Morning sunlight filtered gently through the lattice windows, casting soft golden patterns across my bedchamber. I was barely awake when a gentle knock interrupted my dreams.
> "Princess, have you woken up? I brought something for you," the maid's voice chimed, cheerful and light.
I mumbled sleepily, > "Hmm... come in…"
The door creaked open. She entered with a bright smile, carrying something wrapped in silk.
> "Just look at this once, Princess—this beautiful dress has been sent by the Emperor himself… for your engagement with the Crown Prince."
I jolted upright, sleep instantly vanishing.
> "What engagement!? When!?" I demanded, heart pounding.
She blinked, startled by my reaction.
> "Princess… don't you know? Your engagement is tomorrow."
My breath caught in my throat.
> "Tomorrow!!??"
The word rang out in the room like a bell. My hands clenched the sheets. He had said it would be this month—but this soon?
I swallowed the rising panic and exhaled slowly.
> "Okay… just leave the dress here. You can go now."
The maid gave a small bow and slipped out, her expression unreadable.
Silence returned, thick and heavy. I sat there, staring at the dress—its embroidery shimmering in the light, mocking me. The air felt stifling, as if the walls were closing in. Was this how my fate would be sealed—quietly, suddenly, without a choice?
But then I remembered—tonight was the Zhongyuan Festival, the Hungry Ghost Festival. A night I had always loved since I was little. Lanterns, food, laughter, firelight dancing under the stars. No engagement announcement was going to steal that from me.
I dressed simply but elegantly and was ready to leave by late afternoon. I stepped outside and turned to a nearby maid.
> "Hey, would you come with me tonight?"
She looked hesitant, stepping back slightly.
> "Sorry, Princess… I'm not qualified to accompany you."
I sighed. Disappointed.
But then a familiar voice echoed from behind.
> "What about me?"
I turned.
Bai Long stood there—no, Lóngzi—hands clasped behind his back, wearing a subtle smirk.
I quickly composed myself and gave a polite nod.
> "Greetings, Crown Prince."
He waved his hand casually toward the maid.
> "No need for formalities. You may go."
The maid bowed and exited quietly.
> "If it's okay… then shall we go, Prince Lóngzi—" I paused, then corrected myself with a teasing glance, "—I mean, Crown Prince."
His smirk deepened.
> "Why are you smirking like that?"
> "I love the way you say Lóngzi," he said smoothly, eyes glinting with something warm and mischievous.
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. Again? Why does he always catch me off guard like this?
He reached for my hand—gently, without force. Our fingers intertwined, and we walked into the festive streets below the palace.
The city was alive—lanterns hung in rows, glowing like stars tethered to the earth. Firecrackers echoed in the distance, and children ran past us laughing, holding candied fruit on sticks.
We stopped at a bustling sweets shop. I pointed eagerly.
> "I want that one… it's my favorite," I said, eyeing the golden lotus cakes in the display.
But the shop was crowded, and I hesitated.
Lóngzi stepped forward confidently.
> "I'll get it for you, my princess."
I looked at him in surprise.
> "Really?" I began, but he held up a finger.
> "But—"
> "But?" I raised an eyebrow.
He leaned closer, eyes playful.
> "Call me my love first."
My eyes widened.
> "Whattt! No thanks. I don't want sweets anymore," I said quickly, turning away.
He laughed, light and rich.
> "Okay, okay, don't do drama, my princess. I'm going. But at least say my name again? Just once?"
I looked at him, saw the way the lanternlight danced in his eyes, and sighed with an exasperated smile.
> "Lóngzi… I want that sweet. Would you please buy them for me, okayyy?"
His grin returned as he nodded and disappeared into the crowd.
As he went to fetch the sweets, I wandered to a nearby stall glittering with handmade accessories. My gaze landed on a delicate hairpin carved like a crescent moon, inlaid with fine threads of silver and mother-of-pearl.
I picked it up, breath catching.
> "Woww… this is beautiful."
I twirled it between my fingers, momentarily forgetting all the chaos of engagements and secrets.
And for a brief moment under the lanterns and stars, I simply felt like myself again.