Vows beneath the lantern light
303 Words
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*Episode 4:
The palace prepared for the Spring Lantern Festival—bright silks, red ribbons, and soft music echoed through the air. But *Liyue* wasn’t in the mood to celebrate. This festival was the same one during which, in her past life, she had first discovered the affair between *Zhaohan* and *Meiyin*.
Not this time.
Clad in a dark blue robe embroidered with silver phoenixes, Liyue stepped into the royal garden with *General Yan Rui* by her side. Heads turned. She was no longer just a noble daughter—she walked with the aura of a queen in waiting.
As fireworks burst above, *Zhaohan* approached her, smiling faintly. “You look radiant tonight, Liyue. I hope you’ve reconsidered our broken engagement.”
Liyue turned slowly, her eyes cool. “I haven’t.”
He chuckled, masking the irritation behind his charm. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”
She leaned in slightly. “Only dangerous if you’re hiding something, Your Highness.”
Before he could respond, *Tang Shi* arrived.
Dressed in black and gold, exuding quiet power, he stood beside Liyue without invitation.
“Shall we walk?” he asked.
To everyone's shock, Liyue placed her hand in his.
Zhaohan’s smile dropped.
As they strolled under the lanterns, Tang Shi said, “You used me as a shield. I should be offended.”
“You’re not,” she replied.
He smirked. “No. Because I find you fascinating.”
She paused, then said quietly, “I don’t need a protector. I need a partner who knows how to strike in the dark.”
He looked at her then, truly looked. “Then perhaps you’ve just found him.”
Above them, a lantern drifted into the sky—carrying a single message she had written herself:
*“Let the liars burn.”*
- Writer
