Cheers and laughter filled the throne room as Emperor Xuanyan Lie of Yunhai arrived at the kingdom of Hengling to celebrate the engagement ceremony between his first son, the crown prince of Yunhai, and the only princess of Hengling.
As he entered the throne room, Emperor Zhaokum of Hengling rose quickly from his seat. Both rulers walked forward, their faces lit with honor. When they met, they clasped hands firmly and gave a slight bow, each showing respect to the other.
"Brother Xuanyan, you are welcome to my humble kingdom," Emperor Zhaokum said warmly.
"And it gladdens me to stand here today," Emperor Xuanyan Lie replied with a smile. "This union is not only a joy for our children but a bond of strength between our kingdoms."
After their greetings, they sat side by side upon the raised platform. Servants poured wine into golden cups as the emperors spoke. Their words touched on family, the prosperity of trade, and the future alliance that this marriage would bring.
Then Emperor Xuanyan leaned closer, his voice lowering slightly. "Tell me, Brother Zhaokum, have you heard any word of the Black Scorpion? For months now, he has vanished from sight."
Zhaokum's brow furrowed, his hand tightening around his cup. "Not a whisper. But silence from that man is never peace. It only means he is plotting something darker."
"Both men fell silent for a moment, their smiles stiff, but they quickly forced themselves to look cheerful as more visitors began to enter the hall. Laughter and greetings soon filled the air, hiding the unease in hearts at the mention of black scorpion."
Not long after, Prince Zhao Kun, Zhaokum's first son, the heir to his throne__hurried into the hall. His steps were quick, his expression pale. He bent close to his father and whispered with trembling lips, "Father… Princess Moyin is gone."
Emperor Zhaokum's smile froze instantly, his breath caught in his chest. The cup of wine trembled in his grip. His gaze darkened, but he said nothing aloud, forcing the weight of his rage deep inside as he kept his composure before Emperor Xuanyan.
His lips curved back into a stiff smile as he dismissed his son with a small nod. His heart thundered, but his face betrayed nothing.
"Brother Xuanyan," he said evenly, lifting his cup once more, "today marks a union that will be remembered for generations. Let us drink to peace and prosperity."
Xuanyan Lie raised his cup, though his sharp eyes lingered on Zhaokum a bit, as though sensing something amiss. Still, he said nothing, and their cups met with a soft clink.
Behind them, ministers and guests continued their laughter, the hall swelling with cheer. Yet Zhaokum's mind was far from merry.
He leaned slightly to one of his most trusted guards standing at the side of the dais. His voice was low as he whispered, "Seal the inner gates. Search every chamber, every corner of the palace. Bring her back before a whisper of this escapes these walls. If anyone fails me, they will lose their heads."
The guard bowed deeply, slipping away.
Zhaokum turned back to Xuanyan Lie, his smile perfectly composed, as though nothing had transpired. "Tell me, Brother," he said lightly, "how fares your third son? I hear he has taken an interest in the arts of war."
Xuanyan chuckled, stroking his beard as he answered. The two emperors spoke on, their voices smooth, but beneath the golden light of the throne room, the shadow of unease grew heavier.
Where are you, Moyin? Zhaokum thought bitterly. And what madness drove you to vanish on this day of all days?
At that moment, the younger brother to to the crown prince of Yunhai, Rong Xian, came out from the inner hall. He was dressed in robes of silver and blue, his posture straight as he bowed deeply before his father.
"Father," he said firmly, "your son greets you."
Emperor Xuanyan Lie's face brightened with pride. He walked to him and placed his hand on his shoulder. "Rong Xian, hope everything have been arranged? And where is your brother?" He asked looking around. Rong Xian chuckled and used another matter to cover up, without answering his father.
The hall was filled with voices, as more nobles and guests continue to arrive. Then whispers started to pass from maid to maid. "The princess is not in her chamber." "Her bed was empty." "She has vanished from the palace—she ran away."
Outside the gates, soldiers who had gone to search for her returned. Their faces drawn with defeat. They bowed before Emperor Zhaokum, the look on their faces showing that they didn't succeed, before their leader came closer and whispered, "We searched every corner, but Princess Moyin was not found."
Zhaokum's chest tightened, his breath heavy in his throat. He clenched his hand around the armrest of his throne before rising slowly to his feet. His face remained calm for the guests, but his eyes were storming within.
He leaned close to Emperor Xuanyan Lie, lowering his voice so no other could hear. "Brother Xuanyan… something grave has happened. Princess Moyin… has disappeared."
"What!?" Emperor Xuanyan exclaimed.
Rong Xian saw the worried lines on his father's face and on Emperor Zhaokum's. He stepped closer and asked, "What is wrong?"
Zhaokum did not hide it. He leaned in and whispered, "Moyin… she is missing. The maids found her chamber empty. Soldiers searched, but she is gone."
Rong Xian only smiled, as he told them plainly, "Do not be afraid. I was told that they slip out together last night. They walked out into the night."
For a long beat, the two emperors stared at him. Then a slow relief spread across their faces. Zhaokum's shoulders relaxed.
"If she is with him, then at least she is not alone," Zhaokum said, voice low, though he was still worrying for her.
"What should we do now?" Emperor Xuanyan asked, not knowing what to expect.
"The engagement continues," Emperor Zhaokum said firmly.
So they moved on. They would not spoil the day. The two emperors nodded to each other and decided the ceremony must go on. The court arranged the rites, the gifts were exchanged, and the engagement was conducted—without the bride and groom present.