It was a cold night, the scent of the burning incense was still stuck on Yue’s clothes. The thin silky robe he wore was not enough to keep him warm, he wrapped his arms tightly around himself trying to fend off the biting chill. The echoes of his last song still rang in his ears, but the noise of the district had faded behind him. Now, only the soft murmurs of the quiet town surrounded him.

The silence felt deafening, pressing in from all sides, so he began to hum softly, the quiet tune distracting him from the sound of footsteps as men emerged from the building, possibly following him.

His steps quickened into long strides as he huffed and slipped through the archway. There, he spotted the triplets huddled together, their small frames trembling under the night sky. A spark of sympathy warmed his heart—he couldn’t just leave them there. Then his gaze shifted, catching sight of a man with a hunched back, eyes glinting with lust, stalking toward the girls.

Yue couldn’t stand the thought of what might happen if he walked away. The risks of taking the children with him flickered through his mind, but the weight of guilt pressed harder. His heart surged, ignoring the warnings of his mind. Without another thought, he broke into a run, driven by instinct, unable to leave them behind.

He gently took the hand of one of the triplets, and she flinched, her wide eyes filled with fear. Her body stiffened as if expecting the worst. Yue leaned in, his voice low but urgent,

“Let’s leave. It’s not safe here for you three.”

She glanced back at the others, and the taller one took his hand while the other two clung to his clothes. Together, they hurried away, their footsteps quick and silent. Yue glanced over his shoulder, checking to make sure the man wasn’t following. Seeing no one, he led them to his house, carefully using the back door and making no sound as they slipped inside.

Hearing the familiar sound of his mother’s snores from the other room, Yue sighed in relief. Quietly, he guided the triplets to his small room, where he motioned for them to sit on his makeshift bed–-a simple mattress with a single pillow resting on the floor. The cramped space offered little comfort, but it was safe, and for now, that was all that mattered.

One of the triplets opened her mouth, trying to speak, but Yue quickly placed a finger to his lips, silently shushing her. With gentle hands, he pulled a small box from under the mattress, taking out a thin stick of incense. It was one he had brought from the district, known for its calming scent, meant to bring peaceful sleep. He lit the incense, letting the soft, fragrant smoke swirl through the room. The triplets watched him, their wide eyes slowly softening as the scent filled the air.

Yue moved quietly, spreading out a thin blanket over the mattress and motioning for them to lie down. With some hesitation, they huddled close together, their small bodies curling into one another for comfort. He sat down in the corner of the room, his back against the wall, keeping a respectful distance to show them he meant no harm. His presence was calm, reassuring, as he watched their eyelids grow heavy, the gentle smoke lulling them into sleep one by one.

One of the triplets opened her eyes and gazed at him while still nestled against her sister for comfort. She mouthed a quiet thank you, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, as if the weight of the world had finally begun to lift. Slowly, she sat up and crawled over, her small frame inching closer to him. She settled next to Yue, seeking solace in his presence, her tiny hand brushing against his as she found reassurance in the safety he provided.

Mei nodded, her gaze dropping to her lap as she fidgeted with her fingers. “I’m sorry you have to trouble yourself,” she said, her voice tinged with both relief and lingering fear.

Yue smiled warmly at her, and for a moment, Mei felt the weight of the world lift from her shoulders. “You can’t sleep?” he asked gently, noticing her wide, awake eyes.

She shook her head, the look in her eyes suggesting she felt guilty for taking up his time.

“Then how about a lullaby?” he offered, his voice soothing and kind. Mei’s expression softened as she looked at him, as if she owed him something yet again.

With a tender smile, he patted her head and motioned for her to sit next to him. As she settled beside him, she felt a sense of comfort wash over her.

Yue began to sing softly, his voice wrapping around them like a warm embrace:

Close your eyes, my dear, let dreams take flight,

The stars will watch over you, through the quiet night.

Drift away on clouds, soft and light,

Safe in the arms of the moon's gentle light.

The soothing melody filled the room, and Mei closed her eyes, letting the lullaby ease her worries and guide her into a peaceful slumber. With each note, the tension in her small frame melted away, and soon, she was lost in a world of dreams, safe and sound beside the kind-hearted man who had shown her compassion when she needed it most.

As Yue sat against the wall in the quiet darkness of his room, watching the triplets sleep peacefully, a sense of hope filled his heart. He thought about their bright futures, imagining the possibilities that lay ahead for them. They deserved a life free from fear and hardship, a life filled with laughter, joy, and opportunity.

He knew that taking them in might mean sacrificing his own happiness, his dreams of a carefree existence in the bustling streets of Pingkang Li might be lost. But in that moment, he realised that the weight of their happiness would be worth any burden he had to bear. If he could provide them with a safe haven and a chance to thrive, it would bring him a sense of fulfilment he had never known.

Yue envisioned the day when Mei, Lin, and Xiu would grow up to be strong, confident young women, perhaps even leaders in their own right. He imagined them laughing, learning, and achieving things he could only dream of. It would be his greatest joy to see them shine, even if it meant stepping back from his own desires.

With a quiet resolve, he promised himself that he would do everything in his power to ensure their future was as bright as the stars that twinkled outside his window. Their dreams would become his own, and he would face whatever challenges lay ahead with unwavering determination.

Yue was jolted awake by a piercing scream that sliced through the stillness of the morning, echoing in the cramped space. His heart raced as he shot upright, the all-too-familiar dread pooling in his stomach. The voice belonged to his mother, and he could already sense the storm brewing.

Before he could gather his thoughts, the triplets burst into his room, their wide eyes filled with terror. They rushed to his side, clutching at his clothes, seeking refuge from the chaos that seemed to surround them.

“Stay close,” he whispered urgently, wrapping an arm around them, trying to offer comfort as his mind raced.

Yue turned to face his mother, who stood in the doorway, her face contorted in fury. Her hair was unkempt, and her eyes glinted with anger as she took in the scene before her. “What are those filthy brats doing in my house?” she screamed, her voice sharp and unforgiving, slicing through the air like a knife.

“Mother, please,” Yue began, desperation lacing his tone. “I want them to stay with me. I’ll cover their expenses. I can manage! I swear I’ll—”

She stepped closer, her presence oppressive, her anger palpable. “Manage? You? You can’t even take care of yourself! If they stay here, I’ll kick them out myself!” Her words hung in the air, heavy and threatening.

Yue felt his heart plummet, his mind racing for a solution. “I’ll bring in more money, I promise! Just let them stay! I’ll give you what I earn!”

Before he could finish, Lin and Xiu piped up, their voices trembling but filled with determination. “We’ll help out too! Just let us stay here!” Their innocent faces reflected both fear and a fierce desire to protect one another.

Mei quickly shushed them, panic flitting across her features. She cast a pleading look at Yue, her eyes wide, silently urging him to diffuse the situation.

His mother’s laughter echoed through the small room, a harsh, mocking sound that made Yue’s stomach churn. “You think I’ll let a bunch of dirty little girls into my home? Look at them! They’re nothing but a burden!” She crossed her arms, her disdain evident.

“Please, Mother!” Yue pleaded, stepping forward, desperation clawing at his throat. “They need a home—”

“Enough!” she interrupted, her voice rising. “You’d better have money for me by dusk, or I’ll make sure they’re gone.” With a final glare, she turned on her heel and stormed out, the door slamming behind her with a resounding bang that rattled the walls.

Yue stood frozen for a moment, the weight of her threats pressing down on him like a heavy cloak. He looked down at the triplets, who were still huddled against him, their eyes wide with fear and confusion.

Seeing their trembling forms ignited a fierce determination within him. “We’ll figure this out,” he whispered, his voice steady as he pulled them closer. “I won’t let her hurt you. You’re safe with me.”

The triplets looked up at him, their expressions shifting from fear to a glimmer of trust, and in that moment, Yue knew he would do whatever it took to protect them and ensure their safety, even if it meant facing his mother’s wrath head-on.

…

As Yue's mother slammed the door behind her, an uncomfortable silence settled in the room, heavy with tension. Mei glanced at her sisters, her heart sinking as she noticed the fear etched across their faces. Lin and Xiu, once so full of energy, had lost the strength in their legs and were now sitting on the floor, trembling and on the verge of tears. Their wide eyes glistened with unshed tears, reflecting a mix of confusion and despair.

“Don’t cry, please,” Mei urged softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she knelt beside them, trying to offer comfort. But her words were barely enough to quell the storm of emotions swirling within her.

She looked up at Yue, who sat on the edge of the mattress, his sorrowful gaze meeting hers. At that moment, they shared a silent understanding—the burden of the world felt too heavy for such small shoulders. Determined to ease their fears, Yue took a deep breath and stood up, shifting closer to the girls.

“Hey,” he said gently, settling down next to them on the floor. “I’m Yue. I’m a singer.” His voice was warm, a soft melody that seemed to wrap around them like a comforting blanket. “I’m seventeen years old, and I work in the city. I wanted to help you all tonight.”

As he spoke, Yue let the weight of his past tumble into the space between them, carefully choosing his words like notes in a delicate melody. He shared bits and pieces of his life, revealing the hardships he faced growing up in the shadows of the bustling streets. “I was born into a world where kindness was rare,” he began, his voice steady but soft. “My mother struggled to provide for us, and sometimes we went to bed hungry. But even in those hard times, I found solace in music.”

He paused, his eyes glimmering with distant memories, and continued, “Singing was my escape. When I stood on the makeshift stage in the red light district, all the pain faded away. The songs I sang, some were joyful, some were sad–they carried my dreams, my hopes for a better life.” He looked at the triplets, gauging their reactions, wanting them to feel the warmth of his words. “In those moments, I felt free, as if I could touch the stars.”

Yue's gaze turned introspective, reflecting the struggles he had faced. “But life isn’t easy. I’ve lost friends, felt the sting of betrayal, and sometimes, I’ve been too afraid to dream.” His voice lowered, almost a whisper. “Yet through it all, music has always been my light. It has given me strength when I had none.”

He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts, and then leaned in closer to them. “I may not have much,a small room, a few coins to my name, but I promise to look after you. You won’t be alone. I’ll protect you, and together, we can create a home filled with laughter and songs.”

As he finished speaking, a wave of warmth filled the air, binding them together in a shared moment of understanding. He could see the glimmer of hope spark in their eyes, and it reassured him that perhaps, just perhaps, they could overcome the trials that lay ahead.

Mei watched as he opened up, his sincerity shining through the shadows of his past. She could see how genuine he was, and it brought her a small sense of comfort amidst the chaos. The way he spoke, with passion and kindness, made her believe that maybe, just maybe, they could find a little hope together.

Yue turned his gaze toward the triplets, his eyes filled with encouragement. “What about you two? Can you tell me your names?”

Lin wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, her voice shaky but determined as she spoke up. “I’m Lin.”

Xiu nodded vigorously, her eyes still watery but reflecting a hint of resolve. “And I’m Xiu.”

Mei gave her sisters a reassuring smile, feeling a flicker of strength ignite within her. “I’m Mei,” she added, her voice steadier now. “We... we want to stay together.”

Yue’s heart swelled with pride at their bravery. “Then we’ll figure this out together,” he promised. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I’m here for you.”

As Yue sat with the triplets, a rush of emotions washed over him—relief, joy, and an unexpected sense of belonging. He had never imagined his life would take this turn, bringing three innocent souls into his world. The weight of his struggles felt lighter in their presence, as if their laughter and determination had woven a fragile thread of hope through the tapestry of his life.

He realised that, in a way, he had found a family he never knew he needed. The loneliness that had often consumed him began to dissolve, replaced by the warmth of connection. The triplets, with their vibrant spirits and unwavering bond, brought a new kind of light into his existence. They reminded him that even in the darkest corners of life, there could be unexpected blessings.

Yue reflected on how life had always thrown challenges at him, each hardship shaping him into who he was. Yet, as he looked into the eyes of Mei, Lin, and Xiu, he understood that perhaps this was all part of a larger plan, one he had never envisioned. It felt as though fate had led them to each other, as if the universe had conspired to bring them together for a reason.

“God really does have plans for everyone,” he thought, feeling a flicker of gratitude for the journey that had brought him here. Even amidst his own struggles, he could now be a source of strength for these girls. He felt a renewed sense of purpose blossom within him, a drive to protect them, to provide for them, and to create a life filled with warmth and love.

As he listened to their soft voices and felt their little hands grip his clothes, Yue understood that family could be formed in the most unexpected ways. And for the first time in a long while, he believed that together, they could carve out a future, no matter how uncertain it seemed. With the triplets by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that this newfound bond was a gift he would cherish forever.

Wei stirred in his bed, the soft rustling of silk sheets barely audible over the quiet crack of dawn. His eyes remained shut, yearning for just a few more moments of rest, but the persistent voice of the eunuch at his bedside shattered any hope of peace.

“Your Highness,” the eunuch called, bowing low with perfect precision. “It’s time to rise. There are matters that require your attention.”

Wei groaned inwardly. Every morning was the same. The duties, the expectations, the unrelenting pressure of being the Crown Prince; it never ceased. His mind drifted back to his dreams of wandering the bustling streets of the capital, free from royal obligations, with no one to tell him what to do. But those fantasies were fleeting. He knew he had to play his part.

If he refused to wake, the whispers would spread like wildfire. A lazy prince unfit to rule, they would say. His father had raised him better, and Wei knew it. So, with a heavy sigh, he opened his eyes and rose from his bed.

"Your attire for today, Your Highness," the eunuch continued, holding out the elaborate robes that Wei had grown to loathe.

As the prince dressed, his mind was already elsewhere, dreading the day ahead. His daily routine was a far cry from the life he desired. And, as if to remind him of his distaste for it all, the sound of delicate footsteps reached his ears.

Lady Ji, one of his concubines, appeared at the entrance, a smile painted on her lips, as perfect and false as ever. Wei forced a polite smile in return, though every fiber of his being rejected her presence. She was undeniably beautiful, her graceful walk and flawless features enough to turn heads in the palace. Yet, to Wei, that beauty was a veil, a thin mask that concealed the cold ambition in her heart.

He knew why she lingered near him day after day. It wasn’t love or even loyalty that tied her to his side. She wanted a child, his child, so that she could solidify her place in the royal hierarchy, rise in rank, and secure her power in the palace. It was all a calculated game, and Wei had seen it before. His own mother, the Queen Consort, had played that very game, climbing to her high position through her ambition and manipulation.

Wei despised it. The constant schemes, the superficial kindness, the false smiles that surrounded him every day.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Lady Ji cooed, her voice soft but laced with a forced sweetness that Wei had long since grown immune to. She linked her arm through his, and he resisted the urge to pull away.

"I trust you slept well?" she asked, her eyes scanning his face, searching for a connection that Wei refused to offer.

Wei gave a noncommittal nod, knowing better than to engage too deeply. His mother had once told him that concubines were necessary, that they were part of the machinery of power. But now, all he saw were hungry eyes, waiting for the moment to sink their claws in.

The thought soured his morning further, but there was no escaping it. She would follow him through the day, as always, her false affection a constant reminder of the world he was trapped in.

As Wei walked down the palace halls, Lady Ji still clinging to his side, his thoughts drifted to a distant dream; one that seemed impossible in his world. He often imagined having just one wife, someone who loved him not because of his title, his wealth, or the promise of power, but because of him. Someone who saw Wei the person, not Wei the Crown Prince.

He longed for that simplicity, for the warmth of a true companion who could ease the weight he carried every day. His heart yearned for a love that wasn’t built on schemes and politics, but on trust and sincerity. In a life surrounded by people who had only their own ambitions in mind, Wei’s greatest desire was something real. He envied the commoners he often saw from his balcony, holding hands with their loved ones, their lives uncomplicated by courtly intrigue.

The more he thought about it, the more the presence of Lady Ji gnawed at him. Her perfume was heavy, cloying, and though her voice was soft, it lacked the warmth that could ever make his heart stir. She would never be the woman he longed for. No one in this palace could be.

As Lady Ji prattled on about a small garden party one of the other concubines was hosting, Wei felt his attention slipping. Her words blurred into meaningless sounds, like the endless drone of the court meetings he despised.

He longed for an escape, a moment of peace.

By the time they reached the main hall, Wei’s ears were aching; not just from her constant chatter, but from the oppressive silence of his own thoughts. He needed something to soothe him, to pull him out of the numbness that had settled over him.

Music.

His ears ached for music. Something sweet, something to drown out the noise of his life, to fill the hollow spaces that the palace had carved into his soul. The only thing that could bring him some sense of relief, even if it was only temporary.

He excused himself from Lady Ji's company as politely as he could, though her eyes lingered on him with disappointment. She was too persistent, always looking for ways to spend more time with him, thinking it would win her favour.

But at that moment, Wei didn’t care. He just needed to be alone, to escape from the suffocating routine of the palace, if only for a little while.

                                                                                 ….

Wei made his way to the grand throne room, where his father, the Emperor, awaited. The air inside was heavy with the scent of incense, and courtiers murmured around the grand hall, their voices rising and falling like the hum of bees. The Emperor sat tall on his golden throne, his eyes sharp and assessing as they fell upon Wei.

"Father," Wei greeted him with a respectful bow.

The Emperor gave a slow nod. “Wei, we must discuss the troubling news from the outskirts, near the border of Li.”

Wei straightened up, prepared for another conversation about the growing unrest. The people in those far lands were suffering, the harvests had failed, and poverty spread like a disease. Yet the Emperor’s court was slow to act, tangled in endless debates about budgets and resources.

“The people are hungry,” the Emperor continued, his voice grave. “If we do not provide aid soon, they may turn to rebellion.”

Wei agreed, though he held little hope that his father would act swiftly. The empire had many priorities, and those on the edges of its borders were often left forgotten. “We must send supplies, offer relief before it escalates.”

The conversation dragged on, with ministers chiming in on what the empire should do, offering hollow promises of change. Wei’s mind wandered again, aching for something to lift the heavy atmosphere. That’s when the announcement came.

“A musician has arrived to present a performance for His Majesty,” a eunuch called out from the doorway.