A blade between us

Scarlet Moon, Jade Tears

Chapter 4: A Blade Between Us

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Scene 1: A Warrior’s Betrayal

At dawn, the imperial palace gates opened, and General Wei Lijun was released from prison. His body bore the marks of brutal interrogation, but his eyes burned with defiance.

Yet, when he looked up, the first thing he saw was Lady Yun Qingru standing beside the Emperor.

Dressed in a flowing crimson robe, adorned in gold, she looked every bit the Emperor’s beloved concubine. But when their eyes met, Wei saw the silent pain she tried to hide.

"She saved me... at the cost of her own freedom."

The court gathered to witness the Emperor’s decree.

"For his reckless actions and disgraceful behavior, Wei Lijun is stripped of his title and sent to the borders as a soldier," the Emperor declared, his voice cold. "If he proves his loyalty, he may return with honor. If not—"

A long pause.

"He will die on the battlefield."

The crowd gasped. This was not mercy, but exile with a death sentence.

Wei clenched his fists. He had fought for this empire, bled for it. And now, he was being cast aside like a dog.

Then, the Emperor turned to Yun. "Lady Yun, you will personally present him with his new sword—so that he may remember whom he truly serves."

Yun’s breath caught. This was humiliation, a reminder that Wei no longer belonged to her world.

Yet, she had no choice. She stepped forward, holding out a sheathed sword.

Wei hesitated, staring at her trembling hands. Then, slowly, he took the weapon. Their fingers brushed for the briefest moment, but it felt like a final goodbye.

"Rise, soldier," the Emperor commanded.

Wei stood, his pride wounded but unbroken. Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Yun watched as he disappeared through the palace gates.

She had saved his life… but at what cost?

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Scene 2: The Assassin’s Shadow

That night, in the quiet halls of the palace, Yun sat alone in her chamber.

A voice broke the silence.

"You look beautiful in red, Lady Yun."

She turned sharply. Standing in the shadows was Consort Mei, her lips curled in amusement.

"Such a touching farewell," Mei continued, stepping closer. "But you are a fool if you think the Emperor will let Wei Lijun live."

Yun’s blood ran cold. "What do you mean?"

Mei chuckled. "The Emperor only sent him away to make his death look honorable. He has already sent assassins to the border."

Yun’s heart pounded. "No… He wouldn’t—"

"Oh, my dear," Mei sighed. "Haven’t you realized? The Emperor never loses what belongs to him."

Yun’s nails dug into her palm. Wei had only just escaped one death sentence, and now another awaited him.

She had sacrificed everything to keep him alive.

She would not let it be in vain.

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Scene 3: The Silent Escape

The moon hung high as Yun slipped past the palace guards, her cloak wrapped tightly around her. If she was caught, she would be executed.

She had no weapons. No allies. Only one chance to warn Wei before the assassins struck.

As she reached the stables, a figure stepped into her path.

"The palace is not so easy to leave, my lady."

Yun froze. The Empress Dowager.

Surrounded by guards, the older woman smiled. "You truly think you can save him? Foolish girl."

Yun whirled around, but the guards blocked every exit.

The Empress Dowager took a step closer. "The Emperor may be blind in love, but I am not. You have always been a danger to the throne."

She raised a delicate hand. "Take her."

The guards lunged.

Yun fought—she twisted, dodged, knocked one away—but she was no warrior.

A blow to her back sent her crashing to the ground.

As darkness crept in, Yun’s last thought was not of fear… but of Wei.

"Forgive me…"

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End of Chapter 4.

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