chains of fate

Scarlet Moon, Jade Tears

Chapter 3: Chains of Fate

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Scene 1: The Empress’s Trap

The imperial palace was a golden cage, and Yun Qingru was its most fragile bird. Word of General Wei Lijun’s imprisonment spread like wildfire, and whispers of treason slithered through the court.

Yun sat in her chamber, her hands trembling as she held a silk-wrapped letter—a secret message from the Empress Dowager.

"If you wish to save him, come to the Lotus Pavilion at dusk. Alone."

She knew it was a trap. But what choice did she have?

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Scene 2: The Bargain

As the sun dipped below the palace walls, Yun arrived at the Lotus Pavilion. The scent of jasmine and incense filled the air, but the beauty of the scene was ruined by the woman standing before her—Empress Dowager Xian, dressed in royal gold, her sharp gaze piercing through the dim light.

"Lady Yun," the Empress Dowager said smoothly, sipping her tea. "You have caused quite the scandal."

Yun clenched her fists. "If this is about General Wei—"

"Of course, it is," the older woman interrupted. "A concubine sneaking around with a warrior? What a disgrace. The Emperor is furious."

Yun swallowed hard, but the Empress Dowager only smiled. "Fortunately, I am a merciful woman. I am willing to spare Wei Lijun’s life… for a price."

Yun's heart pounded. "What do you want?"

The Empress Dowager leaned closer, her voice a whisper. "You will become the Emperor’s most favored concubine. You will bear his heir. You will forget that Wei Lijun ever existed."

Yun's breath hitched.

"Forget him? Become the very thing I despise?"

"If you refuse," the Empress Dowager continued, tilting her head, "Wei Lijun will not only be executed—his entire family will share his fate. You, of all people, know how cruel the Emperor can be."

Tears burned Yun’s eyes, but she bit her lip, forcing herself to stay strong.

"Make your choice, Lady Yun," the Empress Dowager said, setting down her teacup. "Love is a luxury that women like us cannot afford."

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Scene 3: The Shattered Promise

That night, Yun stood before Wei’s prison cell, her hands pressed against the iron bars. He was weak from torture, his once-proud figure slumped against the wall, but when he saw her, his eyes softened.

"You came," he whispered.

Yun forced a smile. "I had to see you… one last time."

Wei’s expression darkened. "What do you mean?"

Her fingers curled against the bars. "I made a deal. You will be released… but I must stay here, as the Emperor’s concubine."

Wei’s eyes widened in disbelief. "No. Tell me you didn’t."

Tears slipped down her cheeks. "I had no choice. If I refused, they would have killed you."

He slammed his fists against the bars. "Yun, I would rather die than watch you suffer in that man’s arms!"

Yun covered her mouth to stifle a sob. "If you die, then my sacrifice is meaningless."

Wei reached through the bars, gripping her hands tightly. "Run away with me. We can disappear, live a quiet life—"

"We can’t!" she cried, pulling away. "The Emperor’s reach is endless. He would hunt us to the ends of the earth. And your family, Wei… they would all be slaughtered."

Silence fell between them.

Finally, Wei exhaled, his voice raw. "Is this really goodbye?"

Yun closed her eyes, forcing herself to breathe. Then, with every ounce of strength she had left, she whispered,

"I will always love you. But this is the last time we can meet."

Wei’s grip loosened, and for the first time, she saw tears glistening in his eyes.

As she turned to leave, her heart shattered with every step.

Outside, in the shadows, Consort Mei watched with a satisfied smirk.

The game was almost over.

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End of Chapter 3.

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