When a dream reveals a forgotten symbol and fragments from her past, Yue makes a dangerous choice to leave the palace. But as familiar faces warmly greet her, unseen eyes follow her every move.
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The first light of dawn spilled into Consort Shu's chambers, painting delicate lattice shadows across the floor.
She sat on a silk cushion, cradling her newborn son.
The infant's soft coos mingled with the faint scent of cherry blossoms—a fleeting moment of peace amidst the unspoken dangers of the imperial court.
For once, the weight of the Emperor's favor, the whispers of scheming concubines, and the ever-present threat of political storms faded into silence.
There was only this: her child's warmth, the rise and fall of his tiny chest, and the fragile calm she clung to.
Then, the quiet shattered.
"Good morning, my Lady," Yue said, her voice breaking the calm.
Shu glanced up, startled. There was something unfamiliar in Yue's tone today—a subtle tension coiled beneath the words.
"Good morning, Yue." Shu adjusted the sleeping babe in her arms, studying the girl's face. "You're awake early. Did you rest well?"
Yue stepped forward, her usual composure fraying at the edges. A flicker of hesitation darkened her eyes, something Shu wasn't used to seeing.
"Yue?" Shu repeated, worry creeping into her voice.
"What's wrong?"
Yue glanced down briefly before meeting Shu's eyes again.
Then, with quiet urgency, she said
"I need to leave the palace today."
Shu stiffened. "Leave?" Her fingers tightened imperceptibly around her son.
"Why? Has something happened?"
Shu replied, her voice tense.
"I need to find General Wan," Yue stated firmly.
A chill ran down Shu's spine, not from fear but a more profound concern.
A cold ripple raced down Shu's spine. Few knew of Yue's ties to the Wan family—they'd plucked her from the streets as a nameless orphan and delivered her to the palace to serve Shu.
"General Wan?" Shu asked, her worry deepening. "What could you possibly need from him?"
Yue's face was tight with tension, struggling to express her thoughts.
"Yesterday, I had a strange dream, unlike anything before," she explained.
"Was it a vision from your past?" Shu asked.
Yue's expression hardened. "I need answers, and I believe General Wan can help me."
"I would like to use your exit pass, my Lady," Yue requested.
The wooden plaque, etched with Shu's name, was a maid's only key beyond the palace gates—a privilege and a risk.
It allowed high-ranking concubines to send their maids out of the palace for errands without drawing attention.
"I've done it before; I've been out many times."
"Yes, as a servant. But it's different now— you are a concubine," Shu cautioned. "We don't get to leave the palace."
"If you're caught, the consequences will be severe."
"I have to," Yue insisted.
"I can't ignore this vision, my Lady. This could lead me to my past. I need to find the truth."
Shu felt a knot in her stomach because she knew how determined Yue could be.
Once Yue decided on something, there was no stopping her.
"I'll disguise myself, wearing my old uniform," Yue assured her. "I don't think the guards will recognize my face."
"Trust me, no one will notice me, and with your pass, I can leave unnoticed."
"Please, my Lady," Yue implored." I won't be gone long. I promise."
"When I'm out, I can also help send letters to your family. I know you've wanted to write to them."
Shu hesitated, feeling the weight of her decision.
A long silence stretched between them, broken only by the child's sleepy sigh.
"Alright," she said calmly.
"I can't let you go by yourself. Please take Huang with you; you can trust him. He will keep an eye on things," said Shu, her concern evident.
"I don't want you out there without someone looking after you. It's important to have someone reliable by your side."
Yue felt relief and understanding from Shu's words, and her expression softened.
"Thank you so much, my Lady. I promise to get back before sunset before the curfew starts. I won't be late," Yue assured, trying to ease Shu's worries.
Shu nodded, though her heart still felt heavy with concern for Yue's safety.
"Please, make sure you return on time. It's important that you stay safe out there," Shu reiterated, her voice full of care. Yue gave a small, grateful smile.
Her determination shone bright in her eyes as she headed out of the room, ready to face the tasks ahead with Huang accompanying her.
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Yue studied her reflection in the small, tarnished mirror of the servants' quarters.
The rich silks and shiny jeweled hairpins she once wore had disappeared. Now, she was dressed in a plain maid's outfit. Her dark hair was pulled into a simple bun, with a few loose strands softly framing her face.
She exhaled—this was who she had once been. Who she still was.
Slipping the palace exit pass into her pocket, she felt ready to leave.
Yue walked to the side entrance, where all the servants lined up for inspection before heading out. Huang followed closely behind her.
She showed her exit pass to the guards, who let her through without questions.
Once Yue stepped out of the gate, the air felt much lighter.
The outside world was bright and refreshing. The open sky, distant hills, and the gentle rustling of trees were such a change from the strict palace atmosphere.
Yue took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the sweet air.
The streets outside bustled with life—merchants setting up stalls, children darting between carts, and the rhythmic clatter of wooden wheels on stone.
Everything felt alive. Yue had forgotten the feeling of being among ordinary people, hearing their voices, and witnessing the city's lively energy. For a moment, she forgot herself and her mission—she was just another face in the crowd.
She glanced at Huang, her silent protector and trusted eunuch.
Reliable and discreet, his watchful eyes protected her and reminded her of the palace's confines.
Still, having his company was comforting.
They walked through narrow streets toward Shu's family estate, a path she knew well.
Shu had written letters and prepared gifts for her family.
Upon arrival, Yue saw the familiar gates of Shu's family estate, and her heart fluttered.
It had been a long time since she delivered letters there.
The estate remained beautiful, though it showed signs of age: the once-manicured gardens were now wild at the edges, and the stone walls were weathered with cracks.
The servants greeted her warmly, and her heart tightened as she stepped inside.
The grand hall smelled the same as she remembered — sandalwood mixed with faint traces of damp stone.
Shu's father passed away some years ago, and Commander Zhe, Shu's elder brother, rarely went home these days.
The northern borders simmered with unrest, and the Emperor kept his best blades whetted and ready.
Shu's mother, elegant even in later years, hurried to welcome her. "Yue, you're here! It's been so long," she said emotionally.
The words held more than a greeting. They spoke of sealed letters left unanswered, of courtyard gates that had not swung open for a daughter's visit in years. Of a mother who could only touch her child through intermediaries and folded parchment.
Yue smiled, "Yes, Madam, it has been a while. I brought news and gifts from my Lady."
Up close, Yue saw how time had rewritten her face: the streaks of silver in her coiled hair, the new lines around her mouth where smiles had once lived effortlessly.
Yue handed over the letters, sealed with Shu's neat handwriting, and a package of gifts.
Shu's mother unfolded the letters with ritual slowness, her fingertips brushing characters inked in Shu's meticulous hand.
When she spoke again, her voice had gone liquid. "She writes of the baby's laughter. Of how he has his grandfather's frown." A fragile laugh.
"As if that stubborn old man would ever let us forget him."
Then she called a maid to fetch a bag of presents for Shu's newborn son—beautiful silk cloths, soft blankets, and some of Shu's favorite childhood treats: sweet lotus cakes, roasted chestnuts, and dried plums.
The bag was heavy, wrapped in cloth and tied with a cord, with gold embroidery peeking out.
"Bring this back to Shu; it's filled with things she loves," said Shu's mother, her eyes teary with emotion.
The sun shone brightly, and Yue knew she had limited time outside the palace. She still needed to find General Wan.
After saying goodbye to Shu's mother, Yue left the estate and returned to the lively streets.
Huang followed her, but he stayed a bit behind this time, giving her room to explore independently.
The market was a burst of colors and sounds. Vendors loudly advertised their goods, trying to draw attention.
Hawkers' voices cut through the thick air like cleavers through meat—
"Jasmine tea picked at dawn!"
"Silver needles that never bend!" "Peaches so sweet they'll make you forget your sorrows!"
Their calls tangled together in the humid breeze, each vendor fighting to be heard
The sound of coins clinking filled the air as buyers bargained for reasonable prices, and children ran and laughed between the vendors.
A slow, genuine smile curved Yue's lips as the market's vibrant energy thrummed through her.
She stopped at a booth displaying beautiful silk fans painted with detailed flowers.
The vendor showed many designs, each one more beautiful than the last.
"How much for the blue one?" Yue asked, gently touching the embroidered silk.
"Fifty silver taels for that one, miss," the vendor replied smoothly. "It's the finest silk in the market."
Yue raised an eyebrow. She hadn't planned to spend that much, but the item's beauty tempted her.
She was so fascinated by the market's sights that she didn't notice someone watching her.
Nearby, a person in a dark cloak stood watching her, paying attention to how she handled her belongings.
The thief was a thin man with sly eyes. He noticed the expensive items she was carrying and decided he wanted to get them for himself.
Meanwhile, Yue continued exploring the market, unaware of the danger lurking nearby.
Huang was at another stall, focused on something in the distance. The thief saw a perfect chance.
He quietly and carefully started following Yue through the busy market.
It wasn't until Yue sensed something was wrong that she realized her situation.
She looked over her shoulder and found Huang was no longer with her.
Her heart raced. The thief had made his move.
She quickly spun around, scanning the crowd with her eyes.
But Huang was nowhere to be seen.
The thief was closing in.