In the grand halls of the Prime Minister's estate, Lian Wu found himself once again at the mercy of his own frustration. "Where could that girl have gone this time?" He muttered under his breath, his voice echoing through the vast, ornate chambers. It seemed that every time he needed her, every time he called for her, she was nowhere to be found. Was she always going to flee, to disappear into the shadows, every time the subject of marriage was broached?
Lian Wu, a man of great renown and influence in Lingyuan Province, let out a heavy sigh, the weight of his responsibilities bearing down upon him. He pinched the corners of his eyes, as if doing so could alleviate the stress that his eldest daughter seemed so determined to inflict upon him.
It was not long before his second wife, Jin Ai, graced the room with her presence. Born into a family of equal standing, one that had made their fortune in the silk trade, she was a woman of grace and poise. "Husband," she began, her voice soft and melodic, "what seems to be the matter?"
The Prime Minister looked up, his eyes meeting hers, and he could not help but feel a sense of defeat wash over him. "Ai," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "why are you here?"
Jin Ai smiled gently, her eyes reflecting a deep understanding of her husband's plight. "I heard you from across the courtyard," she explained, her voice soothing and calm. "You know how Lian Yan is. She has always been a free spirit, untamed and unyielding. She is not one to be easily controlled, my dear. Perhaps you spoiled her too much when she was a child. After all, she did not have her mother growing up."
Lian Wu sighed once more, running a hand through his hair. "I know," he admitted, his voice laced with resignation. "She has always been this way. But I cannot allow her to continue like this, not when her marriage to the crown prince has been arranged. She will return when she gets hungry, and when she does..." He paused, his expression firm and unyielding. "She will be confined to her chambers until the wedding. I will not have her causing any more trouble or delaying her marriage any longer. Whether she likes it or not, she will wed the crown prince!"
Jin Ai's smile faded, a shadow passing over her face. She was upset, but not at her husband. No, her disappointment stemmed from the fact that it was not her own daughter who would be wed to the crown prince. Her daughter would not have the chance to live in the lap of luxury, to have the ear of the future emperor. The more she thought about it, the more her expression darkened, her eyes reflecting a storm of emotions.
Meanwhile, unaware of the turmoil she had left behind, Lian Yan wandered through the bustling market streets of Lingyuan Province. She was dressed in a simple white hanfu, a stark contrast to the extravagant attire she usually wore. A veil hung over her hat, concealing her face and shielding her from the prying eyes of the public. She did not want to be recognized as the Prime Minister's eldest daughter. Today, she just wanted to be an ordinary girl, free to explore the world around her, to experience the simple pleasures of life that had been denied to her for so long. She knew that her father was trying to push her to get married and improve his status and title with the royal family.
The scent of fresh bread and sweet osmanthus cakes filled the air, and the chatter of the crowd was a welcome change from the stifling silence of her father's estate.
In the bustling heart of the city, the morning sun cast a golden hue over the lively market square. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods and the salty tang of dried fish. Amidst the vibrant chaos, Lian Yan, a young woman of spirited demeanor, navigated the crowded lanes with an air of determination.
"Miss! Miss!" her maid, Ye Bia, called out, her voice laced with concern as she hurried to keep up. Ye Bia's eyes darted nervously around, ever watchful of the potential missteps that could befall them. "Are you sure it is wise to venture out here? Your father will be most displeased when he learns of this."
Lian Yan, however, remained undeterred. She turned to her maid with a reassuring smile, her eyes sparkling with a mix of defiance and excitement. "Relax, Ye Bia. It is not your hide that will bear the brunt of Father's displeasure. I am well accustomed to his reactions, and I fully expect to face his wrath later. But for now, I wish to savor the delights of the market without a care in the world."
Lian Yan's words carried a sense of resignation, born from years of enduring her father's strict discipline. Yet, there was also a hint of longing, a desire to break free from the constraints that bound her. She was not afraid; she had learned to anticipate her father's reactions and had grown accustomed to the consequences of her actions.
The market was a symphony of sights and sounds. Vendors hawked their wares with enthusiastic cries, their voices blending into a cacophony of commerce. "Fresh cake! Come and buy one for five silver!" One vendor called out, his tray laden with an array of sweet treats. Nearby, another merchant touted his goods, "Fish! Dried and salted!" The scent of his offerings wafted through the air, mingling with the myriad of other aromas that filled the market.
As Lian Yan and Ye Bia ventured deeper into the market, they encountered a group of performers preparing for their show. The performers juggled flaming torches, their skilled movements drawing gasps of admiration from the gathered crowd. The flames danced in the air, casting a warm glow on the faces of the spectators, who watched in awe as the performers wove their magic.
Lian Yan paused to watch the spectacle, her eyes wide with wonder. For a moment, she forgot about the potential consequences of her actions and allowed herself to be swept away by the enchantment of the performance. The market, with all its vibrant energy and bustling activity, offered a temporary respite from the rigid expectations of her father.
As they continued their journey through the market, Lian Yan couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation. The sights, sounds, and smells of the market invigorated her senses, and she relished the opportunity to experience the world beyond the confines of her father's strict rules. She knew that she would have to face the music eventually, but for now, she was determined to make the most of her freedom.
Ye Bia, despite her initial reservations, found herself drawn into the infectious energy of the market. She marveled at the array of goods on offer and the skill of the performers, her worries momentarily forgotten.
"Miss, don't go anywhere," she called out to Lian Yan, her voice tinged with excitement. "I am going to buy us some sugar canes real quick!" With that, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving Lian Yan alone amidst the bustling market.
Lian Yan, now by herself, turned her attention back to the performers who had captivated her earlier. Their skilled movements and the dazzling display of flames held her enthralled for a while. However, as the performance drew to a close, her curiosity began to stir. She found herself wandering away from the main thoroughfare, drawn towards a narrow alleyway that promised a glimpse into the lesser-seen parts of the market.
The alleyway was a stark contrast to the lively market square. It was dimly lit, the sunlight barely penetrating the narrow gap between the buildings. The air was cooler here, and the sounds of the market were muted, replaced by an eerie silence. Lian Yan's steps were cautious as she ventured deeper into the alley, her eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of life or activity.
As she rounded a bend, she suddenly spotted a figure moving swiftly towards her. The man was clad in a veil, his features obscured by the fabric. Before Lian Yan could react, the man had passed her by, his presence barely registering in her mind. But then, just as suddenly, he stopped and turned around. In one swift motion, he reached out and yanked off both his veil and Lian Yan's, revealing his face to her. A rather handsome one: sharp on the jawline, arched eyebrows, soft lips and a beauty mark under his left eye.
Lian Yan gasped in shock, her heart pounding in her chest as she took in the stranger's features. Before she could utter a word, the man stepped closer, his movements swift and purposeful. He pushed her gently but firmly against the wall of the alley, his body pressing against hers. Lian Yan's eyes widened in surprise as she felt his lips crash onto hers, silencing any protest she might have made.
The kiss was unexpected and intense, a whirlwind of emotions coursing through Lian Yan's body. She was caught off guard, her mind struggling to process the sudden turn of events. The man's lips were warm and insistent, his breath mingling with hers as he deepened the kiss.
Yet, another few set of footsteps were coming their way.