Amid fluttering curtains, the black figure resembled a demon emerging from the depths of hell, exuding a chilling aura. Although Yuanxi couldn’t discern the person’s face, their icy fingers coiled around her neck like a slippery snake, making it nearly impossible for her to breathe.
Wide-eyed, Yuanxi struggled to shout, but her voice failed to escape her constricted throat. She attempted to reach out, but her efforts were futile against the vice-like grip, leaving her gasping for air as if she were a fish out of water, robbed of vitality.
Finally, her struggles grew feeble, her strength draining away like water from a breached dam. As consciousness began to slip away, the darkness engulfing her vision seemed to lighten, replaced by a bright face with tender yet determined eyes. With a sudden surge of willpower, Yuanxi forced her eyes open and kicked desperately, inadvertently dislodging the canopy’s pole with a resounding “crash,” startling the guards and maids stationed outside.
The assailant, sensing trouble, swiftly withdrew, leaving Yuanxi coughing and gasping for breath, her neck bearing a clear bruise. Drenched in a cold sweat, she trembled uncontrollably, the horror of her near-death experience engulfing her.
Meanwhile, the palace was thrown into turmoil as guards and maids scoured every corner of Yikun Palace but found no trace of the intruder. Yuanxi, still shaken, recounted her ordeal to Princess Jingyan, who shared her alarm. However, despite their efforts, the mysterious attacker remained at large.
With the night wearing on, Yuanxi found herself unable to sleep, haunted by the memory of the assailant’s chilling touch. As dawn approached, Princess Jingyan assured her that she would report the incident to the emperor and ordered Yuanxi to rest, mindful of the toll the night’s events had taken on her.
The following morning, as the palace buzzed with preparations for the New Year’s festivities, Marquis Xiaoyun rushed home, where his son, Xiaodu, anxiously awaited news of his wife and daughter.
“We still haven’t heard anything,” Marquis Xiaoyun sighed wearily, his face grave with worry. “I spoke with the emperor himself, but he assured me that he wouldn’t neglect my sister. However, he forbade me from seeing her.”
Xiaodu’s expression darkened. “It’s been three days—three whole days! Who knows what they’re planning while keeping Mother and Yuanxi confined?”
Despite his son’s agitation, Marquis Xiaoyun urged caution. “We mustn’t act rashly. If you were to rush into the palace, you might fall into their trap. For now, all we can do is wait. The empress won’t remain unconscious forever. Once she wakes, I’ll exert pressure on the emperor to release both the Grand Princess and your wife.”
But Xiaodu, his voice trembling, voiced a fear they all shared. “But what if Mother never wakes up?”
Marquis Xiaoyun flinched, then responded firmly, “Impossible! The emperor is a filial son; he would never do such a thing.”
Xiaodu shook his head, gazing out into the courtyard with a bewildered expression. Tonight was New Year’s Eve, with every household adorned with lights and decorations. Children laughed and played, setting off firecrackers with glee. Amidst the joy of reunions, the pain of separation was keenly felt. Despite being just a palace wall away from her family, Yuanxi felt as though they were worlds apart, her longing turning bitter, seeping into her very soul.
On the other side of the palace wall, Yuanxi and Princess Jingyan sat down to the New Year’s Eve feast bestowed upon them by the emperor. Despite the lavish spread before her, Yuanxi found the food tasteless, unable to swallow amidst the cacophony outside.
Princess Jingyan, frustrated, pushed her plate away and exclaimed, “I can’t take this anymore! It’s almost the new year, when will they let us go back?”
Yuanxi raised her eyes to her, gently picking up the jade chopsticks and placing them back in her bowl, soothingly saying, “The longer it takes, the more patience we must have. I believe His Highness and Xiaodu are suffering more than we are and will do everything in their power to rescue us. We must remain calm; otherwise, we’ll only make matters worse and cause them more trouble.”
At that moment, applause sounded from outside the door. The embroidered golden dragon robe of Emperor Zhaoyan came into view, surprising both Yuanxi and the princess. Yuanxi moved to kneel and pay her respects, but Zhaoyan motioned for them to rise and sit, saying, “Today is New Year’s Eve, and I’ve come to share a meal with my aunt and cousin. We’re all family, no need for formalities.”
He then turned his gaze to Yuanxi, expressing admiration, “Marquis Xiaoyun once told me that his daughter has always loved staying indoors, reading books. I thought that leaving her husband suddenly and experiencing danger would surely make you panic and cry all day. Yet, hearing you speak calmly just now, I am truly impressed.”
Yuanxi’s heart skipped a beat, realizing that he had heard her entire conversation. She quickly composed herself, thanking him and saying, “I know nothing, Your Majesty. I only said those words to comfort my mother-in-law.”
Zhaoyan responded with a meaningful “Oh” before remarking, “Your improvised words were quite reasonable and convincing.”
The atmosphere at the table grew tense, but Princess Jingyan quickly changed the subject, engaging Zhaoyan in conversation about her past. Zhaoyan seemed pleased and said, “Tonight is New Year’s Eve, and I regret that you cannot be with your family. However, I am willing to grant one request as compensation, except for allowing your mother to leave, as she has not yet awakened. You may request anything else.”
The princess’s hand trembled as she held her chopsticks, her disappointment evident. Yuanxi, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke up, “Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. Tonight, I wish to go to a specific place. May I request your assistance?”
Zhaoyan, curious about her request, readily agreed, “Certainly, as long as it’s within the palace grounds.”
Yuanxi quickly thanked him and donned a fox fur cloak. Led by palace servants, she made her way through the palace halls, filled with vibrant lanterns, until she reached the highest tower.
From the towering tower, she could see the bustling city below, lit up by colorful fireworks. Yuanxi wiped away her tears, silently thinking, “Xiaodu, you always said the fireworks in the capital were the most beautiful. Now, we’ve seen them together, in a way.”
Amidst the dazzling lights and festive music, Yuanxi felt a sense of loneliness wash over her. She adjusted her fur cloak, preparing to leave, but then paused as she passed Zhaoyan. Taking a deep breath, she spoke softly, almost drowned out by the fireworks, “Your Majesty, may I ask you something?”
Zhaoyan turned to her, and she continued, her voice barely audible amidst the booming fireworks, “Your insistence on keeping us here must have deeper intentions, right?”