Bǎihé didn't quite know how to feel as she walked back to her quarters. Her heart fluttered with joy at the thought of her father's return, but a strange weight still lingered—heavy, unshakable. The dream she had was unlike the others: vivid, startling... and yet now, the more she reached for its details, the more they scattered like petals in the wind.
"Get a hold of yourself, Bǎihé," she muttered, pausing as she stood before the carved wooden doors of her room.
She let out a soft sigh and pushed them open.
"Gōngzhǔ!" Hépíng called out warmly, rushing forward and gently pulling Bǎihé inside.
"You've heard the news? Come! Let's pick out a dress for tonight's celebration. Are you excited?" she sang in a cheerful tone.
"Of course I'm excited," Bǎihé replied with a small smile, sinking onto a low stool before her mirror.
Only then did she notice the other three attendants in the room, standing quietly in the corner, holding lacquered jewelry boxes and flowing silk gowns in their arms.
Hépíng stepped behind her and began untying the pins in Bǎihé's hair with practiced hands. One by one, the delicate green hairpins fell away, and her long, wavy brown hair tumbled down her back in a soft cascade.
She sat still, watching her reflection as Hépíng examined her head thoughtfully, deciding which style might best suit the evening's grandeur.
"We don't have to prepare now," Bǎihé murmured, lazily twirling a strand of her hair. "The celebration is still hours away."
Hépíng shook her head. "Even so, we must begin. Who knows—His Majesty might arrive at any moment."
"Alright," Bǎihé said, giving a resigned chuckle.
With a small gesture, Hépíng signaled one of the servants to bring forward a box. The servant approached and handed it to her carefully.
"Thank you. I'll call for you if I need anything else," Hépíng said.
"Yes, Miss," the servant replied softly, returning to her place.
Hépíng turned back toward Bǎihé, her smile bright and teasing.
"So much jewelry, though?" Bǎihé said, raising an eyebrow at the sparkling collection. "It's not like I'm getting married."
"Your mother prepared everything," Hépíng replied, a subtle pause hanging in her words. "Important people will be attending."
"Do you think Wángzǐ Feng will be there?" Bǎihé asked, not meeting her eyes.
Hépíng was quiet for a moment.
"Because of how long Guówáng Hòu has been away... every ruler from every dynasty, kingdom, and city will attend, Gōngzhǔ Fāng. As for Wángzǐ Feng..." Her voice trailed off as she gently set the jewelry box down and picked up five hairpins, each made of silver and gold and shaped like delicate blossoms.
"He'll be there too."
"I dare him to show his face," Bǎihé muttered under her breath.
"Gōngzhǔ, aren't you even a little excited to see him?" Hépíng asked while inspecting a colorful quill pin.
Bǎihé rolled her eyes. "He's just so..." She stopped, frustration bubbling up. "He's just—ugh—I don't even know how to describe it."
"He's so what? I mean, you are engaged to him."
"Don't remind me." Her voice dropped, laced with disgust.
Hépíng's hands paused in midair. She slowly placed the pin down on the edge of the wooden mirror stand.
"I thought... you two loved each other," she said quietly, the words sounding like they pained her to speak.
Bǎihé said nothing, fiddling with her hair, biting her lip in thought.
"I know my mother did all this to impress his family," she finally said. "She calls it 'presenting myself as a suitable in-law'—can you imagine?"
"I... I cannot. But forgive me, Gōngzhǔ Fāng—Wángzǐ Feng is said to be the most handsome and eligible bachelor across all seven dynasties. Every lady dreams of him. His martial arts are legendary, his poetry enchanting, his—"
"Okay, okay, enough," Bǎihé groaned, cutting her off with a wave.
"I only mean to say, Gōngzhǔ, the Empress has every right to try and impress your suitor. He is the prince of the Fenglan Dynasty, after all."
"Well, you seem quite taken with him. Why don't you marry him instead?"
Hépíng immediately dropped to her knees. "Forgive me, Gōngzhǔ Fāng!" she cried. "I didn't mean to speak out of turn."
Startled, Bǎihé turned in her seat, looking down at her maid with wide eyes.
"You all can go," she said, glancing toward the other servants. "Leave the boxes behind."
They bowed deeply and slipped out, closing the door behind them with barely a sound.
"You do know what happens to maids who fantasize about the princess's fiancé, right?" Bǎihé said, arms crossed, shaking her head. "Ninety-four floggings with a metal rod."
"I'm sorry, Gōngzhǔ Fāng," Hépíng whispered, eyes still cast to the floor. "I didn't mean to sound like that. I probably deserve it..."
A laugh burst from Bǎihé's lips—loud and unrestrained. She even snorted.
Hépíng lifted her head, confused.
"What do you take me for? Stand up, Hépíng! Stand. You're far too dramatic sometimes," Bǎihé said between laughs, gesturing for her to rise.
Hépíng obeyed quickly, adjusting her silver dress but still staring downward.
"I'm sorry. That was a sick joke," Bǎihé added, gently taking her hand.
"No—I'm the one who's sorry, Gōngzhǔ. I'll learn to hold my tongue."
Bǎihé stood and led Hépíng toward the bed, where soft silk dresses had been laid out.
"Here," she said, handing her a stunning silver hanfu embroidered with green leaves and draped in white silk that wrapped around the waist.
"What's this for, Gōngzhǔ?" Hépíng asked, blinking.
"You're attending the celebration with me."
"But... I'm already accompanying you—"
"Yes, but not as my servant. As my friend. And I want you to look your best."
"Gōngzhǔ Fāng..." Hépíng dropped to her knees again, head bowed.
"I can't. I'm just a servant. I know my place. I'm sorry if I've stepped out of line."
"You haven't," Bǎihé said, voice softening. "You really underestimate yourself."
She turned back toward the mirror and ran a finger along its edge. "Help me pick a dress. Any one will do. As I said, we still have hours left."
She stepped toward the door.
"I'll be back. I need some fresh air. I'll be close by if you need me."
Then she paused.
"And Hépíng... please stop with the bowing. You know I hate it."
"Okay, Gōngzhǔ," Hépíng said quickly, rising once more.
"I meant what I said," Bǎihé added from the doorway. "Tonight, I want to see you at the celebration. Not as my maid... but as my friend."
And with her hair loosely tied into a half-bun, Bǎihé stepped out into the warm corridor, leaving Hépíng alone—lost in her thoughts.