未知の運命: 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐤𝐲

The evening deepened, the sky above the palace turned a deep shade of indigo, stars beginning to shimmer like tiny jewels scattered across the heavens. The warmth of the day slowly gave way to the cool night air, but the serenity of the imperial gardens remained undisturbed, save for the distant, rhythmic beat of the imperial drums.

Língxiāo continued to watch her son and Mei Ling, her heart swelling with quiet joy. She had always believed in the importance of allowing Minhao to grow up surrounded by love and loyalty, and Mei Ling had become an essential part of that vision.

Though still young, Mei Ling displayed an innate sense of responsibility and care that Língxiāo deeply admired. It was almost as if the fates themselves had intertwined their lives in ways that were yet to be revealed.

As the children's laughter echoed through the gardens, the Empress's thoughts began to drift toward the future.

Mei-Ru, ever the devoted servant, gently poured a cup of tea for the Empress, her movements graceful and precise. "Your Majesty, would you care for something warm? The night grows cooler."

Língxiāo smiled gratefully, accepting the cup. "Thank you, Mei-Ru. It's been a long day, but moments like this make it all worthwhile."

Mei-Ru's eyes softened. "The young prince is fortunate to have such a loving mother, Your Majesty. And soon, there will be another child to share in your wisdom and strength."

The Empress's hand instinctively rested on her belly, feeling the faint stirrings of life within her. "I wonder what kind of person Xiang will grow to be," she mused softly. "Strong and determined like his father, I hope. But perhaps, with the gentleness of Minhao as well."

Mei-Ru hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her voice low. "There are those who speculate, my lady... They say that a second prince could complicate the line of succession—a scary division."

Língxiāo's expression didn't waver. She had heard the rumors, the idle talk among courtiers who were ever concerned with power and position. "Let them whisper," she said calmly. "I have faith in my children, and in Yuan's vision for the empire. Minhao and Xiang will not be rivals—they will be brothers. Together, they will strengthen the future of the Zui Empire."

Mei-Ru nodded, reassured by the Empress's confidence, and they fell into a companionable silence as the soft sounds of night settled over the gardens. Crickets began their evening song, the breeze carrying the faint scent of lotus blossoms.

It wasn't long before Yuan returned, his face solemn yet composed. He sat beside Língxiāo once more, but she could see the tension in his shoulders. The messenger's news must not have been good.

"What is it?" Língxiāo asked, her voice gentle yet knowing.

Yuan exhaled slowly, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's as we feared. Tensions along the northern borders have escalated. The northern lords are demanding more autonomy, and there have been reports of minor skirmishes. It's nothing that can't be handled for now, but... it's a warning."

Língxiāo's gaze turned thoughtful. "They challenge us because they see this as a moment of vulnerability. They believe that with the empire's focus on the birth of a new heir, we are distracted."

Yuan nodded, his jaw clenched slightly. "We must make a show of strength. I will dispatch more troops to the borders, and I will address the court directly. The empire must see that we are not divided by joy or distracted by life's blessings."

The Empress laid a hand on his arm, her touch steadying. "And I will stand by your side. Together, we will face this storm."

Yuan's gaze softened, and for a moment, the weight of his responsibilities seemed to lift as he looked at his wife. "You are the heart of this empire, Língxiāo. With you, I feel that we can face anything."

Before they could continue, a small voice interrupted their quiet moment. "Mama, Papa!"

Minhao came running toward them, his chubby legs carrying him as fast as they could. Behind him, Mei Ling followed, trying to keep up. The young prince reached his parents, his face beaming with pride. "Strong!" he declared, raising his arms to show off his tiny muscles.

Língxiāo laughed, her heart melting at the sight. She scooped him into her arms, kissing his forehead. "Yes, my little tiger, you are strong."

Yuan smiled, ruffling his son's hair. "And one day, you'll be even stronger. But for now, it's time for bed, little one."

Minhao pouted but didn't protest, leaning into his mother's embrace. His energy, it seemed, had finally worn out. Mei Ling watched from a short distance, her eyes bright with affection for the young prince, as if she were already becoming his silent protector.

As the imperial family began to retreat indoors, the weight of the world outside their palace seemed, for a brief moment, to disappear. They were a family—bound not only by blood but by the unshakable bond of love and duty. And no matter what the future held, they would face it together.

Inside the Empress's private chambers, the warmth of the hearth offered a comforting contrast to the chill outside. A nursemaid came forward to help with Minhao, but Língxiāo held up a hand.

"I will tuck him in tonight," she said, cradling her sleepy son close.

Minhao murmured something incoherent, already half-asleep. She gently brushed his hair back, whispering soothing words as she led him to the smaller adjoining room prepared just for him. Mei Ling lingered quietly by the doorway, hesitant to follow but not quite ready to leave.

"Come, Mei Ling," Língxiāo said softly. "Would you like to help me tell him a story?"

The girl's eyes lit up. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Together, they laid Minhao down on the soft silken bedding, Mei Ling carefully placing a stuffed qilin beside him. As Língxiāo recited a tale from the Shan Hai Jing—of rivers that ran with moonlight and beasts who guarded the secrets of emperors—Mei Ling listened intently, holding Minhao's hand until his breathing slowed and deepened.

Once the story ended, Língxiāo stood, her voice barely a whisper. "You're very good with him, Mei Ling. He trusts you."

Mei Ling lowered her gaze modestly. "He's like a little brother to me, my lady."

The Empress regarded her with gentle eyes. "And you may find that role growing more meaningful in the years to come."

They returned to the main chamber, where Yuan stood by the window, his silhouette outlined by the indigo sky. When he turned, Língxiāo saw the fire still burning in his gaze—worry veiled beneath a shroud of poise.

"We'll need to prepare the generals," he said. "And quietly assess the loyalty of the regional governors. If the northern lords stir now, others may follow."

Língxiāo nodded. "I will summon the old council and have the scribes draft letters to the provincial matrons. The women of the noble houses still listen to me, and their voices carry through their husbands' halls."

Yuan walked toward her, his voice low and firm. "You were not just born to be Empress, Língxiāo—you were born to lead."

She looked up at him, unflinching. "Then we will lead together."

From a shadowed alcove, unseen by either of them, Mei-Ru listened with quiet pride. The Empress and the Emperor—so different in strength, yet bound by an unshakable devotion. And between them, the children, the future.

As she stepped back into the light, she whispered a silent vow to protect them all.

Far away, beyond the mountains and mist, under the cracked banners of a forgotten province, a figure in dark robes stood at the edge of a cliff, overlooking a burning outpost.

A raven landed on his arm, its feathers glistening like ink. He read the note tied to its leg, and a slow, sardonic smile touched his lips.

"So the second prince is soon to be born," he murmured.

Behind him, a younger warrior in tattered armor knelt. "Your orders, Lord Kaijin?"

The man turned, eyes gleaming with cruel ambition.

"Let the Empire enjoy its lullaby of peace," Kaijin said, voice like silk on steel. "But when they awaken...  it will be to thunder."

And beneath the indigo sky, the winds of unrest began to howl.