"The Lantern Festival: a celebration for some, a ritual of remembrance for Xiao."
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———
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Xiao strolled through the lush gardens, admiring the blossoms that dotted the winding paths. A smile played at her lips as her thoughts wandered to the second prince, Yizong. Slowly she recalled their previous interactions at the lantern festival.
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Flashback:
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The lanterns glowed vibrantly against the night sky, illuminating the bustling crowds that mingled through the narrow lanes of Shanguang village square. Children chased one another in a joyous game of tag beneath the colorful lights while vendors called out, hawking their sweet dumplings and paper toys. All were gathered to celebrate the annual Lantern Festival, a lively tradition where wishes and prayers were sent floating into the darkness above on paper lanterns.
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Xiao stood at the edge of festivities, watching it all unfold with a detached silence. The brisk wind nipped at her skin but did nothing to alleviate the coldness entrenched far deeper in her heart. Another year had passed, as it should, yet the grief and bitterness remained as raw as when it had first taken root. Perhaps it always would be this way for her - an outsider looking in at a world that had long ceased offering any warmth or comfort.
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As lively crowds passed by with lanterns in hand, Xiao's mind went back as it so often did, replaying memories now faded with time. She recalled happy festivals past, walking hand in hand with Mei as they giggled and pointed out the most beautifully decorated lanterns.
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She reminisced about how kind the Ruán family had been in taking her in, even though she was a child born out of wedlock.
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While her own father's family treated her coldly, Mei's parents and siblings embraced her as one of their own, giving Xiao a glimpse of what it was to feel loved unconditionally. But that blessing was not meant to last.
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A bitter memory surfaced - the night of the attack, years ago, when armed men had descended on their manor. Xiao had been playing outside at the back after dusk when the screams started. She crouched terrified in the bushes, watching in horror as dark figures dragged Mei's loved ones from their home. By the time the soldiers arrived, only smoldering ruins remained.
Their brutal murder, never solved, that event had stolen away the single light in Xiao's life, casting her back into the darkness from which she came.
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Now left in the shelter of her father's household, Xiao knew only scorn and mistreatment. As his illegitimate daughter, she was a constant reminder of past indiscretions that her step-mother and step siblings never let her forget. Each jeering insult and loveless night reinforced how alone she was in this life. Sometimes, in her lowest moments, Xiao found herself wondering if escaping it entirely might not be more merciful. But where could she possibly go? without family or funds?
What future awaited a girl with nothing and no one to call her own?
Night was falling and her options seemed as darkened as the sky.
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Lost deep in thought, Xiao failed to notice the figure that had appeared at her side until he spoke. "It has been a long time, Xiao." She turned and saw Prince Yizong staring at her closely, a look of recognition showing on his handsome face. Though years had passed, his features remained as strikingly handsome as she recalled. Surprise and warmth bloomed within her.
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"Greetings your highness, I had not expected to find you here this evening." she said, dipping into a respectful bow.
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"Nor I you, Xiao and Please, call me Yizong" he replied, politely.
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"The festivities seem less joyous when faced alone. Might I keep you company, to lift both our spirits on this night?"
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His offer was kind. Xiao could not recall the last time someone outside her cousin's family had shown her simple courtesy. Perhaps Prince Yizong proved different from the others. She returned his smile. "Okay your high- Yizong."
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The crowd moved aside and gathered around as Xiao and Prince Yizong walked side by side through the busy festival. A comfortable silence settled between them, each lost in their own thoughts, simply glad to be together in the quiet.
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Prince Yizong glanced at Xiao subtly, sensing the storm of emotions hidden beneath her calm expression. She kept a polite smile, but sadness still showed in her slightly downcast eyes.
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Desiring to lift Xiao's spirit, Prince Yizong suggested they partake in the festivities together. "Come, let us buy lanterns. It would please me if you would send yours flying alongside mine tonight."
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Xiao blinked, taken off guard by such simple kindness. Slowly, a tiny bit of hope appeared, reminding her of happiness she thought was gone forever. Mei's smiling face came to her mind, encouraging her to hold onto this brief moment of peace and not let it go.
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"Very well," Xiao agreed softly. Together they selected lanterns - hers, a pale green, his, a rich gold. With careful hands, they inscribed their wishes then carried their lights to the grassy field serving as launch point for the night.
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Around them, families and couples cheered and laughed as their lanterns floated up, carrying their hopes and prayers. Prince Yizong looked at Xiao and noticed that, for the first time that evening, her eyes held something other than sadness. She watched the lanterns rise with a look of longing, and he wondered what secret wish she had sent up with the flickering light.
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When the last lantern floated out of sight, Yizong turned to Xiao. "Shall we find a quieter spot to watch the rest of the festival?" he asked, pointing to a hill overlooking the celebrations. Her heart began to beat faster as she nodded, then followed him away from the crowds.
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At the top of the hill, they settled on the grass near an old pagoda silhouetted against the starry sky. Fireworks suddenly burst in bright colors above, and cheers rose from the crowd below. But the two barely noticed the lights, deeply focused on the important conversation they were having in the darkness. Though from different walks of life, they had briefly crossed paths as children through Mei.
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Now, words flowed freely between them, filled with confessions and questions they had kept inside. Xiao shared how she once dreamed of becoming a scholar, but her family's expectations had held her back. Prince Yizong, in turn, spoke about his duty to the kingdom, while trying to find his own path.
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As the final firework faded away, it felt like a new beginning for her scarred heart, now ready to move beyond the pain of the past.
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Surely he must see me as I see him—as more than just a noble daughter. The thought filled her with hope that one day she might learn he felt the same way she did.
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As if Xiao's daydreams had come to life, she spotted Prince Yizong up ahead. He walked with a striking confidence, his tall, lean frame exuding strength and grace. His posture was upright and composed, with his broad shoulders hinting at a life of discipline. Beside him, his bodyguard Li Jing—a young woman with a sturdy, athletic build, walking with a watchful gaze. Her strong, grounded presence highlighted the prince's refined elegance, making his controlled, graceful movements even more alluring.
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Her heart leapt at the chance to speak with him again, to feel the warmth of his smile directed at her. She quickened her steps to catch up, her mind racing with ideas on how to capture his attention. Just then, Li Jing said something that made Yizong throw back his head in laughter.
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The cheerful sound of his laughter drifting on the breeze reminded her that, for the prince, this was just a casual stroll through the gardens. But for Xiao, every moment held much more meaning. With a sigh of disappointment, she slowed down, watching him walk away. For now, her dreams would have to be enough.
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Meanwhile, hurrying through the palace corridors, Mei searched for her cousin, her heart heavy knowing the sadness Xiao had felt since that dreadful night. Mei turned a corner and spotted a familiar figure up ahead, lost in thought as she walked. Though they hadn't seen each other since childhood, she knew it was her. Her features hadn't changed, only matured—Mei would recognize her anywhere, anytime.
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"Xiao!"
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Her cousin turned at the call, looking surprised to see Mei. But then Xiao gave a small smile, which warmed Mei after their long estrangement.
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"It is good to see you," Xiao said as they embraced. "Though I must admit, I did not expect your visit."
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"When did you return?"
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Mei smiled warmly. "I returned recently and wished to check on you, see how you have been faring."
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"I know the memory of what happened still lingers heavily…." Her smile faded, and her voice softened as she noticed Xiao's expression change. "But there's another reason I came."
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"I've learned that you have taken extended residence in the palace. What of your family's estate? Did you not return there?"
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A hesitant look entered Xiao's eyes before she replied. "I find comfort in the palace routines and diversions it offers." Yet Mei's quick attempt to brush things off didn't make her feel any better.
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Xiao then invited Mei to her quarters to continue their conversation.
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Once alone, Xiao's calm mask fell away, and all her hidden anger came pouring out.
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"Why did you return?"
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Mei immediately noticed the shift in Xiao's facial expression. "Xiao ~ I…
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"Didn't you hear of the news where you trained?" she questioned, eyes glistening with unshed tears.
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"How could you not come when I needed you most?"
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"Your family was slaughtered and you were nowhere to be found!"
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Mei's heart clenched at the accusation, though she knew every word to be true. "I am truly sorry, xiao. I wished only to train so I could protect our family."
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"Your protection came too late!" Xiao shouted. She took a shuddering breath, emotion draining her strength.
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"Every night I see them, lying in pools of their own blood. I feel mother's fingers slip from mine as the light fades from her eyes." Wrapping her arms around herself, Xiao looked so small in that moment.
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Gently, Mei reached for her. "I deeply regret leaving you to suffer alone, you did not deserve any of that."
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"You do not bear this agony alone anymore. I am here now and I will not let any harm come to you, I swear it."
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Xiao collapsed into her arms then, weeping openly as all the anguish and terror she had bottled up for so long poured out. Mei held her tightly, sharing in the sorrow and silently vowing to avenge the past and secure Xiao's future. Xiao's tears began to slow, though her body still trembled with residual emotion. Mei gently stroked her hair, offering what small comfort she could.
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"I am.... I am truly sorry I was not there when you needed me most. The pain you've endured, I cannot imagine it." Mei's voice cracked with remorse. All these years, her cousin had suffered alone while she trained, unaware of the depths of Xiao's anguish.
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Pulling back, Xiao looked at her with red-rimmed eyes. "Will you leave me again? I do not think I could bear your absence once more."
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"Never," Mei vowed firmly. "My place is by your side, protecting you. I know my apology cannot salve your wounds fully. You have every right to feel pain and rage. But I am here now, and I will be for as long as you have need."
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Xiao gave a watery nod, still processing all that had been said. Mei brushed the remaining tears from her cheeks gently. "Rest now, xiao. You have endured much; allow yourself to heal. I will stay nearby, always." With a reassuring clasp of Xiao's hand, Mei gave her space but remained close, vowing to never abandon her family again.
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Later that evening, as Mei walked through the palace courtyards, her mind was so focused on Xiao's health and recovery that she almost missed the familiar figure standing by a garden pond, watching the koi fish swim under the blooming lilies.
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"Yizong?"
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He turned at the call, recognition lighting his features as he smiled. "Meiying! What a pleasant surprise. It has been too long."
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"Indeed," she returned his smile with one of her own, remembering happier times from their shared childhood. "How have you fared these years?" she asked, stopping beside him.
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"Well enough, though palace duties keeps me occupied. He looked her over again. "I see your talents have served you well. Rumor speaks of your abilities withheld strength."
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Mei nodded, brushing off the compliment effortlessly. "And how have you found palace life as a prince?" she asked, smoothly guiding the conversation away from the subject of violence.
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"Has it lived up to what you imagined when you were younger?"
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Prince Yizong laughed easily. "In some ways, though the realities of ruling are heavier than I expected." His smile turned bittersweet as he added, "I imagine you understand such burdens better than most, I mean... your family's murder..." Their eyes met in mutual understanding. "I'm okay; you don't have to say it like that," Mei replied, brushing his concern aside with a wave of her hand.
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"Do you recall the time we got lost in these very gardens after dusk?" Mei chuckled as they strolled through the gardens, their conversation light and reminiscent of childhood escapades.
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"Your attendants searched near half the night for us."
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Prince Yizong grinned ruefully. "How was I to know the pathways changed so drastically after dark? I thought for certain we'd find our way out."
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"Then you suggested we climb that poor sapling to see over the hedges." She shook her head in mock despair. "The branch snapped faster than either of us fell! I'm amazed we escaped with only few bruises."
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Their gentle laughter filled the garden, bringing back warm memories. With the prince by her side, she found new hope, realizing that even in dark times, there is still light and happiness if one just looks up.
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Too soon, duty called Yizong elsewhere.
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"It was pleasant meeting and reliving old memories with you," said Yizong with a smile.
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Mei returned his smile broadly. "Indeed. I am glad fate saw fit to reunite us, if only briefly."
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"and thank you for the walk, yizong. I hope it will not be long before our paths cross again."
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"I truly hope so," replied Yizong sincerely. "You add light to these walls, Meiying. Do try to visit whenever duties allow."
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"Then I shall endeavor to brighten the palace halls more often." Mei smiled. "Farewell for now, Yizong."
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