・❥・ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴏɴᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʀʀɪᴏʀ'ꜱ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ : In the majestic Tang Dynasty, where poetry and valor are celebrated, a forbidden love story unfolds within the palace walls.
Xu Liang, the beloved son of the emperor, is known for his gentle nature and exception...
As dusk approached, the palace settled into a serene hush, the golden hues of the setting sun casting long shadows across the ornate courtyards. I always found solace in these quiet moments when the day's demands gave way to the tranquil embrace of evening. With a gentle pace, I made my way to my favorite spot—a secluded pavilion by the koi pond, where the gentle lapping of water and the rustle of leaves provided a soothing backdrop to my thoughts.
Settling onto the wooden bench, I opened my poetry journal, the familiar scent of ink and paper comforting me. I dipped my brush into the inkwell, watching as the black ink pooled at the tip before I brought it to the page. The day's events swirled in my mind, but here, in this peaceful haven, I could distill my experiences into words that captured the essence of my emotions.
"The golden light of evening falls, Soft upon the palace walls. In quiet moments, hearts find peace, As nature's whispers never cease."
I paused, gazing out at the pond where koi fish swam lazily, their bright colors contrasting against the dark water. The scene reminded me of the balance in life—moments of tranquility amid the chaos. As I pondered this, the soft footfalls of approaching steps reached my ears. Looking up, I saw Mei, her presence always a source of quiet strength and understanding.
"Xu Liang," she greeted, her voice as gentle as the evening breeze. "I thought I might find you here."
"Mei," I replied, setting down my brush. "It seems you know me too well. What brings you here?"
She smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. "I brought you some tea. I thought you might enjoy a warm drink as you write."
"Thank you," I said, accepting the cup she handed me. The tea's fragrant steam curled up into the air, mingling with the scents of the garden. "Your thoughtfulness is always appreciated."
We sat in companionable silence for a moment, sipping our tea and watching the koi. I felt the weight of my responsibilities ease slightly, the simple pleasure of sharing this moment with a trusted friend providing a much-needed respite.
I set my cup down with a contented sigh, the warmth of the tea seeping through me, but it was not just the tea that warmed me from within. Thoughts of Zhao swirled persistently in my mind, each recollection tinged with a sense of wonder and a trace of confusion. His warmth towards me earlier had been palpable, unsettling yet profoundly comforting. I found it difficult to pinpoint exactly what it was about him that affected me so deeply.
