The sudden, intense knock startled her out of her light sleep.
"Eldest Miss, as per order of the council of elders, you are to be dressed immediately. Your outing with the Young Master of the Jin Clan is today — have you forgotten? He awaits you at Moonveil Pavilion, and there is a carriage at the ready for you even now. Hurry up!" The high-pitched voice shook the last bit of fatigue from Lian Xue's mind.
Indeed, she had forgotten. Rather, she wished beyond belief that it would have been canceled, if anything.
"Coming!" she called back, though with a clear lack of enthusiasm.
It was only after her response that she heard the clacking of shoes moving away from her door, presumably to return to the council — or her stepmother.
She raised her body from the tub, water, now quite cold, cascading down as she stepped out. As she began to dry herself off, she could not help but think of her stepmother. It was most likely her mind trying to focus on anything besides Jin Wei.
She and her stepmother lived beneath the same roof, shared the same air — and yet managed to share little else. Zhao Yanling didn't waste breath on scolding her, nor did she offer any kindness. She never mocked her, never made life harder for her, and quite literally never acknowledged Lian Xue even existed. When they crossed paths — rarely, and never for long — they exchanged simple pleasantries born of obligation, not affection.
Where she and her stepmother shared cold indifference, the same was simply untrue for her stepmother's servants. Take the one who had just knocked. It was neither normal nor encouraged for a servant to tell the young lady of the house to hurry up. In any other household, the servant would be released, shamed, or outright killed in extreme cases. Here? Not a single person would bat an eye — except her father.
Speaking of her father, she wondered where he might be at that moment. He was most likely causing trouble for the elders due to their decision.
It was customary in the city to begin wedding off daughters of the family the moment they reached supposed maturity at eighteen — an age Lian Xue found gross considering there was no age limit set for her potential partner besides them also being at least eighteen. She could absolutely wake up one day engaged to an old man with one foot in the grave.
The elders had already set her up on multiple "outings." They were meant to offer the two potentially betrothed time to get to know one another while elders from both families discussed terms. If they reached an agreement, an engagement would be set. The agreement? Simply a matter of how much the other party was willing to pay for her.
And Jin Wei... just the thought of him soured her stomach. He wore a friendly mask in public, but behind it lurked a predator. There was not a single good thing to be heard about him besides his high cultivation at his age. The truth, or at least the rumors, said he hadn't reached that level through effort or talent. No, they said he used some dual cultivation method, leeching yin from women to enhance his yang, leaving them drained, broken, and discarded like trash. To think the elders saw him as a good match — it was enough to make her sick.
Thankfully, being blind wasn't all bad in this regard. To other families, she was considered damaged goods. These families weren't willing to give anything important for her. She had assumed she would be shoved onto the first one that came knocking. No matter how many times the deals were rejected, for some reason, the elders wouldn't back down on her supposed value.
After she had finished drying off, Lian Xue moved with slow, careful steps toward the tall wardrobe standing silently against the far wall. Her fingers brushed along the carved wood until she found the small latch and pulled the door open with a soft creak. A faint smell of cedar and old silk greeted her nose — familiar, but offering no comfort.
Inside were row upon row of robes and dresses, their fine fabrics and silks brushing against one another. She reached out, fingertips gliding along the garments, feeling the difference between the smooth silks, the rougher linens, the heavier brocades. Doing something like this was the only way she could differentiate them. Even still, she would occasionally pick something that was not what she thought it was. None of the things had been personally purchased by her. Each piece had been chosen for her by servants, her stepmother, the elders, or — most often — her father, who wished beyond belief to make his daughter as beautiful as possible.
It was a shame only for Jin Wei that he would not be able to see her in anything more than something unappealing. She refused to dress up for someone like him.
Her hands moved with more purpose, pushing aside the soft, pale robes, shoving past the crimson one embroidered with gold, brushing aside the delicate blues and greens.
Finally, her fingers found it — rough wool, plain and heavy. Black, shapeless, and plain as the night. It would swallow her form, hiding her figure from eyes she wished would never look at her at all.
"This will do," she muttered.
She dressed quickly, put on a blindfold, and without even bothering to run a brush through her still-wet hair, exited the room.
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The moment she walked out, the whispers started.
"Look at that… has she completely lost her mind?"
"She's dressed for a funeral..."
"Isn't she supposed to charm Young Master Jin?"
"The elders won't like this…"
Of course, she completely ignored all of them.
As she stepped toward the courtyard where the carriage waited, the soft thud of boots on stone reached her ears. The presence was familiar — large, solid, comforting in its own way. It was her father, Lian Chengwu.
"Xue'er…" came her father's voice, warm despite the tension hanging in the air.
She stopped, turning toward where she knew he stood.
Her father approached, arms crossed loosely over his chest, eyes sweeping over his daughter's dark attire. For a moment, he simply looked at her, then let out a soft, genuine laugh — the kind she hadn't heard in far too long.
"You truly are your mother's daughter," he said, amusement clear in his tone. "She would have done the same."
Lian Xue managed a small smile. "Then I've done something right today."
He chuckled again, but the sound faded quickly as reality weighed in.
"Xue'er, be careful with him. You're a bright girl, I'm sure you have heard the... unsavory rumors about him."
"No worries, Father. I can do this," she replied, a sweet smile budding on her face due to his care.
"Nonetheless, I am sending Han Shun with you. If anything... untoward is attempted, he will take care of it."
Without waiting for a response, he beckoned and called out.
"Han Shun," he commanded, voice firm.
From the cluster of guards at the gate stepped a tall, broad-shouldered man, his armor worn but well-kept, a scar tracing down from his left temple to just above his cheekbone. His eyes were steady, sharp as a hawk's, his presence alone enough to intimidate troublemakers.
Han Shun had served for over two decades — loyal beyond question, steadfast in his duty. More than once, he had been entrusted with tasks requiring strength and discretion. Most importantly, his cultivation had reached the sixth level of the Qi Gathering Stage.
"Escort my daughter to the Moonveil Pavilion. Stay within sight of her at all times. If that whelp so much as breathes wrong, you break his nose — and damn the consequences."
Han Shun bowed deeply. "As you command, Patriarch. No harm will come to her."
"Good man." His father's gaze softened a little. "Go."
"Thank you, Father," Lian Xue replied. She indeed felt safer with him around.
"Don't thank me just yet. He won't be the only one I send. The citizens might think we are weak if we don't send a proper number of guards to protect our eldest daughter."
A sigh of relief escaped her as the last of her worries eased. The dread was still there. She hated that she had to do this. At least her body would be safe.
"I will see you later, father..." she whispered.
"Stay safe," he replied, heartbroken.
With that, she was escorted into the carriage, Han Shun at her side, and they, along with twelve guards, made their way to the Moonveil Pavilion.
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The carriage jolted forward, the wooden wheels creaking as it rolled out of the estate's main gate. Lian Xue sat stiffly within, the plain black fabric of her robes absorbing what little light filtered through the shuttered windows.
Han Shun, seated opposite her, said nothing as the carriage made its way through the city streets. Just as well. She wasn't in the mood for conversation. The man was as silent as the grave, his loyalty to her father his defining trait. He would protect her, no doubt, but words? Comfort? He offered neither.
Outside, the city was alive and roaring despite the hour. Even through the closed carriage, she could hear it: the clang of hammer against anvil, the sizzle of food at roadside stalls, the barking of dogs, and the constant hum of voices layered one atop the other.
"Hot dumplings! Fresh from the steamer!"
"Fine cloaks for winter! Don't let the cold bite you — special price today!"
"Medicinal herbs, rare roots — good for what ails you!"
"Body Refining Pills! Guaranteed to aid you in breaking through the second level of Body Tempering! A steal at this price!"
"Cultivation herbs! True Ironroot! Serpent's Vein Leaf! Strengthen your tendons and veins — don't miss your chance!"
"Demon beast hides! Strong, supple — perfect for crafting armor or talismans! Genuine goods, no fakes here!"
"Spirit-drawn ink! Write talismans that actually work — I swear on my ancestors!"
"Talismans blessed at the Nine Heavens Monastery! Warding charms, luck charms, charms for fertility — don't be shy!"
Children darted between stalls, laughing, as their parents haggled with traders. The smell of roasted meat mingled with incense. The city felt like it never slept — or perhaps it simply waited for moments like these, to swallow those who couldn't escape.
If nothing else, the smells made her hungry.
As the carriage rolled on, the familiar crest upon its side did not go unnoticed.
"Look — that's the Lian Clan's carriage!" someone whispered, loud enough for even Xue's ears to catch.
"Probably their daughter on her way to meet yet another suitor, no doubt."
"Pity — I hear their eldest one is the blind one."
"She's still a Lian. I bet whoever's waiting is high and mighty enough not to care."
"You would be surprised. I have forgotten how many times she has been turned down," came the low mutter of a merchant.
Their voices faded as the carriage climbed toward the upper district. The Moonveil Pavilion soon came into view.
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The carriage slowed to a stop, the clatter of hooves and creak of wheels giving way to the hum of conversation and the gentle strum of a zither from within. Lian Xue felt the faintest shift as Han Shun dismounted and opened the carriage door, offering his steady arm to guide her down. He spoke no words, only a respectful nod that she couldn't see but could sense in his careful movements.
The air carried the sweet, cloying scent of wine and incense. It seemed extremely strong to Xue. She was never much of a drinker. In fact, she could only remember drinking at festivities or paying honor to the ancestors via a toast or similar gesture.
Guard Han Shun led her up the carved steps, his grip firm but gentle, until they reached the private upper level of the pavilion where the so-called young master awaited. As they approached the entrance to the reserved room, a low laugh, rich with indulgence, drifted out.
The door slid open before them, and the first thing that hit Lian Xue was the thick, heavy aroma of spiced wine mixed with an incredible amount of perfume. Three women, giggling, and unsteady — emerged hurriedly, clutching their robes that were barely covering them up and were even ripped in places as they all stumbled past Lian Xue and Han Shun. No words were exchanged. In fact, it was as if Han Shun and Lian Xue were oblivious to it.
Inside, Jin Wei lounged like a king without a throne, one leg draped over the arm of the chair as if the place belonged to him. His robes were of the finest crimson silk, embroidered with gold-threaded dragons that glinted in the lantern light. While they were fancy, they were messy and out of place. It was clear to those that could see it as to what he had just been doing right before meeting his potential wife. A goblet of wine hung loosely in his fingers, and the smirk on his face could curdle fresh milk.
"Well, well... if it isn't the famed Eldest Miss of the Lian Clan at last," he drawled, his voice slick as oil, with the arrogance of a man who thought everyone owed him something. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost — though, I suppose that would be... understandable."
His gaze raked over her — unseen by Lian Xue, but felt in the way the air itself seemed to grow fouler. To those who could see, it was clear: his eyes lingered where no gentleman's should, filled with crude appraisal rather than genuine interest. The very look of a man who believed the girl before him was a prize to be claimed — property to be broken in as he pleased. After a bit, he seemed to grow disinterested as Xue's choice in clothing hid the figure beneath it.
Without waiting for any formal greeting, Jin Wei gestured lazily toward the seat across from him. "Well? Hurry up, sit. No need to be shy. After all, soon enough, you'll belong to me."
Outside the door, Han Shun stiffened but remained silent, duty chaining him in place. Lian Xue, heart heavy with dread, stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her to hide their trembling, and lowered herself onto the cushion across from the monster who had been chosen for her.
His attention then turned to Han Shun.
"You, get out," he stated, not bothering with any sort of decorum.
Han Shun didn't budge an inch.
"Oh?" Wei began to sneer. He took it as a challenge that a dog guard wouldn't leave immediately.
"Go," a reluctant voice sounded before anything could happen.
Lian Xue spoke up, fearing that a fight might break out over this.
"Yes miss," Han Shun replied before stepping out and sliding the entrance shut.
"A loyal dog your clan has found itself. Whose is he? Your father's?" Jin Wei asked, clearly trying to get under her skin.
Lian Xue stayed silent, her knuckles turning red from squeezing them in her lap.
The young master of the Jin Clan leaned forward, setting his goblet down with a careless clink against the lacquered table. The grin on his face deepened as his gaze swept over her again, this time taking in the black robe that draped her figure like mourning cloth. The smirk that followed was enough to make one's skin crawl.
"Black?" he chuckled, voice dripping with mockery. "Did someone die, or are you already grieving the loss of your freedom?" He tilted his head, fingers tapping idly against the goblet's rim. "Or maybe, just maybe, you wore that for me. To remind me what it'll be like when you finally lie beneath me, all meek and defeated."
His tone turned low, a private leer meant to unsettle. "Though I must admit... it suits you, in a way. Makes you look like you're ready to be claimed. I rather like it."
"Behave yourself!" Lian Xue couldn't help but shout.
"Oh? A hidden fire in you, eh? Good. Very good."
He sat back in his chair, looking very smug and proud of himself. It seemed to him that talking about pinning her beneath him was something normal. They had only just met but to him, she was clearly already his.
His eyes gleamed with amusement, the kind that would have made her skin prickle in revulsion if she had seen it.
"Oh, don't think I don't know," he drawled, his voice low and taunting. "You're hoping and praying that this'll be like the others, aren't you? That I'll take one look at you and decide you're too damaged for me to accept. That I'll turn my nose up, like the others who came before me and left your elders squabbling over how to pawn you off next."
He laughed, the sound like a slap. "But no, little flower. I'm not like them. I know what I want, and what I want is already promised to me." His gaze raked over her again, lingering far too long where it had no right. "I've never had a blind one before. I am excited to savor the new experience. Besides, the old bats of my clan were already bugging me about marriage. You shall serve as the shield to my honor while I go play in the flowers. When I get home, I will play with you, don't you worry!"
His fingers drummed on the table, slow, steady, like the beat of some funeral march. The sound of it was no match for the beat of her own heart which seemed to accelerate with every word.
Why? Why does the world hate me so much? Surely he jests, right? He couldn't possibly want me. This will be just like all the others. Just breathe and keep your mouth shut. Think of a happy place, it'll all be over soon. Let him become bored and send me away. Please.
Her mind was a storm as he drummed his fingers on the table.
Jin Wei seemed to get tired of her silence as he suddenly rose from his seat with infuriating leisure, the floorboards creaking beneath his steps as he sauntered over. The clink of the wine cup in his hand was the only sound in the room besides the pounding of Lian Xue's heart. His presence felt heavier as he drew close — like the stench of something rotten you couldn't escape.
Before she could recoil, his arm snaked around her shoulders, pulling her close enough that she could smell the wine on his breath. The cup pressed to her lips, cold and unwelcome.
"Come now," he murmured, his tone sickeningly sweet, the edge of cruelty not even hidden. "A bride-to-be should share a drink with her future husband. Or do you plan to shame me in front of the world before we've even exchanged vows?"
Her hands came up, trembling, pushing at his wrist, but it was like trying to move a boulder. "Please… stop," she whispered, the words small, nearly swallowed by the heavy air between them.
Jin Wei chuckled low, his breath hot against her cheek. "You think you can stop me? A blind girl with no cultivation at all?" His voice dropped, oozing pride. "I'm at the third level of Qi Gathering, little lotus. You? You're nothing. Too weak, too soft, too easy."
With that, he tilted the cup sharply, forcing the bitter liquid into her mouth. The wine flooded over her tongue, down her throat, and she coughed, choking as it burned all the way down. She twisted her face away, but his grip only tightened, holding her there until he was satisfied.
When he finally drew back, smirking, he dragged his thumb across the corner of her mouth, wiping at the spill. The gesture was mockingly gentle, revolting in its false tenderness.
"There now," he whispered, his tone like poisoned honey. "That wasn't so hard, was it? You'll get used to it."
Lian Xue sat frozen, hands clenched in her lap, fighting the tears pricking at the corners of her eyes — not from the wine, not from the cough, but from the helplessness she loathed with every fiber of her being.
"Han Shun!" she called out, her voice strained but firm. "Han Shun, I want to go home!"
The door slid open almost immediately, the loyal guard striding in, hand resting near the hilt of his sword. His gaze swept the room in an instant, taking in the scene, Wei's smug face, Xue's trembling form, and the wine-stained front of her black robe. He instantly released his aura of cultivation at the Minor Manifestation stage of Qi Gathering. He wanted to try and intimidate Jin Wei from doing something rash.
"Miss, let's go," Guard Shun said without hesitation, his tone respectful but edged with steel.
Jin Wei laughed, low and mocking, uncaring of his attempt to intimidate him with his cultivation, as Han Shun guided her toward the door.
"Run along, little bird," he called after her, his voice dripping with scorn. "We'll see each other again soon, very soon."
Lian Xue said nothing, swallowing down the bitter taste of both the wine and her own humiliation. Shun helped her into the carriage, shutting the door firmly behind them. The moment the wheels began to roll and the clatter of hooves filled the silence, the facade she had fought to keep crumbled.
Why? Why must this happen to me? she questioned herself. Must I suffer so for the clan? I don't want this! I don't want to live like this!
Beneath her blindfold, tears slid down her cheeks — silent, hot, and unstoppable. She turned her face slightly toward the window, as if the night could offer her some comfort. But all she felt was the suffocating weight of what had just happened — and what was surely still to come.
Han Shun said nothing as the carriage made its way back toward the cold halls of the Lian estate.