The defeat of Hei Xiezhi had spread like wildfire.
From one kingdom to another, it became the tale on every tongue. Children clapped and sang in the streets, turning the victory into a playful chant:
The mighty have fallen to the ground!
Meanwhile, in the prosperous kingdom of Xiyue, Emperor Huojin and Empress Rulan sat side by side in their grand throne room, conversing with their visiting guests—Emperor Zhaokun of the Hengling Empire, his elegant wife Empress Liyue, and their graceful daughter, Princess Moyin.
Their laughter filled the air as they spoke about the news that shook the continent.
"Who would have thought,"Emperor Huojin mused as he took a light sip of wine, "that a single kingdom would bring Hei Xiezhi to his knees?"
"Every tyrant has their time," Emperor Zhaokun replied with a smirk. "So did his father. I always knew his reign wouldn't last forever."
They chuckled together, pleased by the fall of a mutual enemy.
Then, the mood shifted as Emperor Zhaokun leaned forward slightly, clearing his throat.
"Huojin, do you remember when you visited our kingdom during the Moonlight Harvest Festival years ago? Your son was barely more than a boy then. You joked that perhaps one day, our children would marry. We all laughed it off, but... I didn't think my daughter would take it to heart."
He gestured subtly toward Princess Moyin, who lowered her gaze with a shy smile.
"She has turned down countless suitors ever since," Zhaokun continued. "She says she's waiting for him. A well-bred princess like Moyin deserves a noble prince like your son, don't you think?"
Emperor Huojin beamed.
"You're absolutely right, my friend. I'll speak to my son."
Emperor Zhaokun and Empress Liyue exchanged satisfied glances. But Empress Rulan's smile did not reach her eyes.
Her thoughts drifted. Marriage… should be more than strategy. She had married Huojin for love, and when she was unable to bear more children, he refused to take another wife. He stood by her, even when tradition demanded otherwise.
That was the kind of love she wanted for her son—deep, loyal, and unshakable. That was why she never pushed him into a royal match.
"Where is Prince Lianyi, anyway?"Emperor Zhaokun asked.
"He went out to settle a land dispute," Empress Rulan answered.
"Then it's best we seal this matter quickly," Zhaokun said with a sly tone, "before he falls for a commoner."
But none of them noticed the silent listener standing quietly by the side—Mimi.
She had been called in to attend to Princess Moyin after her long journey. But what she heard instead shattered her.
They were talking about her man.
The man who once promised her everything.
The man she believed in with her whole heart.
Her chest ached, but she stood still, eyes lowered, hiding the storm inside. She waited—silent and patient—until the conversation ended.
---
As the court discussion came to a close, Lady Rulan turned to Mimi.
"Escort Princess Moyin to her quarters," she said. "And prepare the calming herbs. The journey from Jinzhou must have worn her out."
"Yes, Your Grace," Mimi replied with a curtsy.
She led Princess Moyin through the moonlit corridor, their steps echoing softly against the floor. When they arrived at the guest chamber, Moyin paused briefly at the threshold before stepping inside.
Once the door closed behind them, she turned to Mimi with an inquisitive glance.
"Do you live here in the palace?" she asked, removing her outer robe.
Mimi nodded silently.
"I see…"Moyin walked further in, eyeing the finely embroidered pillows and moonlight-drenched curtains. "The Crown Prince… he's very kind and handsome, isn't he?"
Mimi hesitated for the briefest moment before nodding again. "Yes, Your Highness."
Moyin's eyes narrowed slightly, as if studying Mimi's expression. Then her lips curved into a smile.
"Has he ever been close to any princess?"she asked, sitting down by the vanity.
"No…"Mimi murmured, voice barely above a whisper. "Only a commoner…"
Princess Moyin let out a soft, mocking laugh.
"A commoner? Oh dear. The man I love would never fall for a commoner."
Mimi said nothing. Her fingers clutched the edge of her sleeves.
With a graceful motion, Moyin pulled out a small velvet box from her traveling case and handed it to Mimi.
"Give this to him," she said. "It's a sapphire brooch from the royal jeweler of Jinzhou. A token of my affection."
Mimi accepted the gift with both hands. "Yes, Your Highness."
---
Later that evening, Prince Lianyi returned to the palace from the eastern territories of Luowen Plains, where he had spent days settling a bitter land dispute among nobles. Dust still clung to his robes. He had a knocked on the door.
The door creaked open. Mimi entered quietly.
"Welcome back, Your Highness," she said, bowing slightly. She stepped forward and placed the box from Moyin on his table. "Princess Moyin, your wife to be, asked me to give this to you."
Prince Lianyi raised a brow. "What is it?"
"A gift," Mimi answered softly. "From… your wife-to-be."
He looked up sharply. "My wife-to-be?" he repeated, rolling his eyes as he opened the box. "Who said that?"
Mimi didn't reply. She turned to leave.
But before she could reach the door, Lianyi caught her wrist gently and pulled her back.
"You didn't even greet me properly," he said with a playful pout. "Didn't you miss me?"
He reached to embrace her, but Mimi pushed him away. Her face crumpled. Tears spilled from her eyes before she could stop them.
"What…?" Lianyi froze. "Mimi, what is it? Did something happen?"
"I'm just tired," she whispered, avoiding his gaze. She turned quickly and walked out, leaving him standing alone, confused and stunned, with the velvet box still unopened in his hands.
After taking a bath, Lianyi left his chamber and headed straight to Mimi's room, his hair still damp from the bath. Without knocking, he stepped inside.
Mimi sat curled on her bed, tears streaking down her cheeks. She froze the moment she sensed someone enter. Slowly, she turned—only to find Prince Lianyi standing there, watching her with an innocent, bewildered expression.
The moment their eyes met, something inside her broke. She ran into his arms, sobbing even harder as she clung to him.
The prince wrapped his arms around her gently, holding her close. His voice was low and steady, meant only for her.
"Don't you trust me?" he whispered, brushing a hand through her hair. "I know what you're afraid of… but believe me, Mimi, what I feel for you is far greater than your fears."
He pulled back just enough to look into her tearful eyes.
"Have faith in me. I love you too much to walk away. You are more than the world to me."
He said the words with such quiet intensity, as though he wanted her to see his heart through his words.