The sound of laughter echoed through the Zhi Dynasty, each laughter full of joys. Golden sunlight spilled across the vermilion gates, glinting off the polished armor of the imperial guards.
"Two buns per one silver coin."
"A piece of candy for a silver coin"
"This hairpin costs 4 silver, young lady"
Shopkeepers shouting out of their lungs hoping to sell their goods, while some buying stuffs for their partners ,while others hanging out with their friends.
But somewhere in the Chen's estate's backyard, sword's fighting sound echoed.
"My lady, I have to admit you are good at swordsmanship. I give up, you win" said the general Jingwou as he sighed.
"Why does everyone have to give up after just fighting with me for a while?" said a female figure.
That same female figure continue, "Alright, general Jingwou I respect your decision."
"Thank you, my lady. Now if you may excuse me, I shall head towards the Imperial Deputy ministry."
Jingwou bowed and headed back to the imperial Deputy ministry.
The female figure put down her sword and walked into a room where there were her father and uncle with full of chatter and laughter.
"Ooh well well well look who's here!" said her uncle Chen Ruilin.
The female figure, with a sarcasm in her smile said, "Your so called niece is here uncle."
Ruilin, her uncle also not backing down said, "You still haven't changed your rebellious personality, have you?"
Then he continued with a teasing tone, "Who would even want to be husband of someone rebellious as you are?"
"Then my dear uncle, let me remind you. It will be good if NO ONE WANTS TO BE MY HUSBAND. Thank you"
"Alright, enough fighting with your uncle, Chen Fengying."
Chen Fengying turned her head towards her father, Chen Haotian who was the loyal right hand man of the emperor.
Before she could reply, her younger sister Chen Qiaolin came from the behind, taking her hand— whispering.
"Don't even try to say anything. Let's go, I just found a new herb in the backyard of my chamber."
Again Fengying couldn't protest, before she could even say anything Qiaolin dragged her out of the room by taking her hand.
"You are so obsessed with your hobby of finding herbs." said Fengying, sighing. Yet she still followed her younger sister, Qiaolin.
______
After showing the herb she had found, Qiaolin dragged her elder sister, Fengying in the marketplace.
The streets were packed so tightly that Fengying could barely breathe. Children sat on rooftops, shopkeepers leaned out their doors, and flower petals rained from every direction. Qiaolin’s hand gripped her wrist like an iron chain, dragging her forward through the crowd.
“Slow down! You’re going to pull my arm off,” Fengying complained.
“We’ll miss the best spot if you don’t hurry!” Qiaolin shot back, weaving through the throng.
Best spot for what, Fengying wondered. She thought her sister wanted to catch a glimpse of Zhang Zhengyu, the famed general who was returning victorious from war. But when the soldiers appeared at the far end of the street — banners snapping, armor gleaming — Qiaolin’s eyes didn’t go to the tall, calm figure of the man on horseback at the front who was Zhang Zhengyu.
Qiaolin's eyes went further back.
To a certain second son of the Zhang family.
The moment Zhang Zihan spotted her in the crowd, his steps slowed. A faint smile tugged at his lips. He murmured something to his elder brother who was beside him, then made his way to the edge of the procession.
His elder brother Zhengyu glanced at him but didn’t stop him — though his expression said don't be long.
“Lady Qiaolin,” Zihan greeted softly, bowing slightly as he reached them.
“Sir Zihan,” Qiaolin said, her voice uncharacteristically shy.
Fengying stood between them, watching the air grow warm and sparkly around the two of them. Their voices dipped into private tones, Qiaolin’s cheeks flushed, Zihan’s smile deepened.
Fengying covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. She’d thought her sister dragged her out here for the victory parade. But clearly, this was a mission.
From the front of the procession, Zhang Zhengyu’s eyes were on his younger brother, Zhang Zihan, moving carefully along the crowd. A faint crease appeared between his brows as he observed Zihan’s deliberate steps.
But then, his gaze shifted. Beside Qiaolin, a figure drew his attention effortlessly. Chen Fengying.
People said even from a distance, she was impossible to ignore. Her laughter, soft yet clear, punctuated the warm, bustling air of the parade. She leaned slightly toward her sister, covering her mouth with delicate fingers as she tried not to laugh too loudly, eyes sparkling with amusement at the private exchange between Qiaolin and Zihan.
Zhengyu had heard of her reputation: flawless etiquette, composure beyond her years, and perfect swordsmanship that left seasoned generals humbled and the authority she holds.
His sharp gaze flicked to her hands and noticed something concealed, hidden carefully, protected with instinctive precision. A small dagger, perhaps, or a secret tool, guarded as though it were an extension of herself. The way she shielded it, alert yet casual, was telling.
"Rumours weren't wrong." said Zhengyu flatly with no facial expression on his face.
Then he took back his gaze. Looking at the crowd who were celebrating the victory.
Is their accidental meeting was just accidental or fated?
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coming soon...
