Princess Chán Juān walked in, and the entire court knew: her arrival would change everything.
———
Cheng sat in court again, exhausted from the last few days.
While the meeting went on, a chamberlain walked in and said an important visitor had arrived.
Everyone looked at the tall doors as they opened and Princess Chán Juān stepped in.
Her entrance was a vision that captivated everyone in the room, her beauty as striking as it was renowned.
She walked with grace, wrapped in shiny blue silk that caught the light as she moved. Her face was gentle, with almond-shaped eyes that shone like dark gems and long lashes that framed them.
Her skin was smooth with a warm glow. Her long black hair fell over her shoulders like flowing water, giving her a soft and almost unreal beauty. She carried herself with so much charm that the ministers stopped to look at her.
When she reached the throne, she bowed before the emperor. "Your majesty," she said softly, "I bring gifts for your coming birthday." She lifted her hand, and her attendants stepped forward with fine gifts.
The emperor's face lit up at the gifts and at the promise of the alliance through the marriage. "Stand, my child," he said kindly. "Your visit brings joy to me. It makes me glad to see our lands join through your marriage to my son. Stay as long as you want. You are with family here."
Cheng's Pov:
As Chán Juān stepped aside to allow the gifts to be presented to the emperor, she came a little closer to me.
I took in her presence, how she'd changed so much from the girl I once knew.
For a moment, I felt taken aback, her beauty arresting me in a way I hadn't expected.
Her features, her graceful poise, all of it drew my eye, as if seeing her for the first time.
I found myself studying her quietly, wondering about the mystery she'd become, this woman destined to be my empress.
Her arrival made the whole situation feel even more sensitive and reminded me of what I had to do.
She was my promised bride, and I would need to focus on her, no matter how conflicted I felt.
I could feel the officials watching us, waiting for any sign of affection. They looked amazed, as if we were the perfect match of power.
Their interest wasn't new to me, but it added pressure to a day that was already hard.
Even while I tried to prove my strength, with the curse hanging over every choice I made, I still had to show I was ready to rule and keep my promise to Chan Juàn. Every duty felt like a test, and I knew I had to pass each one.
–—–
Xiao's manor
Xiao sat by the mirror in a soft, flowing robe the color of fresh snow.
She dragged a brush through her long black hair, letting it fall over her shoulder like a dark river.
Her mind drifted back to the Lantern Festival and the way the lights had seemed to glow just for her. She didn't notice how tight her grip on the brush had become until a knock snapped her out of it.
"Come in," she murmured without looking up.
Shufang hurried inside, breathing hard as if she had run. "My lady, I bring news you may not want to hear."
Xiao gave her a quick glance, already unsettled. "What now?"
Shufang swallowed. "They say Prince Yizong is to be engaged. The announcement was made this morning."
The brush slipped from Xiao's fingers and hit the floor with a dull thud. She stared at Shufang. "Engaged? To who?" Her voice barely there.
"Princess Xin Yi," Shufang said gently. "The whole palace is whispering about it."
Xiao blinked hard, trying to calm her breathing. "Are you sure? It could be gossip. You know people talk."
Shufang's face said everything. "It isn't gossip, my lady."
Xiao looked away, as she felt her chest tightened. Every hope she had tucked inside herself cracked open at once. The memories of the Lantern Festival went through her mind, but now they felt distant, almost like a dream.
She pressed a hand to her robe, grounding herself. "Tell me about her," she whispered. "Who is this princess? Where is she from?"
Shufang looked down before answering, "She's Princess Xin Yi from Yùzhū, the western province."
Xiao's chest hurt. She felt stupid for thinking Yizong cared for her the way she cared for him. The truth hit her hard and she felt heavy with sadness. She wiped her eyes quickly and spoke to Shufang with a shaky voice.
"Please leave me,"
Shufang hesitated, then nodded and walked out, closing the door.
Once Xiao was alone, she dropped to the floor and cried, her whole body shaking. The hope of a life with Yizong was gone, and all she could do was mourn what would never happen.
———
Queen dowager's palace.
Crown Prince Cheng bowed respectfully before the Queen Dowager. The peacefulness of her palace helped calm his nerves after the stress of the royal court.
"Rise, Cheng. No need for such formalities with me," the Queen Dowager said kindly.
As Cheng stood up, she looked at him with sympathy."The challenges you face are difficult, but you have a good heart and a strong will. That's what the people need from their ruler."
Cheng hesitated before speaking. "The ministers doubt my ability to lead because of my condition. Even my father is losing faith in me."
The Queen Dowager gently took his hands. "Do not doubt yourself. Your worth doesn't lie in physical strength, but in wisdom and compassion. I've watched you grow into a just leader, and the people will love you for it."
Her gaze softened as she continued. "I heard about the arrival of your betrothed to the palace this morning,"
Cheng didn't respond. He simply smiled thinly, his thoughts hidden behind his calm expression.
She studied him for a moment, then nodded as if to herself. "Her arrival is perfect timing, Cheng. It is greatly for your benefit. The court will see her as a symbol of your power, and any attempt to undermine you will have to be carefully calculated."
Cheng kept his thin smile, but he felt weighed down.
"You are right, Grandmother," Cheng replied. "I will use this to my advantage."
"You have always guided me well, Grandmother. Your support means everything to me."
She smiled warmly. "You will always have an ally in me. Now, about Prince Xuan..."
Cheng listened carefully as the Queen Dowager spoke.
"You must be careful around that child. You know his mother, Minister Li and others want to remove you from the throne. They've put Xuan in their pocket, hoping he'll take what's not rightfully his."
"But Xuan has no interest in their plans," Cheng replied.
"You cannot speak for him," she warned. "Be mindful around him. Never reveal your plans or thoughts to anyone, even those who claim loyalty after years of service. You must outsmart these people with cleverness and strategy."
"I know this isn't your way, to deceive and plot. But your enemies show no mercy or honor. To protect yourself, you must fight just as ruthlessly. Do you understand?"
Cheng nodded seriously. "I understand, Grandmother. Thank you for your clear warning."
The Queen Dowager looked at him with approval. "Well said, Cheng. Now, let's talk about the allies in the court who can support you..."
That evening
The cool breeze cleared Cheng's mind as he walked down the street. He thought of the brave woman who had fought beside him before. Maybe he would find Mei at the teahouse, and her bright company would lift his mood.
As he moved farther from the palace, the tightness in his shoulders eased. The busy crowd around him made him feel even calmer.
Cheng smiled, enjoying the smell of food from street vendors mixed with the laughter and music from nearby taverns.
Now he just needed to find the matchmaker.
Meanwhile
Mei walked through Longevity Square, browsing the stalls, and sampling small chops.
Her attention was drawn to loud laughter further down the road. A group of men had surrounded a young man, blocking his way and throwing insults at him.
"Move aside, you oafs," the young man growled, trying to push through.
One of the men laughed and shoved him to the ground. "What's a weakling like you going to do about it?" he sneered.
Mei slowly stepped towards them. "Gentlemen, violence isn't going to solve anything. Let him pass in peace."
Their faces turned to her, and they started smirking. "Look, boys, a little girl with a big mouth. Maybe you can show us some moves, sweetheart."
Mei chuckled softly."You call those flailing arms 'moves'? I'd be embarrassed to call that fighting."
Their smiles slowly disappeared. One man walked up to her and stared hard at her for a moment, then suddenly swung a wild punch. She stepped aside and swept his legs, knocking him to the ground.
Seeing this, another one rushed in, but Mei swiftly twisted his arm behind his back, forcing him to his knees. She glanced at the other two, who hesitated, now realizing they might have underestimated her.
The one behind tried to grab her but Mei elbowed him in the chest, sending him stumbling backward.
She turned back to the young man, bowing slightly. "My apologies for the mess," she said with a smile. "Please, continue your evening."
Then turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving the men behind, stunned and humiliated.
A small smile appeared on her lips. 'Some lessonswere best learned through action.'
———
Cheng stepped out of the teahouse feeling disappointed.
He had expected to find her there, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Walking a few blocks down the street, he hoped he might run into her by chance. His eyes moved through the crowd in search, but there was still no sign of her.
Where could she possibly be?
Just as he turned back toward the teahouse, a familiar figure appeared in the distance.
Even among the bustling crowd, she stood out, her features unmistakable. Cheng stopped, captivated by the light in her eyes and the warmth of her smile.
Before he could call out to her, Mei spotted him, and her face brightened with joy.
"Cheng!"
Cheng's pov:
I froze where I stood, watching her walk toward me. Her soft laugh floated through the crowd as she moved with quick steps.
A strange feeling ran up my spine, pulling up an old memory. I saw that day again in my mind. The arrow flying past me, the panic and the woman who saved me. Her face was hidden, revealing only her eyes.
Then it hit me.
As she got closer, my heart slammed in my chest. My hand lifted on its own, covering half her face in my mind, matching it to the memory. Those eyes. I knew those eyes.
Mei.
It was her. The woman who saved me. The woman I had searched for all this time. She was right here.
Heat rushed through me. I could not believe I had not seen it before. It felt like fate had been playing with me, hiding her in plain sight.
She reached me, her breathless laugh pulling me back to the moment. The crowd around us just faded until it felt like only the two of us were standing there.
"Cheng," she called me, her voice was warm like sunlight breaking after a long, cold season. She took my hands, and my heart lifted at the soft warmth of her touch.
"What a surprise," Mei said brightly. "It seems fate wants us to meet again."
I swallowed hard, still struggling to process everything. How could she be so carefree when my entire world had just shifted?
"Yes," I said, a small smile showing even though my chest was tight. "I hoped we would meet again."
But hope was nothing compared to this. I had spent months looking for her, trying to repay a debt that never left my mind. Now she stood right in front of me and I felt lost. Should I thank her? Explain everything? Or just stand here, stunned that fate had brought her back to me.
I held her gaze, wondering if she knew. If she remembered. If she had any idea that saving me had tied my heart to her from that day on.
For a moment we only looked at each other, and the noise of the marketplace seemed like it was far away.
She held my arm. "Let us—
I pulled her into my arms swiftly.
I did not even let her finish. I felt her body tensed at the sudden touch, and the heat of her body pressed to my chest made me almost stop breathing.
Slowly she relaxed against me.
When I realized what I had done, I let go a little too quickly and looked away. She smiled shyly, linked her arm through mine, and said, "Come. Let us find somewhere quiet to talk."
We strolled through the streets quietly for a while. Then Mei took my hand and playfully swung it as she talked about her days since we last met. I glanced down at her swinging my hand and chuckled softly. She was doing it again.
•
As they walked, the crowds grew sparse, and loose petals floated in the air.
Ahead of them lay a path lined with cherry blossoms, the soft pink glow of the flowers filling the scene.
"How beautiful!" Mei said quietly. "This is the perfect escape from all the noise."
Cheng smiled softly. "This beauty reminds me of someone I know."
Mei laughed and gave his arm a playful shove. "Flatterer! You'll have to do better than fancy words."
He chuckled lightly.
They wandered awhile along the path, side by side, before settling beneath a cherry blossom tree, looking out over the gentle scenery.
Cheng watched her quietly. Her smile shone beneath the falling petals, and he felt heat rising slowly within. This brave woman had pulled feelings out of him far stronger than he expected.
"Mei, there's something important I need to tell you," Cheng began. "The truth is—
But Mei lifted a bottle of baijiu with a grin. "Ah, what more could anyone ask for than good company under the blossoms?" She took a long sip, then glanced at him. "I'm glad it's you here with me."
Cheng laughed softly, letting the confession die on his lips. "And I'm glad it's you, too. No one else I'd rather share this with."
Mei beamed. "Tell me another story from your travels," she said, leaning easily against him.
Cheng felt at peace in the simple closeness. Maybe one day, she'd listen to what he had to say. For now, this moment together was enough.
"Let's meet here every spring, when the blossoms fall," he said. "It can be our special place to escape the world and find comfort with each other."
Mei looked up at him."I'd love that. It's a promise."