when the truth unfolds, it's hurt.

The lantern light flickered against the paper walls of my room as dusk deepened outside, casting long shadows that reached across the floor like ghostly fingers. I sat alone, legs folded, hands clenched tightly in my lap, as thoughts churned endlessly in my head.

Why is Mu Ruoxi staying at the royal palace?

Only those born of the imperial bloodline are allowed residence there. That law has never changed. And Mu Ruoxi—she's from the west. From a kingdom far across the borders. She and Bai Long share no known alliance... or at least, they shouldn't.

Then why is she there?

The silence thickened until a knock came at the door, soft but urgent.

> "Miss Liu," Lei Zi called from outside, his tone gentle, yet laced with tension. "I need to speak with you. It's very important."

> "Not now," I said, not turning around. My voice came out low, almost hollow. "I don't want to hear anything. Let's talk later."

He hesitated before stepping in.

> "It's about my master. And why Princess Mu Ruoxi is staying at the royal palace."

That made me whip my head around.

> "What did you just say?"

> "It's about my master. And why Princess Mu Ruoxi is staying at the royal palace."

A strange chill crept down my spine.

> "What did you find out?,tell me"

He came a step closer. His face was unreadable, but his eyes betrayed a storm.

> "I hid and heard her earlier. She talked as if... as if she lives there now. She mentioned the guards, the hidden paths through the garden—details only someone who stays there would know. And I know the law, Miss Liu. No outsider stays in the royal palace unless... unless they're family."

He paused. Then, like it physically pained him to say it:

> "Master... Bai Long is to be engaged to Princess Mu Ruoxi."

For a heartbeat, everything froze.

The words struck my chest with such weight that I couldn't breathe. I blinked, trying to make sense of what I had heard, but the silence only echoed the truth.

> "So," I said , voice cold. "He's getting engaged."

The corners of my lips curled in bitter irony.

> "Of course he is. Everything makes sense now. This is why he took everything from me. My father. My kingdom.my everything. He killed my father for the throne... and now, he's getting engaged."

> "Miss Liu, please," Lei Zi stepped forward quickly, anguish in his voice. "You're mistaken. You must be. My master—he would never do this to hurt you."

I stood up sharply.

> "Are you defending him? If you still believe in him, if you still follow him—then leave Bao Lai. Leave now."

He didn't move. Instead, he fell to his knees.

> "I would never betray you. If it's true—if he has truly chosen this path—then he is no longer my master. I swear upon my grandmaster's spirit, Miss Liu, I am yours. I'll follow you, even if it costs me everything."

> "You speak pretty words. But how do I trust them? How do I trust you?"

Silently, he reached into his robe and pulled out a black stone ring—etched with symbols older than most languages.

> "This is a soul ring," he said quietly. "Giving this to someone means surrendering loyalty. The bearer of the ring must obey the one who holds it, with no question, even to death. I give it to you."

> "That's too valuable."

> "My loyalty isn't worth less."

> "Why? Why would you give me this? Why are you always at my side?"

His eyes held something that flickered between pain and memory.

> "People forget their laughter, remember the ache. Hold tight to what wounds, let warmth fade. Some lose themselves, some lose names... And some forget the one who once held their hand."

I stared.

> "What does that mean?"

> "Time will tell. And time will heal."

He stood, placed the ring gently on the table, bowed, and left me in silence.

I didn't move.

I couldn't.

I sat down on the floor beside the table, staring blankly at the ring.

Then I reached for the wine.

I drank. Cup after cup, trying to drown the fire in my chest.

But the fire only grew.

...

Hours later, the door opened with a sudden rush.

> "Master!" Liyu rushed in. She looked horrified. In a blink, she took the wine from my hand and helped me sit up properly on the bed.

> "What happened? Why are you drinking like this?"

> "He's getting engaged," I slurred.

> "Who...? Wait—Bai Long?"

I nodded, and her arms instantly wrapped around me. She didn't say a word, just held me like she could protect me from the world.

I didn't even feel myself fall asleep.

> Knock knock.

> "Miss Liu? Dinner is ready," Yilin's voice came from behind the door.

Liyu opened the door just a crack.

> "She's sleeping. Don't wake her."

> "So early? Is she alright?"

> "Just tired. Come, let's go eat."

---

Liyu's POV

After dinner, I made my way to Yilin's room.

I knocked gently.

> "Coming!" she called out.

The door creaked open. She stood there, wearing a surprisingly elegant dress, her cheeks faintly flushed.

> "Miss Liyu," she said with a nervous smile. "Do you need anything?"

I gave her a measured look, then nodded slightly.

> "You look… beautiful," I said, eyes narrowing. "Is something wrong? You're acting like you don't want me to come in."

> "It's not that," she said quickly, stepping in front of me slightly. "My room is just a little messy…"

But something in her eyes told me she was hiding more than clutter.

> "I don't mind a little mess," I said as I moved forward. "I'd still like to come in."

I stepped past her—and froze.

There, in the middle of the room, was Lei Zi. His hands were tied, a clothe covered his mouth, and to my disbelief, he wasn't wearing anything above the waist.

> "What in the world is going on here?!" I demanded. "Why is Lei Zi in this condition?! What were you two doing?!"

Yilin paled. > "I… um… actually, he…"

> "Say it now," I warned, voice sharp. "Or I'll go straight to Miss Liu."

She panicked, raising her hands. > "Wait! Miss Liyu, please—it's not what it looks like! He just… he brought me a beautiful dress…"

Yilin's POV (Earlier That Evening)

> Knock knock.

> "Who is it?" I called, slightly startled.

> "It's me—Lei Zi."

I opened the door, surprised to find him standing there with a beautiful hanfu in his hand.

> "This is for you," he said simply. "I hope you'll like it."

I unfolded the fabric. It was a stunning hanfu—sky blue with gold-thread embroidery. My breath caught in my throat.

> "It's beautiful…" I whispered.

I invited him inside so I could try it on and show him. When I stepped in after changing, he looked me up and down.

> "Wow," he said softly. "You look… really good."

> "Really?" I asked, twirling lightly. "But… why did you get this for me?"

> "Because I wanted to."

I felt my cheeks grow warm. I nodded awkwardly, unsure what to say next.

Suddenly, he stiffened.

> "Don't move."

> "What?" I froze, startled.

> "There's a bee on your shoulder."

I stood as still as I could. My heart raced. He stepped toward me carefully. But before he could reach me, the bee flew toward my face—I let out a soft scream and instinctively darted behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

> "Please get it! Please!" I whispered. "This is terrifying…"

> "The bee's already gone," he said with a sigh. "Maybe you scared her instead. But… can you please remove your hands now?"

That's when I realized where my hands were—pressed firmly against his bare chest. I could feel his heartbeat through his skin.

I jerked back, flustered. He turned to face me, lifting an eyebrow.

> "If you're done... I'll be going now."

But I grabbed his arm again.

> "Wait—the bee's still on the floor," I insisted. "Take her with you."

> "Are you mad?" he said, bewildered. "How can I take a bee with me? Let go! You're holding too tightly!"

> "If you're a real man, prove it."

> "What?! Are you asking me to prove that I'm a man?!"

> "Yes. I am."

With a half-laugh, half-sigh, he picked up a small bowl and carefully trapped the bee inside, tossing it out the window.

Then he stepped toward me.

> "There. Happy now?" he said.

> "Now I believe you're a real man," I teased.

Without warning, he grabbed my hand and pulled me closer.

> "But this," he said, his voice low, "isn't what makes a real man."

I tried to push him away, but his grip tightened. My heart skipped.

Before I could protest, he covered my mouth gently with one hand.

> "Do you want me to prove it another way?" he whispered, eyes locked on mine.

I couldn't respond—I could barely breathe.

He pushed me softly against the wall, the tension between us rising. His gaze burned into mine. But something inside me kicked back. I shook free, grabbed a rope from the side table, and before I knew it—I had tied him up.

But as I fumbled, I accidentally tore his robe across the chest.

> "Oops," I muttered. "Well, now let's see what you can do."

I stepped in close, squinting at his narrowed eyes.

> "Want to say something, hmm?"

Before he could make a sound, I stuffed a cloth into his mouth with mock seriousness.

(Back in Conversation – Liyu's POV)

> "What!" I exclaimed, blinking in disbelief. "Should I laugh or cry?"

Yilin lowered her gaze, clearly embarrassed.

> "Miss Liyu, please… please don't tell Miss Liu about this."

I crossed my arms and gave her a long look.

> "Alright. But first, go and untie him."

She quickly moved to free Lei Zi.

He stood up, brushing himself off and scowling slightly.

> "Thank the heavens you came, Liyu. I only came to thank Yilin, and she ended up tying me up like some captured thief. She's... wild."

> "Miss… Miss Liyu, it's not what it looks like!" Yilin tried to explain, her cheeks flushed crimson.

I held up a hand.

> "Enough. Lei Zi, you can leave now. I need to speak to Yilin about the ring order that Princess Mu Ruoxi gave us."

Lei Zi glanced between us and gave a small nod before walking out of the room.

Once the door closed, I sat down on the wooden chair near her bed.

> "We still haven't found aquamarine for the ring. But I've heard of a merchant who sells gemstones at the lowest price."

Yilin perked up.

> "That's good to know. But... what can I do to help, Miss Liyu?"

I looked at her seriously.

> "I can't leave the Tianxia guo right now. I want you to go on my behalf."

Her eyes widened in alarm.

> "Me? But, Miss Liyu... I don't even know where to begin. I've never searched for aquamarine before."

> "You'll have to travel to Luojing Guo," I explained patiently. "It's a kingdom well-known for precious stones and rare jewelry. You'll find what we need there."

She hesitated.

> "I've heard of it, but I don't know much about that kingdom. What if I get lost or—"

> "I'll assign someone to go with you," I assured her. "A trusted escort. You won't be alone."

She let out a small breath and nodded.

> "Alright… I'll go. Is there anything else I should know?"

> "Nothing for now," I replied. "I'll write down all the details and give you a list of everything you'll need to buy. Just follow that, and you'll be fine."

> "Understood, Miss Liyu."

I stood up, smoothing the front of my robe.

> "Get some rest. You'll leave at first light."

With that, I stepped out of her room, the hallway quiet beneath the soft flicker of lanterns. The night had just begun, and there was still much to do.

Later that Night – Liyu's POV

Feeling thirsty, I made my way quietly toward the kitchen. The corridor was dim, lit only by the flickering lanterns mounted on the wooden beams. The air was cool, filled with the faint scent of lotus flowers carried by the breeze from the courtyard.

As I neared the kitchen door, I paused—there was movement inside. I stepped carefully, my footsteps silent against the smooth stone. I leaned against the frame and peeked in.

Lei Zi stood near the counter, searching for something among the containers and dishes. His back was to me. He looked entirely absorbed, unaware of my presence.

I took one more step closer—

In a flash, he spun around, sword half-drawn, blade glinting under the lanternlight.

> "Liyu!" he gasped, lowering his weapon immediately. "Why are you sneaking around like that? I thought you were an intruder!"

I raised an eyebrow.

> "You nearly chopped my head off for being thirsty. Impressive reflexes, though."

He relaxed, sliding the sword back into its sheath with a sheepish smile.

> "Sorry. I didn't expect anyone. I was just… hungry."

> "So you came to raid the kitchen like a midnight bandit?" I said, folding my arms.

> "Something like that." He chuckled. "But I couldn't find anything that made sense. Can you help me?"

I nodded and stepped past him, opening one of the cupboards. After rummaging a bit, I found some leftover buns and fruit wrapped in cloth.

> "Here. Not much, but it's something."

> "Thank you," he said, accepting the plate. Then he glanced toward the open door. "It's a nice night out. Would you… like to eat in the garden with me?"

I hesitated for a heartbeat, then gave a small nod.

> "Alright."

In the Garden

The moonlight shimmered across the koi pond. Cicadas sang softly in the trees above, and the garden path glowed with the reflection of lanterns placed along the stone trail. We found a bench beneath a blooming plum tree, where petals occasionally drifted down like soft snow.

Lei Zi placed the plate between us and took a seat. I followed, sitting silently beside him.

For a while, neither of us spoke. The only sound was the quiet rustling of leaves and the chirping of distant crickets. Then, after taking a small bite, he turned to me.

> "If I were still living in Bai Long's palace," he began, his voice low, "I don't think I would've let you go. I might've kept you locked in the library just so you couldn't walk away."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

> "That sounds a lot more like a threat than a compliment."

He gave a quiet laugh.

> "Maybe it's both. Maybe it's neither. I'm not even sure what I mean, Liyu. But I do know this…"

He looked up at the moon, his expression softening.

> "I chose to leave everything behind. Titles. Allegiance. The name of a palace I once protected with my life. Do you know why?"

I didn't respond.

He turned back to me, voice barely above a whisper.

> "Because you were there. In the chaos, in the silence… you were the only thing that felt real."

My heart skipped. I looked away quickly, pretending to examine the pond.

> "You're saying strange things again."

> "Strange?" he smiled faintly. "Maybe. But true."

He leaned back, the moonlight catching in his eyes.

> "You make me remember who I was before I became a shadow under someone else's rule. You made me want to choose something—not because of orders or duty, but because I wanted to. That's why I'm here."

I looked at him now, unsure of what to say. The garden's stillness wrapped around us like a quiet spell.

Then his voice dropped, low and sincere.

> "You know... sometimes I wonder why I chose this path. Why I stayed loyal to a man who changed so much. But then I see you... how you protect her, Miss Liu. And I remember. Loyalty is not about the crown. It's about the people who make it worth serving, btw be serious on the things I said "

I didn't respond right away.

For the first time in a long while, I didn't feel like a shadow, merely moving through orders and silence.

I felt seen.

And the night carried on—soft and endless.