14 years later,
Winter's first snow fell in quiet flurries, each flake drifting down to settle on the ground as a crisp, cold breeze swept through the wooden house. Inside, the room held a gentle warmth. At the center stood a round wooden table with a steaming kettle and porcelain cups arranged neatly. Wrapped in a black fur coat, Lianfeng looked out the window, her breath clouding the glass as she sipped her tea.
Brother, it's been 15 years since our tribe's massacre, and I still haven't found the one responsible. I am a loser, aren't I?
Just then, Wu Hi entered the room, her vibrant orange fur coat adding warmth to the winter scene. "There, you are. I was searching for you everywhere in the house", she exclaimed, relief evident as she settled on one of the stools. She poured herself a cup of tea, the fragrant steam filling the air.
Lianfeng smiled and sat on the other stool. "Why were you finding me?" she asked, her heart lightening at Wu Hi's presence.
Wu Hi's brow furrowed as she sipped her tea, concern replacing her usual exuberance. "Father said you're planning to enter the palace," she said, flustered.
"Yes", replied Lianfeng calmly.
"But why?" Wu Hi pressed, worry lacing her voice. "It's dangerous! You can't just walk into the lion's den."
"I have to. The palace is where most of the information is. To find out who was behind my tribe's massacre, I need to go there," Lianfeng explained, her tone firm but reassuring.
"I'm going with you, then," Wu Hi said, her fists clenched at her sides, the determination in her voice sharp as winter air.
"No, you can't. You have to stay with our parents; they need you." Lianfeng's tone was firm, yet a flicker of pleading crept in.
Wu Hi's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "But what if something happens to you? We don't know how dangerous it is! I can't just leave you alone."
"Don't worry. I've gathered plenty of information," Lianfeng reassured, her voice steady despite the weight on her heart. "The hunt will begin in a few months, and before that, I need to become a palace maid to establish myself."
"You won't back down." retorted Wu Hi, protectively.
"I can't," Lianfeng said, her shoulders relaxed slightly as a smile tugged at her lips. "Do you remember what you told me when I told you about my desire for revenge?"
Flashback:
Young Lianfeng stood before Mr. Wu, Ms. Su, and Wu Hi, the room illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight.
"I need to tell you something." Lianfeng's voice wavered as she spoke, her eyes glistened with tears. "I had a family once... before everything changed. My tribe—they were massacred by strangers. That's why I learned martial arts. I wanted to become stronger, not just for survival... but for revenge." Her voice cracked as she struggled to contain the flood of emotions. The pain of her past was etched in every word, and the weight of her confession hung in the air.
"It's so sad." Wu Hi sobbed as she rushed, embracing Lianfeng in a tight hug.
Lianfeng was caught off guard but soon broke down, uncontrollably sobbing into Wu Hi's arms as they hugged each other.
At first, Mr. Wu and Ms. Su were flabbergasted but soon they exchanged soft smiles, watching the two.
Ms. Su rose from her seat and hugged them, "It's okay, my child. We will always have your back, Lianfeng."
"She is right," added Mr. Wu, hugging the trio.
Wu Hi chimed in through her tears, "I'll help you too. We'll all help you."
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"I remember," Wu Hi said softly, snapping back to the present. "That's why I want to go with you."
"Don't worry," Lianfeng reassured her, placing a hand over Wu Hi's. "If anything happens, I'll send word. I've built a good network inside the palace."
Wu Hi sighed, reluctant but resigned. "All right... Since I can't change your mind, I'll support you."
Lianfeng smiled, grateful for her sister's unshakable loyalty.
The hunting grounds lay on the outskirts of Yuanfu(Ywen-foo) City, stretching across a vast forest glimmering under the sun. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and the distant sounds of laughter from the royal family's camps. Lianfeng mingled with the servants.
The camps buzzed with activity, vibrant tents adorned in rich fabrics, and the aroma of roasted food wafted through the air. She noted the distinct camps of the royal couple—one for the empress, cloaked in authority, and the other for the emperor, whose approachable nature made him an easier target.
As she moved through the crowd, snippets of conversation floated around her—nobles discussing recent hunts, whispers of court gossip, and rumors of potential alliances. Her gaze fell on the emperor's tent, a lavish structure with golden embroidery. Guards and attendants laughed, their joviality contrasting sharply with the formality of the empress's area.
Lianfeng's resolve hardened. This was her chance; the emperor would be vulnerable, away from the watchful eyes of the court. As she continued blending in, her heart raced, reminding her of the stakes. This isn't just a hunt; it's my first step to uncover the one responsible.
In the afternoon, as the sun hung high, casting a warm glow over the spring landscape, the hunt began. The empress mounted her elegant horse, while the emperor took his place on another, their presence commanding attention. The security around them was tight, guards positioned strategically, eyes scanning the surroundings.
Lianfeng, as a servant, moved towards the forest, carrying trays of food and drink to the royal party. Her role was to attend to the needs of the nobles.
She slipped deeper into the woods, where the laughter and excitement echoed through the trees. She was on a mission, her heart racing with determination as she approached the area designated for the emperor. This was all part of her plan; if she could draw attention to herself, the emperor would have no choice but to come to her aid.
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There he was—a man in his mid-30s, clad in gleaming silver armor that caught the sunlight filtering through the leaves. He picked up his bow, aiming at a target set a distance away, and with a confident draw, he released the arrow.
As she stepped into view, she executed her plan perfectly. The arrow flew past its intended target, veering off course and striking her straight in the shoulder.
The sudden pain jolted her senses, and she stumbled backward, falling against a nearby rock. Warmth seeped through her fingers as she clutched her wound, a calculated move. The laughter around her faded into silence, replaced by her heartbeat.
The emperor, realizing what had happened, dashed toward her, his jovial expression replaced with alarm. "What have I done?" he exclaimed, dropping his bow as he knelt beside her, panic etching his features. The weight of his title bore down on him; if anything happened to her, the court would blame him. And worse, how would the empress react?
He picked her up in his arms, mounted his horse, and rushed to the camp. When he reached the camp, he called out urgently, "Bring the imperial physician!" His voice, usually filled with joviality, now quivered with concern. He could hardly bear to think of the consequences of this accident. What if she never recovered? What if she suffered because of me? The thoughts raced through his mind, each one heavier than the last.
As the physician hurried to his side, the emperor's heart pounded. "You're going to be fine," he whispered to Lianfeng, though he wasn't sure if he was trying to convince her or himself. Guilt hung in the air, thick and suffocating, as he realized that his actions, however unintentional, could have lasting impacts beyond this moment.
She was laid gently on a makeshift table, the surface cold against her back. Around her, the camp was a flurry of activity; guards rushed to and fro, their faces a mix of concern and confusion. The laughter that had echoed through the forest moments ago was replaced by a tense silence. She smelled the rich incest which wasn't of much help in her condition.
The imperial physician arrived, his expression serious as he assessed her wound. "Stay still," he instructed, moving swiftly to clean the injury. Lianfeng felt a sharp sting as the cloth pressed against her shoulder, and she bit her lip to suppress a cry.
Through the haze of discomfort, Lianfeng allowed her eyelids to flutter closed, her body relaxing into feigned unconsciousness. She sensed the emperor's presence close by, the tension radiating off him as he knelt beside her. "I'm so sorry," he murmured, his voice low and shaky. "I didn't mean to—"
"Your Majesty, focus," the physician interrupted, applying a fresh bandage. Lianfeng felt the man's hands steady and professional, but his urgency only amplified her anxiety. Each tug and pull at her injury sent fresh waves of pain coursing through her. As she pretended to be unconscious, she caught glimpses of the emperor's face, pale and drawn, a stark contrast to his usual jovial demeanor. Guilt lined his features, and she could see the conflict in his eyes.
Finally, the physician stepped back, satisfied with his work. "Your majesty the wound is not deep, but it needs care," he said, his voice more reassuring now. Lianfeng kept her breathing even, feigning unconsciousness.
"You're going to be fine," he said softly as if convincing himself. "You're lucky it wasn't worse." Perhaps, her heart, racing with the knowledge that she needed to keep the facade intact. She had to play her role perfectly, to elicit sympathy from both the emperor and the empress.
Just then, the empress arrived, her silver armor gleaming as she entered the camp with a sense of authority. She scanned the scene, her eyes landing on Lianfeng, and her expression shifted from worry to determination. "What happened here?" she demanded, her tone firm. When the empress entered, the emperor's heart sank. He could see the tension in her jaw as she assessed the situation, and he braced himself for her reprimand, guilt gnawing at him.
"Your Majesty, the servant was accidentally shot during the hunt by the emperor," the physician explained, stepping aside to let the empress assess the situation. The empress knelt beside Lianfeng, her gaze sharp yet filled with an unexpected softness. "You poor girl," she said, her voice dropping to a gentler tone. "You must rest and heal. We'll ensure you have everything you need." Lianfeng was pleased that her plan had worked.
As the empress turned to the emperor, her stern demeanor returned. "You should have been more careful. What if the wound had been fatal?
"I know, but she appeared out of nowhere," he protested, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"That's no excuse," the empress replied, her voice resolute.
Lianfeng watched the exchange, feeling the tension in the air. It was a delicate balance of power, one she intended to navigate carefully. As they spoke, she knew she had played her cards right, this wound was the key to unlocking the answers she sought.
The day passed, and the hunting party returned to the palace. Lianfeng was carried in a palanquin, her body still weak from the injury. It was the first time she had entered the palace through the grand main gate—an entrance reserved only for court officials and royalty. The side gates, where servants passed, were a far cry from this grand display.
As they approached the palace, Lianfeng felt a mix of emotions beneath her composed façade. She had lived within these walls for months, always watching from the shadows. Now, she entered through the front, carried as though she were someone important, someone fragile.
When they finally arrived at her destination, she was placed gently in a room she had once served in. The surroundings were familiar—the luxurious bed draped in silks, the ornate artifacts carefully displayed—but everything felt different now. The softness of the bed tended to her bandaged wound.
The night passed in quiet. Morning came quickly, and footsteps outside her door stirred her awake. The emperor and empress had come to visit.
Lianfeng opened her eyes slowly, blinking as if in confusion. She gazed at them with wide, pitiful eyes, her face pale against the dim morning light.
The empress approached first, her armor exchanged for a gown of deep crimson. Her expression was softer now, concerned. "How are you feeling?" she asked in a gentle tone.
Lianfeng hesitated, letting the question hang in the air before responding with a shaky voice. "Who... who are you?"
The emperor and empress exchanged a confused glance, concern deepening in their eyes.
Inside, Lianfeng's thoughts were focused, and calm amidst the chaos. This is the moment. This is where it begins.
Her eyes fluttered briefly, her expression wavering between confusion and fear. She could feel the tension in the room.
The emperor explained, his voice low but clear, "I am the emperor, and she is the empress. I injured you accidentally on the hunting grounds."
Lianfeng blinked her expression a mix of confusion and dawning realization. She raised her hand slowly, pointing an unsure finger at each of them. "You are the emperor... and she is the empress?" Her voice wavered as if trying to make sense of the situation, her eyes darting around the room. "So this is... the palace?"
The ornate surroundings suddenly seemed to register, and without hesitation, Lianfeng moved swiftly to her knees, bowing deeply before the emperor and empress. "Your Majesties," she said, her voice filled with reverence.
The empress stepped forward, her hands soft yet firm as she gently pulled Lianfeng to her feet. "Get up," she commanded with a warmth that was rare for someone of her status.
Lianfeng stood quickly, her legs shaking slightly. The empress gestured for her to sit back on the bed, her concern evident as she looked over Lianfeng's pale face. "Do you remember who you are?" the empress asked softly, her tone laced with genuine worry.
Lianfeng stared blankly at the empress, her breath quickening as her eyes filled with what appeared to be fear. "Who?" she stammered, her voice small. "Who am I?"
The emperor frowned, stepping closer to the bed. "It seems she has lost her memory," he said, turning to the empress. "Call the physician," he ordered a servant sharply, his voice lined with frustration and concern.
Moments later, the physician arrived, eyes scanning Lianfeng carefully as he approached. He checked her pulse, examined her wound, and finally nodded solemnly. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady, "it appears she has lost her memory, likely from the injury to her head."
The empress clasped her hands together, her worry deepening. "How long will it take for her memory to return?" she asked, her voice betraying her anxiety.
The physician shook his head. "I cannot say for certain, Your Majesty. It could be days, months, or perhaps... never."
The emperor's face tightened with guilt, his gaze lingering on Lianfeng. "This is my fault," he murmured under his breath. "I never should have let this happen."