The morning sun cast a golden light over the grand palace of Xiyue as the Royal Family of Lianhua prepared to depart. Their visit had been fun, emotional, and full of unexpected turns and events, but the time had come to return home since Empress Ruyan had requested the Emperor's immediate return. Outside the palace gates, the courtiers of Xiyue lined up in orderly rows, offering their formal farewells, while many others gathered to catch a final glimpse of the departing royals. The air was filled with the scent of fresh blossoms and quiet murmurs of goodbye.
Yuyan stood with tears welling up in her eyes. She turned to Mimi and pulled her into a warm embrace. Their bond had grown so strong during this visit, and the thought of leaving her made Yuyan's heart heavy.
"Don't forget," Yuyan whispered softly into Mimi's ear, her voice trembling slightly. "Yue Rong is not a threat. She can't stop your heart from beating for what's right. If you ever need advice, just send me a letter."
Mimi nodded, eyes glistening. They pulled apart reluctantly, and Yuyan turned to Lianyi, who stood close to Mimi with a solemn expression. Yuyan smiled, stepping forward and hugging him.
As they embraced, she whispered into his ear with tease sternness, "If you bully Mimi, I won't forgive you. And if you let that slay fox bully her... I'll kill you."
Lianyi chuckled, clearly amused. "Don't worry. Mimi is safe with me," he whispered back.
Yuyan turned her attention to Yue Rong, who was standing a little distance away, arms crossed and eyes filled with envy. Yuyan walked up to her, a smile playing at her lips.
"Goodbye, Yue Rong," she said sweetly but firmly. "I already told Lianyi. If you bully Mimi... the distance between Lianhua and Xiyue isn't that far. I'll be here within a day. And I won't let you go."
Yue Rong clenched her fists but said nothing. Her pride wouldn't allow her to respond, especially with so many eyes watching.
Meanwhile, Prince Leng Yue was bidding farewell to Lianyi and Mimi. He gave Lianyi a firm handshake and a respectful nod to Mimi.
Yuyan bowed deeply before Emperor Huojin and Empress Rulan, who both smiled gently and patted her head.
"Take care, child," the Empress said.
"May your journey be peaceful," the Emperor added.
After a final round of goodbyes, Yuyan and Leng Yue climbed into the royal carriage, joined by Emperor Zixuan. With the guards of Lianhua surrounding them, the journey back to their homeland began.
The interior of the carriage was quiet and elegant, decorated with golden embroidery and soft cushions. Yuyan and Leng Yue passed the time playing Weiqi, their favorite strategy game. Laughter filled the space as they teased each other over lost stones and clever traps.
Suddenly, the carriage lurched violently, bringing the game to an abrupt end. The Weiqi board clattered to the floor, scattering the black and white stones everywhere.
For a moment, there was eerie silence outside.
Then came the sound of a loud shout—followed by the unmistakable clash of steel on steel.
Yuyan looked at Leng Yue, her eyes wide with confusion. "What was that? What's going on?"
Leng Yue stood immediately, gripping the hilt of his sword. "I'll go check."
But before he could step out, Emperor Zixuan raised a hand. "Don't go anywhere," he ordered firmly. He reached for the door himself but was interrupted as it opened from the outside.
A guard appeared, blood on his armor and panic in his voice. "Your Majesty, we are under attack. Stay inside!"
The guard slammed the door shut before the Emperor could reply.
Leng Yue clenched his jaw. "We can't sit here like prey."
Before either Yuyan or Emperor Zixuan could say anything, he flung the door open again and dashed out, sword drawn.
"Leng Yue!" the Emperor shouted.
Yuyan turned to her father. "I can't sit here either."
Zixuan grabbed her wrist and she turned to face him.
"Just....be careful." He said.
Yuyan nodded, pulled free, and followed Leng Yue into the chaos with her sword out.
Outside, the road was like a battleground. Dozens of masked men attacked from the trees and ridges, wielding curved blades and bows. The Lianhua guards formed a defensive circle around the carriage, swords flashing.
Yuyan and Leng Yue dove into the fray without hesitation. Yuyan's twin daggers danced in her hands, slicing through enemies with precision and speed. Leng Yue moved like a shadow, his sword striking down foes with deadly elegance.
As the battle raged, Yuyan noticed the distinct mark on the attackers' arms—the black Scorpion. Her heart sank. It was just as she feared.
Back in Lianhua, the situation was no better. With the Emperor away, the Black Scorpion's men had taken the opportunity to invade.
They rampaged through the capital, stealing from merchants, harassing civilians, and storming the royal palace. Empress Ruyan, stood tall at the throne room, trying to maintain order despite the storm.
Her guards, tense and alert, awaited her orders. One of them stepped forward and whispered into her ear.
"Your Highness, the King has received the message. He is on his way."
The Empress nodded solemnly, her eyes never leaving the intruders.
A tall, muscular man sat arrogantly on the royal throne, chewing lazily on a piece of fruit. His armor was black and spiked, and a huge Scorpion tattoo curled around his neck—one of the Black Scorpion's high-ranking warriors.
"You are a very beautiful woman," he said, standing and slowly walking toward the Empress. His eyes roved her form in a way that made her skin crawl.
The guard beside her instinctively stepped forward, hand on his sword.
"Stand down," the Empress said calmly. "He can't cause any harm to me."
"But Your Highness—"
"Trust me."
Reluctantly, the guard backed off.
The Scorpion warrior chuckled darkly. "Splendid... Your soldiers do trust you. I'm impressed."
His companions burst into mocking laughter.
Despite her composed exterior, the Empress's hands were clenched beneath her flowing sleeves.
Back on the road, the battle finally reached its climax. After a brutal fight, all the attackers lay dead. Yuyan and Leng Yue, blood-splattered but unharmed, stood amid the wreckage, breathing heavily.
The guards quickly cleared the bodies, burying them beside the road. Emperor Zixuan who was also exhausted shealthed his sword and said.
"We move now," he commanded. "No more delays."
The remaining guards tightened their formation. With urgency burning in their veins, they resumed their journey, heading toward Lianhua.
Unknown to any of them, far worse awaited them at home.