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I was once living in the modern world—comfortably nestled in the hum of bustling cities and illuminated by the glow of screens. But now… now I’ve been reborn into ancient times. How? Why? The questions swirl in my mind as I stand frozen, overwhelmed by the sheer impossibility of it all.

Before me is a hanfu, its silk flowing like water, embroidered with intricate patterns of phoenixes and blossoms. It glimmers under the sunlight, radiating a quiet majesty that’s hard to resist. My fingers trace the delicate fabric, marveling at the craftsmanship. It feels… familiar, yet distant—like a memory long forgotten.

I hear soft footsteps behind me, and I quickly turn around. A young woman approaches, her eyes gentle but curious. She’s dressed in a similar hanfu, her hair pinned up with ornate jade hairpins.

“Lady Mei, are you all right?” she asks, her tone laced with concern.

Lady Mei? Who is she talking to? I look around, but there’s no one else. Her gaze stays fixed on me. My heart pounds in my chest. Have I… become someone else?

“I’m fine,” I stammer, my voice unsteady. “Where am I?”

The woman tilts her head, puzzled. “You’re at the Mei residence, of course. Did the morning sun affect your memory? Perhaps the tea ceremony preparations have tired you.”

Tea ceremony? Mei residence? None of this makes sense, yet the words sound strangely comforting.

“I think I need some fresh air,” I reply, hoping to buy time to gather my thoughts.

“Of course,” she says, bowing slightly. “But do be careful, my lady. The palace has requested your presence this evening.”

The palace? My mind races. I step outside into a sprawling garden, its beauty breathtaking. Cherry blossoms flutter in the breeze, and koi fish glide through a crystal-clear pond. Yet, despite the serenity, I feel trapped between two worlds.

As I stand there, a figure appears at the edge of the garden—a man dressed in elaborate robes, his gaze sharp yet unreadable. His presence commands attention. His voice is calm but firm as he speaks.

“Lady Mei, you’ve kept me waiting.”

Something about him sends a chill down my spine. Am I caught in the middle of something far greater than I understand?

“Actually, my name is He Hua. Did you mistake my name, dear?” I asked, forcing a calm tone despite the confusion swirling in my head.

The young woman froze, her expression shifting from confusion to alarm. She glanced around quickly, as if to ensure no one else had heard. Then, she stepped closer, lowering her voice to a whisper.

“Lady Mei, please,” she pleaded, her eyes wide with urgency. “You mustn’t speak such things aloud. If anyone hears you… it could be dangerous.”

Dangerous? Why? I opened my mouth to protest, but her grip on my arm tightened.

“Come inside,” she whispered. “We’ll speak privately.”

Reluctantly, I let her guide me back into the residence. She shut the door behind us, her movements quick and precise. Turning to me, she pressed a hand to her chest, taking a deep breath.

“Whatever is troubling you, we’ll figure it out. But you are Lady Mei,” she insisted softly. “You cannot be anyone else.”

“I don’t understand,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m not Lady Mei. I don’t even belong here—this time, this place… it’s not mine.”

Her face paled. “You truly don’t remember, do you?”

I hesitated, then shook my head.

She stepped closer, her gaze intense. “You were found unconscious in the river two days ago. When you woke up, you seemed… different. But no one dared to question it because the Emperor’s envoy arrived soon after. They’re here for you. Tonight.”

My heart sank. This wasn’t just a case of mistaken identity. Somehow, I was entangled in something much larger.

“What does the Emperor want with me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her expression darkened. “A marriage alliance.”

Before I could fully process her words, the door creaked open. Standing in the doorway was the man from the garden, his piercing gaze fixed on me.

“You’re running out of time, Lady Mei,” he said coolly. “The Emperor’s patience is not infinite.”

I clenched my fists, my mind racing. If I was going to survive in this world, I needed answers. But first, I needed to play along—at least until I figured out how to escape this tangled web.

“Very well,” I said, straightening my posture. “Take me to him.”