The Moon lit Promise

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.

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