The banners of Yunhai fluttered proudly in the wind as the youngest prince led the escort toward the borders of Hengling. Rows of armored soldiers rode behind him, their spears glinting beneath the sun. His eldest brother, the groom-to-be, hid among the soldiers in plain clothes, his sharp eyes half-shadowed beneath a lowered helmet.
They crossed hills and rivers, the hooves of their horses drumming a steady rhythm against the earth. Along the roads, villagers paused their work to bow, whispering in awe at the sight of Yunhai's royal procession.
By the time they reached the gates of Hengling's capital, thunderous drums announced their arrival. Attendants carried down chests filled with jade, bolts of silk, and trays of rare jewels that sparkled beneath the afternoon sun.
Inside the palace, Emperor Zhaokum sat high upon his golden throne, flanked by his sons. At the news of Yunhai's delegation, he rose to greet them in person—a rare gesture of honor.
The youngest prince stepped forward and bowed deeply. "On behalf of my royal father, Emperor Xuanyan Lie of Yunhai, we present these gifts in honor of my eldest brother, prince Rong Yuan."
A silk covering was lifted from one chest, revealing pearls that shimmered like frozen moonlight. Murmurs rippled through the court. Emperor Zhaokum's stern face softened into a smile.
"Your journey must have been long," he said warmly. "Hengling welcomes you with open doors."
After polite greetings, he inquired about Emperor Xuanyan Lie's health and spoke of the upcoming union with measured joy. The guests answered with respect.
When the formalities ended, Zhaokum's sons guided the visitors to their chamber, where servants had already arranged steaming dishes, sweet pastries, and cups of fragrant wine and tea. Laughter and conversation soon filled the hall.
But Rong Yuan did not follow them. Instead, he slipped away quietly to the soldiers' quarters. There, he spread a simple bedroll on the hard floor, drawing startled glances.
"Your Highness…" one soldier stammered, unsure whether to kneel.
"There's no need for formality," Rong Yuan said with a faint smile. "Tonight, I am only a traveler resting with his men."
The tension eased, though the soldiers still whispered among themselves. An older guard finally spoke. "Your Highness, the palace chamber is warm and soft. Why suffer here?"
Rong Yuan only chuckled. "I have my reasons."
Meanwhile, in the visitors' chamber, his younger brother lounged on a cushioned chair, sipping wine poured endlessly by the servants. When a guard whispered about Rong Yuan's choice, he nearly spat out his drink.
"Unbelievable," he muttered. "A emperor turning himself into a beggar. What game is he playing?" He saidt as he sank deeper into the cushions, savoring another sip of wine.
---
Elsewhere in side the princess chamber, Princess Moyin's thoughts churned. If I run away, Father will finally take me seriously. He'll have no choice but to beg Prince Lianyi to marry me instead.
The idea lit her face with sudden determination.
She made her way swiftly to the servants' quarters, where two maids were folding linens. One, a round-faced girl with quick hands named Xiu'er, dropped her cloth in shock at the sight of her. The other, tall and gentle Lianhua, bowed so deeply her forehead almost touched the floor.
"My lady," they greeted in unison.
Moyin's voice was urgent. "I need a plain dress. Something simple, that will not draw attention."
The maids exchanged worried glances, but dared not ask why. At once, Xiu'er rummaged through a chest and produced a coarse hemp tunic, while Lianhua fetched a worn cloak faintly scented with lavender.
"Here, Princess," Xiu'er whispered.
Moyin accepted the clothes, her lips curving into a rare, gentle smile. "Thank you. I will not forget this kindness." She briefly squeezed their hands before hurrying off.
As she vanished, Xiu'er pressed the other folded silk to her chest."Did you see? She smiled at us."
But Lianhua's brows knit with unease. "And where is she going with those clothes?"
---
That night, shadows draped the palace. The torches along the walls burned low, their flames shivering in the wind. Guards marched lazily along the corridors, the clink of armor echoing in the silence.
Moyin slipped from her chamber, soft-footed as a cat. She pressed herself against pillars whenever a soldier approached, her breath shallow, her heart hammering against her ribs. Slowly, step by step, she inched closer to the main gate, where two guards leaned on their spears, their idle chatter filling the air.
She crouched in the shadows, clutching the plain cloak in her arms, searching for the moment she could slip past them.
---
Meanwhile, in the soldiers' quarters, Rong Yuan tossed and turned on the hard floor. The damp cold gnawed at his bones, and mosquitoes whined ceaselessly around his ears.
Finally, he rose with a sigh. "So this is what my men endure every night," he murmured.
He stepped into the courtyard, letting the night air cool his restless thoughts. That was when he noticed movement—a slight figure darting barefoot across the stones, clutching a bundle to her chest.
Intrigued, he lingered in the shadows. The girl paused beneath a lantern, and with quick, practiced hands, she shed her jeweled robes, replacing them with the coarse tunic.
.
Rong Yuan's eyes widened. The garment she was wearing was unmistakable the princess robe.
His heart sank. Why would my bride-to-be cast away her crown to flee? Does she despise the marriage so deeply?
Insult flared, but curiosity held him in place. Straightening, he wrapped his cloak tighter and followed her silently into the night.
As he took a few steps forward, a gentle voice called softly from behind.
"My prince…"
He turned to see a trusted attendant standing in the shadows, bowing low.
"The younger prince sent me," the man said quietly. "He worries you may not rest well among the soldiers."
Rong Yuan's brow furrowed, impatient. "Tell him I am fine."
Then, leaning closer, he whispered a few hurried words into the attendant's ear words that made the his eyes widen before he quickly bowed.
Without another word, the attendant slipped back into the darkness, vanishing as swiftly as he had come.
Rong Yuan's gaze returned to the figure of the fleeing princess. His jaw tightened. Let see where she off to.
With that, he stepped deeper into the shadows, his resolve hardening. "Very well, Princess," he murmured to himself. "If you wish to flee, I shall see where your steps lead."
With that, he followed her, silent as the night.