A wild boar may have charged from the underbrush—but it's the silent glances over tea that draw the deepest wounds. With old ties resurfacing and unspoken desires tangled beneath smiles, how long before someone stops pretending?
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As the wild boar vanished into the dense bushes, Yue stood protectively in front of Consort Shu, her breath quick and shallow.
From the shadows of a nearby maple tree, a swordsman emerged.
Both women instantly recognized him.
"General Wan!" Shu exclaimed, her voice quivering with surprise.
The general smoothly sheathed his sword, his expression changing from battle-ready to concerned.
"Lady Shu, Lady Yue—are you both alright?"
Yue straightened up, feeling a small sting on her forearm where a branch had scratched her during her rapid move.
"We're fine, thanks to your quick action."
General Wan approached them carefully, his eyes scanning both women to ensure their safety.
"I apologize for alarming you. That boar appeared out of nowhere."
"What brings you to the Summer Palace, General?" Shu asked, her color slowly returning. Her hands still shook a bit as she smoothed her robes.
"His Majesty asked me to oversee additional security," Wan explained, eyeing Yue's scraped arm.
"After recent events, the Emperor believes extra precautions are necessary."
Yue understood right away—the prince's kidnapping had everyone worried.
"You're bleeding," the general observed, gesturing toward her arm.
Yue glanced at the thin red line. "It's nothing. Just a scratch."
"Please, let me escort you both back to your quarters," Wan offered firmly.
"These woods might hide more surprises."
As they walked along the winding path to the palace, the tension gradually eased.
Sunlight filtered through the tree canopy, casting patterns on the stone path.
"The Summer Palace is more beautiful than I imagined," General Wan commented, breaking the silence.
Shu nodded, feeling more at ease. "The lotus flowers are especially lovely this year."
"But some say they won't last the season," Yue added quietly, recalling a warning she'd heard.
General Wan's eyes narrowed slightly, yet his voice remained casual.
"Even short-lived flowers leave long-lasting impressions, Lady Yue."
As they continued toward the palace grounds, an unexpected calm settled over them.
The path wound through a grove of ancient pine trees, their branches forming a natural roof overhead.
"Do you remember when we were kids," Shu said to Wan, "and you climbed that huge elm tree to get my kite?"
General Wan chuckled warmly. "And then got stuck there for two hours? How could I forget? Your father's guards had to get a ladder."
"You were so determined," Shu recalled, her eyes shining with the memory.
"You wouldn't let anyone else retrieve it."
"The great General Wan, defeated by a tree," Yue teased gently.
"I was ten years old!" Wan protested, though his eyes showed amusement.
Shu's laughter filled the air, transforming her face. The worry lines around her eyes vanished, replaced by a youthful glow.
As they reached Jade Bamboo Court, the palace guards straightened and bowed deeply. Yue noticed their eyes widen momentarily before bowing even lower.
"Well, what a fortuitous gathering." Emperor Li Zhao emerged from behind a screen of bamboo, his imperial yellow robes shining in the afternoon light.
"Your Majesty," the three said together, bowing at the same time. The Emperor waved off the formalities.
"I owe thanks to you for keeping my valuable ladies safe, General Wan." His tone was friendly, but his eyes were sharp as they surveyed the group.
Wan stood up straight. "It was just good timing, Your Majesty."
"When I heard of the disturbance, I came immediately to check on Consort Shu."
The Emperor moved closer to Shu, his hand briefly touching her elbow.
"You are unharmed?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Thanks to Yue's quick reactions and General Wan's help." answered Shu politely.
Li Zhao turned to Wan, giving him a firm pat on the shoulder.
"It seems even the wilderness behaves when you're around, old friend."
The Emperor's gaze moved over them and stopped briefly on Yue's arm, which had a scrape, before he addressed them again.
"I think we all need a moment to calm down after this excitement. Let's sit and have some tea."
"Join us for tea, General," the Emperor said, gesturing toward Shu's quarters.
Wan looked uncomfortable, his posture becoming more rigid.
"Your Majesty, I really shouldn't intrude on such a private gathering. It might not be proper for me to—"
"Nonsense," Li Zhao interrupted, waving his hand. "The Summer Palace is less formal than the Imperial City. Consider this my way of thanking you for your help today."
Wan looked at Shu, who nodded encouragingly.
"We would be honored to have you with us, General."
Inside Consort Shu's room, a view of the garden revealed sunlight streaming through paper windows, illuminating the delicate designs on fine porcelain teacups.
Yue sat next to Shu on embroidered cushions, while Wan sat across from them.
The Emperor took his place beside Wan, commanding attention even in this relaxed setting.
A maid poured aromatic jasmine tea, with steam rising gently.
"That wild boar was particularly aggressive," the Emperor noted, raising his cup.
"Have there been other such incidents?"
"Not with wild animals, Your Majesty," Wan replied.
"But the security around the Summer Palace isn't up to standard. I've already requested more patrols along the northern edge."
"A wise decision," Li Zhao agreed.
"Especially with the feast coming up to welcome the King of Qarakhai. We can't have any unfortunate events."
"I've heard their delegation brings amazing gifts," Shu commented, her eyes lingering on Wan.
"Their horsemanship is unmatched," Wan explained, not noticing Shu's interest but observing Yue when she looked down at her tea.
Yue remained calm, her hands steady as she poured more tea. However, her eyes moved between Wan and the Emperor, noticing subtle shifts in their expressions.
Li Zhao looked between Yue and Wan, noticing how the general leaned slightly toward her when she spoke.
He swirled his tea, smiling pleasantly but with calculating eyes.
"You seem familiar with Noble Lady Yue," he said to General Wan.
"Have you two met before?" The question lingered, appearing light.
Wan's fingers tightened slightly around his teacup.
Yue paused briefly, a flicker of uncertainty passing over her face before she regained her composure.
"Your Majesty, General Wan's family took me in as an orphan." Her voice stayed steady despite the tension.
"They were the ones who arranged my placement in the palace, for which I am eternally grateful."
The Emperor's eyebrows rose slightly.
"An orphan?" His gaze sharpened with interest. "I wasn't aware of this detail about your past, Noble Lady."
"There was little reason to mention it, Your Majesty." Yue lowered her eyes respectfully, though her spine remained straight.
Li Zhao looked carefully at her, searching for something hidden in her calm face.
"I wonder what other connections I haven't found yet," he pondered.
Consort Shu cleared her throat softly.
"The weather is lovely today, isn't it? Perfect for enjoying the lotus flowers." She spoke brightly, trying to change the subject.
Wan nodded but said nothing, maintaining a neutral expression as he sipped his tea.
Yue glanced between the Emperor and the General, offering a faint smile.
"The palace can feel quite small sometimes."
An awkward silence filled the room. The quiet was broken only by the sound of a teacup being placed back on its saucer.
"The Qarakhai feast," Li Zhao suddenly announced, his voice taking on a firmer tone.
"General Wan, I need a full security report by tomorrow morning. Their delegation arrives in three days, and we must be flawless."
He tapped the table once. "The Summer Palace must offer impeccable hospitality."
"Understood, Your Majesty." Wan straightened up, showing his military demeanor.
"I've already added more guards at every entrance."
"Good. And Lady Yue," the Emperor turned his gaze to her, "you'll assist in the kitchen with authentic Qarakhai dishes. Their preferences are quite specific."
Yue bowed her head respectfully. "As Your Majesty wishes."
The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the floor as the Emperor stood, signaling the end of their meeting. The others rose swiftly in respect.
"I should return to my duties," General Wan said, bowing deeply. He paused, then turned to Yue.
"Noble Lady, if it's alright, I could escort you back to your quarters."
Before Yue could reply, the Emperor intervened. "That won't be necessary, General. I will accompany Noble Lady Yue myself."
Yue showed a brief moment of surprise before steadying herself.
"Your Majesty and the general are too generous. I can walk back to my quarters just fine"
Consort Shu kept her smile intact, but her eyes dimmed as she watched General Wan and the Emperor focus their attention on Yue.
Her fingers fiddled nervously with the embroidered edge of her sleeve, showing her inner unease.
The Emperor noticed Shu's expression and paused, his gaze becoming gentle.
"Actually," he says, as he turns to Shu,
"I think I'll stay here longer. It's been too long since I spent time with our son."
He moved to stand beside Consort Shu and lightly placed his hand on her shoulder.
"General Wan, please escort Noble Lady Yue to her quarters."
Shu's face tightened but quickly turned into a gentle smile.
"Li Sheng would love to have your company, Your Majesty."
As Yue and General Wan walked away, their figures became smaller along the garden's winding paths.
Emperor Li Zhao and Consort Shu were left in an awkward and uncomfortable silence. They stood next to each other, neither speaking nor shifting, just observing the pair as they disappeared.
Their faces revealed a mix of emotions.