Echoes of the Past

As Liu Wei and Xuan Li made their way down the rugged path to the river, the sound of rushing water filled the air, mingling with the tension that hung between them. With each step, Xuan Li felt a pull toward his past, an invisible thread tugging at his heart. Liu Wei's presence beside him was a steady reminder that he wasn't alone in this journey.

When they finally reached the riverbank, the water glimmered in the sunlight, its surface rippling like a thousand tiny mirrors. Liu Wei knelt by the edge, cupping her hands to drink. Xuan Li watched her, a sense of admiration swelling within him. She had been his anchor, guiding him through the storm of his fragmented memories.

“We need to find a way to cross,” Liu Wei said, breaking his reverie as she stood and scanned the area. “There might be a boat or a bridge nearby.”

As they searched, Xuan Li’s mind raced with thoughts of Princess Mei Lin. Could he really have been betrothed to someone he barely remembered? The idea both thrilled and terrified him. He was no longer the man he once was, and he wasn’t sure if he could step back into that world.

“Over there!” Liu Wei pointed to a small wooden boat tied to a post on the opposite bank. “Let’s go!”

They hurried toward the river, their hearts pounding with urgency. Just as they reached the boat, a sudden noise broke the tranquility—the sound of galloping hooves and shouts echoing through the trees. The soldiers had followed them!

“Quick! Get in!” Liu Wei urged, pushing Xuan Li ahead of her. They jumped into the boat, and Liu Wei grabbed the oars, paddling with all her strength as the soldiers’ voices drew nearer.

Xuan Li leaned over the edge, watching the bank for any sign of their pursuers. “We need to go faster! They’ll catch us!”

“Just hold on!” Liu Wei grunted, her muscles straining as she rowed against the current. The boat wobbled dangerously, but her determination kept it steady.

As they drifted farther from the shore, the soldiers emerged, riding along the riverbank, their eyes scanning the water. “There they are! After them!” the captain shouted.

Xuan Li’s heart raced. “They’re going to shoot! We need to find cover!”

Suddenly, Liu Wei spotted a cluster of overhanging trees along the riverbank. “We can hide there! Paddle to the side!”

With a burst of energy, she steered the boat toward the trees, maneuvering it skillfully into the cover of the branches. They ducked low, hoping the foliage would conceal them from sight.

Just as they settled into silence, arrows whizzed past, splashing into the water nearby. “Hold on!” Liu Wei shouted, gripping the oars tightly. “Stay still!”

The soldiers pulled up to the bank, shouting orders as they scanned the river for any sign of their quarry. Liu Wei held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel Xuan Li’s tension beside her, the air thick with fear and uncertainty.

“Do you think they saw us?” Xuan Li whispered, his eyes wide with anxiety.

“Not yet,” Liu Wei replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “Just stay quiet.”

They watched as the soldiers scoured the area, their voices carrying across the water. “They couldn’t have gone far! Search every inch!” the captain commanded, frustration evident in his tone.

As the minutes ticked by, Liu Wei felt her muscles ache from holding still. The soldiers’ voices faded into the distance, and finally, after what felt like an eternity, they began to move away, their horses thundering off in search of a new trail.

When they were sure it was safe, Liu Wei exhaled, her body relaxing at last. “We did it,” she said, a mix of relief and exhilaration washing over her.

Xuan Li turned to her, a mixture of gratitude and awe in his eyes. “You’re incredible, Liu Wei. I don’t know how I would have managed without you.”

She smiled, the warmth of his words igniting something deep within her. “We’re in this together, remember? I won’t let you face this alone.”

As they floated in the shelter of the trees, Xuan Li’s thoughts drifted back to his memories. “I keep thinking about Princess Mei Lin,” he said, his voice quiet. “If I’m really meant to marry her, what will happen to us?”

Liu Wei felt a pang in her heart at the thought. “You don’t have to decide right now,” she said gently. “We still have to uncover the truth. Maybe there’s a way to resolve this without losing what we’ve found in each other.”

He nodded, but doubt lingered in his eyes. “I want to believe that, but my past may not let me go so easily.”

“Let’s take it one step at a time,” Liu Wei suggested, her voice steady. “First, we need to get away from here. Then we can figure out how to confront your past.”

Xuan Li took a deep breath, grounding himself in her presence. “Okay. Let’s go.”

With renewed determination, Liu Wei paddled the boat back into the open water, steering them downstream where the river widened, giving them a better chance to escape. As they glided along, Xuan Li took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the landscape, the lush greenery, and the distant mountains, all shrouded in mystery and adventure.

Hours passed as they navigated the river, the sun climbing high in the sky. Eventually, they spotted a small fishing village nestled along the bank, its colorful boats bobbing gently in the water.

“We should stop there,” Liu Wei said, hope blooming in her chest. “We can rest and gather information about your past.”

Xuan Li agreed, and as they approached the village, he felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The villagers seemed friendly, their faces warm and welcoming. But in the back of his mind lingered the shadow of the soldiers still hunting for him.

Once they docked, they quickly disembarked and made their way to a bustling marketplace filled with vibrant stalls selling food, fabrics, and trinkets. The scents of grilled fish and spices wafted through the air, making Liu Wei’s stomach rumble.

“Let’s grab something to eat,” she suggested, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Xuan Li smiled, grateful for the moment of normalcy. They shared a plate of grilled fish and rice, savoring the simple pleasure of the meal. “This is amazing,” Xuan Li said, licking his fingers clean.

Liu Wei chuckled, her heart lightening. “Just wait until you try the dumplings. They’re the best in the region!”

As they enjoyed their meal, Liu Wei kept her eyes peeled for any signs of trouble, aware that the soldiers could still be searching for them. After they finished eating, they wandered through the market, listening to the chatter of the villagers.

“Do you think anyone here would know about Princess Mei Lin?” Xuan Li asked, scanning the crowd for familiar faces.

“I hope so,” Liu Wei replied. “Let’s ask around.”

They approached a group of older villagers sitting near a stall filled with colorful fabrics. Liu Wei took a deep breath, mustering her courage. “Excuse me,” she said politely. “We’re looking for information about a princess—Mei Lin. Do you know anything about her?”

The villagers exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to intrigue. One elderly man spoke up, his voice gravelly. “Princess Mei Lin? Yes, she was the beloved daughter of the late emperor. Her betrothal to Prince Liu Wei was meant to strengthen the alliance between our kingdoms. But there was a rumor...”

“What rumor?” Xuan Li pressed, his heart racing at the mention of his own name.

The elder leaned closer, lowering his voice. “They say the prince disappeared before the wedding. Some believed he was murdered, while others whispered of treachery within the court. The princess never married, and her heart remained broken.”

Liu Wei glanced at Xuan Li, whose face had gone pale. “Is that why they’re searching for me?” he asked, his voice shaky.

“It’s possible,” the elder said. “But be careful. The emperor’s soldiers will not rest until they find the prince. They believe he holds the key to the throne.”

Xuan Li’s mind whirled. “If I’m that prince, I could be putting you in danger.”

“No,” Liu Wei said firmly. “We’ll find a way to uncover the truth together. I won’t let you face this alone.”

As the villagers shared more stories of Princess Mei Lin and the turmoil surrounding the royal family, Xuan Li felt a flicker of hope igniting in his chest. Perhaps, with Liu Wei by his side, he could unravel the mystery of his past and discover who he truly was.

But deep down, a nagging fear lingered—would the truth bring them together or tear them apart?

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***