Author : Amurita

Introduction

In the grandeur of the Liang Dynasty, where power is dictated by blood and loyalty is as fragile as porcelain, love is a dangerous game.

Lady Yun Qingru, the youngest daughter of the esteemed Yun family, has lived a life of privilege, bound by duty and tradition. But when she is chosen as a concubine for the Emperor, her world is thrown into turmoil. Her heart already belongs to General Wei Lijun, a man whose sword has defended the empire but whose status can never compare to the throne’s favor.

Amidst the splendor of the imperial court, whispers of betrayal and jealousy coil like vipers. The Empress Dowager, fearing Yun’s rise in the Emperor’s affections, weaves a web of deceit, while Consort Mei, a woman both cunning and cruel, sees Yun as nothing more than an obstacle to be eliminated.

As Yun and Wei struggle to keep their love hidden, the price of their defiance becomes clear—a choice between love and survival, between freedom and fate. Will they challenge the heavens for their love, or will history remember them only as another tragedy written in jade and blood?

Beneath the scarlet moon, where dreams turn to dust and tears glisten like jade, their story begins…

Chapter 1: The Moonlit Promise

Scene 1: The Emperor’s Decree

The grand hall of the Liang Dynasty’s palace was silent as a dozen noble families gathered. Golden lanterns cast long shadows over the jade-carved pillars, and the scent of burning incense filled the air.

On the throne, Emperor Liang Zhao gazed down at the assembly, his expression unreadable. Beside him, Empress Dowager Xian sat with cold eyes, her fingers tapping lightly against the armrest.

“The heavens have blessed us with a prosperous year,” the Emperor declared, his voice echoing through the hall. “To honor the gods, I shall take a new concubine, one of noble blood and unmatched grace—Lady Yun Qingru of the Yun family.”

Gasps filled the chamber.

At the back of the hall, Lady Yun, draped in flowing white silk embroidered with cherry blossoms, lowered her gaze. Her delicate fingers trembled, hidden within the folds of her sleeve.

She had no choice.

The decree was final.

Scene 2: The Forbidden Meeting

That night, under the glow of the scarlet moon, Yun Qingru slipped away from her chambers, her heart pounding. The imperial garden was silent, save for the distant chirping of night crickets.

There, standing beneath the ancient magnolia tree, was General Wei Lijun.

His armor gleamed in the moonlight, his strong jaw clenched with silent fury. “So, it’s true,” he murmured, his voice heavy with pain.

Yun’s eyes filled with unshed tears. “I was chosen, but my heart… my heart has always been yours.”

Wei stepped closer, his calloused hand cupping her cheek. “Then run away with me,” he whispered desperately. “Let us leave this cursed palace before it’s too late.”

But Yun shook her head, sorrow flickering in her gaze. “If I run, my family will suffer. The Emperor does not forgive betrayal.”

Silence fell between them.

Wei clenched his fists. “Then I will find a way,” he vowed. “Even if I must defy the heavens themselves, I will not lose you.”

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of eyes watched from the shadows—Consort Mei, the Empress’s most trusted spy.

She turned away, a sinister smile curving her lips.

Tomorrow, the court would hear whispers of treason.

And the game of power had only just begun.

End of Chapter 1.

Scarlet Moon, Jade Tears

Chapter 2: The Price of a Promise

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Scene 1: Whispers of Betrayal

The morning sun barely pierced through the heavy silk curtains of Lady Yun Qingru’s chamber. Servants whispered anxiously outside her door, their words hushed but filled with urgency.

From the corridor, the clinking of armor signaled the arrival of the Imperial Guards.

Yun barely had time to adjust her robes before Consort Mei entered, her expression masked with false concern. Behind her stood the Captain of the Guards, his sharp eyes scanning the chamber.

"Lady Yun," Consort Mei sighed, her voice laced with feigned sorrow. "It pains me to bring such news, but the palace is abuzz with unsettling rumors."

Yun’s fingers curled against her sleeve. “What rumors, my lady?”

Mei stepped closer, lowering her voice. “A secret meeting… under the magnolia tree… with a certain general.”

Yun’s heart skipped a beat.

"I am sure you will explain yourself before His Majesty," Mei continued, her lips curving ever so slightly. "He is most… eager to hear the truth."

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Scene 2: The Emperor’s Wrath

Yun knelt on the cold jade floor of the Golden Throne Hall, her head bowed low. The Emperor sat before her, his golden robes billowing, his expression unreadable.

The court was silent, save for the Empress Dowager’s quiet scoff.

"A concubine must be devoted to her Emperor," the Empress Dowager murmured. "Yet she meets in secret with a man—how improper."

Yun raised her head slightly. “Your Majesty, I swear my loyalty remains unbroken.”

But the Emperor’s eyes burned with quiet rage.

“Then explain why the guards found General Wei outside your chambers last night.”

Gasps filled the court.

Yun's breath caught. Wei had come for her?

The Emperor’s voice darkened. “If your heart is with another, should I question your family’s loyalty as well?”

Terror gripped her. If she defied him, her family would pay the price.

“Your Majesty,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I—”

Before she could answer, the heavy doors of the throne room swung open.

General Wei Lijun strode in, his gaze unwavering as he fell to his knees. “Your Majesty, if punishment must be given, let it fall upon me. Lady Yun is innocent.”

The court held its breath.

The Emperor’s glare turned colder. “Innocent? You expect me to believe this was mere coincidence?”

Wei clenched his fists. “I came only to ensure her safety.”

The Emperor let out a low laugh. “A noble act.” His expression darkened. “Then let us see how noble you remain in the face of death.”

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Scene 3: A Promise in Chains

Night fell upon the palace dungeons. The air was thick with dampness, the scent of iron and decay lingering.

Wei sat against the stone wall, his hands shackled. Yet, when the cell door creaked open, he lifted his head—and there she was.

Yun, cloaked in a thin veil, rushed to his side.

“Wei,” she whispered, eyes glistening.

He exhaled sharply. “You shouldn’t be here.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks. “They plan to execute you at dawn.”

Wei’s jaw tightened. “Then run with me now. Before it’s too late.”

But Yun shook her head. “If I flee, my family dies.”

A heavy silence fell between them.

“Then I will endure,” Wei murmured, his voice softer. “For you.”

Yun pressed a trembling hand to his. “I will find a way to save you.”

His fingers curled around hers, strong yet gentle. “No matter what happens, promise me one thing.”

She nodded.

“Even if fate separates us,” he whispered, “never forget that I have always loved you.”

A tear fell onto his hand as Yun’s voice broke.

“I promise.”

Outside the dungeon, Consort Mei watched through the iron bars, a knowing smirk on her lips.

The game was far from over.

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End of Chapter 2.

Scarlet Moon, Jade Tears

Chapter 3: Chains of Fate

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Scene 1: The Empress’s Trap

The imperial palace was a golden cage, and Yun Qingru was its most fragile bird. Word of General Wei Lijun’s imprisonment spread like wildfire, and whispers of treason slithered through the court.

Yun sat in her chamber, her hands trembling as she held a silk-wrapped letter—a secret message from the Empress Dowager.

"If you wish to save him, come to the Lotus Pavilion at dusk. Alone."

She knew it was a trap. But what choice did she have?

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Scene 2: The Bargain

As the sun dipped below the palace walls, Yun arrived at the Lotus Pavilion. The scent of jasmine and incense filled the air, but the beauty of the scene was ruined by the woman standing before her—Empress Dowager Xian, dressed in royal gold, her sharp gaze piercing through the dim light.

"Lady Yun," the Empress Dowager said smoothly, sipping her tea. "You have caused quite the scandal."

Yun clenched her fists. "If this is about General Wei—"

"Of course, it is," the older woman interrupted. "A concubine sneaking around with a warrior? What a disgrace. The Emperor is furious."

Yun swallowed hard, but the Empress Dowager only smiled. "Fortunately, I am a merciful woman. I am willing to spare Wei Lijun’s life… for a price."

Yun's heart pounded. "What do you want?"

The Empress Dowager leaned closer, her voice a whisper. "You will become the Emperor’s most favored concubine. You will bear his heir. You will forget that Wei Lijun ever existed."

Yun's breath hitched.

"Forget him? Become the very thing I despise?"

"If you refuse," the Empress Dowager continued, tilting her head, "Wei Lijun will not only be executed—his entire family will share his fate. You, of all people, know how cruel the Emperor can be."

Tears burned Yun’s eyes, but she bit her lip, forcing herself to stay strong.

"Make your choice, Lady Yun," the Empress Dowager said, setting down her teacup. "Love is a luxury that women like us cannot afford."

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Scene 3: The Shattered Promise

That night, Yun stood before Wei’s prison cell, her hands pressed against the iron bars. He was weak from torture, his once-proud figure slumped against the wall, but when he saw her, his eyes softened.

"You came," he whispered.

Yun forced a smile. "I had to see you… one last time."

Wei’s expression darkened. "What do you mean?"

Her fingers curled against the bars. "I made a deal. You will be released… but I must stay here, as the Emperor’s concubine."

Wei’s eyes widened in disbelief. "No. Tell me you didn’t."

Tears slipped down her cheeks. "I had no choice. If I refused, they would have killed you."

He slammed his fists against the bars. "Yun, I would rather die than watch you suffer in that man’s arms!"

Yun covered her mouth to stifle a sob. "If you die, then my sacrifice is meaningless."

Wei reached through the bars, gripping her hands tightly. "Run away with me. We can disappear, live a quiet life—"

"We can’t!" she cried, pulling away. "The Emperor’s reach is endless. He would hunt us to the ends of the earth. And your family, Wei… they would all be slaughtered."

Silence fell between them.

Finally, Wei exhaled, his voice raw. "Is this really goodbye?"

Yun closed her eyes, forcing herself to breathe. Then, with every ounce of strength she had left, she whispered,

"I will always love you. But this is the last time we can meet."

Wei’s grip loosened, and for the first time, she saw tears glistening in his eyes.

As she turned to leave, her heart shattered with every step.

Outside, in the shadows, Consort Mei watched with a satisfied smirk.

The game was almost over.

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End of Chapter 3.