Snow had already begun to fall in the north. The white land, though cold and serene, seemed to beckon anyone to touch its pristine beauty.
Today, the House of Yan was filled with joyous news. It was the birth day of the Second Daughter of the Yan Family, born to the First Mistress. On the same day, Lord Yan had been promoted to Minister of Finance. Overwhelmed by happiness, Lord Yan named his newborn daughter "Little Auspicious One" and cherished her dearly.
Mistress Yan, the First Daughter, couldn't take her eyes off her baby sister. From the moment she was born, Lord Yan bestowed upon the child ten acres of land, as well as an abundance of gold and silver treasures. The Second Mistress, Yan Jiangri, often compared to a snowflower for her purity and grace, was elevated in rank and favor within the palace, nearly rivaling the Emperor's daughters in status.
Even more remarkable, the younger sister of Lord Yan held the esteemed title of Imperial Consort, cherished by the Emperor himself. Although Yan Jiangri was pure and delicate in appearance, she was not considered the most beautiful woman in the capital. Instead, her intelligence and insight earned her recognition. Her sharp mind allowed her to offer valuable counsel to the Emperor, and on her fifteenth birthday, she was granted the title of "Princess of Yanjiang."
Meanwhile, the First Daughter's elder brother had become a renowned general, wielding significant influence in the palace. However, amidst these triumphs, a storm began to brew in the House of Yan. Neighboring Han launched an invasion, plunging the kingdom into unrest.
This looming conflict became the center of daily conversations within Yan Palace. That morning, while Yan Jiangri focused on her reports, a servant approached her with a message:
"Your Highness, the Minister has requested your presence in the library."
"Understood," she replied curtly, her attention still on her papers.
After swiftly completing her report, she adjusted her robes, gathered the documents, and made her way to the library. Upon entering, she noticed that the room was already bustling with officials. The General of the Palace Guards was present, signaling that military matters were likely the topic of discussion.
As her gaze wandered, Yan Jiangri noticed someone standing beside her brother, General Yan. For a fleeting moment—like the delicate flutter of a butterfly—her eyes met those of the stranger. His jade-like eyes held an enigmatic depth she couldn't fathom. His features were so striking that she wondered if the gods had spent an eternity crafting him.
"The Commander of the Guards, Lin Shaungwei, pays his respects to the Princess of Yanjiang," the man said, his voice rich and steady, carrying an air of authority.