhero movies with her significant other and younger brother or eating dim sum with her mother.

Book preview

PART I

THE HOODED WOMAN, THE EMPRESS, AND THE LAST CELESTIAL

CHAPTER 1

MINGXIA

T ell me, you stupid cripple! Why do you have my mother’s picture? Zi Xieren hollered. She shoved the picture into my face, forcing me to look at it. You know photographs are expensive. Were you hoping to sell it?

Tao Li giggled in response. The mischievous glint in her eyes told me she was the person who tucked Xieren’s family photo in one of my herbal medicine books when I wasn’t looking. After planting the evidence, all she needed to do was alert Xieren to deliver the killing blow.

I didn’t take it, Xieren, I said, growing annoyed. It was always the same cycle—find an excuse to torment me or hold me accountable for something I didn’t do.

If you didn’t take it, then why is it in your book? Were you planning to buy beauty products with the money? No amount of make-up would do anything to improve your filthy face. The picture fell to the ground, and dust settled on its surface. She grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me roughly. Admit you stole it, and I won’t have my father throw you in prison with the village criminals!

I didn’t take it, I repeated.

Stop it, Mingxia. Just admit you took Xieren’s picture and this will be over quickly, Mao My tried to persuade me.

She avoided my gaze like she was guilty of something. My gaze shifted between Mao My and Tao Li, and that’s when I realized. Mao My knew Tao Li planted the image, but didn’t want to say. Tao Li took advantage of this, wanting to see if Mao My would have the backbone to reveal the truth. Just like Xieren, she had a heart of evil and she didn’t care who she hurt.

Yeah, Mingxia. Just tell Xieren the truth, Tao Li said with a smirk.

I have no reason to steal a photograph of your mother, Xieren. You know I want to become a healer in this village. Why would I ruin my chances by stealing something? A splash of red infiltrated my vision, threatening to turn the world a bright scarlet. The strange presence in my mind beckoned me to accept its help, and I could feel my consciousness slipping away. ‘No, please,’ I pleaded to the beast in the shadows of my mind, its vermilion eyes visible to my mind’s eye.

My heart rate raced, my desperation to keep the beast at bay fueled my growing anxiety. In the past, I succeeded at keeping it dormant, but my recent interactions with Xieren awakened it. I could feel its gnawing hunger. It sought vengeance and retribution, and it would not dissipate until Xieren was neutralized, or worse, dead.

You’re an embarrassment to Shangzihua, Mingxia. You always will be. Once I’ve married the Crown Prince and Tao Li and Mao My have married respectable nobles, you’ll be the only girl left in this disgusting village, she sneered.

Stop it, I whispered.

Maybe after your parents die, my father will kick you out into the forests where you belong! A fit of sinister laughter followed.

Shut your mouth, Xieren. Fury bubbled inside me. The beast had taken a step out of the shadows, and that was all it took to gather the reins to my mind. I couldn’t lose control.

Or what? You’re going to go running into the forests so your father can find you and carry you home? Your parents never should have given birth to you. Don’t you know they would have had a better life without you?

Shut the fuck up! My hand moved on its own and before I knew it, Xieren was on the ground, clutching the side of her face. She wailed in agony. The metallic scent of her blood filled the air. My fingers tingled, and the pain radiated up to my wrist before settling in my forearm. The fog of anger disappeared just as the beast retreated to the far corners of my mind.

You’re a monster, Shen Mingxia! They’ll execute you for what you’ve done! Zi Xieren exclaimed as she clutched onto the left side of her face. Her brown eyes widened with madness, as if she had seen something that popped out of a nightmarish storybook. Her jet-black hair clung to her skin amidst the caked dirt and sweat. However, something else was off. It wasn’t until I saw red droplets spilling onto the ground did I understand what happened. What have I done?

I’m not a killer, I chanted to myself. I could feel my humanity fading away. The beast inside me smiled. It was pleased with itself. My presence would only serve as a catalyst for the villagers’ rampage. Various scenarios went through my mind, but they all ended with my death and the death of my parents. I couldn’t let my own mistakes cost my parents a lifetime of unhappiness.

Her hand! Tao Li said, pointing to my hand in fear. She’s a demon!

My fingers had elongated into large, gold claws, tipped in Xieren’s blood. Gold scales snaked its way up my arm, replacing human flesh. My body trembled at the monstrous sight. ‘Who am I? What am I?’ I thought. My stomach churned at the powerful scent mixing with the rainfall’s soft petrichor. Bile rose in the back of my throat, I fought the urge to vomit. The stench of blood overpowered me and soon enough, it was all I could smell.

Someone help me! Help! Help! Xieren shouted, her voice echoing beyond the path we were on. The villagers would arrive soon. And they would side with her like they usually did. Her father, Zi Kang-Wu, was one of the most influential men of our village. Although he was friends with my father, it didn’t mean he was automatically friends with me, and I doubted he even liked me. The village already viewed me as a troublesome girl because my legs weren’t normal. I didn’t ask to be crippled. And yet, why did it feel like it was my fault?

With this incident, it would only solidify my presence as the village yaoguai and the shame of Shangzihua. They would wipe my existence from their minds and I would no longer be the pitiful, shameful Shen girl, but the person who didn’t exist, or rather, the person who didn’t deserve to exist.

The rain turned from a soft sprinkle to a harsh downpour. I didn’t mean to. It was an accident… Terror seized my heart, and I ran as fast as my legs would allow me. I’d left my cane at home, so I had to rely on my inner strength to propel me. My feet dragged on the ground, and my legs remained stiff with every step. A searing pain entered my shins. They weren’t used to supporting my full weight. The pebbles on the ground dug into the soles of my feet, reminding me I was still alive. I’m sorry, Māmā. I’m sorry, Bàba. Tears streamed down my face, but the rain quickly washed them away.

I found security within the dark shrubbery of the Forbidden Forest. No one would dare to go there. They were too afraid of what lurked behind every tree, every rock, and within every crevice. Words of the villagers plagued my mind: Look, it’s the village yaoguai!

Shen Mingxia, you’re an embarrassment to Shangzihua.

Look at that poor Shen girl, she won’t be able to secure a marriage with those frail legs!

Why don’t you go back to the Forbidden Forest with the other yaoguai?

Hiding my face in my arms, my body wracked with loud sobs, the thunderous clap within the skies drowning out my cries. The cold raindrops landed on my bare skin, sending chills through my bones, and my teeth chattered from the monsoon’s icy embrace. I drew my knees to my chest and withdrew, trying to maintain what little warmth I could.

Mingxia? someone asked.

I flinched at the sound of my name being called but didn’t move. ‘Just pretend you heard nothing, they will leave soon enough. They will surely send me to the Emperor for punishment, or maybe they’ll ship me directly to Xesal.’

Xesal was a jail-like country in the southern region of the realm where all criminals were sent to repent. The most dangerous spirits were in Juno, the major part of the prison. It was no place for humans, and certainly not for twelve-year-old girls.

There you are, the stranger said as he pushed back the brush to reveal me in the moonlight. The rain had finally stopped, and the clouds slowly drifted away. I looked up to see my father’s face smiling down at me. Your mother and I have been looking all over for you. Are you hurt?

I searched his eyes for deception, thinking, ‘Have you come to lock me away, Bàba?’ Worry lurked within the depths of his eyes, as he waited patiently. Bàba? Why are you here? I asked. ‘You should have left me. I have dishonored the Shen family and cursed us all.’

Why wouldn’t I be? You’re my daughter and I’m here to take you home. Come now, you’ll catch a cold in this weather. He held a hand out, waiting for me to take it.

No, Bàba. I can’t.

Of course you can. All you have to do is take my hand.

I don’t deserve to be your daughter.

Mingxia, don’t say that. You are our precious daughter and you always will be. Now come out from there before we both get sick. Your mother is worried.

I’m a monster, Bàba. I hid my face in my arms again as soft sobs shook my body. The village yaoguai has no place in your family.

My family? The leaves rustled, drawing my attention to my father who sat beside me. We’re still your family, Mingxia. Whatever mistake you made, we can fix it. This remorse you feel now will fade in time, but you have to learn to accept yourself. I know it’s difficult seeing all the other young women talk about marriage, but you’re not like them. You’re destined for greatness, I know it.

A moment of silence passed, and he said, Look at me, Mingxia. I raised my head to meet his confident gaze. Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes you might disappoint someone. The only thing you could ever do to disappoint me is to deny your identity. Never forget who you are.

CHAPTER 2

MINGXIA

The memory of what happened six years ago still haunted me, no matter how hard I tried to bury it. The villagers became wary around me, urging my parents to disown me so I would leave the village. Xieren’s father was angry, but he didn’t pursue me out of his friendship with my father. But still, I knew he wanted my head for what I did to his daughter.

Why are you still here, Mingxia? You know everyone in Shangzihua doesn’t want you here. You might as well join the yaoguai in the Forbidden Forest. I bet they have a spot just for you, Xieren said. Her hair covered the left side of the face, hiding the jagged scar from view. Her other eye stared at me with contempt and disdain.

She could put up a front as much as she wanted to, but she feared me just as much as anyone else in Shangzihua. She kept her hands clenched at her sides as if she was ready to fight. And yet, her balance rested on the balls of her feet, ready to run if I lashed out. Her posture oozed hypocrisy. I hoped everyone would forget what happened and move on, but my sin would stay with me until the day I died. That’s all I did lately, hope. And boy, was it difficult to hold on to hope in a time fraught with constant conflict and hatred.

The people didn’t know what kind of person I was and yet; they were so quick to make judgments about my morals and character. ‘How can anyone possibly hate someone else without knowing who they are?’ I thought. My heart ached with sadness, the sadness of knowing they would never accept me because they would always see me as the village yaoguai.

Don’t you think the Forbidden Forest suits you better? I asked, not caring about the consequences of my words. I wanted them to punish me. Not because I liked it, but because I deserved it.

You little bitch! Tao Li said as she lifted her hand up to slap me. You should know better than to talk to Xieren like that!

Several villagers took notice of the argument but chose to not intervene. They watched in silence, waiting for me to retaliate. All they needed was another reason to force me out of Shangzihua, and I wasn’t about to give them one. I promised myself I wouldn’t bring more trouble to my parents, and it was one oath I was desperate to keep.

It was easy to avoid fighting back. I just needed to remember the beast from six years ago and how it never disappeared. ‘There are too many witnesses and no room for escape this time.’ I braced myself for the slap, but it never came.

Mao My came forward and grabbed Tao Li’s wrist. Tao Li, leave her be. She could tear you to pieces. I couldn’t depend on anyone other than my parents and myself, not even Mao My. Xieren’s power and status seduced Mao My. It wouldn’t be long before she turned into the next oppressor of Shangzihua.

Ha! She wouldn’t hurt anyone. Look around us, Mao My. Mingxia has no way out. Running won’t save her this time! Tao Li said, placing her hands on her hips in proud defiance.

Xieren slapped Mao My, leaving a red imprint on her cheek and forcing her to stumble back with a shocked expression on her face. I think you’ve forgotten who you’re dealing with and who your real friends are. So, I’ll give you a choice. You can choose to be friends with me and continue to be accepted by the villagers or you can choose to be friends with that waste of space, Shen Mingxia, and become an outcast. She looked past Mao My’s quivering body and at me with a sly smile.

We knew what Mao My’s decision would be. This was just a show of dominance on Xieren’s part. She wanted to show me no one would ever choose me, that I would always be alone.

What will it be, Mao My? Xieren asked.

Without a word, she turned around and delivered a swift punch to my abdomen. I buckled over and gripped my stomach in pain. Black spots infiltrated my vision and my breath left me in a hurry. Before I could get up, she kicked me in the side. I wheezed in pain, tears threatening to fall. But the attack didn’t end there.

She continued to unleash a series of kicks on my crumpled body, not caring about the blood spilling from my mouth with every blow. Eventually, my body shut down, and the kicks turned from sharp jabs into a numbing bombardment of blows.

I pictured my mother and father. The corners of my mouth turned up in a grin, knowing I’d kept my promise to them. It didn’t matter how many times they shoved me to the ground, dragged my name through the dirt, or beat me until the brink of death, I would always rise.

Has she lost her mind? Wipe that smile from her face, Mao My. I can’t stand to see it any longer, Xieren said.

Coughs shook my body and blood spilled out of my mouth, and Mao My hesitated in her onslaught. Sanguine beads splattered onto the dusty ground, each breath rattling my ribcage. The taste of iron on my tongue spread like wildfire, dancing along the roof of my mouth.

What? Are you scared of a little blood? Xieren asked.

No, but I don’t want to kill her! Mao My replied.

You aren’t going to kill her. You’re just teaching her a little lesson. If you don’t do this, you can forget about marrying into a noble family. You don’t want to disappoint your parents, do you?

Before unconsciousness claimed me, I spotted Mao My’s eerie smile.

I woke up and my first thought was to shield my face. When no further blows landed on me, I realized I was at home. My body ached with every breath. This beating was worse than before.

Somebody had bandaged my wounds. I could feel the gentle sting of the herbs against my open wounds. ‘Lǎoshī must have come here to heal me.’ No one else in the village knew how to tend to injuries. That’s why we had Healer Liang Chen.

A thick red blanket covered my legs even though it wasn’t cold. It was the only blanket we had at home. The temperature often ran high in Shangzihua, so there was no need to have many around the hut. The sun’s sweltering heat invaded our home through the small cracks in the ceiling.

Osmanthus stalks burned on a nearby small wooden table. Its fruity aroma swirled around the room, brightening the plain decor of the bamboo, straw, and mud walls. The osmanthus’ sweet apricot scent wrapped me in its gentle embrace, allowing my joints to relax under its gentle persuasion.

My mother walked into the room with a small bowl of rice and a cup of tea. I sniffed the air and detected a distinct flowery odor; it had to be jasmine. She smiled softly at me, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She wanted to ask what happened between Xieren and I, but didn’t want to make me uncomfortable.

Over the years, I came to realize I looked nothing like my mother. Where I had ebony hair, she had plain brown hair when she was younger, but that was all gone now. Strands of white and gray took its place. Her eyes were dark brown and yet mine were hazel. There was also the incident from six years ago when I grew talons. I wanted to ask her why, but the answer scared me. If she confirmed she wasn’t my biological mother, I truly didn’t belong anywhere.

Small sunspots and calluses festered on her tan skin from working out in the rice fields every day. Such was the life for a farmer.

She handed me a steaming cup of jasmine tea first, and I drank it in one gulp. The soft burn warmed my throat, to which my mom grimaced. She could never get used to how quickly I chugged hot tea. Thank you, Māmā.

She gently stroked my hair. You’re welcome. How are you feeling?

Better. Was Lǎoshī here? My hands tread along the rough surface of the gauze. It was my teacher’s signature folding.

Yes, we were fortunate enough he returned from the Mainlands earlier than planned. Uncertainty lingered on her face. She planned to ask about Zi Xieren next. 

How was the harvest? I asked, trying to keep the conversation going so she wouldn’t ask. Last time we spoke of Xieren, she marched off to her father’s home and demanded a public, formal apology. It ended in another beating from Xieren.

I reached for the bowl of rice with both hands, savoring each bite. There was a small amount of soy sauce added, providing more flavor than usual.

My mother sighed in exasperation. Not well. This heat is making it difficult to keep anything alive. The soil is too dry and has become infertile. Zi Kang-Wu refuses to petition the Emperor for help. His pride is too great.

What about the forest? There are plenty of berries and other healthy plants we could eat until the rainy season.

Perhaps, but it’s not something you should concern yourself with, my xiǎo yún. Just focus on your health and your studies. I couldn’t help but smile at my mother’s use of my old childhood nickname, ‘little cloud.’ However, it wasn’t enough to make my worries and fears completely dissipate.

CHAPTER 3

LIWEI

Iwoke up to the flash of bright light as the servants pulled back the curtains. I could hear the faint whispering of the servants as they walked in and out of room to prepare me for the day. A warm hand landed on the arm that blocked the sun’s strong rays. Morning had come too quickly; fatigue still plagued my body.

It’s time to prepare for the day, Taizi. Bìxià is expecting you, Shuren, one of two of the Imperial attendants, said with a gentle nudge. I always grew irritated whenever she referred to me as ‘Crown Prince,’ but I recognized it was part of the Imperial Palace’s customs. After last night’s festivities, I didn’t feel like being the Crown Prince.

A groan escaped my mouth, knowing what today’s discussion would be about. Being called on by my father was never a good sign. He was insistent on me finding a mate within the year, so he organized a lavish party filled with coquettish female nobles.

The disadvantages of being a dragon became abundantly clear when the females tried to touch me. It was a constant internal struggle for dominance between dragon and man. My dragon hated their touch because they weren’t our mate. While I agreed with him, I didn’t think we would ever meet a woman who was interested in something other than the crown and the luxuries that came with it.

When I made no motion to rise, Shuren tapped my shoulder once more. "You know your father likes punctual people."

Yes, Shuren. I’m getting up. I swung one leg over the side of the bed and stood up as Shuren covered me with a black silk robe. ‘Being the Crown Prince is too troublesome.’

My gaze met the earth dragon’s green eyes; despite having worked in Imperial Palace for a long time, she still appeared to be vibrant. Her hair was already a silvery gray. She passed the mandatory age of resignation—something my father enforced whenever the Imperial servants became too old to work. Because his own parents were not alive, he maintained his filial duty by allowing older individuals to retire and live peacefully. However, not for Shuren. She was a stubborn dragon, insisting she would serve us until the day she took her last breath.

Are you prepared to hear your schedule for the day? she asked. Unlike Shuren, who was dressed in a deep green hanfu, all the other servants in the room wore matching beizi, which consisted of a pastel pink outer jacket and a straight collar. The teal skirt ran past their knees, covering their feet.

Yes, go ahead. One servant, with a sheer face mask concealing her face, approached me with a cup of tea. Out of respect to my dragon, she kept her head low and avoided eye contact. I inhaled deeply, not recognizing the scent. They had fused it with a myriad of ingredients, making it difficult to determine what kind of tea it was. ‘Please do not let this be another western tea…’ I thought begrudgingly.

Last time, the servants prepared a black tea, which held a disgustingly bitter flavor. I brought my lips to the edge of the cup and took a hesitant sip, and relief washed over me when I identified baihao yinzhen, a delicate, yet sweet ingredient in white tea.

After you eat breakfast with Bìxià, you will accompany him to see Lady Cai Min. After your visit, you and Bìxià are to travel to Shangzihua, Shuren said, reading off a scroll.

I walked closer to the window and stared at the empty courtyard in front of us. Shuren dismissed the other servants, allowing us to speak freely. He must want to discuss the yaoguai. They cannot live peacefully with humans. I’ve been asking him to grant the humans permission to enter the Mainlands for their own safety, but he is unrelenting in his decision. The longer we prolong our decision, the more resentment the humans will harbor against us.

If I may be so bold to say... Shuren began, waiting for me to give permission. I gave one sharp nod, and she continued, ...as long as we have humans here, there will always be some level of discourse between our species. Naestrirea can’t forget the past, and I’m sure there are some humans who feel the Mainlands wouldn’t accept them.

You’re right. You must think me foolish to be hopeful for everlasting prosperity and peace. It is a dream only Goddess Meihui would dare dream of.

Of course not. I share your sentiments, Liwei. To consider you foolish would be to label myself the same. Her eyes glinted playfully at me, which brought a smile to my face.

You remind me of her, you know?

In what way?

You’re always willing to indulge my wishful thinking, no matter how silly you may find it to be. I took a seat in front of the mirror and she joined me to brush my hair. Her gentle touch soothed me, taking me back to the time when my mother did my hair.

Liwei, sit still. You can go play in a moment. The toys will still be there when we’re finished. Mother laughed. The sound of her laughter warmed my heart; it was the only time I could truly be myself. She didn’t force me to act on ceremony like father, she was the only person who allowed me to enjoy being a child.

Can’t I just cut my hair, Māmā? I asked. Then we could have more time to play!

Our hair is a symbol of our status, Liwei. It represents perseverance and responsibility. One day, you’ll be the emperor and it’ll be important for you to maintain that symbol if you want the nobles to respect you. Appearances are everything to them, but you must learn to look beyond a person’s exterior. Some may try to hide their true intentions behind a mask. The comb weaved in and out of my black hair until she straightened all knots out. She pinned my golden crown up in my hair once she molded into a neat bun and came from behind me to look at her work. Perfect, you will be a strong emperor one day.

Why would they hide their intentions, Mother? I asked, peering up into her serene blue eyes. Unlike the other nobles who wore golden robes to bring attention to their high status, she wore a blue daxiushan and looked more graceful than the women of the court.

Her strained expression disappeared just as quickly as it appeared, as she masked it with a smile. You’ll learn when you’re older.

I learned what she meant when father bestowed the title of Crown Prince upon me when I turned thirteen. The Imperial Council did as much as they could to put themselves in my good graces because they knew once my father passed, they would have to serve me. Their masks crumbled away, and I could finally see their true faces.

Taizi? Shuren asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. I have laid your clothes out behind the changing panel. When you have finished changing, please meet your father in the dining hall.

"Thank