The morning sun had just risen, its rays slowly slipping through the white curtains of the rear hall in Zhao Tiangsheng's residence.
The scent of warm tea mixed with the morning dew hung in the air, but the host's mood was far from peaceful.
Zhao Tiangsheng stood in front of the large window, gazing at the back garden where servants were already busy sweeping fallen leaves and tending to the flower beds.
His deep-blue silk robe fluttered slightly in the morning breeze. He stood still, his eyes dark and deep, lost in thought—his mind filled with one name: Mo Lian Hua.
"It's been a year… and I still can't forget the moment she left me," Zhao murmured, clenching his fists. "All because I gave up the title of Crown Prince and chose to become the King of Jixian City. I thought by the time I returned, she'd already become Empress. But turns out, she still wants to play games."
From the side door, Guard Jin entered quickly, yet still with proper composure. He gave a respectful bow and stood straight at his master's side.
"That woman, Lady Lian, is truly cunning," Jin said, breaking the silence. "The nerve she had last night, doing something like that to you, Lord Zhao."
Zhao let out a quiet scoff. He turned from the window and walked toward the round table already prepared for breakfast. But food wasn't what he came for—he picked up a teacup instead, staring into the clear liquid.
"I'm certain Lady Lian caused trouble on purpose," Guard Jin continued. "She wanted to frame you. Make it seem like you tried to take advantage of her."
The teacup nearly slipped from Zhao's hand, but he caught it just in time. His fingers tightened around the handle. "Hmph," he scoffed coldly. "She's done worse before. Ruining my name this way? Typical."
He set the cup down gently and turned his gaze toward Jin. His voice was cold.
"Do you really believe she's rejecting the marriage arranged by the Emperor and the Prime Minister?"
Jin laughed out loud. His voice filled the room, as though the question were a morning joke.
"Of course not, My Lord!" he said, grinning. "Everyone knows Lady Lian's been aiming for the Empress title for years. She's ambitious and greedy. To reach that position, marrying the Crown Prince is the only path she has."
Zhao nodded slowly. He walked to the chair, sat down, and crossed his legs. His expression looked calm, but his chest burned with emotion.
"If that's the case, why is she pretending to reject my brother Fengyan? I've already accepted their engagement."
Guard Jin paused for a moment, then stepped forward and bowed slightly before replying. "I believe… she just wants to make you jealous."
Zhao raised an eyebrow, waiting for further explanation.
"Lady Lian is… a woman who craves attention," Jin continued. "She wants two men to fight over her—His Highness and you. That way, she can feel proud and satisfied."
His tone turned serious, fists clenched. "She wants all eyes on her. She wants to prove she can toy with anyone—even His Highness himself."
Zhao gave a faint smirk, spinning the teacup slowly in his hand. But in his eyes, it was clear—he wouldn't let that happen.
"You're right," he said quietly. "And this time… I won't let Mo Lian get what she wants."
He stood again, his gaze returning to the window, this time with a much firmer look. The morning light shone on his face, casting a sharp shadow across the floor.
"I'll make sure… she gets nothing she desires."
---
That same morning, in the Baito Pavilion...
The atmosphere was calm and peaceful. Light steam rose from the warm water pool, filled with fresh rose petals. Mo Lian sat back, her slender figure half-submerged, long black hair flowing freely over her shoulders.
Sunlight filtered through the window cracks, falling perfectly on her porcelain-like face. Her flawless skin seemed to glow even more in the warm morning light.
She closed her eyes for a moment, fully savoring the quiet.
Suddenly, the bathroom door creaked open.
"Miss..." came a soft voice.
It was Dayang Mei, her fifteen-year-old maid who had loyally served her for two years. The young girl entered carrying a tray with a luxurious gold garment lined with soft pink.
Mo Lian opened her eyes slowly and turned her head with a faint smile.
"What is it, Mei? You seem excited—running into my bathroom like that."
Dayang Mei blushed, quickly lowering her head.
"I apologize, Miss… but look," she raised the tray higher. "This outfit was sent by the Crown Prince himself."
Mo Lian's expression shifted. Her eyes turned serious as she looked forward again and gently poured water over her arm.
"The Crown Prince… Fengyan?"
"Yes, Miss. He sent it as an apology for what happened yesterday in the flower garden."
A cold smile appeared on Mo Lian's lips.
"Oh? So he's doing this on behalf of Roulan?"
She raised her hand, water dripping from her delicate fingers.
"Put it away. I won't wear it. Pick something simpler."
"Yes, Miss!" Dayang Mei quickly bowed and left the bathroom.
Not long after, Mo Lian emerged dressed in a plain light blue hanfu, free of embellishments. She still looked graceful, but clearly less eye-catching. Together with Dayang Mei, she headed to the main hall.
When they arrived, the Crown Prince was already there, standing tall as if he had been waiting. Today, he looked especially regal in his official silver-white robes.
Mo Lian stopped a few steps in front of him and offered a polite bow.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
The Crown Prince looked at her with a neutral expression.
"Lady Lian, why didn't you wear the outfit I sent? Did it not please you?"
He studied her carefully. "Roulan always says that Mo Lian is a woman greedy for wealth and power. Is that true? Does she find my gift beneath her?" he thought to himself, remembering that the fabric he sent wasn't even first-class.
A faint smile appeared on Mo Lian's face. She lowered her head slightly, then met his gaze again.
"The outfit Your Highness sent is indeed beautiful and elegant. But I chose not to wear it," she said softly.
"If I wore it this morning, it might cause unnecessary misunderstanding—especially from Lady Roulan. I don't wish for Your Highness' kind gesture to be misinterpreted."
The Crown Prince tilted his head slightly, his brows furrowing. He observed Mo Lian closely. Her demeanor was calm, her voice soft and respectful.
Could Roulan have misjudged her? he wondered.
Just as he was about to speak, a loud voice echoed from the garden.
"Brother Fengyan!"
Roulan came running, lifting her flowy pink hanfu slightly as she rushed over. She stopped right beside Mo Lian and the Crown Prince.
"Brother, why did you leave me?" she asked sadly. "Are you still angry at me… for Father's decision?"
Roulan believed that Mo Lian was upset because Lord Mo had approved the cancellation of the engagement.
She turned her face away, hiding behind her sleeve as if crying.
"Forgive me, Brother… I'll talk to Father again," she whispered, then turned to Mo Lian and grabbed her arm.
With a graceful motion, Mo Lian gently freed herself from Roulan's grip and offered a polite smile.
"What are you talking about, Sister? I was only discussing something important with His Highness."
Roulan's face stiffened with unease. Her smile faltered. She turned to the Crown Prince, voice slightly trembling.
"What important matter were you discussing with Sister Lian...?"
---