Renshu left the room, closing the door behind him.
"There's a lot I need to know—"
"Did you discard the letters sent for me?" I interrupted, my voice sharper than I intended.
"I—how did you—"
"Well? Did you?" I pressed, stepping closer.
Shuyin froze. Her gaze wavered, and for a moment, silence filled the room before she finally spoke.
"That Consort… that woman made me do it. Ever since that incident with the eunuch—she—she made me burn the letters! I hated doing it, Meilina! Every time a letter arrived, she would force me to destroy it, saying I was the reason the other maids would never see their families again!"
Her voice cracked as she collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.
I stood still, her words echoing in my mind. For months, more than half a year, I'd worried about everyone in the mansion. Lianyu, Ariya, Yichen… all this time, they'd been writing. Their words had come so close, yet never reached me.
"I'm sorry, Meilina," Shuyin wept. "The letters sent to you—I couldn't burn them all. Some I sent back. I just couldn't bear it anymore."
"Why did you keep obeying her?" I asked quietly. "Why not tell the others what she made you do?"
"Because I can't!" she cried. "I feel guilty enough already. I can't let them see what kind of awful person I've become."
I reached down, gripping her arm, and pulled her to her feet.
"Do you want me to forgive you?" I asked firmly.
She hesitated, eyes red and trembling. "Yes—"
"Then tell the maids the truth. Tell them they've been sent letters. Tell them the Consort made you burn them. They deserve to know, Shuyin. You have no idea how it feels to think no one remembers you anymore."
"I… I don't think I can do that…"
"You can," I said, releasing her arm. "You just don't want to face it. But you must."
She wiped her tears with the back of her hand and looked at me silently.
"D–did you really act as a ghost in front of Jinmei?" she asked, her voice trembling with disbelief.
"Yes," I replied slowly.
To my surprise, she started giggling, then laughing, tears of amusement mixing with the ones from guilt.
"You don't even know how hysterical she's become! She keeps ranting about seeing your ghost! I had to sleep beside her last night because she swore your spirit wouldn't dare to appear while I was there!"
Her laughter became contagious. I couldn't help but laugh as well. Jinmei… perhaps she deserved a few sleepless nights.
"Well, Shuyin," I said once our laughter faded, "I think it's time you go and tell the others what's been happening."
"Oh—right." She sighed softly. "Goodbye, Meilina. I'll… try to come again."
I nodded. "Take care, Shuyin."
She left, closing the door behind her. The quiet that followed felt heavy yet peaceful.
Now that the truth was out, I could finally focus. I sat at my desk, dipped my quill into the ink, and began to write.
---
Dear Lianyu,
I discovered that the letters you sent were discarded by the Consort of the Lanxuan Pavilion. Now that I reside in the General's palace, your letters will finally reach me safely.
When I worked as a maid in the Pavilion, the General saw me wield a sword one day. Impressed, he offered me the chance to work under him. That is how I came to live here.
To Yichen—Yixuan confessed that the reason he left you that night was because he felt unworthy. He said you were too kind, too gentle, and he was too rough to protect you properly. He wanted you to find comfort under Lianyu's care. I don't know what he truly meant, but I hope this brings you clarity.
I will try to visit the mansion again someday. For now, please continue writing to me.
With love,
Meilina
---
I blew gently on the ink to dry it and set the letter aside. It was already late evening. Soon, it would be time for dinner.
I stood up and stretched, brushing off my clothes before heading downstairs. The palace was quiet, the servants had long gone. Only the faint crackle of torches filled the silence.
As I reached the bottom of the staircase, I was greeted by Renshu.
"You're here early?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied. "Today's work was lighter than usual." He gestured toward the dining table. "Come. Eat."
We sat across from each other. His tone was calm, almost casual.
"It's been a few nights since we practiced my sword training," he said between bites. "We should do it tonight."
I hesitated, unsure if he wanted to train or… something else. But I knew better than to refuse. "Alright," I said quietly.
After dinner, we walked down to the open field. The moonlight washed over the grass like silver.
"Do you wish to practice here?" I asked as he returned with two wooden swords.
"Yes," he answered simply.
For over an hour, he moved through slashes and stabs, striking the air with precision and speed. His focus was sharp, his movements smoother than before.
Watching him, I couldn't help but wonder if I could still block his attacks the way I once did.
Finally, he lowered his sword and sat on the grass, chest rising and falling with each breath. "Did I improve?" he asked, looking up at me.
"Yes," I said honestly. "Your speed has increased."
He smiled, faint but genuine.
Then, after a moment of silence, he looked up at the sky. "Don't the stars look beautiful tonight?"
The suddenness of it caught me off guard. "Why so suddenly?" I asked.
He laughed softly. "They look brighter from this open field. The moon's full tonight too."
I glanced upward. The moon glowed silver, round and radiant. It reminded me of the night I'd been taken to China. Almost four years had passed since then…
"Meilina," Renshu said, breaking my thoughts. "Come with me. I want to show you something."
He walked back toward the palace, leaving the wooden swords behind. Curious, I followed.
We entered through a side door on the first floor. Renshu took my hand, firm, warm, and led me down a narrow hidden corridor.
A staircase appeared at the end. We climbed quietly. Then, a cool breeze brushed my face as we emerged onto a balcony.
It was vast, shaped like a half-circle, with wooden railings running along the edge.
"I come here often," he said softly. "It's peaceful at night."
The wind carried his voice gently. He looked up toward the sky, his expression unguarded for once.
"You can see the moon even better from here," he added.
His hand was still holding mine. It was strangely comforting.
"We should talk more often," he said after a moment. "Tell me, Meilina, what was your family like? Back in Bharat?"