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I smiled back at him, taking in the changes time had carved into his face. His jaw had sharpened, his voice held more weight—but that mischievous glint in his eyes hadn't changed one bit.
> "Wow, you've grown into a handsome man," I teased, nudging his shoulder lightly.
"Hey, tell the truth—do you have a girlfriend?"
Xiao Xiao rolled his eyes with an exaggerated sigh, grinning.
> "Of course not. I'm a gentleman."
> "Who told you that a gentleman can't have a girlfriend?" I raised an eyebrow.
> "Touché," he smirked. Then his gaze narrowed, playful.
"Drop the question and tell me—do you have a boyfriend?"
I felt the warmth creep into my cheeks. My voice was quieter now, unsure.
> "Actually… my marriage got fixed. So why are you asking?"
The grin vanished from his face like mist in the wind. His tone shifted.
> "Do you love the man you're going to marry?"
I hesitated, searching the air for words.
> "I… I don't know him well. Father—the Emperor—he decreed it. It's all arranged. I… I can't refuse."
Xiao Xiao's face fell.
> "Oh. This is not good."
I tried to soothe the storm I saw rising in his eyes.
> "It's okay. Don't make that face," I said with a light laugh. "Come on, we just reunited after years. Let's not spoil it."
He sighed and nodded. Then a boyish grin returned to his face as he gestured.
> "Sis, come with me. Let's talk about everything—our past, the crazy stories, new adventures, anything and everything."
And just like that, the shadow passed.
We spent hours under the twilight-dusted sky, sitting in the garden pavilion surrounded by lanterns swaying in the wind. Our laughter echoed softly against the palace walls, blending with the rustle of leaves and distant song of the flute players in the lower courtyard. The weight of the world slipped away, if only for a while.
Emperor's Chamber – Later That Night
The incense burned low in the golden brazier. The scent of sandalwood curled through the chamber like a whisper.
The heavy doors opened with a soft groan, and Zhang Shoudao stepped in, his silk robes catching the flickering light of the torches.
> "Long live the Emperor," he said, bowing deeply, hands folded in practiced reverence.
"Your servant Zhang Shoudao greets Your Majesty with utmost respect."
The Emperor glanced up from the scrolls stacked on the jade-inlaid table before him. His eyes, wise and heavy with decades of power, narrowed slightly.
> "What brings you here, Shoudao?"
> "Your Majesty," the Secretary straightened, voice respectful yet deliberate,
"I have something of great importance to share."
((Zhang Shoudao, Secretary to the Emperor, humbly presents himself, ever ready to serve with utmost loyalty and diligence, attending to the matters of state with the weighty responsibility entrusted to the Emperor always in mind.))
The Emperor leaned forward, resting his fingers against his chin.
> "Speak."
> "Your Majesty," Shoudao began,
"I have received news regarding Princess Fengxi and Crown Prince Lóngzi's relationship. It is progressing… favorably. However, we must not delay in formalizing their union."
The Emperor's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
> "Go on."
> "It would be wise, Your Majesty, to finalize the wedding by the end of this month. For the Princess's stability—and the court's reassurance."
There was a long pause.
Then the Emperor nodded slowly, gaze distant, calculating.
> "Very well. Find a way to bring them closer. Let nothing interfere with this."
> "Understood, Your Majesty."
Later that night, I returned to my chamber. The oil lamp flickered gently on the nightstand, casting long shadows against the carved wood walls. The weight of the day sat softly on my shoulders—but the warmth of my brother's return lingered, like embers still glowing.
I began to undress for bed, unpinning the last hairpiece when—
Knock. Knock.
The sound broke the quiet like a stone in still water.
I turned, startled.
> "Knock knock…? Who's here at this time?"
I wrapped a shawl around my shoulders and stepped toward the door, cautiously.
I opened it—only to be met with… nothing.
The corridor was empty. Not a soul in sight. The hall torches flickered quietly.
> "Stop it," I called out, heart skipping. "Who's there?"
No response.
I waited a breath longer, then slowly turned back into the room.
But just as I closed the door—
A shadow moved.
A soft click came from the lattice window behind the curtain.
My eyes widened.
> I'm not alone.
Screamed!!