How does one move on when the past won't let go?
———
Cheng's Pov:
I led Princess Chán Juān into the courtyard, bowing with respect. "My lady, it is not right for us to be alone behind closed doors, but I'm truly glad to see you here."
I pointed to a stone bench under a plum tree heavy with blossoms. "Please, sit. The flowers are in their finest bloom this season. What brings you to visit me today?"
As Chán Juān settled on the bench, I studied her, her delicate features framed by the pink petals drifting down in the cool breeze. I remained standing, close enough to be attentive yet maintaining a respectful distance. Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting warm patches of light across the stones, while birds chirped above us. She looked at me with a tender smile. "Do you remember those summers in these gardens, Cheng? We were so free, just like the birds. We played from morning until night, without a care in the world."
Her eyes met mine, hoping to rekindle warmth from our past. But my thoughts were distant, caught somewhere beyond this moment.
"Those days are over, and so is our innocence. I am meant to be emperor, and you, my empress. Our lives now belong to this empire, to its future."
Chán Juān's brow creased with a faint frown. "Must everything change so much? Titles don't alter our hearts." She moved closer, resting her hand softly on my chest.
Her touch was soft, tender, like a faint reminder from the days we shared in innocence. For a brief moment, I felt the pulse beneath my skin quicken, her fingers awakening memories I thought I'd buried. The closeness of her, the scent of blossoms mingling with her presence—it was both soothing and unsettling.
I couldn't stop thinking about Mei, how she had found out the truth about me, how I hadn't had the chance to leave the palace and see her. But even if I could, would she want me near? Would things be the same as they once were?
I knew I should focus on the woman standing in front of me, the one I was supposed to marry, but my mind kept betraying me. I felt guilty that Mei's presence still felt so strong inside me.
I looked down at Chán Juān, her eyes full of trust that I knew I didn't deserve. "The past is beyond our reach, my lady, no matter how deeply we yearn for it," I whispered, stepping back from her gentle hand.
That evening
Crown Prince Cheng sat in his study, going over documents. A soft knock sounded at the door.
"Enter."
Third Prince Xuan strode in, concern on his thoughtful face. "Brother, I came to see how you fare after the previous ordeal. That ritual places tremendous strain, even without..."
He trailed off delicately. Both knew of Cheng's curse, though it remained a secret from the outside world.
Cheng set down his brush. "You worry needlessly, Xuan. The spirit was contained, and no harm came to the empire. That is all that matters."
Xuan took the chair across from him. "Your health and control matter greatly too. Please, if there is any way I can lighten your burden, you need only ask."
"I am well, brother, truly. With support such as yours, this curse will not defeat me." He laid a hand on Xuan's arm.
"Keep your concerns for heavier affairs of states." Cheng poured them each a cup of jasmine tea. "The harvest brings good news, though unrest troubles the eastern provinces. Governor Zhao petitions for reinforcements."
"The 42nd regiment could support, if dispatched within the month."
Xuan nodded. "See it done." He took a sip of his tea.
"And how far have you gone in your own work? That medical institute for orphans in the lower city is nearly complete, yes?"
A smile lit Xuan's face. "It is. More than two hundred children will have opportunity."
"Your compassion builds stronger foundations than any army." Cheng grasped his brother's shoulder. "Together, we will see our people thrive in peace, good health and knowledge."
From the window, laughter floated up from afar, princess chán juān and her ladies enjoying the blooms. Xuan followed Cheng's gaze. "Her esteem for you runs deep. A good match, to join your house."
Cheng sighed. "If only duty and heart could walk as one." He turned from the window, discussion returning to governance.
Some days later {The emperor's birthday}
The emperor's celebrations shone bright in the royal palace. Every hall overflowed with lords and ladies in their finest silks and jewels, indulging in endless courses of food and drink. The grand hall glittered with candles and paper lanterns hung like stars. Ministers filed in bearing gifts for the emperor as musicians played.
Cheng and chán juān sat upon an elevated dais, she in a silken robe embroidered with peonies, he in richly embroidered blue silk.
As Minister li presented an antique jade statuette, chán juān leaned near. "Will you join me for the tea ceremony this evening?"
Before Cheng could answer, he caught sight of Mei, her presence commanding attention the moment she entered. Her dress, a masterpiece of fine red silk and charming embroidery, clung to her figure in all the right ways, accentuating her curves effortlessly. The soft flow of the fabric moved as she walked, capturing the light and his heart.
His breath caught in his chest as he watched her move through the room. He hadn't seen her like this before—so poised, so elegant.
Cheng couldn't tear his gaze away as their eyes met across the crowded room.
For a moment, the room seemed to fade away. His focus was entirely on her, unable to resist the pull of her presence. Mei had always been beautiful, but today, she was breathtaking. She had become something more, something beyond what he had imagined.
Chán Juān lightly touched Cheng's arm, her fingers brushing against him in an attempt to get his attention. "Cheng," she said softly, pulling him out of his thoughts. "What's your answer?"
Still distracted, Cheng blinked, confused. "What question?" he asked, his mind still on Mei.
Chán Juān smiled patiently, repeating her words with a lightness in her tone, "I asked if you would join me later for tea. I would like your company."
Cheng hesitated, torn between his thoughts. He glanced at her, then looked away, trying to focus. "I... I'll try," he said quietly, his voice distant, as if the promise was more to himself than to her.
Governor Qin entered, holding an elaborately carved writing box. "My gift pales beside the treasures already given. Long live His Majesty."
The assembly echoed the toast.
Throughout further presentations of gold and fine horses, chán juān smiled and made gentle attempts at conversation. But Cheng's attention constantly returned to mei. Though duty bound them, his heart remained distant from the woman at his side.
Lady Xia observed closely, her eyes carefully studying Cheng.
Cheng watched Mei with clear interest as she talked with other guests, his eyes full of fascination. Lady Xia noticed how Cheng seemed to hang on her every move, a small smile on his lips whenever their eyes met.
Then it dawned on her that Cheng might be involved in her. Why had she not noticed this sooner? A smile spread across her face. If their relationship turned into something scandalous, it could plant seeds of doubt in the emperor's mind and she could set them against each other. Removing Cheng in one swift move would clear the way for her rise in court.
Cheng stepped forth and bowed deeply to the emperor. "Your majesty, I come bearing a humble gift to honor you on this auspicious day."
He unveiled a marble statue carved in exquisite detail. A dragon emerged as if in flight, its scales rendered in dozens of precious stones that glittered in the light.
Gasps of delight rose from the assembly. The emperor lifted the sculpture, admiring the craftsmanship. "O Crown Prince Cheng, what vision you possess! This specimen captures the magnificence of dragon-kind. You do us royal persons credit, with your discerning eye for beauty."
Cheng accepted the praise with graceful modesty. "I sought only to offer something befitting Your Majesty's grandeur and esteem for tradition."
He smiled down at Cheng. "You have succeeded admirably. May your gifts always bring such joy. Now, let the celebrations commence!"
The assembly gave a toast for their benevolent ruler and the promising young prince at his side. Cheng bowed again, gratified by the emperor's favor.
Mei's Pov:
I wasn't exactly the social butterfly, but when Xiao invited me to the party, I couldn't say no. It was the emperor's birthday, that meant more food, more wine, and—most importantly—less small talk. I wasn't complaining.
As I made my way through the crowd, the sweet wines caught my eye immediately. I couldn't resist the temptation, so I moved toward the table, my fingers itching for a glass. The room was full of chatter, but something was... off. I felt it—eyes on me. Who was it? I scanned the crowd, pretending I wasn't affected by the attention.
My gaze landed on him—Cheng. I nearly choked on air, my throat tightening.
There he was, looking every bit the emperor's son, all tall, handsome. Great. I quickly tried to look away—because, obviously, looking at him like that was ridiculous—but my eyes just kept gravitating back to him.
I exhaled and convinced myself it was fine. It's his father's party. Obviously, he would be here. Nothing weird about that. So I turned my attention back to the table—food, wine, the good stuff. The distractions. I mean, why waste the evening wondering why I couldn't seem to stop thinking about a man who was clearly out of my league?
I grabbed a glass of the sweetest wine, my fingers trembling slightly. I took a sip, hoping it would calm my nerves, but I couldn't shake the feeling. Was he still watching? Probably. Why wouldn't he? It wasn't like I had a million other things to think about.
I looked around, trying to distract myself, when suddenly, the thought of Xiao popped into my head. I hadn't seen her anywhere, and wasn't she the one who invited me? Seriously, after all that effort, the least she could do was hang around and not leave me to fend for myself in a sea of who-knows-what. I sipped wine as I scanned the crowd again, hoping for a familiar face. Where was she?
Near the dais, Mei spotted Xiao engrossed in conversation with Princess Xin Yi.
Mei frowned, surprised at Xiao's sudden interest in befriending the princess. Xin Yi smiled and laughed, seemingly taken by Xiao's charms. Yet Mei couldn't help but feel that there was something that didn't sit right with the picture.
The festivities were in full swing and from her sit, Xiao witnessed Xin Yi and Yizong in flirtatious convo and burned with envy.
When xin yi's attention turned to her, Xiao took the opportunity to speak up. Her voice was light, but she was carefully choosing her words. "Ah, Princess Xin Yi," she said, almost too sweetly. "I remember the times spent on the royal lake, with Prince Yizong. Those were such fond memories..."
Her tone shifted slightly, almost casually implying something more, she recounted tales from her childhood, speaking fondly of days spent with yizong. With subtle implication, she described private moments alone with the prince at the lantern festival.
Xin yi's smile gradually faded, replaced by a pensive frown. Though Xiao wove her insinuations artfully as compliments, their barbs found their mark. Xiao saw the first seeds of doubt taking root in Xin yi's eyes, and gave a mischievous smile. Finally her patience was paying off.
As the ceremony reached its peak and lanterns flickered to life, court musicians struck their instruments to announce the evening's entertainment. Gracious dancers emerged in costumes shimmering with silk and gems. Royals and officials alike jeered and applauded their artistry.
Yet one spectator seemed less than enthralled. From her place beside Prince Yizong, Princess Xin Yi appeared distracted, her once radiant smile had all but vanished. Yizong leaned close to inquire after her wellbeing, but Xin Yi insisted all was well and encouraged him to enjoy the show.
When the final notes faded, Xin Yi took her leave early, pleading fatigue. Yizong offered to escort her, concerned for her sudden change in demeanor, but she refused with a polite reassurance. Mei watched the princess hurry away. What designs had she woven, with yizong's betrothal no less?
Mei stepped towards the table, requesting a moment with xiao and they stepped outside the event.
"What did you do, xiao?" Mei asked.
Xiao smiled innocently. "I've done nothing but entertain the princess, what else do you think happened?"
"Do not play coy with me. I saw how princess Xin yi's expression turn from amusement to annoyance, your words somehow distressed her."
"You've planted doubts where before there was none."
"Doubts regarding what, tell me? Her place at Yizong's side?" Xiao's smile turned sly.
"Perhaps she now questions how easily a prince's heart may waver."
Mei grasped Xiao's arm, lowering her voice to an urgent whisper. "You endanger yourself with this foolish scheming. The royal couple's relationship is a delicate matter, not yours to interfere with for the sake of your own jealous whims!"
Xiao wrenched free, eyes flashing. "Jealous? Of what—a princess with no claim to Yizong's heart but one of duty? I see where his true affections lie!"
"We all must mind our places, xiao, as befits our stations." With that subtle warning, Mei turned to face home, that was enough partying for one night.