Preparing for the party was an emotional rollercoaster—a dizzying blend of excitement and sheer terror. Xiaohua and Madam Hui fussed over me like overprotective mother hens, their hands constantly adjusting, fixing, perfecting. The gown they chose was almost too beautiful to touch, let alone wear—layers of rich silk embroidered with golden thread, flowing around me like water catching sunlight. My hair was pinned and coiled with such precision, I was afraid to breathe too hard. Tiny ornaments glittered in the candlelight, swaying like I belonged in a painting instead of real life.
Madam Hui, usually sharp-tongued and steel-eyed, softened—only slightly—as she gave me a rundown of party etiquette.
"Smile and nod politely," she said, straightening a fold of my sleeve like it personally offended her. "And be mindful of your behavior. This is a gathering of the kingdom's most important figures. A single misstep can ripple through the court like wildfire."
I nodded, heart in my throat. "I'll do my best," I promised, though I already felt like I was walking into a minefield in heels.
When the time came, I was escorted into the grand hall, and any remaining breath I had left whooshed right out of me. It was stunning. The place looked like it had leapt straight out of a dream—tapestries cascading from the high ceilings, silk drapes in every jewel tone imaginable, and lanterns that bathed everything in a warm, golden glow. Tables overflowed with exotic delicacies and delicately poured wine. Nobles in ornate robes mingled with military officials, laughter and soft music swirling through the air.
And somehow—somehow—I was seated near Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.
No pressure.
Wei Wuxian gave me a cheeky grin. Lan Wangji, as expected, looked like nothing could touch him, his composure carved from marble. Every now and then, though, I caught him glancing at me—to check if I was overwhelmed, perhaps? Or just to silently remind me not to spill wine on anyone important.
I leaned in, whispering to him. "I don't see the King or Queen. Are they not attending?"
"They will not be present," he said calmly. "This event is for the younger crowd—princes, princesses, and heirs of court officials."
Wei Wuxian, overhearing our conversation, chimed in with a grin. "It's like a courtship party."
My eyes widened. Of course. The perfectly dressed young nobles, the lingering glances, the tense undercurrents of politeness—it all clicked.
Lan Wangji's gaze followed mine toward the foreign guests. "The ambassadors are here for alliance talks," he added. "Marriage bonds are one of the most effective forms of diplomacy."
Ah, I thought, so this wasn't just a party—it was politics dressed in silk and smiles.
Trying to stay composed, I nodded at everyone who greeted me, toasting awkwardly with each new name and title that flew at me. Smiling until my cheeks hurt, I began to wonder if anyone actually remembered what I was called. I was probably just "the healer" to half of them.
Then the air shifted.
A hush rolled through the room as a girl walked in—no, glided. Her entrance was calculated perfection. Her gown shimmered like moonlight, her posture impeccable. She headed straight for us, confidence radiating off her like heat from a summer stone.
She stopped in front of Lan Wangji.
"Hanguang-jun," she said, her voice the very definition of elegance. "It's wonderful to see you again."
Lan Wangji gave a polite nod. "Lady Wang."
Next to me, Wei Wuxian groaned under his breath. "I need wine," he muttered, and in true Wei Wuxian fashion, vanished before I could ask what was going on.
Lady Wang sat beside Lan Wangji, smiling as if she owned the chair. She spoke with grace, laughter like wind chimes—but her eyes never left his face. He responded with the kind of courtesy that was technically flawless and emotionally vacant.
"Who is that?" I asked Xiaohua quietly, trying not to stare too hard.
Xiaohua leaned in. "That's Lady Wang Yufei. Daughter of the Minister of State Affairs. People say… she is Hanguang-jun's betrothed."
I choked on my wine.
Literally.
I coughed so hard I thought I might pass out, and all eyes turned to me.
"Miss Mei Lin, are you alright?" Xiaohua asked, alarmed.
Lan Wangji glanced at me, a concern flickering in his otherwise impassive gaze. Lady Wang Yufei, on the other hand, smiled like a cat who'd just cornered a mouse.
"You must be the healer who saved Prince Wei," she said smoothly, voice dipped in sweetness. "I've heard so much about you."
I smiled, struggling to recover my dignity. "That's me. It's nice to meet you, Lady Wang."
She tilted her head, studying me. "Your outfit is lovely. Very... unique." Then she turned her attention back to Lan Wangji, continuing their conversation as if my momentary death-by-wine hadn't just happened.
I sat there stiffly, cheeks burning, heart thumping.
She turned back to Lan Wangji and continued their conversation as if I had turned invisible. From my seat, I could tell Lan Wangji wasn't enjoying it—his posture was too still, too polite. There was a stiffness in his shoulders, like he'd rather be anywhere else. But he didn't stop her. Maybe he couldn't. Not here, not now.
I quietly excused myself from the table and slipped outside. I needed air—and, if I was honest, I needed answers.
Wei Wuxian was exactly where I suspected he'd be: perched on a bench in the moonlight, nursing a cup of wine and looking like a tragic hero straight out of a novel. The usual mischief in his eyes was dimmed, replaced by something quieter.
"Wei Ying," I called softly.
He glanced over, flashing me a half-smile. "Ah, my favorite healer. Come to rescue me from the courtship circus?"
I walked over and sat beside him. "More like trying to escape it myself," I muttered. Then, after a pause, "Is it true? About Lan Zhan and Wang Yufei?"
He didn't answer right away, swirling the wine in his cup with a small frown. "That rumor's been around for years. Her father would love for it to be true."
I hesitated. "But Lan Zhan—he's not—?"
Wei Wuxian chuckled, low and dry. "Lan Zhan? You've seen him. Does he look like the type to fall in love because someone tells him to?"
I relaxed a little, but still frowned. "She didn't seem like just another noble girl. She's... intense."
"That's one way to put it." He leaned back, eyes half-lidded. "Wang Yufei has been circling him since we were teenagers. She's clever, ambitious, and well-trained in the art of smiling while plotting your social destruction. Her father's got his hands in half the court. It's not an official engagement, but people treat it like it is."
"So she's just... waiting?"
"She's staking her claim," he said simply. "And anyone she thinks is in the way—well, let's just say she doesn't handle competition with grace."
I looked down, uncomfortable. "She doesn't even know about—"
Wei Wuxian turned to me, one brow raised, that mischievous spark flickering back into his eyes. "About what?"
I blinked. "Nothing."
He laughed. "Relax, Mei Lin. I'm not going to make you say it. But you should know—Lan Zhan's not someone you can claim with status or power. If he didn't want to talk to her, he wouldn't. He's just... polite. To a fault."
"So you don't think she has a chance?"
Wei Wuxian drained his cup and smiled, this time a little softer. "With Lan Zhan? Not in a hundred lifetimes."
I exhaled, unsure whether I felt relief or... something more dangerous.
Then he looked at me sideways, that grin sharpening. "But you, on the other hand, should be careful. This world loves to chew up people who don't know the rules. Don't let that soft heart of yours get you in trouble."
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the warning, Your Highness."
"You're welcome, Commoner," he said, tossing me a wink. "Now go finish your wine and pretend you're having fun. That's what parties are for."
As we stepped back into the glowing warmth of the hall, I caught sight of Lan Xichen among the crowd. His serene presence was like an oasis in the desert of courtly chaos.
"It's good to see a friendly face," I said honestly, feeling the strain of constant smiling tug at my cheeks.
Lan Xichen greeted me with his usual gentle warmth. "And you as well, Miss Mei Lin. Are you enjoying the festivities?"
"It's… a lot," I admitted, glancing around at the opulence, the endless chatter, the press of silk and status. "I'm not used to this level of grandeur. Or attention."
He chuckled, a soft, measured sound. "It can be overwhelming at first, but you're holding your own quite gracefully. Just be careful with the wine. It has a tendency to sneak up on you."
I gave him a grateful nod, determined to heed his advice—until Wei Wuxian decided to tell everyone I was the miraculous healer who saved his life. The moment that proclamation hit the air, people lined up with raised cups like it was a drinking game called "Toast the Heroine."
The warmth of the wine crept up my neck and into my cheeks, and after who-knew-how-many toasts, I was definitely starting to feel it. Light-headed and a little too giddy, I muttered an excuse and slipped away before I started giggling at nothing.
Xiaohua followed, ever alert. "Miss, are you alright?" she asked quietly.
I waved her off with a woozy smile. "Just need to sit somewhere that doesn't sparkle for a few minutes."
We made our way outside to a quiet corner near an alcove lined with rows of clay wine jars. Servants were darting back and forth, filling pitchers, exchanging empty cups, keeping the party's bloodstream flowing. I sank down onto a stone bench, grateful for the cool air and the moment of peace.
"I'll get you some water, Miss Mei Lin," Xiaohua said, already turning before I could respond.
As I leaned back against the wall, letting the night air clear my head, a voice behind me spoke.
"The wine of Luyang is a bit strong for first-timers, isn't it?"
I turned, and there he was—Prince Yan Jian Yi.
Up close, he was every bit as devastatingly handsome as court gossip claimed. Tall, sharp-jawed, and confident in the way people only are when they know they're being watched. His dark eyes were intense but carried a spark of dry amusement, and the slight tilt of his mouth suggested he was used to leaving an impression.
I smiled politely and introduced myself. "Yes, it is quite strong. I'm Li Mei Lin. It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."
He returned the smile with casual charm. "The pleasure is mine. And please—call me Jian Yi."
I quirked a brow. "Jian Yi, then. That wine certainly packs a punch. I'm more used to drinks that don't try to assassinate me after two sips."
He laughed, a low, warm sound. "Luyang wine has that reputation. It's almost a rite of passage." With the ease of someone who didn't mind ignoring protocol, he took a seat beside me, his presence somehow both relaxed and commanding.
"Your match was incredible," I offered, aiming for casual but probably coming off as too enthusiastic.
"It would've been more incredible if I hadn't lost," he replied with a grin that didn't seem particularly wounded.
I chuckled. "Maybe, but style counts for something. You definitely scored high on flair. That dramatic energy blast? Very epic."
"You have a different metric for success than most nobles," he said, amused. "It's…refreshing." His gaze lingered just a bit too long. "I've heard you're the miracle healer around here. Able to patch up even the hopeless cases."
I snorted, waving him off. "Only because I haven't blown anything up yet. Half the time I'm praying I didn't mix up herbs meant for pain relief with something that causes violent sneezing."
His laughter came easily. "Well, if you ever grow tired of this place, you're welcome in Daqi. We could use someone with your skills." He tilted his head, voice dipping playfully. "And it wouldn't hurt to have a reason to spend more time with you."
My eyebrow rose instinctively. "That sounds suspiciously like kidnapping. Should I start screaming now or wait until you've thrown me over your shoulder?"
He grinned, utterly unbothered. "I wouldn't dare. Besides, I'm not sure I'd survive the rescue mission that would follow. Especially Wei Wuxian, he'd probably chase me around with a stick"
That image made me giggle, and it was alarming how easy he made that happen. There was something about him—his presence, his humor, his confidence—that disarmed me quicker than I liked.
Then he leaned in ever so slightly, his eyes holding mine. "Still, if surviving it meant more time with you… might be worth the risk."
Oh no. That was definitely flirting.
My face betrayed me before I could compose myself. The blush flared hot across my cheeks like someone had lit a match under my skin.
"Are you alright?" he asked, clearly enjoying my discomfort, his voice low and just a little too smooth.
I cleared my throat, willing my heart to stop sprinting. "Yes, just... thinking about how I'll need to smuggle some of this Luyang wine back to my room. Strictly for medicinal purposes, of course."
Jian Yi chuckled, the sound low and indulgent. "If anyone could get away with that, it's probably you, Mei Lin. And if you ever need an accomplice," he leaned in, voice dipping into a velvet whisper, "I have a discreet reputation and excellent distraction techniques."
The proximity, the tone, the way he said "accomplice" like it was an inside joke between us—it sent a ripple of goosebumps down my arms. I laughed, more to defuse the tension than anything. "You really don't hold back, do you? Is this how you charm all your would-be kidnapees?"
His grin deepened. "Only when they're dangerously clever and unnervingly pretty."
Trying to play it cool, I scanned the area for a lifeline—and there it was: a small cat weaving curiously between the wine jars like it owned the place. "Oh, look at that adorable cat!" I blurted, crouching down with unearned enthusiasm.
The cat purred and rubbed against my hand, a perfect, furry distraction. Bless this tiny hero.
Jian Yi knelt beside me, brushing his fingers over the cat's back. "You've got a soft spot for animals," he said, his voice softer now.
I smiled, grateful to have something—anything—to focus on besides the tension bubbling under his flirtatious smirk. "They're honest. No flattery, no games. Just warmth and purring. Unlike some people," I added with a sidelong glance.
"Well said," he chuckled. "But I can be honest and sweet too. I just need the right audience."
Before I could roll my eyes or pretend to be charmed again, a crash broke through the night. A servant had tripped, sending several jars of wine shattering against the stone. The sound of ceramic cracking echoed sharply through the courtyard, silencing nearby conversation. The poor servant froze, face drained of color, clearly waiting for someone to start shouting.
I stood quickly. "It's alright," I said firmly, stepping toward him. "It was an accident."
He blinked in disbelief at the unexpected mercy, then gave a hurried bow before fleeing the scene.
The little cat trotted over to investigate the spill, sniffing the wine curiously before lapping at it with quick flicks of its tongue. I watched with mild amusement—until the cat suddenly jerked back, its body convulsing. It let out a strangled meow, vomited, and collapsed, twitching violently.
My blood ran cold.
Jian Yi was already moving. His easygoing charm vanished in an instant, replaced with sharp, calculating focus. He crouched beside the spilled wine, dipping his fingers into the puddle and raising them to his nose.
"What is it?" I asked, my voice brittle with alarm.
His jaw tightened. "This wine—it's poisoned."
My breath caught. "Poisoned?"
"There's a bitterness beneath the scent of the alcohol. Subtle, but unmistakable." His eyes flicked toward the remaining jars, scanning for more signs. "Someone meant for this to go unnoticed. It's refined."
I looked toward the shattered label on one of the jars. My stomach twisted.
Emperor's Smile.
That was Wei Wuxian's favorite.
Panic surged through me like ice water. "We need to warn Prince Wei," I whispered, my voice shaking. "Now!"
I rushed back into the hall, heart pounding like a war drum. Laughter echoed off the high ceilings, wine flowed freely, and the air buzzed with revelry. My eyes locked on Wei Wuxian—he was mid-toast, cup raised to his lips.
"No—Wei Ying, stop!" I shouted, my voice slicing through the noise.
In one swift motion, I lunged forward and slapped the cup from his hand. It flew across the room, shattering on the floor. The music died. Conversations halted. All eyes turned to me.
Wei Wuxian blinked, clearly stunned. "Mei Lin... what are you doing?"
"The wine is poisoned!" I gasped, the words tumbling out of me. "Don't drink it—"
But before I could finish, a violent cough cut through the silence. I turned in time to see Lan Wangji's face contort in pain. His cup slipped from his fingers, crashing to the ground. His pale complexion turned deathly white as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
"No," I whispered.
He clutched his chest, eyes glazed with shock, and dropped to one knee. His body trembled, the veins at his temples darkening with every strained breath. The sight was terrifying—this calm, unshakeable man suddenly broken and bleeding.
Panic exploded like a thunderclap.
"Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian was already at his side, catching him before he collapsed completely. His usual ease vanished, replaced by raw terror. "Stay with me. You hear me? Lan Zhan, don't—"
"Get a healer!" I screamed, whirling on the stunned crowd. "Now! Please—someone—!"
Lan Xichen stormed forward, his presence slicing through the chaos like a blade. "Seal the exits! No one leaves!" he barked, his voice tight with fury. "We will find whoever did this."
Guards moved into position, blocking the doors, while the hall erupted in chaos—shouts, panicked whispers, the clatter of chairs scraping against polished floors.
I dropped to my knees beside Lan Wangji, hands trembling as I tried to assess him. His breaths were shallow. Blood stained the front of his robe. My mind screamed for answers—what kind of poison? How long do we have?
This was no accident.
This was an assassination attempt.