"The Lantern Festival: a celebration for some, a ritual of remembrance for Xiao."
———
Xiao walked through the lush garden, admiring the blossoms along the path. A smile appeared on her lips as she thought about the second prince, Yizong, remembering how they spoke at the lantern festival.
Flashback:
Lanterns lit up the night sky as people filled the narrow lanes of Shanguang village square. Children ran around playing tag while vendors sold sweet dumplings and paper toys. Everyone had gathered for the Lantern Festival, where people sent their wishes into the sky on glowing paper lanterns.
Xiao stood at the edge of the crowd, watching quietly. The cold wind touched her skin, but it couldn't reach the deeper cold in her heart. Another year had passed, yet her grief felt the same.
As people walked past with lanterns, Xiao drifted back to old memories. She remembered happier festivals with Mei, when they held hands, laughed and pointed at their favorite lanterns.
She remembered how the Ruán family took her in and treated her kindly, even though she was born outside marriage. Her real father's family was cold to her, but Mei's parents and siblings welcomed her and showed her what it felt like to be loved.
However, that kindness did not last.
Now she felt like she did not belong anywhere.
A bitter memory suddenly clouded her mind, from years ago, when the manor was attacked.
Xiao had been playing behind the house after dusk when the screams began. She hid in the bushes and watched as strangers dragged Mei's family from their home. When the soldiers finally came, the house was already in ruins. The killings were never solved, and that night took away the only warmth in her life.
Back in her father's house, she knew only scorn. As his illegitimate daughter, she was a reminder of his past, and her stepmother and stepsiblings never let her forget it. The insults and cold treatment made her feel completely alone. Sometimes she wondered if leaving everything behind would be easier, but she had nowhere to go. She had no family and no money. What future was left for a girl with nothing?
Night settled around her, and her choices felt just as dark.
Lost in thought, Xiao did not notice the person beside her until he spoke. "It has been a long time, Xiao." She turned and to her surprise, she saw Prince Yizong watching her with clear recognition. Even after many years, he looked just as handsome as she remembered.
"Greetings your highness, I did not expect to see you here tonight," she said with a curtsey.
"Nor I you, Xiao. And please, call me Yizong," he replied.
"The festival feels less lively when alone. May I keep you company tonight?"
His kindness touched her. No one outside her cousin's family had shown her such simple respect in a long time. "Okay your high… Yizong." She smiled.
People stepped aside as they walked through the busy festival together. There was silence between them for a while, each lost in thought yet glad to share the moment.
Prince Yizong glanced at her and sensed the sadness behind her polite smile. Wanting to cheer her up, he said, "Come, let us buy lanterns. I would like yours to fly beside mine tonight."
Xiao blinked, surprised by his gentle offer. A small spark of hope returned, reminding her of joy she thought she had lost. Mei's smiling face came to her mind, urging her to hold onto this brief peace.
"Very well," she said. They chose their lanterns, hers pale green and his gold. They wrote their wishes and carried the lanterns to the field.
Around them, families and couples cheered as the lanterns rose into the sky. Prince Yizong noticed that Xiao's eyes no longer held only sadness. She watched the lights with quietly, and he wondered what she had wished for.
When the last lantern disappeared, Yizong turned to her. "Shall we find a quieter place to watch the rest of the festival?" he asked, pointing to a small hill. Her heart beat faster as she nodded and followed him away from the crowd.
At the top of the hill, they sat on the grass near an old pagoda under the starry sky. Fireworks burst above, and cheers rose from the crowd below, but the two barely noticed. They were deep in a conversation. They had met as children through Mei.
Their words came easily now, full of things they had held back. Xiao spoke about wanting to be a scholar but being stopped by her family. Prince Yizong talked about serving the kingdom while trying to find his own way.
When the last firework faded, she felt something inside her shift, as if her heart was ready to heal.
Now In The Present
Xiao spotted Prince Yizong ahead.
He walked calmly and confidently, tall and lean, his posture straight and steady. Beside him was his bodyguard Li Jing, strong and alert, her presence making his smooth movements stand out even more.
Xiao's heart jumped at the chance to speak with him again. She hurried forward, thinking of what to say. Li Jing said something, and he laughed, his bright laughter carrying on the breeze.
The sound reminded her that, for him, this was only as a simple walk in the garden. But for her, it meant far more. She slowed down with a soft sigh and watched him walk on.
She hoped he saw her the way she saw him, as more than a noble daughter.
Meanwhile
Mei hurried through the palace halls, looking for her cousin.
She had gotten directions before but wasn't familiar enough with the palace. When she turned a corner, she saw a familiar figure ahead. Even after so many years, she knew who it was.
"Xiao!"
Her cousin turned, surprised, then gave a small smile.
"It is good to see you," Xiao said as Mei hugged her. "I did not expect you."
"When did you return?"
"Not long ago," Mei said. "I came to check on you."
" How have you been?"
"I know the memory of what happened is still heavy," Mei added, seeing Xiao's face fall.
" How did you find me?"
"I heard you now stay in the palace. What of your family home?"
Xiao looked unsure. "I feel safer here. The palace keeps me busy."
Soon they arrived at Xiao's quarters.
"Why did you come back?" she asked sharply, now turning her back to Mei.
Mei's chest tightened.
"Did you not hear the news where you trained? How could you stay away when I needed you?"
Mei tried to explain, "I—
"Your whole family was killed and you were gone!"
"I am sorry, Xiao. I trained so I could protect us."
"Your protection came too late!" Xiao cried.
"Every night I see them lying in their own blood." Her voice shook as she talked. "I feel mother's hand slipping from mine." She wrapped her arms around herself, looking small.
Mei reached for her. "You should never have suffered alone. I am here now..."
Xiao broke down in her arms, crying as years of pain poured out. Mei held her tightly, silently promising to protect her and avenge the past.
Slowly, Xiao's sobs eased, though she still trembled.
"I am truly sorry I was not there. I cannot imagine your pain," She stroked Xiao's hair gently.
Xiao lifted her head, and looked at Mei with eyes red. "Will you leave me again? I cannot bear it."
"Never."
"I will stay by your side. You have every right to be hurt, but you are not alone anymore."
Xiao nodded weakly, as Mei wiped her tears. "Rest now, I will stay close."