The sky over Xiyue was crystal clear, a cool autumn breeze weaving through the busy streets. The air carried the crisp scent of fallen leaves, and the setting sun washed the city in a warm, golden glow.
General Wei Guang had just returned to the capital when a small, swift figure darted through the chamber's gates.
"Father!" Yue Rong's bright voice rang out as she rushed forward, flinging herself into his open arms. Her laughter bubbled like spring water as he lifted her easily.
"You grow more beautiful each time I see you, Yue Rong," Wei Guang said, smiling from ear to ear. The stern lines carved by years of battle softened into the warmth of a father's love.
When at last she stepped back, she straightened her posture, raising a hand to greet the soldiers who had escorted him. The men, still in their travel-worn armor, bowed respectfully, their eyes carrying quiet admiration for the general's daughter.
"Rest well, all of you," Wei Guang ordered, his voice steady with authority. At his command, the soldiers saluted sharply before dispersing, leaving the courtyard in tranquil silence.
Inside, the air was warmer, carrying the gentle fragrance of jasmine and braised meat. Madam Wei, clad in a pale green silk robe, moved toward her husband with measured elegance. But the moment her gaze fell on him, composure slipped away. She grasped his hands tightly, eyes glistening as she searched his face for any sign of injury or fatigue.
"You've grown thinner," she murmured, though her smile betrayed her relief. Reaching up, she straightened his collar — a small, familiar gesture woven with years of devotion.
The maids bustled in, bowing deeply before quickly setting the table. Steaming bowls of fragrant rice appeared first, followed by tender duck glazed with plum sauce, and a pot of herbal soup sending ribbons of steam into the air. One maid poured warm tea into porcelain cups, its delicate aroma mingling with the scent of roasted meat. Another placed a small lacquered box of pickled vegetables beside the general, quietly reminding him it was his favorite.
Wei Guang removed his sword belt and set it on a stand in the corner. With his family close and the table full, the harsh edges of war felt far away.
But as they ate, his sharp eyes noticed his daughter's unusual stillness. Yue Rong barely touched her food, her chopsticks tracing idle circles in her bowl.
"What troubles you, my daughter?" he asked, leaning closer, his voice both gentle and commanding.
"Nothing, Father," Yue Rong answered quickly, lowering her gaze to hide her expression.
Madam Mie sighed knowingly. "She's upset because she claims Mimi has… seduced her man."
Wei Guang's jaw tightened. "And who is this man that dares make my daughter so unhappy?"
Yue Rong hesitated, a faint blush coloring her cheeks — whether from anger, shame, or another feeling, it was hard to tell. "It is Lianyi… the prince, Father."
Wei Guang blinked in surprise. "The prince? Was he in love with you?"
"Yes, Father," Yue Rong replied firmly, though her grip on her chopsticks tightened.
His brow furrowed. "And how is it I hear of this only now?"
Madam Mie's eyes darkened. "Mimi dares try to take what belongs to my daughter? I will make certain the prince turns from her and returns to you."
A pause hung over the table before Wei Guang's sternness eased into thoughtful calculation. The conversation shifted toward the advantages such a marriage could bring — stronger alliances, political power, and honor to their family name.
The soft clink of porcelain mingled with the scent of braised duck, but Yue Rong's downturned eyes concealed a faint gleam. Whatever truth lay in her words, she had planted a seed — and her parents were already tending it.
The next morning, General Wei Guang's boots echoed through the palace floor. He meet the emperor sitting on his throne. Bowing low, he greeted the Emperor before delivering his report.
"As Your Majesty commanded, I met with the Qinbei court regarding the silk dispute. They claimed the damage to their shipment was proof of Xiyue's negligence, threatening to end trade with us altogether."
He paused briefly. "But the evidence showed the damage occurred after the goods reached their own warehouses. Once this was proven, they relented. To preserve harmony, I offered, on Your Majesty's behalf, a smaller gift of fine teas. They accepted, and our trade agreements remain intact."
The Emperor leaned back, the rigid mask of rulership easing from his features. "You have done well, old friend," he said warmly. "The court may not understand the price of peace… but I do."
Wei Guang bowed, a faint smile touching his lips. "It was my duty, Your Majesty."
For a moment, the Emperor studied him in silence, as if weighing the years they had both carried. Then, a lighter expression broke across his face.
"Come," he said, rising from the throne. "Let us leave talk of treaties behind. Join me for wine — my table has missed your company."
And so, sovereign and soldier — not just ruler and servant, but brothers forged by years of loyalty — walked side by side from the great hall, their footsteps fading into the quiet corridors of the palace.
As the two men sat conversing over warm wine, Prince Lianyi entered from the far side of the chamber, Mimi walking quietly at his side. Their quiet laughter softened when they noticed the emperor and General Wei Guang The prince led Mimi toward them, stopping a respectful distance away.
"Your Majesty. General Huo," Lianyi said, bowing. Mimi followed with a polite curtsey.
The emperor's gaze shifted to her. "How are you, Mimi?" he asked, his tone direct but warm.
"I am well, Your Majesty," she replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of shyness.
General Wei Guang eyes lingered on her a moment longer than courtesy required. "Mimi, I see you've grown quite comfortable here," he remarked. There was weight behind his words, something that felt less like observation and more like a quiet probe.
"Yes, she has," the emperor interjected before Mimi could respond. "And she has been most helpful—an extra pair of hands, but more importantly, a heart that understands the needs of the palace."
As they moved away, the emperor's voice lowered, praising her further to the general.
"She is diligent, quick to learn, and speaks with respect. Not once has she caused trouble. She is a rare . You can feel a certain… sincerity in her presence."
The general nodded absently, his mind elsewhere. While the emperor spoke of her virtues, General Huo was weighing his own thoughts.
When the conversation between the two men drifted to state matters, Lianyi glanced at Mimi and gave a small, secretive nod. Without a word, he led her quietly away from the chamber, his steps light and unhurried, but deliberate.
They slipped through the corridor, past the lantern-lit alcoves, until they reached the prince's private quarters. He opened the door for her, his hand lingering at the frame as if ensuring no one had followed. Once inside, the warmth of the room contrasted with the cool stone halls outside.
Crossing to a carved chest, Lianyi retrieved a small, lacquered box, its surface painted with delicate plum blossoms. "My mother entrusted this to me", he said, his voice low. "She asked that I give it to you.