A Love Written In The Stars

Princess Chán Juān walked in, and the entire court knew: her arrival would change everything.

———

The next morning, Cheng sat at court again, visibly weary from recent demands. As discussions carried on, a chamberlain entered and announced the arrival of an auspicious visitor.

All eyes turned toward the towering doors as they swept open to reveal Princess Chán Juān. Her entrance was a vision that captivated everyone in the room, her beauty as striking as it was renowned.

She moved gracefully, wrapped in shiny blue silk that seemed to catch the light with each step. Her face was a vision; delicate features with almond-shaped eyes that sparkled like dark jewels, framed by long, dark lashes.

Her skin was as smooth as porcelain, with a soft, warm glow. Her long, midnight-black hair was arranged elegantly, cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of ink, adding to the ethereal quality of her beauty. She radiated such elegance and charm that everyone paused to take in the sight of her.

Reaching the throne, she bowed deeply before the emperor. "Your majesty," she began, her voice gentle yet clear, "I bring gifts in honor of your upcoming birthday." With a graceful gesture, she signaled to her attendants, who approached bearing exquisite offerings from her father's kingdom—a tribute of respect and celebration for the royal occasion.

The emperor's face lit up with pleasure at the gifts and the promise of an alliance through the marriage. "Stand, my child," he said warmly. "You honor us with your visit. It brings joy to this old heart to see our realms united through your marriage to my son. Stay with us as long as you like; you are among family here."

Cheng's Pov:

As Chán Juān stepped aside to allow the gifts to be presented to the emperor, she came a little closer to me. I took in her presence, how she'd changed so much from the girl I once knew. For a moment, I felt taken aback, her beauty arresting me in a way I hadn't expected. Her features, her graceful poise—all of it drew my eye, as if seeing her for the first time. I found myself studying her quietly, wondering about the mystery she'd become, this woman destined to be my empress.

Her arrival awakened something unplanned within me, reminding me of my duty. She was my betrothed, and tradition required my focus, no matter the conflict I felt inside. I could sense the officials watching us, their eyes following every glance, hoping to see some warmth between us. They seemed enchanted, as if we were the ideal union of kingdoms and power.

To me, their fascination was nothing new, but it added to the strain of an already difficult day. Even as I worked to prove my strength, with the curse hovering over each decision, the need to show I was fit to rule and honor my promise to Chán Juān pressed down on me. Every responsibility was a test, and I knew I had to meet each one.

–—–

Xiao's manor

Xiao slowly brushed her long hair, lost in thoughts of the Lantern Festival, when a knock came at the door.

"Enter," she said absentmindedly.

Shufang, her handmaid, rushed in. "My lady, I bring troubling news. They say Prince Yizong's engagement to Princess Xin Yi has been announced!"

Xiao's hand went slack, and the hairbrush fell to the floor. "What did you say?"

It couldn't be true.

"Are you certain?" Xiao asked, her voice trembling. "Maybe it's only a rumor."

But the look in Shufang's eyes held no hope. "I'm afraid it's true, my lady. Everyone in the palace is talking about it."

Xiao closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. All the hopes she had held onto, all the dreams of a future with Yizong, shattered in an instant.

She thought back to the Lantern Festival, to the moments she shared with him. Had it meant nothing to him? She clung to the memory, desperate for it to be real.

With a hollow voice, she pressed, "Who is she? Where does she come from?"

Shufang looked down before answering, "She's Princess Xin Yi from Yùzhū, the western province."

Xiao's heart ached with pain. How foolish she had been to believe that Yizong cared for her the way she had cared for him. The truth hit her hard, and sorrow took over. She wiped her eyes quickly and, with a shaky voice, turned to Shufang.

"Please leave me," Xiao said quietly.

Shufang hesitated, but nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her. Alone, Xiao's strength gave way. She sank to the floor, tears streaming down her face as sobs shook her body. The dream of a life with Yizong was gone, and all she could do was grieve for what could never be.

———

Queen dowager's palace.

Crown Prince Cheng bowed respectfully before the Queen Dowager. The peacefulness of her palace helped calm his nerves after the stress of the royal court.

"Rise, Cheng. No need for such formalities with me," the Queen Dowager said kindly.

As Cheng stood up, she looked at him with sympathy. "The challenges you face are difficult, but you have a good heart and a strong will. That's what the people need from their ruler."

Cheng hesitated before speaking. "The ministers doubt my ability to lead because of my condition. Even my father is losing faith in me."

The Queen Dowager gently took his hands. "Do not doubt yourself. Your worth doesn't lie in physical strength, but in wisdom and compassion. I've watched you grow into a just leader, and the people will love you for it."

Her gaze softened as she continued. "I heard about the arrival of your betrothed to the palace this morning,"

Cheng didn't respond. He simply smiled thinly, his thoughts hidden behind his calm expression.

She studied him for a moment, then nodded as if to herself. "Her arrival is perfect timing, Cheng. It is greatly for your benefit. The court will see her as a symbol of your power, and any attempt to undermine you will have to be carefully calculated."

Cheng's thin smile stayed, but inside, he felt weighed down. The Queen Dowager was right—this marriage could give him the support he needed. Yet he couldn't help but feel that relying on his betrothed to show his strength was a weakness he couldn't afford. He said nothing, keeping his thoughts to himself.

"You are right, Grandmother," Cheng replied. "I will use this to my advantage."

"You have always guided me well, Grandmother. Your support means everything to me."

She smiled warmly. "You will always have an ally in me. Now, let's talk about how to navigate the court..."

Cheng listened carefully as the Queen Dowager spoke.

"You must be careful of the dangers within the court. Minister Li and others want to remove you from the throne. They've put Xuan in their pocket, hoping he'll take what's not rightfully his."

"But Xuan has no interest in their plans," Cheng replied.

"You cannot speak for him," she warned. "Be careful around him. Never reveal your plans or thoughts to anyone, even those who claim loyalty after years of service. You must outsmart these people with cleverness and strategy."

"I know this isn't your way, to deceive and plot. But your enemies show no mercy or honor. To protect your throne, you must fight just as ruthlessly. Do you understand?"

Cheng nodded seriously. "I understand, Grandmother. Thank you for your clear warning."

The Queen Dowager looked at him with approval. "Well said, Cheng. Now, let's talk about the allies in the court who can support you..."

That evening

Cheng put on simple robes and made his way outside the palace.

The guards bowed as he quietly slipped through the palace gates.

He walked through the winding streets, glad to have a moment of peace after the day's chaos. The cool breeze helped clear his mind as he thought of the brave woman who had fought beside him so courageously last time. Maybe he could find Mei at the teahouse, and her cheerful company would lift his spirits.

As he walked further from the palace, he felt the knots in his shoulders loosen. The busy crowds around him seemed to relax him even more.

The smells of food from street vendors mixed with the sounds of laughter and music coming from nearby taverns, cheng smiled, appreciating the simple joys of the lively streets. Now, if only he could locate that matchmaker.

Meanwhile,

Mei walked through Longevity Square, enjoying the cool evening air as she browsed the stalls, sampling small chops.

Her attention was drawn to loud laughter further down the road. A group of men had surrounded a young man, blocking his way and throwing insults at him.

"Move aside, you oafs," the young man growled, trying to push through.

One of the men laughed and shoved him to the ground. "What's a weakling like you going to do about it?" he sneered.

Mei slowly stepped towards them. "Gentlemen, violence isn't the answer. Let him pass in peace."

The men turned to her, their faces twisting into smirks. "Look, boys, a little girl with a big mouth. Maybe you can show us some moves, sweetheart."

Mei chuckled softly, her eyes lit with amusement. "You call those flailing arms 'moves'? I'd be embarrassed to call that fighting."

The men's smiles faltered then one of them lunged at her, throwing a wild punch. She easily moved aside, sweeping his legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground.

Another man rushed in, but Mei swiftly twisted his arm behind his back, forcing him to his knees with a sharp twist. She glanced at the other two, who hesitated, now realizing they might have underestimated her.

The one behind tried to grab her but Mei elbowed him in the chest, sending him stumbling backward.

She turned back to the young man, bowing slightly. "My apologies for the mess," she said with a smile. "Please, continue your evening."

Mei then turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving the men behind, stunned and humiliated. A small smile tugged at her lips. Some lessons, she thought, were best learned through action.

———

Cheng left the teahouse feeling disappointed. He had expected to find her there, but she was nowhere to be seen. Walking a few blocks down the street, he hoped he might run into her by chance. His eyes scanned the crowd, but there was still no sign of her. Where could she possibly be? he wondered.

Just as he turned back toward the teahouse, a familiar figure appeared in the distance.

Even among the bustling crowd, she stood out, her beauty unmistakable. Cheng stopped, captivated by the light in her eyes and the warmth of her smile.

Before he could call out to her, Mei spotted him, her face brightening with joy.

"Cheng!"

Cheng's pov:

I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on her as she came closer. Her laughter filled the air, light and carefree, as she moved briskly through the crowd. A strange feeling crept up my spine, bringing back an old memory. My mind flashed back to that day—the arrow flying past, the chaos, and the mysterious woman who saved me, her face hidden, showing only her eyes.

Suddenly, recognition struck me like lightning.

As she drew nearer, my heart pounded. Almost without thinking, my fingers lifted toward her face, covering half of it, tracing the outline in my mind. Those eyes… I knew those eyes.

Mei.

It was her. Mei, the woman I owed my life to, the one I had searched for all this time, was right here. My pulse raced, and my chest tightened in disbelief. How had I not seen it before? How had fate hidden her in plain sight, only to reveal her now, as if mocking my search?

She reached me quickly, her breathless laughter pulling me back to reality. The crowd around us seemed to fade, leaving only the two of us in that moment.

"Cheng!" she called, her voice warm like sunlight breaking after a long, cold season. She took my hands, and my heart lifted at the soft warmth of her touch and the energy she carried with her.

"What a surprise!" Mei said, her eyes shining with joy. "It seems fate wants us to meet again."

I swallowed hard, still struggling to process everything. How could she be so carefree when my entire world had just shifted?

"Yes," I managed, a small smile forming at my lips despite the storm of emotions within me.

"I had hoped our paths would cross once more."

But this was more than hope. It was the end of months of searching, of needing to repay the debt that had weighed on me. Now that she was right in front of me, I felt lost—should I thank her, explain myself, or simply stand here, amazed by the twist of fate that had brought her back into my life?

I held her gaze, wondering if she knew. If she remembered. If she realized that she hadn't just saved my life once, but had unknowingly held a piece of my heart ever since.

For a moment, we simply looked at each other, and it was as if the busy marketplace around us faded away, leaving just the two of us.

Mei linked her arm with mine. "Come, let's find somewhere quiet to talk."

We strolled through the streets slowly. Mei took my hand and playfully swung it as she talked about her days since we last met. I glanced down at her swinging my hand and chuckled softly. She was doing it again.

As we walked, the crowds grew sparse, and loose petals drifted in the air. Ahead of us lay a path lined with cherry blossoms, the soft pink glow of the flowers filling the scene.

"How beautiful!" Mei whispered. "This is the perfect escape from all the noise."

Cheng smiled softly. "This calm beauty reminds me of someone I know."

Mei laughed and gave his arm a playful shove. "Flatterer! You'll have to do better than fancy words."

He chuckled, quietly grateful for the gift of her company.

They wandered awhile along the path, side by side. Above them, the cherry blossoms fell like pink snow, everything felt peaceful. Cheng and Mei sat beneath a cherry blossom tree, looking out over the gentle scenery.

Cheng glanced at Mei, her smile glowing under the soft petals, and felt warmth growing in his chest. This brave, kind-hearted woman had awakened feelings more deeply than he'd realized.

"Mei, there's something important I need to tell you," Cheng began. "The truth is—"

But Mei lifted a bottle of baijiu with a grin. "Ah, what more could anyone ask for than good company under the blossoms?" She took a long sip, her eyes bright. "I'm glad it's you here with me."

Cheng laughed softly, letting the confession die on his lips. "And I'm glad it's you, too. No one else I'd rather share this with." Maybe one day, she'd listen to what he had to say.

Mei beamed. "Tell me another story from your travels," she said, leaning happily against him.

Cheng felt at peace in the simple closeness. He knew there'd be other times to tell her the truth. For now, this moment together was enough.

"Let's meet here every spring, when the blossoms fall," he said. "It can be our special place to escape the world and find comfort with each other."

Mei looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. "I'd love that. It's a promise."