Laughter filled the room. Bowls clinked; teasing flowed freely.
Ever since she left, my smile has been faulty. Truly, I lost her, my fame, and what made me wealthy, but why can't I be happy? I have a daughter and a sister; what else could I ask for?
He turned to the young man who was also laughing.
And Jùn, He is more mature than expected. I wish he would marry my daughter; my grandchildren will have a copy of his features and my daughter's. And they are also part of my lineage.
Tears dropped from his flooded eyes as he stared at Jùn. "Thank you, dear lord… I never thought of happiness to this extent." He mumbled to himself, feeling his wet cheek.
"Father?" Jùn tilted sharply, noticing Lord Chen's hand motion.
My heart is filled with joy; how can I resist answering such a call?
"I'm fine, it's okay." He wiped his tears, smiling.
"Don't worry about him; he cries a lot when happy." Rong laughed more, pointing at her sniffing brother.
He bowed slightly, turning to Rong, who beamed widely.
Being a royal is really a burden; I love mere space.
He raised his cup for a toast.
"A toast to father, Lord Chen." He bowed slightly, straightening his arm.
"Here!" Lord Chan raised his cup filled with rice wine and a shot, and they drank it up.
"Cheers!" Lián poured a drink into her cup, raising it.
How I wish the comet had never separated my family. Wēi,today is blessed. Rong nodded silently, watching them.
"Jùn."
He turned, lowering his cup.
"When will you be leaving?" Lord Chen's smile ceased as he rested his pivoted arm on the table, and her faced Jùn with a straight face.
"Not anytime soon, my lord." Or maybe when I decide to remove this mask.
"If you don't mind, will you join me at the market? Are you okay with that?"
"Yes," he bowed slightly. "It's an honor and a privilege to explore." An unknown smile clung to his chin, and he bowed.
"See you tomorrow." Lord Chen rose to his feet, holding the table.
"Father, I would also want to join you." She smiled childishly, giving a playful wink.
"Okay, but don't disturb the candies." He left the room, placing his hand on his back.
"Lián, I will take care of the candles." She stood, speaking with her eyes.
Why is everyone leaving? And why is he not leaving? She rose to her feet, staring at him.
Why the deep stare? He raised his face, and their gazes met.
Who showed him to my place? She bent, pulling the dishwashing basket, transferring the plates from the table to it.
"How did you get here?"
Yù Xuān! Her eyes shone as she looked up at him.
He sat calmly, watching her.
He's just so handsome for beating. She opened her mouth to speak, but mumbled to herself as she packed the plates.
He smirked, reading her thoughts.
How can he meet with Yù Xuān? That's impossible!
"Lián?" She paused, looking back at him. He smiled, resting his elbow on the table and his jaw in his palm.
Why do I always feel like releasing my power around her?
"Soon is the Spring Festival… Why did you come?
"Your aunt is so lovely; how about I spend my time listening to her jokes?"
She's more beautiful when thinking; I don't want to mark you, not yet, Lián.
"Jùn! That's not what I asked." She rose to her feet, carrying the basket along.
"Lián?"
He stood, following her.
A breeze blew in, tugging at the curtains. She spun, looking out the window; the crescent moon pitched in the sky, brightening the earth.
What could she be afraid of? He stood beside her.
His gaze caught her vibrating finger; he looked up to her as his heart rose.
The sky creaked, emitting light. A loud sound blasted through the air.
Her grip weakened, and the basket slipped out of her grip.
"Jùn!" She sprinted to him, crashing into his chest.
He embraced her, patting her hair.
"It's gone. Relax."
She clung to him, trembling. Her arms locked tight around his neck as though letting go would tear her soul in half.
She whispered, her voice cracking as she buried her face in the warm curve of his neck.
Tiān Jùn's breath dragged slowly, his fingers threading into her hair.
"I missed you," he murmured, tugging her closer.
Her chest shook with a soft sob as she withdrew. She looked up at him, and their gaze met.
She's more tempting than the brothel whores.
He pulled back a fraction, enough to let their gazes clash.
Her teeth caught her lower lip. "Jùn."
He didn't answer. Instead, his thumb brushed her cheek.
"I will help with the dishes." She withdrew, holding her gown.
The night darkened the sky, revealing the bright stars.
Chen Rong sat on her bed, looking out the window; her gaze fixed on the crescent moon.
'Mum, I want to join Father for a hunt. Mother, please.'
'Wēi wēi, promise you won't get injured again.'
'I know, I know why. Aunt Lán Xuě's belly is big.'
'If you want to see Aunt Lán Xuě's stomach flat, don't get injured.'
'Yes, Mother. Can I go now?'
Tears dropped from her eyes as the memory of her missing son flooded her mind.
My everything, my life…. Ruins! She wiped her tears, swallowing the bitter lump in her throat.
"Wēi wēi… Where are you?" She held her blanket as pictures of her husband and son were carved on the front.
She lay on her bed, subbing.
'You are going against our deal."
I opened my eyes to the darkness of the room.
I beat my palm in the air, feeling a thick liquid below it.
'You are fitting into an oversized cloth. It will swallow you!" A voice thundered.
I know that voice. I rose in anger, gritting my teeth.
'You evil, unemotional bastard. You took my wife, what else do you want?'
'Now, I'm almost useless like you! Wait until I join you. The beating you will receive will be unimaginable.'
I shouted at the peak of my voice; my body shook in response to the fight.
'I was famous, wealthy, healthy on my own. But you. You eunuch of death.' I turned around, tightening my fist.
'Hahaha, hahaha. ' You didn't list all. How about your parents, and sorry, your sister?'
'Why hide in the shadows of darkness?' I felt hot oil poured into my chest.
'You are the first to receive my call; I will pardon all your disobedience.
I pointed in the direction the voice was coming from, controlling my anger.
'Come out! Why visit only in my dreams? Brave ghost.'
The darkness vanished, and I landed on a green field.
'Chen, you have been so ignorant. I have always been with you!'