Lianfeng walked through the courtyard, the cool evening air bringing the scent of blooming orchid flowers. The flowers had begun to transition to new buds, a sign of changing seasons. Lianfeng followed the maid throught the lantern-lit pathway, leaving behind the serene courtyard for the hall.

The hall's walls had been painted in deep red, while the roof was painted yellow. The walls had intricate carvings predominantly the five claw dragon, representing the powerful authority of the royals. The flickering candles glowed casting shadows. The emperor and empress presided from their thrones. The empress rested her head on her fist while the emperor sat upright.

Prince Yan and the twin princes stood to the side. All three had a similiar stance, poised and coposed. However, Prince Yan had complete calmness while the princes had subdued curiosity.

Lianfeng knelt down and bowed deeply. "Your Majesties, Your Highnesses," she greeted, her voice steady. She turned her attention to the empress. "You summoned me, Your Majesty."

The empress replied as she straightened, "Yes, I have an announcement to make. Starting tomorrow, you will no longer be teaching the princes."

The twin princes exchanged glances, their eyes widened and their eyebrows raised in a identical expression of surprise. They had the same thoughts, What could have prompted this?

"May I ask why, Your Majesty?" Lianfeng asked calmly despite the surprise, Has she discovered something?

The empress's gaze didn't waver. She replied in an assertive voice, "The renowned martial artist, Mr. Wu, has agreed to train the princes. The emperor and I believe this will be a great opportunity for them—and for you. You will train alongside them and learn from a master."

Lianfeng inclined her head, "I will obey, Your Majesty."

The empress continued, "Mr. Wu will be arriving tomorrow with his family. I would like you to welcome them with us."

"As you command, Your Majesty." Lianfeng replied. She is not leaving me a way out.

The emperor spoke for the first time, "That is all. You can leave now."

Lianfeng bowed again. She bowed to Prince Yan, her eyes searching for clues, but expression remained unreadable. As she turned to leave, her mind raced. Why this sudden change? Is it truly for my benefit, or is there something more at hand?

The next afternoon, Lianfeng accompanied the royal family to the palace gate to welcome Mr. Wu. The courtyard buzzed with quiet anticipation. Soon, the sound of rattling wheels echoed in the distance, growing louder as a modest carriage approached. Unlike the opulent designs often seen at the palace, this one was simple, unadorned; its plainness hinting at practicality. A second carriage followed close behind.

A servant rushed forward, setting a stool for the passengers. A man in his early forties stepped out. His long black hair, streaked with white and gray, was tied neatly behind him, framing a square, clean-shaven face. His dark brown eyes scanned the surroundings with calm precision, his movements collected. Though his white attire and the carriages lacked extravagance, his presence radiated quiet authority, commanding attention without uttering a word.

His steps were followed by a lady in her late 40s. Her long black hair, streaked with shades of brown and grey, was tied in a half bun with a yellow cloth. Her light brown eyes shone brightly with intelligence, framed by an oval face shape. Her elegance was accompanied by quiet sovereignty, that commanded respect. She wore a simple yellow robe, its fabric etheral.

A lady in her twenties followed. She wore a pain blue robe with a crisp white collar, the fabric flowing easily with her movements. Her silky black hair was neatly braided into two braids that framed her oval face. Her dark brown eyes radiated a depth of understanding. However, her demeanor was uncomplicated, unaffected by the palace's richness.

Admiration sparkled in the eyes of royal family and servants. The celebrated Wu family stood in front of them. But Lianfeng froze, stunned. Her eyes locked on their faces, her mind processing their sudden appearance.

As the servants unloaded the luggage from the second carriage, the Empress welcomed the martial artist, "Welcome, Mr.Wu. We are honoured to have you here. We are graced that you agreed to teach the princes"

"Greetings, Your Majesties. "he said bowing, a courteous smile tugged at his lips as he continued, "What can I say? Everything has it's own time." If not for my daughter, I wouldn't have accepted. "Let me introduce my wife, Su Yin".

"Greetings, Your Majesties." Ms.Su greeted as she bowed respectfully.

"Welcome, Ms.Su. And this is?" the Emperor, asked his gaze shifted to the young lady.

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"This is my daughter, Wu Hi." replied Ms.Su with quiet pride.

"Welcome, Ms.Wu." Prince Yan offered a polite nod. His polite nod, however, carried a hint of curisosity.

With formalities concluded, the party moved and the Wu family was led to their rooms by the servants. Lianfeng's eyes followed them until they were out of sight, her emotions in turmoil. What are they doing here? Why would father mother come? She glanced at Wu Hi. I can understand Wu Hi can be unreasonable... but father mother?

The Wu family settled in their rooms. Wu Hi was assigned a room next door to her parents. Her eyes skimmed through the intricate details of every piece of furniture. Lavish, yes—but cold, lacks warmth. Her gaze strolled to the walls, painted in bright colors. Wu Hi ambled in the room thinking about how to redesign it.

Unexpectedly, her thoughts were interrupted. "Ms.Wu" a woman called out. Wu Hi turned around to a woman of her mother's age. She was dressed in uniform, with streaks of grey in her hair, her face was lined with wrinkles. She stood straight, her posture extremely mannered. " Greetings, miss. I am the head maid Chen Yue (Chuhn Yweh). If you have any complaints or orders, these two maids are at your service, Liu Fang (Lyoo Fahng)" she said, pointing to a girl in her post teens. The girl had a common face, but she stood with confidence, her head held high. "and this is Lin Jingyi (Lin JingEe)." The girl's soft features made her stand out, despite her simple appearance. Her eyes raised at her name.

"Very well." Wu Hi replied, unsure if it was the right answer.

Chen Yue bowed, her movements precise, before turning to leave.

Liu Fang addressed Wu Hi, "Miss, shall we prepare your tea? Or would you like us to do something else?"

Wu Hi hesitated, uncertain of how to respond to such formal treatment. "You both can relax. Actually, I would like if you are not so formal. It makes me uncomfortable."

"Sure, if that's what you like, Miss." replied Liu Fang.

Wu Hi, still adjusting to the surroundings, said "You can leave me alone for a while," her voice more hesitant than commanding.

The maids complied and left the room. Wu Hi closed the door behind and sat at the table. Her thoughts, shifted to Lianfeng. She didn't look happy—but that was expected. She drummed her fingers on the table, as her mind raced. Is she angry? Should we have not come? No, no, she needs us, whether she accepts or not, she clenched her fist and her shoulders relaxed. We can't leave her alone. What if something goes wrong? Who will save her then?

Just as she got up, the door flung open. Wu Hi flinched at the abruptness, her heartbeat quickened as her eyes darted to the intruder. A maid entered, shutting the door behind her with calm. Confused, Wu Hi stared at the maid.

Wu Hi's breath caught as the maid turned, her confusion melting into surprise. "Lianfeng," Wu Hi spoke, her voice barely over a whisper. She took a pause, before continuing "What... what are you doing here?". Lianfeng stepped forward, her steps echoing, as the tension built.

"What am I doing here?" Lianfeng's voice was cold, her expression tight. "You should ask yourself that. What are you doing here?" she spoke in a low voice.

"We came for you." Wu Hi replied, I knew she would be unhappy—but angry. The tears swelled in her eyes, but she held them back. Her hands shook slightly, but she tightened them.

"You will be in danger in here. You are just adding to my worries." Lianfeng retorted, why doesn't she understand? I don't want to drag them with me.

"Really, now I am a worry to you?" Wu Hi scoffed. The air in her lungs thickened. She took a deep breath before continuing, "What about us? Have you thought how worried we all were? For your old family, you came here. But what about us? Don't we matter."

"You matter. That's why I don't want to drag you all in this mess." Lianfeng's shoulders tightened. "It's not your fight. You are unrelated to this." She retaliated, as her brows crinkled.

"Anything related to you, relates to all of us. We are family. There's nothing unrelated between us." Wu Hi's eyes filled with tears. Her throat felt sore, as her heartbeat fastened.

"Fine, I won't argue with you. You are a lost cause, anyway." Lianfeng gave up. She went out and closed the door behind her.

Wu Hi shrunk to the stool. Her eyes stared at the floor. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She was strong, but family was her weakness, especially Lianfeng. Am I a burden to her? Why does she not want me? For the first time, her heart ever so warm felt cold. She tilted her head upward, looking for solace in the cold room. She needs me and I know that. I just want to protect her, is that so wrong?

Meanwhile, Lianfeng walked hurriedly and ran to a corner. Tears flowed down, as she squatted. She could face anything—anything but fighting with family, especially Wu Hi." Why doesn't she understand? She will be in danger. The palace is not for her. She is too naive, too kind for the palace. I need to protect them. I can't lose my family again. I have to do this alone. She looked up and stared at the empty courtyard as the wind picked the leaves, I just want to protect her, is that so wrong?

Both wiped their tears and walked to their parents room, staring at each other for a second before entering. Mr. Wu and Ms.Su were playing cards on the table. They were startled by the sudden appearance of their daughters. Lianfeng spoke first "Why did you not inform me about your visit? In the first place, why did you come?"

Ms. Su gently replied, "We came here to help you, of course. I know you are angry but you must hear us out first."

"All right," Lianfeng reluctantly accepted.

Mr. Wu explained, "We woud definetely be more trusted by the empress, which could help you. Also, if your plan fails through we will take you and run away."

Both those are ridiculous reasons. Lianfeng didn't unleash her anger and said, " The empress one is still a good excuse. But how do you think you will take me away? The palace is guarded tightly."

"Even if we can’t help much, just seeing you safe in front of our eyes would bring us relief." Mr.Wu pleaded.

Knowing that they aren't going to back down, Lianfeng accepted it "Fine." She then turned to Wu Hi. Her face bore marks of tears and the sight pierced her. Her heart tightened with guilt and she appoligized, "Wu Hi, I am sorry. I shouldn't have been harsh with you."

Wu Hi glanced down, taking a moment to compose herself before meeting Lianfeng’s gaze. “You are my sister. I will always stand by your side and protect you from harm. I don't want you to ever speak to me like that again.”

Moved by her sister’s words, Lianfeng nodded earnestly, her throat tight with emotion. Though no more words were spoken, the connection between them felt stronger than ever.