Spring was just starting to arrive at the Crown Princess residence. The snow had melted off the palace roofs, and small peach blossoms began to bloom in the quiet courtyard. She was standing by the open window.
The Crown Princess watched the petals fall silently to the ground. For everyone else, spring meant new beginnings, but for her, it brought nothing but pain from the betrayal she had just experienced a few moments ago.
A few moments earlier...
Yu Shayue was drinking tea in the courtyard, moving slowly and unhurriedly, as if time itself was bending to her pace. Before her, a small peach blossom tree stood on the verge of blooming, delicate petals trembling lightly in the spring breeze. A few had already fallen, resting quietly on the stone table beside her cup. The season was changing.
But she had not.
Dressed in flowing, elegant robes, she looked like the refined Crown Princess as the palace expected—composed, graceful, and untouchable. Yet her eyes were different. They were calm, but not gentle. There was no softness in them. No fear. No submission. They held a quiet sharpness, like a blade hidden beneath silk. A gaze that had seen too much, endured too much, and refused to break.
The sound of soft footsteps echoed through the quiet courtyard. Shayue did not turn right away; she lifted her cup slightly and took another sip of tea. Only after a brief pause, she set the cup down and shifted her gaze toward the entrance.
It was Eunuch Dao De.
"This servant greets Your Highness," he said, lowering himself into a respectful bow.
Shayue remained seated, her posture straight and composed, her presence effortlessly commanding despite her stillness.
"Rise, Eunuch Dao. What brings you here?"
Eunuch Dao kept his head lowered as he spoke.
"Your Highness, His Majesty summons you to the imperial study."
For the briefest moment, Shayue stilled—not visibly enough for others to notice, but her fingers resting lightly on the porcelain cup paused. She lifted her gaze again—calm and unreadable.
"Did His Majesty mention the reason?"
Eunuch Dao lowered his head. "This servant does not dare to inquire into His Majesty's intentions."
This eunuch who stayed loyal to her father from his youth till his death, wouldn't even dare to meet her eyes, how can he even tell her about the reason behind her father's reason. She gently set her teacup aside and said, though her voice remained gentle, her eyes did not soften.
"Very well, then prepare my attendants. I will be there shortly."
"Yes, Your Highness." Eunuch Dao bowed again before quietly retreating.
Once the sound of his footsteps faded into silence, Ying stepped forward and stood beside Shayue. If Eunuch Dao's loyalty belonged to His Majesty, then Ying's loyalty belonged solely to her mistress. They had stayed by each other's side through hardships, unwavering.
"Has His Majesty summoned you?" Ying asked softly.
"Father must have summoned me for an important matter… perhaps regarding court affairs," Shayue replied calmly. After a brief pause, she added, "Or perhaps… something else."
She turned, her expression composed. "I will go and see."
Though her face stayed bright and gentle, a hint of unease stirred within her heart—like a shadow creeping quietly beneath still water.
The imperial study was silent and imposing, filled with the faint scent of ink and sandalwood; the air felt heavy. Sunlight filtered through the lattice windows, casting soft shadows across the room. As Shayue stepped inside, her movements calm and measured, she lowered her gaze and bowed respectfully.
"This daughter greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed with peace and long life?"
Her voice was steady. She did not know that this would be the last time she would speak such gentle words to her father.
The Emperor did not look up right away; his brush moved steadily across the scroll before him.
"Rise."
She stood, hands folded neatly before her, waiting in silence. Only after a long moment did he finally set the brush aside.
"Do you know why I have summoned you?"
"This daughter does not dare to guess Your Majesty's intentions."
His gaze rested on her, sharp and unreadable. "The war between the Yu Empire and the Lin Empire shall end."
"Yes, Your Majesty, we will end this war once and for all. Do not worry, Your Majesty; this time it will definitely end. We have already prepared the troops and trained them well," Shayue said calmly and gracefully.
For generations the Yu Empire and Lin Empire had been bound by a long lasting war. So long that hatred became a tradition to them. And peace had become nothing more than a forgotten word.
After a long silence, the Emperor responded. "I know, but the war with the Lin Empire cannot continue any longer."
Her expression did not change, though her fingers tightened slightly within her sleeves.
"Peace must be secured," he continued.
After a long pause, he calmly added, "You will marry the Crown Prince of the Lin Empire."
These nine words spoken by her own father had stricken her that she couldn't even believe her ears. The Princess slowly raised her eyes to meet his.
"Your Majesty… wishes for this daughter to marry into the enemy empire?"
He nodded his head without even looking at her. As if there was hesitation his eyes.
She was stilled, no movements, not a single word coming from her mouth. As if her world had collapsed into a thin air. She couldn't believe her father wanted her to marry the ruthless Crown Prince of the enemy Empire. For a brief moment, she stayed stilled and said…
"Pardon Your Majesty, but may I know the reason behind it?"
She said calmly almost like, not having any feelings.
"This is for the sake of our peace and the stability of our nation," His Majesty said calmly.
A faint smile touched her lips—soft, composed, and distant. "I see."
She lowered her gaze again. She said distantly.
"Then… this daughter has no choice but to obey Your Majesty's order," she said distantly.
The Emperor's expression remained firm. "You have always understood your duty."
This time, her silence lingered a little longer. When she finally spoke, her voice was gentle, yet something in it had changed.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
"After all… this daughter was raised for these very purposes."
The words were respectful, but the warmth had clearly disappeared. She bowed once more.
"Then this subject will take her leave, Your Majesty."
To be continued...