The hall had not yet settled,
The hall remained heavy with silence—
Red silk unmoving, gold gleaming beneath the fading light.
Then-
Footsteps
Quick. Unrestrained.
Breaking through the stillness like a sudden ripple across calm water.
"Shayue—!"
The voice carried before the figure appeared.
Bright. Alive.
Completely at odds with the weight of the moment.
All eyes turned.
Wang Xinyi entered without pause.
She wore a flowing Han-style ruqun in soft pink, the color of blooming spring—light, lively, impossible to ignore.
The skirt moved with her steps like drifting petals, while her outer robe, pale and translucent, shimmered faintly as it caught the light.
Delicate embroidery traced along the edges—peonies and small clouds, elegant yet playful.
A slender ribbon sash rested at her waist, tied slightly off-center, giving her an effortless charm rather than strict formality.
Her hair was styled neatly, yet not overly rigid—
A few loose strands framing her face, softening her otherwise bold expression.
A simple pink jade hairpin rested above her ear.
Simple.
Yet vivid
Her expression full of urgency.
Behind her, two maids hurried in—
Qing Luo and Lan He—exchanging helpless glances as they tried to keep pace.
But Xinyi had already crossed the distance.
She stopped right before Yu Shayue.
The two maids bowed to Shayue.
Xinyi did not bow nor did she slow down.
Her eyes moved quickly—
From the chests,
To the decree,
Then back to Shayue.
"…Is it true?"
She did not wait.
"You're marrying the Crown Prince of the Lin Empire?"
"The Crown Prince known for his coldness and ruthlessness?"
"The enemy?"
"When did this happen?"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Did His Majesty force you?"
"Did you agree?"
The questions fell one after another—fast, relentless, almost breathless.
Mei Yi blinked twice.
"…She hasn't changed at all."
Ying lowered her gaze slightly—
But there was the faintest hint of familiarity in her eyes.
Shayue looked at Xinyi.
Calm
Still
"…Have you finished?"
Xinyi paused.
"…No."
A beat
"…But I can continue."
Silence
A faint shift—
Barely noticeable—
Touched Shayue's expression.
the corner of Shayue's lips lifted slightly.
"Come," she said.
She turned—walking toward the inner chambers.
"Mei Yi."
Mei Yi straightened immediately.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"Bring water."
Mei Yi blinked once—then nodded.
"…Yes."
The doors closed behind them with a soft sound.
The noise of the hall faded instantly.
Inside the chambers—
The air felt different.
Still
Private
Xinyi turned immediately.
"What is going on?"
Her brows furrowed.
Her voice lowered—but the worry and urgency remained.
"That is the Lin Empire."
"The same one you've been preparing to face."
"You trained the troops yourself—."
She stopped, frustration rising.
"And now suddenly you're going there… as a bride?"
She paced once.
Twice.
"And Lin Yechen…"
A pause
"I've heard things about him."
Her voice dropped further.
"None of them good."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Cold. Ruthless. Untouchable."
Another pause
"And you agreed?"
Before Shayue could answer—
The door slid open.
Mei Yi entered carefully, holding a tray.
"…Water."
Xinyi blinked.
Then slowly turned toward Shayue.
"…Wait."
A pause
"How did you know I wanted water?"
Shayue poured tea calmly, her movements unhurried.
"You haven't stopped talking since you arrived."
Silence
Mei Yi lowered her head quickly—hiding a smile.
Xinyi stared at her.
"…That is not a proper answer."
Shayue glanced at her, expression faintly amused.
"It is accurate."
A faint smile appeared.
Then Xinyi huffed, grabbing the cup.
"…Fine."
She took a sip.
Then another.
"…I was thirsty."
A short silence followed.
Then—
Her expression changed.
The playfulness faded.
What remained—
Was concern.
She placed the cup down.
"Shayue."
Her voice was steady now
No teasing
No laughter
"Tell me the truth."
A pause
"Did you agree to this marriage?"
Shayue met her gaze.
"…Yes."
Xinyi's fingers tightened slightly.
"…Willingly?"
Silence lingered.
Shayue did not answer immediately.
Then—
Shayue spoke.
"Everyone leave."
No hesitation.
No room for question.
Ying bowed.
Mei Yi hesitated—just for a moment—
Then followed.
Qing Luo and Lan He quickly exited as well.
The doors closed.
Silence remained.
Now—
Only the two of them.
Xinyi stepped closer.
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Now tell me."
Her eyes searched Shayue's face.
"What are you really planning?"
A pause
Shayue did not look away.
Her expression remained calm—
Perfectly composed.
But her eyes—
Held something deeper.
Unspoken.
To be continued...