Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Request

When Feng Xiaoli first met Xiang Lian, she was dressed in a brocade pleated skirt, embroidered with red plum blossoms blooming against a snowy night. Golden threads adorned her sleeves and hem, and a pearl and white jade hairpin crowned her head. Her face was almost untouched by rouge, exuding a carefree spirit and radiant charm.

Now, Xiang Lian still wore the same dark green gown from that day, her hair somewhat disheveled yet still showing traces of the palace maid’s careful arrangement. Her face, slightly haggard, had lost the brilliance of their first meeting; loneliness gathered in her eyes. Though she smiled, the expression never reached her eyes, lacking sincerity and tinged with guardedness.

Were it not for the appearance of Feng Xiaoli and Yue Wanqing, perhaps even her smile would have faded from memory.

She gently stroked Yue Wanqing’s brows, tracing her features as if to etch her visage into her memory through touch, unwilling to remember only a vague outline when parting ways.

“Xiang Lian, I’ll save you!” Sensing Xiang Lian’s intent, Yue Wanqing grasped her hand tightly, her voice trembling with emotion.

She cared nothing for where they were, for her identity as the Prime Minister’s daughter, nor for the dangers that might follow if she helped Xiang Lian escape. The wrath of the emperor and empress meant little to her. Having resolved to act, she had already accepted the consequences—she was not afraid.

Xiang Lian shook her head gently, pulling her hand free to cover Yue Wanqing’s mouth. A faint smile, the limit of her strength, flickered on her lips. “Wanqing, listen to me. Do nothing. Wait quietly for the verdict, whatever it may be—I’ve accepted it.”

“Xiang Lian, it’s not fair! It’s utterly unfair to you! How can they accuse you of something you never did? I’m going to confront them!” Yue Wanqing made to leave.

“Wanqing, I beg you, please don’t!” Tears streamed down Xiang Lian’s face. “It was difficult enough to get them to let you see me. If you leave now, who knows when we’ll meet again?” Her tears fell onto Yue Wanqing’s hand, their heat trembling in Wanqing’s heart.

Feng Xiaoli sensed a hidden meaning in Xiang Lian’s words. “Xiang Lian, what do you mean by this?”

“Ali, from now on, I entrust Wanqing to your care. Take good care of her for me. I trust no one among the ladies of Huai Capital—only you, seeing how close you and Wanqing are. Promise me!” Xiang Lian’s gaze burned intensely, and Yue Wanqing, her mind unsettled, realized words were futile and turned to Feng Xiaoli.

“Xiang Lian, I will care for Wanqing, but don’t change the subject. What has happened? Why won’t we see you again? Has your sentence already been decided?” Feng Xiaoli pressed.

With tears in her eyes, Xiang Lian smiled. “Soon, I’ll be sent back to Tianshang. At last, I can return to my homeland. Life here only appears pleasant—truly, I’ve been caged like a pampered songbird. No, not even a songbird—just a wild bird caught and thrown into a cage. Ali, I know what you want to ask, but I have no choice now. At this turning point, I want you and Wanqing to remain calm. Do nothing drastic for my sake; otherwise, I will leave with no peace in my heart.”

This was why Xiang Lian had fought so hard for a chance to see Feng Xiaoli and Yue Wanqing. Since she would be leaving, she wanted to bid them a proper farewell, for who knew if there would ever be another chance. Moreover, poisoning a prince was a grave crime. Returning to Tianshang, survival was uncertain. With the loss of a prince, Tianshang would not spare her—a hostage princess had little hope of survival. At this thought, Xiang Lian bowed her head.

She dared not share her suspicions with them. Given their temperaments, it would only lead to disaster, which she dreaded most. She seized this opportunity to make things clear; otherwise, she would die with regret.

“Xiang Lian, you know that by doing this, you’re just leaving one cage for another!”

Feng Xiaoli sensed there was more to this return than met the eye. With a prince dead, Tianshang would never let the matter rest. She feared Xiang Lian would face unspeakable torment, the very thought unbearable. Given the choice, she would rather Xiang Lian stay in Huai Capital, where she and Yue Wanqing could visit her. Tianshang was different—Xiang Lian had lived in Huai Capital since infancy, and aside from the emperor and a few blood relatives, she had no one there. Returning was the worst fate.

“I know. Here, I must bow my head, but I no longer wish to live like that. I want to see Tianshang, my homeland, its customs and people, to know what sets it apart from Huai Capital. Ali, I beg you, on the day I leave, do nothing—just watch quietly from the shadows as I go.” She fixed her gaze on Yue Wanqing. “Wanqing, promise me, will you? I’ve never asked anything of you before—this is the first and last time. Please, say you will.”

Yue Wanqing was already sobbing, tears streaming down her cheeks. Xiang Lian gently wiped her face with a soiled sleeve, leaving faint marks. Embarrassed, Xiang Lian apologized, “Wanqing, I’m sorry—I forgot my sleeve is dirty!” Her eyes wavered.

When had this young woman become like this? Yue Wanqing shook her head, saying, “If you wipe my tears, how could I possibly mind or complain?”

“Then, will you promise me?”

Determination welled up in Yue Wanqing’s eyes. Because it was Xiang Lian, she agreed, nodding emphatically.

Xiang Lian, I will never forget the days of our friendship. I will not let a single person who harmed you escape retribution. I will avenge you, kill all who caused you pain. Even if I am wounded and drenched in blood, I will not hesitate—because it is for you!

Xiang Lian and Yue Wanqing gazed at each other. As if in response to Yue Wanqing’s unspoken vow, Xiang Lian nodded, shaping the words silently, “I will wait for you!”

Often, we must plant a seed of hope in our hearts. Remember, on the other side of hope lies certainty; no one wishes to embrace despair. All we want is to part the clouds and let the sunlight shine through. Know this: black can never overwhelm white; darkness will never triumph over the light. All we need is to wait—wait for the perfect chance to strike, swift and unexpected.

Or perhaps, as those above others, we should seize control of our own fates—and the fates of others as well. Life or death, a single word from our lips may decide it all.