Ch 2: Mysterious Pavilion

...•• YU MENG •• ...

I pushed the curtains aside and looked outside. Apart from the lights of my palanquin's lanterns, the surroundings were pitch black and I couldn't even figure out anyone's shadows. All I could see were tall trees standing on either side of the road.

Panicking, I got out of my palanquin carriage and gasped in shock. The bearers who were previously carrying my palanquin have disappeared and my two maids who followed me were also nowhere to be seen.

My heart raced repeatedly in my chest as I called out their names in terror. I turned around, confused and scared of what was about to happen to me.

That very moment I heard the sound of rapid footsteps, followed by the crunching sounds of dry leaves grinding under the approaching footsteps.

The footsteps slowed down and I asked, getting concerned, "Is anyone there?" I murmured, staring blankly at the darkness in front of me, waiting anxiously for a reply. The only response I got was the creaking of trees and the distant hooting of owls.

Suddenly, the lanterns on the palanquin flickered and died, plunging me into complete darkness.

"Oh heavens!" I quickly ran into my palanquin, and hiding myself behind the curtains, I prayed to Buddha.

The palanquin lurches, lifting off the ground. Feeling relieved I peeked out and called, "Are you guys back? Where did you go?" As expected I received no answer because there was no one outside.

My palanquin was floating through the air, carried by unseen forces.

'Who the hell is carrying my palanquin? Ghosts? No, I don't want to die yet...,' I clasped my palms over my mouth to prevent myself from screaming.

I sat quietly, wondering what happened to my maids and palanquin bearers. Did the ghosts kill them and sucked out their life forces out of their bodies? No, that can't be.

What should I do? Was marrying the old Duke not enough that now I have to die by the hands of ghosts? I cursed my fate in irritation. I wasn't sad but scared, it's very unlucky to get hunted by ghosts on wedding night.

Even if somehow I get rescued by old Duke's men, I'll be sent back since I become a bad omen. I doubt my father will take me back to his household.

Tears welled in my eyes as I tried to question God, Why do you have to make my life so difficult? I was fine becoming 6th concubine of old Duke Zixin. Why now this...?

After a few minutes, the palanquin sits down in front of a grand pavilion. Trembling, I pushed the curtains and mumbled, "W-Where am I?"

a/n: I don't know if it's allowed to share pictures in novels chapter, but with pictures in story it creates great visualisation and helps with imagination. I hope this story will bring smiles on your faces. I love eastern fantasy romance very much ~~

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