Trinity

The Dongxi River was filled with music boats, their melodies drifting across the water. Lanterns bobbed like fireflies, casting reds and golds upon the undulating water, creating a dazzling dance of light.

Music boats drifted through the night, their melodies weaving through the air, drawing the gathered crowd into a dream spun from sound and light. Laughter and the scent of wine mingled with the crisp evening breeze, intoxicating all who indulged in this night of revelry. Fei Xian's influence was just as the rumors had described—enchanting and inescapable.

Contestants who had parted with 200 taels for entry lingered on the docks, enraptured by the grandeur before them. Yet, for those who wished to witness the choreography of Jin Lian's famed fairy up close from the floating seating areas, an additional 30 taels was required. Many lamented the steep cost, yet for those who could afford it missing this opportunity was unthinkable.

Fei Xian's fairy dance was a spectacle beyond words. The mere sight of it stirred something deep within both men and women, leaving them spellbound.

The show began.

The performance opened with the gentle plucking of a guqin, its ethereal notes stretching across the water, wrapping around the boats like a spell. The river, enchanted, moved in harmony with the melody. Lanterns flickered in time, their reflections creating an illusion of liquid fire upon the surface. Soon, the ensemble of musicians joined in, the high, lilting trill of flutes dancing above the deep, resonant heartbeat of drums. The dancing was a sight, the boats swayed gently, their movements synchronized with the melody.

Then, silence. A single note rang clear, commanding the hush of the crowd. Fei Xian emerged, poised like a celestial being upon her floating stage. Her veil shimmered under the lantern light, and when she plucked her guqin once more, her voice followed—soft, fragile, a whisper of wind rustling through autumn leaves. But as her melody built, so did its hold upon the audience, her song threading through their very souls. It was a tale of longing, of love lost and rediscovered across lifetimes, each note imbued with an ache beyond words.

She moved, her silk robes weightless, fluttering artistically carried by an unseen breeze. With each step she took, lotus petals bloomed in her wake, their delicate forms conjured by the sheer force of her qi. Then, with a grace that defied mortal limits, she leapt—spinning midair, golden light trailing her like celestial dust. When she landed upon another boat, it was beside the chosen guest of the Moonlit Golden Overture—Mo Wenqing.

A hush of awe settled over the audience, quickly replaced by murmurs of envy and admiration.

On the docks, Ye Huan watched as the boat drifted away. She had entrusted Lian Ku with escorting her brother back, this was something she could not let slip away so easily.

Her eyes locked onto the man disappearing into the night.

She had called out to him in Jin Lan, but he did not turn. That did not deter her.

Ye Huan moved.

The woman stepped forward, unbothered by the gasps of alarm as shadows coiled beneath her feet. They stretched outward, weaving themselves into an obsidian bridge that kissed the river's surface. She stepped onto it without hesitation, walking across the water as though she were born of the night itself. The lanterns cast their glow upon her red hanfu, illuminating the fabric with the illusion of flames licking at her heels.

Inside the pleasure boat, Mingyao sat stiffly, still reeling from the turn of events. This had not been part of her plan. She had anticipated an approach from the Black Lotus during the performance, but instead, she found herself face-to-face with Fei Xian, the most famous beauty in Xianyang. And now? Now she was seated across from her, the intoxicating scent of Fei Xian's perfume making it difficult to think clearly.

She found herself in an unexpected predicament.

She was no longer a man—spending the night with Fei Xian was out of the question, even if she wanted to. She needed to find a way out of this delicate situation.

"So, Mr. Mo, what would you like to do first?" Fei Xian's voice was a sultry purr, her face mere inches from Mingyao's, the veil shimmering between them.

Mingyao's gaze flickered, taking in the woman before her. Green eyes—strikingly familiar. Yet, she schooled her expression, turning her attention to the rippling waves beyond.

"How about we drink wine and admire the reflection of the moon?" she suggested. "The dancing waves have their own kind of poetry."

Fei Xian's lips curved in mild disappointment. "A man with the legendary beauty of Xianyang before him, and all he wishes to admire is the river?"

Mingyao forced a chuckle, feigning ease. "How could we not enjoy such a lovely view? We have the whole night, don't we? Let us build toward your reveal, savor the anticipation. A cup of wine, and the singing waves—it seems like a fitting start."

Fei Xian studied her for a moment longer before letting out a soft, amused laugh. "Very well," she said, rising to retrieve a jar of wine and two cups. She poured, setting one before Mingyao before lifting her own. "Since you appreciate beauty in all forms, how about I provide a private performance? You may enjoy the scenery while I play for you."

She moved to her guqin, fingers gliding over the strings, releasing a melody that seemed to pull at the heart itself. Mingyao found herself lost in the sound, lost in thoughts she could not quite grasp. By the time the final note faded, Fei Xian was before her again, her scent weaving its spell.

"Do you wish to see what lies behind this veil, Mr. Mo?" she whispered, fingers teasing the delicate fabric.

Before Mingyao could respond, Fei Xian stiffened. Her gaze snapped toward the entrance.

"We have an uninvited guest."

Mingyao tensed, expecting an attack from the Black Lotus at last. But when the intruder stepped forward, she let out a sigh.

Ye Huan stood at the entrance, her crimson robes a striking contrast against Fei Xian's flowing green.

"So, this is the famed beauty of Xianyang,"

She took a step closer, tilting her head.

She mused, her gaze sharp as she assessed Fei Xian. Then, her expression shifted. A frown. A flicker of intrigue. "Strange… I can't see into your soul."

Her gaze flickered between them. "Yours either, Your Highness. Tell me, how are you both hiding your desires?"

Fei Xian's smirk was slow, knowing. "And you are?"

"His wife," Ye Huan declared, pointing directly at Mingyao.

Silence.

Fei Xian's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Oh?"

Mingyao frowned. "Since when?"

"Don't you remember?" Ye Huan's expression was unreadable.

Fei Xian chuckled. "Mr. Mo, I had no idea you were spoken for."

Ye Huan took a step closer. "I'll be taking him for myself tonight."

Fei Xian's smirk deepened. "Shall we let Mr. Mo decide?" She reached up, grasping the edges of her veil. "Tell me, 'wife,'" she said, tasting the word as if it were a rare delicacy. "Do you think you can compete with this?"

With a graceful tug, she unveiled herself.

Mingyao froze, the breath stolen from her lungs.

"Rouyan?" she whispered, stunned.