Haoyu stood at the open gates with Bǎihé, while Yíchén prepared the carriage. His hand lingered warmly over hers, his gaze soft.
"Once again, send my condolences to Huan when she returns. She is like a little sister to me, and I cannot bear the thought of her sorrow," Haoyu said gently.
Bǎihé nodded.
"I will."
"Only four days until your birthday," Haoyu continued with a faint smile. "Have you decided what you want?"
Bǎihé shook her head, strands of her hair swaying lightly in the morning breeze.
Haoyu smiled, letting a finger trail down her long, brown hair.
"I am just glad we made up before then," he said.
"Bet you're really happy about that," Bǎihé teased, her tone playful.
"Yeah... so I can do this," Haoyu murmured, leaning closer. His hand tilted her chin upwards, and their faces drew near. Bǎihé's eyes fluttered shut—
—until the sound of a carriage approaching broke the stillness. The lacquered royal carriage rolled into view, its banners swaying, the sound of hooves echoing against the stone.
From behind its silken curtains, Chún dù peeked out, her sharp eyes narrowing at the sight of Bǎihé and Haoyu so close together.
"Wángzǐ Feng," she said, her voice cool, "I see you visit often. One might say you live here now."
Haoyu immediately stepped back from Bǎihé and offered a bow.
"Gōngzhǔ Gùlì, it is a pleasure to see you again. It has been some time since the banquet."
"Indeed," Chún dù replied curtly, her eyes flicking to Bǎihé with clear distaste.
"Is Huan inside? I hope her journey went well," Haoyu asked.
Huan leaned her head out, her expression gentle.
"Gōngzhǔ Yù," Haoyu said respectfully, bowing again.
"Wángzǐ Feng," Huan greeted with a small nod.
"I am sorry for your loss," Haoyu said with quiet sympathy. "I know you were very close to him."
"Thank you, Haoyu."
"Brother Haoyu!" Bao's cheerful voice rang out as she popped her head beside Huan.
"Bao, nice to see you again too," Haoyu replied warmly.
"You'd better leave," Bao whispered quickly. "Father's carriage is right behind us... and you know he doesn't like you very much—yet. Don't tell him I warned you." She pressed a finger to her lips.
Haoyu gave a subtle nod of gratitude. He glanced back at Bǎihé, who stood patiently, her eyes following him.
"Until next time," he whispered, brushing a brief kiss against her cheek before climbing into the carriage where Yíchén was already waiting.
The small wooden carriage creaked as the horses pulled it away from the palace gates.
⸻
Bǎihé stepped forward, bowing lightly.
"Everyone, I am sorry I could not be there."
Chún dù stared at her, disappointment etched in her face.
"It's fine. I'm just glad you are safe," Huan said softly.
"Yes, we were worried, jie jie," Bao added sincerely.
Lán emerged between them, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings before fixing on Bǎihé.
"Where were you? I was about to order the guards to search for you," Lán said, worry in her voice.
"The rain was heavy yesterday, so I had to take shelter," Bǎihé explained quietly.
"Do not wander like that again," Lán warned. "You know how Mother gets when you stay away too long."
Bǎihé nodded in understanding.
"Can we please get off this carriage now?" Chún dù sighed, pulling her head back inside.
⸻
Meanwhile, Haoyu sat opposite Yíchén as their carriage rolled down the road, the palace gates fading behind them.
Yíchén handed him a folded piece of paper. Haoyu scanned it swiftly.
"The defense map is in the palace library," he murmured.
"Where did you get this?" Haoyu asked, narrowing his eyes.
"From the man who spilled the water today," Yíchén replied evenly. "He was the spy I planted."
"Oh," Haoyu muttered.
"I leave for Gǔ tomorrow," Yíchén continued. "Your father has secured alliances with two dynasties, several governors, and city councilors—"
"So?" Haoyu pressed.
Yíchén's eyes glinted.
"So, we can infiltrate the palace on the princess's nineteenth birthday. The defenses will be relaxed. That is when we strike."
"Wait. We still need the map. This feels rushed," Haoyu said, his voice edged with unease.
"The spy will deliver the map tonight. I'll retrieve and study it before I depart," Yíchén replied calmly.
"Still—it feels reckless," Haoyu muttered, leaning back anxiously.
"Well, it is your father's order," Yíchén said plainly.
Haoyu's hand clenched on his knee.
"To think we can seize Límíng in a single day... it's madness."
"Perhaps for strangers. But you are no stranger. That is why your father chose you. Your bond with Bǎihé will open the palace doors to us."
Haoyu slumped back into the seat, weariness in his eyes.
"If I go through with this... Bǎihé will never forgive me."
Yíchén remained silent.
"You made this choice long ago," he finally said. "There is no turning back."
Haoyu's gaze drifted toward the rolling horizon.
"Límíng is corrupt, ruled by a corrupt queen," Yíchén continued, his voice steady. "The people are crushed beneath fraudulent taxes and rising prices. The poor are suffocating. If Límíng becomes an ally to the Gǔ clan, it could restore balance for the outcasts... for my clan."
"You truly believe my father will bring peace?" Haoyu asked bitterly.
Yíchén fell quiet for a moment.
"I am willing to take the chance. If I don't, worse will come."
Haoyu studied him for a long moment.
"You once told me you were doing this to save someone. Who?"
Yíchén's expression remained unreadable, calm as still water.
"Not save," he said finally. "Expose the truth."