At the perfectly ardoned inner chamber of Chengqian Palace, Consort Xian sat with a calm, thoughtful expression, carefully stitching a pouch in delicate threads and light silks, infusing the cloth with a hint of jasmine. She knew well that in the Forbidden City, memories were as fickle as the wind; her recent humiliation could be faded, or her innocence forgotten, and if she did not act swiftly to turn this moment to her advantage. After the turbulent events, she had endured accusations and survived with her status intact. Now was the time to remind the emperor of his swift misjudgment and the innocence he almost dismissed. This scented pouch would be a subtle yet poignant reminder.
"Lingyi," she called softly, looking up as Lingyi approached. "Deliver this to the Emperor on my behalf."..She passed the pouch to her and continued in whatever she was doing.
Lingyi nodded, understanding that it was more than just a token—it was Consort Xian's bid to remind the Emperor of her loyalty and trustworthiness. Lingyi knew that being the one to deliver it came with its own risks, but she accepted it without hesitation. After all, her loyalty to Consort Xian outweighed her own fears.
With a steady heart, she set off, carrying the scented pouch with care. She arrived at the Emperor's residence, to meet Eunuch Liu who stationed at the entrance of the hall. "greetings, Eunuch Liu." she bowed respectfully.
"ah!, Ru lingyi.." Eunuch Liu acknowledged with a smile .
"What brings you - or is your mistress unwell?"..The head Eunuch asked with concern.
"no no..Xian Fei Niang naing is well".. Lingyi replied sharply.. lighting a relief on Eunuch Liu.
"Naing naing sent me to deliver this pouch to His Majesty "
The old eunuch nodded with a neutral expression, taking the pouch from her hands. "I shall ensure His Majesty receives it."
Lingyi bowed again, ready to leave, but as she turned, she suddenly froze. Her gaze had caught sight of a familiar figure standing not far away—a face etched in her memory since their last encounter. The man who had come to her rescue, her savior from that frightening night. The palace attire did not diminish his calm authority; if anything, it enhanced it.
Her heart stilled, and she found herself momentarily lost in the sight of him, allowing herself a brief fantasy of gratitude, perhaps even fate. She might never have seen him again, and yet here he was, in the very heart of the Forbidden City.
But then her heart skipped, pulling her abruptly back to reality as Eunuch Liu's voice announced a name that echoed like thunder in her ears. "Prince Lan of First Rank."
She could barely breathe. A prince? she thought, her eyes widening. My savior is a prince?
Lingyi's mind raced, trying to reconcile the man she had only known as a mysterious stranger with his lofty title. All her training and the habits ingrained in her by palace life quickly surged to the fore, and she dropped into a formal bow.
"Greetings, Prince Lan of First Rank," she managed, her voice steady but soft.
He looked at her and, to her surprise, a faint smile played on his lips. He gave a slight wave, gesturing for her to stand. "Please, there's no need for such formality."
Lingyi rose slowly, her cheeks tinged with a blush as she tried to meet his gaze without losing her composure. "Thank you… Your Highness."
"Why must we make this so formal?" he said, an amused note in his tone. "Call me Lan." His voice was low and inviting, and Lingyi felt her heart give a strange, small lurch.
"I dare not…" she hesitated, her eyes darting around to ensure no one was listening. "You're of the royal blood, Your Highness. It wouldn't be proper…"
"Proper?" he laughed softly. "There is enough properness in this place to smother any man. Just consider me… a friend."
Lingyi stared at him, caught between disbelief and a quiet, blossoming warmth. A friend? Here in this cold, unfeeling palace? She could barely hold his gaze, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks.
"Thank you, Your Highness," she finally said, her voice barely heard.
"Did I not just say we should dispense with titles?" He gently teased, his eyes glinting with humor. "Would you walk with me down the palace tracks, just for a while?"
He offered his arm, and, with a slight tremble for lingyi to get down the steps that lead to the Emperor's main hall, Lingyi placed her hand on his. It felt surreal, this moment with him by her side, guiding her out into the courtyard where the gardens whispered in the breeze. They walked in silence at first, her heartbeat loud in her ears as she tried to ignore the curious glances of passing servants.
At last, he broke the silence, his tone gentle. "You seem nervous. Have I… frightened you?"
"No, no, Your—" She stopped, catching herself. "No, Prince Lan. Not frightened… only… surprised."
"And why should my presence be such a surprise?"
She took a breath, glancing at him with cautious curiosity. "When you saved me… I did not think I would ever see you again neither did I know your status. Let alone here, in such a… privileged position."
"A privileged position is rarely as safe as it appears," he said quietly, his gaze fixed ahead. "And as for you, it seems trouble has already found its way to you in the palace."
Lingyi bit her lip, nodding. "I… I didn't mean to bring any trouble on myself. I just…" She trailed off, uncertain how to voice her thoughts.
"You need not explain," he replied gently. "The palace is filled with shadows, and those in the light cast them wherever they go. I understand, more than you may think."
The sincerity in his voice surprised her. "It must be difficult for you too," she murmured, almost without thinking. "Living under the weight of expectation."
He looked at her, surprised at her insight. "Yes… it is. But I have grown accustomed to the burdens." He paused, then added, "And sometimes, those burdens become lighter when shared."
She couldn't help but smile at his words, and he caught her gaze, a soft warmth in his eyes that made her breath catch. This was no ordinary prince, she realized; his was a strength that lay in silence, in the way he listened and understood without demanding.
They continued their walk, exchanging quiet words, and Lingyi felt an unspoken bond forming between them. His presence was both comforting and thrilling, each word drawing her closer to him. She shared stories of her humble life ever since she entered the palace, and he listened attentively, occasionally laughing softly at her tales, his voice a rich warmth against the cool air.
As they reached the gates of Chengqian Palace, she felt a bittersweet pang, knowing this time with him was drawing to a close. She turned to him, her voice shy yet sincere.
"Thank you… for everything," she said, bowing her head slightly.
"It was my pleasure." He inclined his head, his gaze lingering on her, and for a moment, she felt as though he could see right into her heart.
Lingyi hesitated, but her voice came out almost without her realizing it. "Will I… see you again?"
The corner of his mouth lifted in a subtle smile. "If fate is kind, perhaps." He gave a small nod. "Until then, be cautious. And remember… shadows cannot touch you as long as you stand in the light."
With those words, he turned, his figure soon fading into the distance as he walked down the palace path, his stride confident and unhurried. Lingyi watched him until he was out of sight, her heart beating in a soft, unsteady rhythm.
As she stepped back through the gates of Chengqian Palace, her mind was filled with the memory of his smile, the warmth in his voice, and the safety she had felt in his presence. A new lightness lingered within her, something delicate and precious she couldn't quite define. She knew that their paths had crossed for a reason, even if she couldn't understand it fully.
For the first time since she had entered this palace, she felt truly alive, as though the walls around her had softened, and the shadows had retreated, even if only for a moment.