The price of a promise

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.

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