The golden lotus sewn into the fabric was a unique and deeply personal design, a pattern his father had meticulously crafted for himself.
Just as royalty often possess a secret emblem, a symbol of their lineage and authority, Qin Fuhua's father had chosen the golden lotus, a counterpart to his son's (Qin Fuhua) phoenix.
This intricate emblem was more than mere decoration; it was a testament to his father's profound love for his people and the land he governed.
Qin Fuhua's father had been an ideal of dedication, striving tirelessly to ensure his people lived in harmony and prosperity.
The golden lotus was a silent witness to this devotion, and Qin Fuhua recognized it instantly.
His mother had once held a handkerchief adorned with this precious symbol, a gift from her husband, and she cherished it as if it were the very essence of her husband's love. That handkerchief had been a beacon of joy and a token of their once-perfect union until his father's infatuation with a new concubine had shattered their familial bliss and left his mother abandoned. Her gaze often lingered on the handkerchief, her fingers tracing the delicate threads of the golden lotus. Day and night, she clung to it, staring at the heavens as if searching for a message in the stars to send to her estranged husband a message.
The handkerchief, now a symbol of both her enduring love and profound sorrow, was a constant reminder of the man she once adored.
The golden lotus was a closely guarded secret within the Royal Palace, known only to those who were intimately connected with the Royal family.
Trusted individuals like Weizhe and Zhaoyun could effortlessly recognize Qin Fuhua's emblem of the phoenix. If Qin Fuhua needed to send an important message, he could write it on a piece of paper and, when held against the light of a candle, the hidden symbol of his phoenix would be revealed.
The appearance of the golden lotus on a cloth raised unsettling questions. Was it a covert message intended for the enemy who had ambushed Qin Fuhua? The implications were as mysterious as the embroidery itself, filled with layers of meaning and potential danger.
While these mysteries unfolded, Qin Fuhua resumed his rigorous training with his soldiers, honing their skills with relentless determination.
Meanwhile, Suyin returned to the privacy of Qin Fuhua's quarters, her mind undoubtedly occupied with thoughts of the golden lotus and the secrets it might reveal.
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Suyin was inspecting the cloth, her fingers gently tracing the delicate embroidery as she scrutinized it with a furrowed brow.
The golden lotus shimmered subtly in the flickering candlelight.
"Why was this cloth here in the first place?" she murmured to herself, the question echoing in the quiet room.
The connection between the symbol and Qin Fuhua's father gnawed at her thoughts. Could his father be entangled in this web of deceit and danger?
A deep sigh escaped her lips as she pressed her hands to her temples, attempting to untangle the chaotic swirl of thoughts.
The mystery of the golden lotus seemed to grow more complex with each passing moment.
Just then, the soft rustle of fabric heralded Qin Fuhua's entrance. He stepped into the room quietly, his presence both commanding and comforting, while Weizhe stood guard outside the tent.
"What's wrong?" Qin Fuhua's voice was a low murmur, his eyebrows knitted in concern as he took in Suyin's troubled expression.
Suyin rose from the table, the cloth still clutched in her hand. Her eyes met his, a storm of confusion and worry reflected in their depths. She extended the cloth toward him, her voice tinged with frustration and confusion.
"I'm trying to understand why this would be at an enemy's camp. Is it a trap, or is there something more to it?" Her voice trembled slightly as she voiced her fears, the implications of the golden lotus pressing heavily on her mind. Qin Fuhua accepted the cloth, his eyes narrowing as he examined the familiar emblem.
He shook his head slowly, the weight of the mystery settling onto his shoulders.
Without a word, he reached out and gently pulled Suyin into an embrace, patting her head in a gesture of reassurance. The warmth of his hold offered a brief respite from the turmoil within her mind, and for a moment, they stood together in silent solidarity, each pondering the intricate puzzle laid before them.
"No matter what this means, I don't want you getting involved," Qin Fuhua whispered, his voice laden with concern. "I'm worried about your safety."
Suyin, held securely in Qin Fuhua's embrace, felt the warmth of his care envelop her. Yet, she gently pulled away, looking up into his eyes with determination. "If this affects your reputation, I can't let you be seen as a villain. I won't stand by while anyone tarnishes your name."
Her mind drifted back to the mysterious figure who had impersonated Qin Fuhua at the tavern inn. There had been two incidents linked to the Crown Prince, whose identity she had only realized upon seeing his face, Qin Fuhua's brother, the Crown Prince.
The web of deceit was tightening, and she felt an urgent need to protect Qin Fuhua from the shadows looming over them.
"I know how you are," he said softly, looking down at her with a small, affectionate smile.
"You're someone who will fight for what you believe in, no matter the cost." He sighed, the weight of his worry evident. "Just promise me that if you take any action, you won't do it alone. Don't be reckless."
Suyin smiled at his plea, her heart warmed by his concern. "For someone who is known as a cold-hearted Prince, I didn't realize you could care so deeply about someone other than yourself," she teased, a chuckle escaping her lips as she turned back towards the chair.
Before she could sit, Qin Fuhua grabbed her arm, pulling her back for an aggressive yet tender peck on the cheek.
"You are more precious to me than my own life," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. "If you get hurt, I will feel that pain tenfold." He brushed his nose against hers, a gentle gesture that spoke volumes of his affection.
The room seemed to shrink around them, their connection creating an intimate world apart from the chaos outside.
Suyin's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, her shyness palpable as she brought her hands to her face, feeling the lingering warmth of Qin Fuhua's kiss.
She glanced around the room, trying to compose herself. "You're back early. Did you forget something?" she stammered, attempting to divert the conversation from her embarrassment, her heart still racing.
Qin Fuhua's expression softened as he replied, "I forgot to tell you that the army will be departing to the next destination. I didn't want you to stay here, but I can't ensure you a safe journey back home..."
Qin Fuhua trailed off, his eyes wandering away for a second before he glanced back at her.
A spark of joy lit up Suyin's eyes. "Does that mean I can stay with you?" she asked eagerly. Qin Fuhua shook his head.
"The next base will be right in the middle of the territory between Qin and Long. It's a dangerous area, but it's crucial for our investigation with the 100-year-old Hong Teng."
He paused, his mind drifting back to their previous encounter with Old Man Wu, who had nearly killed Suyin before she escaped by plunging into the river.
This time, he was determined to uncover the secrets of the underground cave with the rose-shaped key they had found, hoping to find the cure for the Princess and find out about his Father's past.
"Of course, I'll stay with you if I have the choice," Suyin declared, her voice resolute.
She glanced around the room again, her cheeks still tinged with pink.
"But can I please request a tent for myself? Being in the same tent as you, before we even settle in together as a married couple, doesn't seem appropriate. I don't want to tarnish your name or reputation in front of the soldiers who respect and admire you."
Although Qin Fuhua seemed indifferent to the opinions of others regarding their sleeping arrangements, he respected Suyin's wishes.
He sighed deeply, his eyes searching hers.
"Are you sure?" he asked gently.
His protective instincts were strong, and he didn't want to be apart from her for even a moment, but he valued her comfort and autonomy above all.
Suyin nodded, her fingers fidgeting nervously. "As long as I'm here with you and can see you, that's enough for me," she murmured, her voice trailing off as if she didn't want to say more.
Her gaze dropped to the floor, apprehensive that Qin Fuhua might be displeased with her request.
Noticing that Qin Fuhua hadn't responded or moved, Suyin glanced up, startled to find his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her feel like prey.
Her heart began to race, a mix of nervousness and anticipation flooding her senses.
Qin Fuhua moved closer, his gaze never leaving her, causing her to step back instinctively.
She stumbled against the table, her hands splaying out for balance as she leaned back. The tension in the air was palpable, a current of unspoken emotions crackling between them.
As Qin Fuhua closed the distance, he lowered his head to plant a gentle kiss on her neck.
Suyin felt a rush of warmth flood her body, a tingling sensation that made her emit a soft, involuntary sound.
Hearing this, Qin Fuhua stopped, his sharp eyes meeting hers, filled with a blend of desire and restraint.
He straightened, lifting his head with a soft sigh.
"I respect your wishes," he murmured, his voice tender yet filled with a quiet struggle.
"If I let my desire take over before we are truly together, I won't be able to forgive myself." He carefully helped her up, her cheeks burning with embarrassment from the sound she had made.
"I..." Suyin started, but the words faltered on her lips.
Before she could find her voice, Qin Fuhua let out a small, amused chuckle at her reaction, his brows relaxing into a casual, almost playful expression.
Seeing Qin Fuhua's relaxed, kind face was a rare sight, one that left Suyin in awe.
At that moment, she couldn't recognize this gentle man with the cold, stern, unyielding figure she had first met in the Forest the first time.
Feeling a mixture of embarrassment and indignation at his amusement, she decided to retaliate.
Rising on her tiptoes, she nipped at his neck lightly, then gave him an upset look, her eyes sulking.
Without waiting for his reaction, she hurried out of the tent, unable to bear the heat that suffused her cheeks and the pounding of her heart.
Qin Fuhua stood there, momentarily stunned by Suyin's bold move. A slow smile spread across his face, followed by a laugh as he covered his eyes and shook his head.
The serious prince found himself unable to maintain his usual composure around her. Her presence disrupted his controlled demeanor, revealing a vulnerability he rarely showed.
Perhaps, he mused, it was indeed best that they slept in separate tents for now.
The distance would give him time to regain his composure and respect the boundaries she valued so dearly.
Yet, as he thought of her, his heart swelled with an affection that made him look forward to a future where such boundaries would no longer be necessary.