~ 𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑶𝑶𝑵 - In the heart of an ancient Chinese dynasty, a young emperor reigns with wisdom beyond his years but carries a heart heavy with unresolved grief. Years ago, he lost his beloved under mysterious circumstances, a loss that has...
Time seemed to speed up, and suddenly, a week had flown by—it was time for my visit home. Adjusting my striking white hair in the mirror, I couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh. My parents were unaware of this dramatic change, and anxiety bubbled up at the thought of their potential reaction. Gathering my courage, I picked up the carefully prepared basket for my parents, filled with gifts I hoped would please them, and made my way down the stairs of my chambers toward the carriage waiting outside.
Just as I reached the bottom of the stairs, Mei, always thoughtful, hurried over with another basket. This one was brimming with vibrant flowers and seeds, alongside some of the palace's prized peaches and a selection of desserts. Her initiative brought a smile to my face, momentarily easing my worries.
"Here, I thought these would add a nice touch for your parents," Mei said as she handed me the basket. Her smile was comforting, filled with encouragement. "They'll love these, especially the peaches from the royal gardens."
"Thank you, Mei," I replied, taking the basket from her with genuine gratitude. "I hope so. I'm just not sure how they'll react to... this," I said, gesturing somewhat self-consciously to my hair.
Mei chuckled softly, her expression filled with reassurance. "Lian, they're your parents. They'll love you no matter what. Your hair? It's just another part of your journey now, isn't it? Maybe they'll see it as a sign of all the new experiences you've been through."
Her words were a balm to my nerves. "You're right, as always," I admitted, allowing her confidence to bolster my spirits as I settled the baskets in the carriage.
The journey home was short in distance but long in thought, providing ample time to reflect on the tumultuous events that had led to my changed appearance—the mysterious spirit, the changes it brought, and the unexpected depth of my connection with Xianzong.
As the carriage rattled along the dusty road, I kept glancing nervously at the baskets filled with gifts and then down at the garments I was dressed in. Mei had chosen a white and red ensemble that was far too regal for a simple visit home—attire befitting a member of the royal court rather than a humble servant like myself. I fiddled with the fabric, feeling increasingly out of place, the emperor's insistence that I wear it weighing heavily on me.
