The ceremonial hall of the Imperial Palace shimmered like a dream. The columns were covered with white and silver fabrics, adorned with crystal flowers and floating lanterns that resembled stars frozen in time. In the center, a golden dragon altar rose like an unbreakable promise: the altar where, for centuries, emperors had sealed their eternal vows.
Carved at the top of the altar, a white crane with outstretched wings seemed to take flight toward the heavens, an ancestral symbol of House Jinhai, Suwei's house.
The music began. A soft, sacred melody, played on bamboo flutes and silk strings. And then, Suwei appeared at the entrance.
He wore his ceremonial attire: white as the moon, with silver thread embroidery representing clouds, flowing water, and delicate crane feathers. His cape was translucent, light as the spring wind, and it rippled as he walked as if dancing with him. On his forehead he wore a white jewel—a spirit pearl—held by a delicate white gold crown.
