Princess Chàn Juàn stood by the window, looking over the garden while her fingers played with the old strip of cloth tied around her wrist. The fabric had faded over the years, yet it held a memory she could never forget.
The cool night breeze swept across her face, but she hardly noticed. Her mind wandered back to years ago, to a time when everything felt simpler.
She still remembered the feel of clay sticking to her hands as she tried to shape a small bowl. Her long hair kept falling forward, getting in the way. She huffed in frustration, pushing it back with the corner of her hand, but it was no use. No matter how many times she tried, the strands slipped free again.
Cheng had been sitting nearby, quietly focused on his own work. He must have noticed her struggle because, without a word, he stood and walked over. Then, he tore a strip from the bottom of his robe and gently gathered her hair.
"Here," he said, tying it back for her. "Now you won't have to stop every time to fix it." He stepped back to check his work.
Chàn Juàn had stared at him, surprised. She reached up, touching the knot, feeling the soft fabric against her fingers. It was such a small gesture, yet it had meant everything to her.
Even now, she still held onto that strip of cloth, its edges frayed with time. She had never once thought of letting it go.
Her grip tightened around it. The past felt so close, almost within reach. But the present was different. Everything had changed. They were no longer children, and Cheng… he was no longer that boy.
Still, some things, some memories were too precious to forget.
Her thoughts were interrupted when her handmaid stepped into the room, holding a folded letter.
"This just arrived, Your Highness," she said softly. "It's from home."
Chàn Juàn's fingers tightened around the cloth on her wrist, but she didn't reach for the letter right away. Instead, she walked slowly to the bedside before finally accepting it.
She unfolded the paper, her eyes skimming over the words. She already knew what it would say... more of the same. There was no need to read further, she folded it again and held it out.
"Burn it."
The handmaid lifted her head, uncertain of what she heard. "Your Highness—" But Chàn Juàn said nothing more.
Lowering into a bow, the girl stepped closer to the candle on the nearby table, holding the letter over the flame. She watched as the edges darkened, curling inward before catching fire. The paper crumbled into ash as she let it go.
Chàn Juàn walked back toward the window. "Any message from Cheng?"
The handmaid shook her head. "No, Your Highness."
A deafening silence filled the room for a moment, then the handmaid spoke again. "There is a festival in Shanguang Village tomorrow. The people are preparing lanterns and—"
Chàn Juàn didn't respond, her eyes were fixed on the world outside. The handmaid hesitated, unsure whether to continue.
She took a careful step closer and bowed slightly. "Your Highness, would you like to take a walk in the gardens? The air is cool tonight."
Chàn Juàn shook her head. "No."
The maid hesitated again before speaking. "The festival in Shanguang Village… It is said to be lively, with music and celebrations. Perhaps it would lift your spirits?"
Chàn Juàn considered the suggestion for a moment, but the thought of laughter, music, and bustling crowds held no appeal. She turned away from the window and walked to her seat, lowering herself gracefully.
"I have no interest in such things," she said.
The handmaid lowered her head. "I understand, Your Highness."
"That will be all."
With a quiet curtsy, the maid left the room.
.....
The screen slid open with a sharp bang, jolting Mei awake from a restless doze. She sat up quickly, her heartbeat unsteady from the sudden noise, and saw Yú Yuè stepping closer.
Mei looked at her, noticing right away that something was off. Yú Yuè moved quietly, lowering herself onto the rumpled blankets beside Mei without saying a word.
Mei frowned. "Yú Yuè, you seem troubled. What's wrong?"
Yú Yuè exhaled quietly, shaking her head. "Nothing, really."
"But you look down."
Yú Yuè managed a faint smile before asking, "You visit the Ninth Palace often... How has Yizé been these days?"
Mei watched her for a moment before answering. "He seemed fine the last time I was there. Is something wrong?"
Yú Yuè looked away. "It's just… it has been too long since I last saw him." Her fingers twisted the fabric of her sleeve before she added, "He rarely leaves the Ninth Palace." Her voice grew softer.
"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about—" Mei started, but then she noticed Yú Yuè's clenched hands and the way she avoided her gaze. That was when it hit her... this wasn't just concern. A smirk formed on her lips.
"Tell me, when did you first realize you cared for Yizé?"
Yú Yuè's reaction was immediate. "No, no, this is nothing like that," she blurted out.
Mei chuckled. "There it is… that look."
Yú Yuè's blush deepened as she turned away. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Really?" Mei's smile broadened. "Don't deny your feelings so easily. You know you don't have to hide them from me."
For a moment, Yú Yuè said nothing. Then, a shy smile broke through as she buried her face in her hands. "It's nothing like that," she mumbled.
But Mei wasn't about to let her escape so easily. Grinning, she playfully pulled Yú Yuè's hands away. "Oh no, you don't! Don't try to hide your sweet embarrassment now. Just admit that you care for him!"
Pouting, Yú Yuè tried to pull her hands free, though she was fighting a smile. "Must you torment me like this? There is truly nothing between us."
"Not with that pretty blush on your face!" Mei teased with a wink.
Yú Yuè shook her head furiously, her cheeks still warm. "I will admit nothing, you stubborn woman!" She spun around and bolted, laughing as Mei chased after her.
At last, Mei caught her, wrapping her arms around her from behind. "Got you now! Admit it… you have feelings for our noble Yizé."
Breathless with laughter, Yú Yuè finally gave in. "Fine, fine! He is… appealing to the eyes. And I care for him, more than I can say."
Mei let her go with a victorious grin. "Oh? And when exactly did this little crush begin?"
Yú Yuè's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "I-I don't know," she stammered. "It... It just… happened. I used to enjoy watching him from afar, and before I knew it, it became something real."
Mei clasped her hands together dramatically. "Aww, Yú Yuè has a crush!" she declared in a singsong voice. "I should go tell Yizé all about it!"
Yú Yuè let out a playful shriek and tackled Mei onto the bed, pinning her down. "Don't you dare!" She locked her in a loose headlock. "You can't tell him!"
Mei laughed, trying to wriggle free. "Your blush is telling me otherwise!"
Yú Yuè groaned, still trying to fight off Mei's relentless teasing, when a soft knock came at the door. The laughter faded as they exchanged glances.
Mei sat up, smoothing her hair while Yú Yuè stepped forward to open it.
The cheerful atmosphere faded almost instantly, replaced by an awkward silence as Xiao stood in the doorway, her hands clasped tightly at her sides and she looked uncertain. Mei tensed but kept her expression neutral.
"May I come in?" Xiao asked in a low voice.
Yú Yuè glanced at Mei, who gave a reluctant nod. She stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. "I... I wanted to talk."
Mei sat cross-legged on the wooden chair, her fingers absently tracing the grain of the table in front of her. Yú Yuè busied herself folding a robe, though it didn't need it.
Xiao took a slow breath before speaking. "I know I'm probably the last person you want to see right now." She glanced at Yú Yuè, then back at Mei. "But I wanted to apologize."
Mei leaned back slightly, crossing her arms. "Apologize?"
"For everything that happened with Prince Yizong." Xiao's voice was quieter now. "You warned me, and I didn't listen. I ignored you, pushed you away… and I paid the price for it." She lowered her gaze. "I should have trusted you."
Mei studied her for a long time, her fingers tapping lightly against her arm.
"Do you really mean that?" She finally asked, glancing at Xiao from the corner of her eye.
"Every word, Mei," Xiao replied. "I should have listened to you." She looked at Mei again, offering a small, almost shy smile. "I miss us... I miss you."
Mei didn't respond immediately.
An awkward silence followed before she finally spoke.
"I'm sorry too," her voice quieter than before.
Xiao turned to her, slightly surprised. "For what?"
"For avoiding you all this time. It wasn't just because of everything that happened... I suppose I needed some space." She reached out and gently rubbed the back of Xiao's hand. "But that doesn't mean I should have stayed away."
Xiao was silent for a moment before a faint smile appeared on her lips. "I understand."
Just as the tension between them started to ease, Yú Yuè, who had been quietly following behind, suddenly spoke up.
"It's great that you two made up. At least now the festival tomorrow should be lively."
Xiao's eyes lit up with interest. "Festival?"
Yú Yuè blinked. "Oh… um—" She shot a quick glance at Mei, realizing her mistake.
Xiao tilted her head curiously. "There is a festival happening?"
Yú Yuè sheepishly rubbed the back of her head before nodding. "At Shanguang Village. Mei is going."
Mei shot her a pointed look, well aware of Yú Yuè's tendency to spill details at the worst times. Xiao, of course, caught onto it immediately.
"Yes! It would be the perfect chance for you both to work on your relationship, don't you think?" Yú Yuè added, a little too eagerly.
Mei's expression tightened as she discreetly signaled to Yú Yuè with a raised eyebrow. But Xiao had already turned back to her, with a thoughtful look in her eyes.
"That sounds… refreshing," she said slowly. Then she let out a small, almost sad laugh. "Of course, I am not allowed to go anywhere unless summoned." She sighed, glancing down. "It's been hard, being locked away. The walls of my room feel smaller every day."
Yú Yuè grabbed Mei gently by the arm and pulled her a few steps away from Xiao, lowering her voice. "We need to find a way to get her out of the palace."
Mei frowned. "And how do you plan to do that?" she asked, crossing her arms. "I can't beg the emperor for mercy again. Last time, it only made things worse."
Yú Yuè shook her head. "No, not that. I mean sneaking her out."
Mei's expression hardened. "That is not an option."
"It's the only choice we have," Yú Yuè insisted. "Think about it—staying locked up like this isn't good for her, and it's definitely not good for the baby."
Mei exhaled deeply, rubbing her temples. She hated to admit it, but Yú Yuè had a point. Xiao looked paler than usual, and just as Mei was about to walk toward her, Xiao suddenly swayed on her feet.
Mei reacted instantly, rushing forward to catch her. "Xiao?" she called, gripping her arms firmly. "Are you alright?"
Xiao nodded weakly, allowing Mei to guide her to sit on the edge of the bed. "I'm fine," she said, though her voice lacked its usual strength. "I suppose staying inside for so many days has made me feel a little lightheaded."
Yú Yuè quickly poured a cup of water and handed it to her. "Here, drink this."
Xiao accepted it with a grateful nod and took small sips.
"Are you sure that's all?"
Xiao offered a reassuring smile. "Yes. I just need some fresh air."
Mei nodded. "Good. Then prepare yourself for the festival. You're going."
Xiao stiffened, her eyes widening in shock as she stood abruptly. "Mei, no. Please don't go to the emperor and beg for me again—"
Mei shook her head. "I won't." A small smirk played on her lips. "We have a faster way. Just be ready for tomorrow."