The morning sun painted golden streaks across the courtyard as servants hurried through the Mei estate, carrying bolts of silk and boxes of jade hairpins.
Mei Lian watched them from the veranda, a faint smile touching her lips. Life pulsed through the house — laughter, footsteps, sunlight on polished stone. It was peaceful. Too peaceful.
In her last life, she had never noticed how warm mornings could be before tragedy arrived.
---
Her brother's voice broke her thoughts.
"Lian'er!"
She turned as Mei Ren, dressed in pale blue robes, walked toward her with a teasing grin and a roll of parchment in his hand.
"Brother?" she said softly.
"Pack your things," he said. "We're going to the An residence. Lady An's wedding gown needs a final fitting, and she's been impatient to see it."
"Lady An?" Mei Lian repeated, her heart trembling.
Of course — An Ruo, her best friend. In this life, she was seventeen, radiant and kind, engaged to the Emperor — the Crown Prince's uncle.
In the last life, she had become Empress, but her marriage ended in blood.
Her husband was murdered by the Crown Prince himself. Her sons too.
The memory hit Mei Lian like a blade wrapped in silk.
But this time, she thought firmly, I'll protect her.
---
When they arrived at the An mansion, laughter floated from the inner courtyard.
Lady An Ruo greeted them herself, her long pink robes flowing like petals. Her beauty was softer than Mei Lian remembered — eyes bright, smile warm.
"Lian'er!" she exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. "You've grown prettier again. Soon, all the noble girls will envy you."
Mei Lian smiled faintly. "You say that every time."
"And I mean it every time," An Ruo said, chuckling.
Mei Ren bowed lightly and presented the wrapped box. "My lady, your bridal gown for the season's showcase. Woven from moonlight silk — the Emperor himself approved the design."
An Ruo's eyes sparkled. "Brother Mei, you never disappoint."
They moved inside, the maids unwrapping the gown with reverence. Silver and rose silk shimmered beneath the lantern light — embroidery of cranes and lotus blossoms so delicate it seemed alive.
The two women exchanged smiles as Mei Ren and Lady An began discussing details — the fabric, the veil, the jewels for the imperial wedding.
For a while, Mei Lian sat quietly, sipping tea. The conversation blurred into soft laughter and talk of color palettes.
Her gaze drifted toward the garden beyond the window.
A gentle breeze stirred the cherry petals outside. Amid the falling pink, something small fluttered — a bird, delicate and bright, with feathers the color of pale rose.
But the poor creature was struggling — one wing caught between two stones in the path.
Without a thought, Mei Lian rose and slipped out into the garden.
The air was sweet, filled with drifting petals. She knelt carefully beside the bird.
"Shh…" she whispered, her fingers gentle as she freed its trapped leg. The tiny creature trembled, chirping softly before hopping into her palm.
Its feathers glowed faintly in the light — pink fading into white, fragile yet beautiful.
"You're free now," she murmured. "Go."
The bird blinked at her, then fluttered into the air, circling once above her head before vanishing into the cherry blossoms.
A small smile touched her lips — soft, real, unguarded.
Maybe, she thought, this was the first sign.
A reminder from fate that even small kindnesses could change the course of things.
---
Inside, her brother's laughter echoed from the hall.
"Lian'er! Where did you vanish to again?"
She turned toward the sound of his voice, her heart lighter than it had been in years.
"I'm coming," she called, brushing the petals from her sleeve.
And as she walked back toward the house — toward family, friendship, and the uncertain threads of destiny — the breeze carried a faint sound behind her, like wings brushing silk.