As Mei'yin disappeared into the distance, Bai Yujing arrived with his companions, hoping to rescue Xiao from Mei'yin's grasp.
But what they found was heart-wrenching:
Xiao stood alone, tears streaming down her face, her eyes fixed longingly on the path Mei'yin had taken.
"Xiao..." Yujing's gentle voice cracked with emotion as he approached her.
Xiao spun around, throwing herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Stop crying, Xiao... are you hurt?" Yujing's urgent questions were laced with concern, his hands cradling her face.
Xiao shook her head, her voice barely audible between sobs.
"Mei'yin didn't hurt me... she couldn't."
Bai Chengxing stepped forward, his expression stern.
"Will you still defend your sister after everything she's done?!"
Xiao's tears paused, replaced by fierce loyalty.
"Give me one good reason to hate my own sister! You don't know her, Bai Chengxing - you'll never understand!"
Yujing intervened, his voice firm but gentle.
"Enough, Chengxing. Let's not make this worse."
As they walked back to Fengming, Xiao suggested quietly, her voice still trembling:
"Let's not follow Mei'yin... she's too far gone. We'll only get hurt."
Upon arrival, Xiao was immediately surrounded by her worried family members.
Her mother, Madam Yan, embraced her tightly.
"Xiao, thank heavens you're safe!"
Xiao's tears resumed, her heart heavy with emotion...
------
As Xiao's group walked away, Mei'yin stood frozen, her gaze fixed on them from afar. Her eyes seemed lost in deep thought, her usual bright smile nowhere to be found.
Dushen noticed her distant expression and approached her cautiously.
"Lady Mei'yin, it's not too late," he said softly. "You can still return and say we deceived and manipulated you."
Mei'yin's serious gaze locked onto his, her voice firm:
"I won't do that."
She turned abruptly and walked ahead, leaving Dushen stunned and confused.
"Why did she suddenly change?" Dushen wondered aloud. "She's never been distant with me... her bright smile is gone."
Ms. Ye, Dushen's sister, overheard his concern and intervened gently:
"Leave her alone for now, Dushen. Her heart is still heavy from recent pain – she's confused."
Days blurred together as they journeyed on, until finally they reached an abandoned place - smelly, dirty, and overgrown with weeds.
Yet, ruins of five houses still stood like skeletal sentinels.
Mei'yin's voice cut through the silence:
"We're far enough. Let's settle here! Clean up and fix what needs fixing."
Everyone obeyed instantly, scrambling to restore the neglected land.
As they worked, Dushen offered Mei'yin a fruit he had picked during their journey,
"Lady Mei, are you hungry? Eat this."
Mei'yin declined softly.
"Not yet, Ye Shen. Give it to others."
She walked away, prompting Ms. Ye to call out,
"Where are you going, Lady Mei?"
Mei'yin replied enigmatically.
"I'll add protection to this place."
She approached a massive ancient tree rumored to bring fortune to the entire village - its trunk withered and gray.
Mei'yin touched the tree's bark, and suddenly a powerful wind swirled around it...
Restoring its color and beauty. The tree glowed vibrant green, its branches stretching out like protective arms.
A barrier of light now encircled their new home.
Mei'yin's voice rang out, filled with ancient authority:
"From now on, no one can harm or invade you.
This land is OURS now - only those who's here may enter."
The air seemed to vibrate with her words as everyone stood frozen in awe...
Their eyes wide with wonder, they gazed at Mei'yin as if seeing her for the first time - a powerful sorceress claiming dominion over their new home.
In Qinshan
Mo Yuming visited her friend Qin Yuxi. "Still no news about Feng Mei'yin? She's really shocking, that Mei'yin," Yuming said, her expression burdened with concern.
Qin Yuxi remained silent, his gaze distant.
"Maybe it hurts you more because she's your fiancée, and she suddenly left and joined someone else," Yuming teased, trying to break the silence.
"Can't you say something sensible?" Yuxi snapped.
Qin Yijun, standing beside Yuxi, watched the exchange with interest.
"Just kidding, come on! Why are you being so quiet? You can tell me how you're feeling. I know you're hurt," Yuming said.
"Why would I tell you when you already know?" Yuxi shot back.
Yuming sighed. "Honestly, I'm surprised by Feng Mei'yin's sudden change - her power, aura, and behavior. You can really see the difference."
Yuxi stood up. "Why are we even talking about this? Shouldn't you be on a mission right now?" he asked, changing the subject.
Yuming stretched. "A mission? You mean investigating Master Lei's death? It's obvious he didn't drink the poison, so Ms. Ye won't be sentenced to death."
"But they'll still be punished for attempting to take a leader's life," Yuxi added.
Just as Yuming and Yuxi were discussing the investigation, two little boys appeared, bursting into the room with energetic giggles. Mo Rui, Yuming's nephew, and Qin Zhen, Yuxi's son, were identical in their mischievous grins, their faces lighting up with excitement.
"Hey, squirt! What's with the messy hair?" Yuming teased, ruffling Mo Rui's hair. "You look like you've been wrestling with a wild animal!"
Mo Rui giggled, trying to smooth out his hair. "Aunt Yuming, Your face looks like you've been sleeping for a week!"
Yuming playfully rolled her eyes. "Oh, great, now you're a fashion critic?"
Qin Zhen, standing beside Mo Rui, chimed in, "Yeah, Aunt Yuming, you're so silly!"
Yuming grinned. "Hey, watch it, little kiddo! I'm still cooler than you!"
Yuxi smiled, shaking his head.
Qin Yijun smiled slightly.
The little boys continued to banter with Yuming, their laughter and playful shouts filling the room.
As the little boys played, Qin Zhen's expression suddenly turned serious. "Papa, where's Mama Yin?" he asked, looking up at Yuxi with big, round eyes.
Yuxi's expression softened, and he knelt down to Qin Zhen's level. "Mama Yin is... busy right now, Zhen. But don't worry, she's thinking of you."
Qin Zhen's face scrunched up in concern. "Is Mama Yin okay? I miss her."
Qin Yijun, observing the exchange, stepped forward.
" She's fine, Qin Zhen. Your Mama Yin is safe."
Yuming's teasing tone faltered, and she exchanged a sympathetic glance with Yuxi. "Maybe we can even send her a message for you."
Qin Zhen nodded, his eyes still shining with worry.
Qin Yijun knelt down beside Yuxi, his voice gentle. "Hey, Qin Zhen, why don't we draw a picture for Mama Yin? I'm sure she'd love to see it."
Qin Zhen's face lit up slightly at the suggestion. "Yeah! I want to draw her a picture!"
Yuming smiled. "I'll get the art supplies. Let's get creative!"
It was evening in Qingju, and in one of the Bai family's grand dining halls, the whole family sat together. The warm lantern light spilled across the table, but the air was far from peaceful. Xiao, the newest member of the Bai family, sat quietly, trying not to draw too much attention.
Master Yue set down his cup, his eyes steady on her.
"How goes the investigation? Has there been any progress in finding the culprits behind your father's death?"
Xiao lowered her gaze respectfully.
"No word has reached me from Fengming," she replied softly. "So, I cannot give any answer yet."
Then Bai Chengxing leaned forward, his tone sly, almost venomous.
"If Ms. Ye is captured, wouldn't Feng Mei'yin be implicated as well?"
The table fell into a brief silence. Chengxing gave a cold smile.
"What I mean is—shouldn't she face punishment too? Or is that not fair?"
Madam Su gave a faint hum of approval.
"If the rules are applied, Chengxing speaks rightly. But rules can be bent, especially when mercy clouds judgment." Her eyes flicked toward Xiao, the meaning behind them unmistakable.
Xiao's chest tightened. She clenched her fists beneath the table, forcing herself to stay silent, though her blood burned at the insult.
Before she could speak, a sharp voice cut across the room—Bai Linyan.
"Such talk is disgraceful at the dinner table," she said, her eyes narrowing at Chengxing.
But Chengxing only scoffed, waving his chopsticks lazily.
"And why not? Should we act blind just to keep someone comfortable?"
That was when Bai Yujing finally moved. His hand slammed down on the table, loud enough to make a few cups rattle.
"Enough, Chengxing!" His voice was low but laced with fury. He turned, his gaze like steel. "How dare you insult my wife under this roof? Have you forgotten what respect means?"
Chengxing sneered.
"I only spoke the truth. If your wife cannot handle it, perhaps she—"
"Silence!" Yujing cut him off, his glare sharp as a blade. "You speak of truth, but all I hear is poison dripping from your tongue. Xiao has endured enough without your venom. If you call yourself my brother, you will hold your tongue—or face me instead."
The room froze. Even Madam Su lowered her gaze, unsettled by the intensity in Yujing's voice.
Yujing reached beneath the table, gently taking Xiao's hand in his. His voice softened, though still strong enough for everyone to hear.
"Xiao is my wife. Her battles are my battles. Anyone who dares belittle her… dares to challenge me."
Chengxing's smirk faltered, his arrogance shaken by the fire in his brother's eyes.
Master Yue finally broke the silence, his tone commanding.
"This ends now. Chengxing, you will hold your tongue. Yujing, enough."
The clatter of chopsticks resumed, but the air remained heavy. Xiao lowered her eyes, her heart stirring with both gratitude and guilt. She didn't speak, but she squeezed Yujing's hand in return, silently thanking him for standing at her side.
That night, the Bai manor was quiet, lanterns dimmed, the faint sound of cicadas echoing from the courtyard. Inside their chamber, Xiao sat at the edge of the bed, her hands clasped tightly together, her head bowed. The earlier tension at dinner weighed heavily on her chest.
When Bai Yujing entered, she didn't look up.
"Yujing…" her voice was soft, trembling. "I'm sorry. Because of me, you argued with your brother. I've caused you trouble in your own home."
Yujing paused, watching her small frame, her shoulders tense with guilt. He walked closer, kneeling down in front of her so that she was forced to meet his eyes. His hand reached for hers, firm but gentle.
"You think you've brought me trouble?" he asked quietly. "Xiao… you are my wife. Protecting you is not a burden—it's my duty. No, more than that… it's my choice."
Xiao's chest tightened, her tears falling freely now. She leaned forward, resting her forehead against his shoulder.
For the first time since the dinner, Xiao's trembling eased. She closed her eyes, letting herself melt into the warmth of his embrace, finally allowing herself to believe his words.
Inside Fengming Hall, the night was heavy with silence, broken only by the faint flicker of the lanterns swaying against the carved pillars. The air smelled of incense, but even that could not cover the lingering weight of grief.
Madam Yan sat at the head, her face cold, yet the redness of her eyes betrayed the tears she refused to shed. Across from her, Feng Yangguang stood rigid, fists clenched at his sides, while Feng Lingxi sat quietly, her sharp gaze unyielding.
Finally, Madam Yan's voice cut through the silence.
"four days have passed since your father's funeral rites… yet still, no clear answer about his death."
Yangguang's jaw tightened. "Mother, the clans all point to the Ye family. Ye Dushen and Ms. Ye deny it, and... Mei'yin—" he stopped, his expression hardening. "She defends them with her life."
"Defends?" Lingxi interrupted, her tone sharp. "She nearly threatened this entire hall just to save them. That is not the Mei'yin I know. She was reckless, yes—but mischievous, lighthearted. Now…" her eyes narrowed, "there is a darkness in her. Cold. Unyielding."
Madam Yan closed her eyes for a brief moment, her voice low, almost trembling.
"Do you think she has been… swayed? Or worse—used?"
Yangguang shook his head. "I don't know. But her loyalty has shifted. When she looked at me, it wasn't the gaze of a sister anymore… it was a threat."
The words stung Madam Yan, and her hands gripped the armrest of her chair. "First, I lose my husband… and now, must I lose my daughter as well?"
Lingxi's gaze softened just slightly, though her voice remained firm.
"Perhaps Mei'yin has reasons she has not spoken. But one thing is certain—her path now stands against ours. If she continues down this road…" She hesitated, then finished coldly, "she may no longer be part of this family."
A silence fell. The weight of those words was heavier than steel.
Madam Yan's tears threatened again, but she blinked them away, forcing her voice steady.
"Then we must decide—do we see Mei'yin as our kin, or as our enemy?"
----
Far away from Fengming, under the silver glow of the moon, Mei'yin sat beneath the ancient tree she had restored. Its branches swayed gently, casting shifting shadows across her pale face.
Her bow rested against her lap, but her hands were limp, her usual restless energy gone. She stared at the night sky, as if searching for something beyond the stars.
Ms. Ye approached quietly, carrying a lantern. "Lady Mei'yin, you haven't eaten again," she said softly, setting the food down beside her.
Mei'yin didn't move. Her voice was faint but steady.
"Do you think… I betrayed them?"
Ms. Ye frowned. "Why ask me that?"
"Because I feel it," Mei'yin whispered. "Every arrow I've loosed, every step I've taken away from Fengming… it's as if I cut another thread tying me to them. To my mother… to my siblings…"
Her voice broke, and she quickly covered her face with her hand, hiding the tears threatening to fall.
At a distance, Dushen lingered, his fists clenched. He wanted to speak, to tell her she hadn't betrayed anyone, but the words froze in his throat.
Finally, Mei'yin stood, wiping her tears away. Her gaze hardened, a shadow crossing her features.
"No matter what they think of me… I'll keep moving forward. I can't turn back now."
The ancient tree glowed faintly behind her, its barrier shimmering like a reminder: she had chosen this path, and there was no return.
Ms. Ye, looked at her with a sigh.
"You've changed, Mei'yin. The girl who used to smile at the smallest things is gone. Now, all I see is someone carrying a weight too heavy for her shoulders."
Mei'yin's lips pressed into a thin line. She didn't answer right away. Finally, she spoke quietly, almost as if to herself.
"Perhaps that girl died with my father."
The room grew heavy with silence. Even Dushen lowered his gaze, unable to find the words to comfort her.
Ms. Ye shifted uncomfortably, her voice trembling.
" Lady Mei'yin… I have to ask you. Why are you still protecting us? You know I was the reason for Master Lei's death. You know the clans are right to want my blood."
Mei'yin's gaze flicked toward her, sharp and unwavering.
"You're wrong. I know the reason behind what happened that night. I know you tried to stop yourself… to stop the poison. And I also know—" her voice grew firm, like an arrow being drawn taut, "—that my Father was already dead before he could even drink it."
Ms. Ye gasped, her lips trembling.
"How… how could you be so certain?"
Mei'yin leaned closer, her eyes carrying a truth too heavy for her age.
"Because I was there, Ms. Ye. I heard everything that night. I heard it from Ye Xuan! You had no fault in his death. Someone else wanted him gone."
Tears welled in Ms. Ye's eyes, but she shook her head violently.
"Even that's true… I still prepared the poison. I still let it come that close to his lips. I should be punished for attempting to kill him!"
Mei'yin's expression hardened, a dead glare replacing the mischievous girl she once was.
"Punished? For what? For trying to save your people? For sacrificing your own reputation so the villagers wouldn't die?" She scoffed, gripping her bow tighter. "If anyone here deserves punishment, it's not you."
Ms. Ye's tears spilled over, her voice breaking.
"You're too kind, Mei'yin… far too kind. The world will never see us as innocent."
But Mei'yin stood, looking down at her with fierce resolve.
"I don't care what the world sees. I believe you. I believe the villagers are innocent. And as long as I live, I won't let anyone touch you."
The night stretched on, quiet except for the hum of crickets. Mei'yin stared into the flames, lost in thought, before she finally spoke again, her tone gentler than before.
"Ms. Ye… do you remember your father?"
Ms. Ye blinked, startled by the sudden question. Her lips trembled as she nodded. "Of course I do."
Mei'yin's eyes softened as the memory surfaced in her mind—a memory not her own, but one passed to her by her father, Master Lei, before his death.
Flashback
A younger Mei'yin sat beside her father in Fengming Hall, listening intently as he polished his sword. His expression was unusually heavy.
"Mei'Yin," Master Lei said quietly, "never forget the name Ye Huayong. That man… was more than a follower. He sacrificed everything for me. Not just for his own people, but for me, personally."
Mei'yin tilted her head. "Papa… sacrificed? How?"
Master Lei sighed, his gaze distant, as if seeing ghosts of the past.
" He died protecting me. Even in death, his loyalty burned brighter than most men's lives."
Master Lei set the sword aside and looked at her, his voice steady with solemn promise.
"I swore on his grave that I would protect his people—especially his children. His daughter, his son… they are under my oath. No matter what happens, I will never let harm befall them."
Mei'yin's eyes widened, her young heart swelling with respect. "Then I'll protect them too, Papa. If they're yours, they're mine."
Master Lei smiled faintly, ruffling her hair. "Good girl. Remember that, Yin. His blood runs through his children. Do not let the world twist their worth."
--- end of flashback
Mei'yin exhaled softly, her gaze firm.
"Your father died saving mine. That's why I'll never believe you or your people are guilty. Because my father promised to protect you… and now that he's gone, I'll carry that promise."
Ms. Ye's lips trembled, tears pooling again.
"Master Lei… said that?"
Mei'yin nodded, her voice steady.
"Word for word. His vow didn't die with him. I'm keeping it alive."
For a long moment, Ms. Ye could only cry silently—tears of grief, guilt, and a fragile hope she thought she had lost.
And for the first time, Mei'yin's deadened gaze softened, not with mischief, but with the weight of her father's legacy.