The morning sun filtered gently through the palace windows as Emperor Han Zixuan and Empress Wei Ruyan sat in the grand throne room, having just concluded a minor matter concerning land disputes between two regional lords. Their minds were already turning toward a quiet breakfast when the grand doors opened with sudden urgency. A royal envoy stepped in, robed in white and gold, followed by an impressive delegation. Behind them walked two men who immediately commanded the court's attention.
It was Emperor Feng Huojin of the neighboring Xiyue Kingdom and his son, Prince Feng Lianyi. Their presence was unexpected but undeniably regal. The Xiyue Empire had long been a powerful neighbor, rich in culture and influence, yet known for their seclusion and measured diplomacy. Their arrival, unannounced yet peaceful, meant only one thing: they came with purpose.
The courtiers rose in surprise. Emperor Zixuan narrowed his eyes slightly, rising from his throne.
"Emperor Feng," he greeted respectfully, bowing just slightly. "Your arrival is unexpected, yet honored."
"Your Majesty," Feng Huojin responded with a warm smile. "We come in peace, bearing gifts and a request."
The gifts presented were extravagant, the kind reserved only for forging lifelong bonds. Among them were rare silks, luminous gemstones, ancient relics, and enchanted heirlooms. Though the court marveled at the treasures, it was clear they were merely an introduction to something greater.
Once seated and tea was served, Emperor Zixuan gestured to the young man seated beside Feng Huojin. "Your son is grown well, Huojin. To what do we owe this honor?"
Prince Feng Lianyi stood and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, my name is Feng Lianyi, Crown Prince of Xiyue. I have come today with a heart filled with respect and admiration. I seek the hand of your daughter, Princess Yuyan."
The court stirred with whispers. Zixuan raised an eyebrow, calm but alert. "Why my daughter?"
Feng Lianyi answered with quiet conviction. "I was present—though in disguise—during the encounter between your children and the Black Scorpion's men. I witnessed her bravery and beauty. Her long pink hair, rare as moonlight on snow, is known even beyond your borders. But it was not her beauty alone that moved me—it was her courage."
Emperor Feng added, "Our kingdom has long been a thorn in the side of the Black Scorpion. He dares not invade us. A union between our kingdoms would cement an alliance strong enough to challenge even the darkest forces."
Zixuan leaned back in thought. "She has turned away many suitors. Are you prepared to be refused as well?"
Feng Lianyi nodded. "If she says no, I will respect it. I do not wish to claim her like a prize. I simply ask for a chance."
Both Emperor Zixuan and Empress Wei Ruyan were moved by the sincerity in his voice. As rulers, the idea of a strong alliance was tempting. But as parents, their daughter's will mean more.
"Then let her decide," Zixuan said solemnly. "If she consents, so will we. If not, this alliance must take another form."
---
In her chamber, Yuyan had just risen from bed when her lady-in-waiting, Mei, burst into the room, nearly tripping over the hem of her robe.
"My lady! You must prepare at once! A suitor has arrived—Prince Feng Lianyi of Xiyue!"
Yuyan yawned. "Another one?"
"But this one's different! He's handsome, kind, and he brought treasures beyond belief! The court is ablaze with gossip already!"
Though uninterested, Yuyan couldn't refuse a direct summons. With a sigh, she allowed the maids to begin their work.
She was bathed in rosewater, her skin perfumed with lotus oil. Her hair was styled in the Phoenix Tail Bun, adorned with golden pins and fresh plum blossoms. Her lips were tinted a soft crimson, and a delicate red blossom was painted between her brows. She was dressed in an empress-like hanfu, lavender and silver, embroidered with cranes flying beneath a rising sun.
When she entered the throne room, all eyes turned. Even Prince Lianyi, who had prepared himself to meet the famed princess, could not mask his astonishment. He stared, wide-eyed, as though an angel had descended from heaven.
The formalities passed quickly. Then, to ease the tension, Emperor Zixuan suggested a tour of the palace.
Yuyan hesitated but agreed. Part of her wanted to test herself. Would she feel anything for this prince? Would the feeling from her dreams resurface?
They walked through the palace grounds—the Moonlight Pavilion, where her mother used to play the zither; the Crane Sanctuary, where white birds circled overhead; the Jade Lotus Pond, with its shimmering waters. Prince Lianyi listened attentively to every story Yuyan shared, asking questions, smiling when she laughed.
Yet, throughout the entire tour, she felt nothing beyond polite interest. He was kind, sincere, charming even. But he was not the one.
When they reached the Celestial Bridge, Yuyan finally spoke the truth.
"You're everything a princess should want," she said. "But... my heart does not move for you. There's someone I feel connected to—someone I have waited long for. And I believe he's on his way into my world."
Prince Lianyi nodded, though there was a shadow of disappointment in his eyes. "Then I'll respect your heart. But I hope we can still be friends."
Yuyan smiled. "I would like that."
When they returned to the throne room, the decision was announced. The proposal was declined, but the friendship and goodwill between the two kingdoms would remain.
Emperor Feng Huojin smiled, embracing his son. "It takes strength to walk away with grace."
As their delegation departed, Yuyan remained beside her mother in the court.
"He was perfect," she said.
"But not yours," Ruyan replied.
She nodded. "Do you think the boy in my dreams is real?"
The empress looked out at the fading light. "I think he's already searching for you."
---
Deep beneath the ancient forest, hidden by spells and time, lay an underground cave no map remembered. Vines and mist guarded its entrance, and only the wind whispered of what slept below.
Inside, the walls shimmered with old runes, pulsing faintly like a quiet heartbeat. At the center of the chamber stood a smooth stone platform, and upon it—a black glass coffin, sealed with glowing silver enchantments that circled it like ribbons of light.
Then, for the first time in centuries, a crack appeared.
It was small, like a hairline fracture in the air itself, but it ran through one of the glowing seals. The magic flickered, momentarily unstable—the bond had weakened.
Inside the coffin lay a young man, enchantingly handsome, his features calm and still in sleep. His long lashes rested against pale skin, and his dark hair spilled like silk. He looked untouched by time, as though waiting.
Across the glass was a line of ancient writing, scrawled not in ink, but in thick red blood. The characters were sharp, unknown, but alive with quiet power.
Back in the palace, Yuyan paused.
A sudden flutter passed through her chest—like a tug on a thread she hadn't realized was tied to her. She looked around slowly, unsettled but unsure why.
"Is something the matter?" Emperor Zixuan asked.
She hesitated. "I… I don't know. I just felt something strange. But it's gone now."
She tried to smile, and did.
Yet something deep inside her stirred. A presence just out of reach. A beat that didn't belong to her heart.
The magic was moving. The bond was stirring. And though she didn't know it yet…
He had felt it too and his fingers had moved!.