The morning sky was a gloomy grey, seemingly reflecting the mood of Aveline, who had just lost everything. The old cart carrying her family's simple possessions moved slowly out of the city gates. There was no honorary escort, no servants, save for Meiyun, who had faithfully stayed behind.
On a small hill overlooking the city, Aveline paused for a moment. She looked toward the provincial palace tower, the place where she grew up, learned noble etiquette, and secretly harbored feelings for the Young Governor, Li Feng.
"I don't know which is more painful..." she murmured softly.
"Being betrayed by power... or losing my best friend."
Meiyun, walking beside her, looked at her mistress with pity.
"My lady... You are not alone. I believe the truth will be revealed. And I will stay with you."
Aveline smiled bitterly. "Thank you, Meiyun. But sometimes the truth is silenced by might and ambition."
The journey out of the city was so difficult. The road was slick from the overnight rain, and the cart creaked relentlessly. Aveline held back her tears in silence, strengthening herself not to appear weak.
Yet, every sound of the wheels seemed to deepen the scratch on her inner wound.
Halfway through the journey, they stopped at an old park on the city's border. The plum trees there were blooming, and the fresh scent of wet earth filled the air.
"Let me sit here for a moment, Meiyun," Aveline said quietly.
She walked toward the largest plum tree and sat on a stone bench. A gentle wind caressed her cheek, as if trying to comfort her; however, her eyes couldn't lie the wound was still fresh.
Unbeknownst to her, across the park, a young man was sitting and reading a book. He wore simple, commoner's clothes, but his posture was upright, and his gaze implied something different: calm, yet sharp.
Occasionally, the youth glanced toward Aveline. His expression showed curiosity, but he remained still.
"Excuse me..." a soft voice sounded. Aveline turned, startled. The young man stood before her, bowing politely.
"Are you alright sitting in the middle of the wind like this, little lady?" he asked.
Aveline offered a faint smile. "I just needed some fresh air. Thank you for your concern."
"If I may ask... you are not a resident of this area, are you?" the young man continued, noting Aveline's clothes which still subtly conveyed aristocratic wealth.
Aveline looked at him, hesitant. But for some reason, there was a calmness in the man's eyes.
"That's right. I'm just... calming myself down."
The young man sat on the bench opposite, opening his book again. "In that case, I hope today's wind can bring some peace to your heart."
Aveline chuckled softly. "Those are beautiful words. You enjoy reading, apparently?"
The youth nodded. "Reading is the only way I can travel... without leaving my seat."
Aveline stared at him longer. She did not know that behind the simplicity of the young man's attire... lay the blood of a prince from the capital.
And for the disguised prince, this meeting was no accident.
Aveline did not know...
That day was the beginning of a new journey,
one that would lead her to love, betrayal, and a throne greater than she had ever imagined.