Lián, when will you be back? Yù Xuān mumbled, walking out of Mò Lián's vineyard.
"My daughter," a shaky voice called from behind; she spun.
"Mama," she bowed slightly.
"Lián will be back soon, don't worry." The woman smiled at her as their gazes met.
"Yes, Mama." She turned, walking out of the compound.
"It's not yet the festival."
The street was busy as the sun rose high; she walked to the market.
"Where can I get this lotus seed? Hmph."
Her mother had sent her on an errand.
She entered the busy, noisy market square, walking carefully not to hit anybody. She entered the fabric section; its aisles were occupied with women.
She walked in faster, heading to the next section. Her steps slowed as she sensed a strange, light scent.
She kept walking past the lacquer section.
Whose scent is this?
The noisy road drew her attention, but her thoughts were on the scent. The road was a little free, and she hurried, moving to the herb section.
Lián came to her mind as the strange scent became noticeable.
"No, I was here for a lotus seed." She corrected herself.
But Lián's gossip is always correct.
She remembered their gossip.
'His scent is light but noticeable; you will identify him and won't be confused. He said he will visit again.'
'How sure are you?'
'I don't know, but he will.'
'Assured, I, Yù Xuān, will borrow your nose…'
"Lián, this scent is too faint to notice." She spoke to herself, rolling her eyes.
Yù Xuān sniffed deeply, confused about whether she perceived the right description of scent.
She cornered the road to the herb section, and the scent increased.
"Dear Lord, pray I don't stumble on the wrong person." Her lip curved downward as her gaze fell on a tall figure patting a white horse.
Maybe he's the one?
Her every altered step sharpens her eyes until she is close to him.
He started moving, "After all my effort?" She mumbled, stepping ahead.
He slowed his pace deliberately, allowing the distance to the trailer to close.
A harsh hand grabbed her wrist; she almost lost balance looking up.
Their gaze met.
His gaze fell on her curly hair.
A girl.
Lord save me, I can't perceive the scent anymore.
His grip loosened at once, his gaze remaining steady.
It's not my fault.
"What do you think you're doing?!" she almost shouted, taking a step back.
The merchants turned to them before turning back to their businesses.
He stood looking at her from head to toe.
Hmm….
He turned back to his horse, walking forward.
"Hmph." She walked past him, mumbling to herself.
'He's the one.'
Lián's words were recalled in her mind.
"Such hard work." She stopped turning back to him, but his gaze was fixed on his horse.
He looked around, taking a deep breath.
Lián… Lián?
He shut his eyes, releasing a breath. His eyes fluttered open, and the girl from earlier stood watching him in silence.
Who are you?
"Seems like you know me," he mumbled, approaching her. "Do you want to know where I'm going?"
She stared at him, breathless.
"I'm… Mò Lián's friend," she blurted.
He paused mid-step.
A wild breeze swept through the crowded market; it blew his hair backward, revealing his beaming face.
She noticed he was not an ordinary commoner; his gaze could tell her words.
"Then tell me."
He released his horse's reins, looking down at her wide eyes.
"Who are you?" She remembered how Lián kept describing his features.
He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Where is she now?"
Can you please stop intimidating me with your height?
He stepped back, hearing her thoughts, giving her space.
I'm a commoner; I won't go back on my word.
She folded her arms, turning to leave, but he followed her.
"What?" Pride filled her tone.
She held her gown, looking around the shop to see if she had gotten to her destination.
"And how do you know me?"
"Are you not Jun?"
She tilted her head, smiling at him.
Their gaze met again.
Her smile faded as the strange scent diffused.
What if he's a royal? She released her gown.
"She left with her father for the Southern Province," Yù Xuān blurted. "Near the coastal market district..."
"A royal…." A voice cried out in a loud tone.
Yù Xuān spun, looking in the direction the crowd was facing.
He vanished into thin air.
The market became noisy as people ran.
Yù Xuān joined the people.
The mid-afternoon light bathed the southern hills in pale gold as Prince Tiān Jùn arrived at Lord Chén's courtyard. Fig trees cast long, dappled shadows across stone walls as he dismounted, his boots touching the hot soil.
A gentle breeze blew through the wooden gate before him.
Yes, this place smells like her. He stepped forward, knocking politely.
A moment passed.
Then the gate creaked open just enough for a pair of sharp, curious eyes to peer through. A woman with grey hair squinted at him, her gaze sweeping over his face and the fine embroidery of his robes to his feet.
Handsome! "Hm," she murmured before opening the gate wider. "Yes? Who are you looking for?"
Her lip curved downward with her gaze fixed on him, giving a straight face. Her hold on the door freed as the breeze refreshed her warm palm.
A soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips as his head lowered, bowing respectfully.
What a judgmental face… Surely Lián got her looks from her. His lip curved more.
He straightened. "Good day, aunty. I'm Tiān Jùn, from the capital." He steadied his grip on the reins. "I'm a friend of Mò Lián's. I've come a long way to visit."
For a brief second, her brows lifted in surprise.
Friend? When did Lián start making friends? Her expression softened, amusement lighting her face.
Such a perfect match, I would love to hear how they met.
"A friend of Mò Lián's, you say?" She chuckled as she turned, moving inside. "Haha! That girl never mentioned we would have a handsome visitor!"
She waved him in as she tilted her head, giving him a teasing grin. "Come in, come in. Leave your horse there; there's hay by the fence."
He dipped his head in gratitude, leading his steed inside. He followed the woman's fast pace.
They were almost in the middle of the compound when she raised her arm, pointing her finger at the wall, turning slightly, and their gazes met.
"Yes. There."
The fig tree shaded the side where a bundle of hay lay, golden and dry.
Life as a commoner is so free.
He led his horse, losing its reins as he got to the tree; he tied it to the tree.
Once the reins were secured. He turned, following the woman inside.
She stood at the front of the receiving room, remembering the room she had cleaned.
Dear lord, thank you for your blessings.
She pivoted, slowing her steps, but her voice was lively, filling the silence with stories, as they walked past the corridor of the shut rooms.
"You know," the woman waved her head smiling, "when she was younger, she climbed the roof to prove she wasn't afraid of heights. Nearly scared us all to death! That girl's never had a touch of fear in her bones."
'If you stand in my path. I will get injured, excuse me!'
'Please. Mò Lián, I will buy you sweets. Just wait, don't jump.'
'No….'
'Lián?'
She landed on her feet, laughing.
'Lián….'
A fond smile touched his lips. A quiet warmth bloomed in his chest as he saw a fraction of her memory.
What an untamed girl!
They reached the corner of the house. The woman slid open the door; it opened, revealing the opposite window.
"Here we are," she said, stepping aside. "You can rest here. When dinner's ready, I'll come get you."
She gave him a playful wink.
He bowed slightly, grateful. "Thank you, Granny."
She turned sharply, huffing in mock offense.
"Granny?" she scoffed. "I'm not old. I don't look old, and I certainly don't feel old." She waved her hands in the air.
"I clean, I wash, I cook, and I still chase chickens faster than anyone in this house! Honestly, I'm as fresh as morning tofu!"
Her voice echoed down the corridor as she shuffled away, muttering. "Youths these days and their terrible eyesight."
Tiān Jùn stood in the doorway a moment longer, laughter caught in his throat.
He stepped inside the room, the scent of sandalwood soothing his senses; turning around, he scanned the room.
"I love this." His lip curved as he lay on the bed, facing the wooden ceiling.
He breathed in deeply, and the door slid closed.
We need to organize this false activity.
He remembered the southern lieutenant's complaint.
My feet were barely stable on the vibrating ground; I looked around, and the field was almost covered with dead bodies and heavily injured men. It was overwhelmingly noisy and crowded, as flags waved in the air.
The sky cracked, releasing light, and what came next was a loud voice; the air thickened slowly, becoming hard. I looked up at once, and a scorching breeze blew on my face.
"You defile the realm's law…." A raging voice thundered as the sky darkened.
I dart my gaze, holding my chest; my heart beat faster than a running horse.
Huh? Where am I?
I felt my feet leaving the ground, my heart aching as children's cries filled the air.
I pressed my palm to my ear, hovering in the air.
Why can't I move? What is happening?
"Run!" a voice cried out in grief as I looked down.
The injured people started running, stepping over slow runners and dead bodies.
I stretched out my hand to help, but I felt a void inside.
"Help!"
Guilt lowered my arm, and my heart ached with pain watching a pregnant woman tremble on.
I can't use my cultivation…. No!
My fist tightened as tears streaked my lashes.
I felt a gaze fixed on my back; it was piercing and searing.
My spirit rose in hope as I descended freely, but the heat increased.
"You, mere man…." The voice returned.
I land on a dead body, looking to the sky, but it rains liquid fire.
Tiān Jùn jolted upright. His heart hammered violently against his ribs, each beat echoing in his ears.
"Mere man."
The voice echoed in his mind; he sat up, looking down at the soaked pillow.
It's a dream.
He looked out the window at the sunset; his brow knitted as he brushed his damp hair from his face.
He swung his legs over the side of the bed, removing his boots.
His feet sprang free, meeting the cool floor.
He took a deep breath, examining the environment.
This place doesn't have spiritual energy. His eyes narrowed, perceiving her scent.
Lián?
He stood up, using his magic to refresh himself.
Good. Excitement sprang in his stomach, and his lip curved as her scent neared.
"Lián."
He took a step and halted as the voices from outside increased.
"That's not good behaviour; listen to me…"
The door swung open.
He froze, looking at the figure before him.
She's becoming more beautiful.
Her eyes widened in disbelief; she stood at the doorway, blinking uncontrollably as her grip on her gown weakened.
"You stubborn fellow." A raspy voice followed. "What?" Her aunt peeped from behind, pushing Lián from her way, as her gaze fell on the young man.
"Jùn!" Her face beamed as she stretched her hands, turning back to Lián; playful disgust changed her lip position.
He must have good home training. What a modest fellow.
He took her hands, amused.
She is the queen. He chuckled inwardly, helping her.
"Aunt," Lián entered, crossing her arms.
How did he get here?
"Jùn?"
"Stop behaving like a child." She cut her off as he released her fingers.
She held her waist, controlling her breath. "Don't stress me… Join me for lunch."
"A–Aunt…?" she squeaked, eyes wide.
The woman raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you? I've met him before, haven't I?"
She turned to him, and he nodded slowly.
Granny? He held back his laughter, his lips pressed tight.
Mò Lián released her arm, staring at them. "How do you know his name?"
"Hmph," the woman waved a hand dismissively in the air. "Didn't I tell you we had a visitor?"
She reached out and seized his wrist; he bent, reaching her height.
"Come along now with me. Leave this girl."
She tugged him toward the door, moving Lián from the doorway.
He followed, bowing subtly.
This woman didn't get any older.
"Aunt! Aunt!" Mò Lián protested, scrambling after them. "You're already old — are you trying to find a new partner?"
The woman cackled loudly, dragging Tiān Jùn down the corridor as if she hadn't heard a word.
This granny is so energetic, her grip's so tight.
"Ma'am," he mumbled, turning at Lián, who was following from behind.
"What?"
They entered the receiving room.
"Rong?" A cold voice came from inside.
She paused, releasing his wrist.
"Brother, how was your day?" She walked in smiling.
He followed, and they cornered in the dining room.
Lord Chen sat looking at the food before him.
"What took you so long? The food will get cold." He waved to them, looking up.
His gaze stopped on Jùn. Lord Chen studied Tiān Jùn quietly, his gaze calm but assessing.
So this is our visitor. Hmm… if not for this local dress, he looks royal.
Rong sat on her cushion, arranging her gown; she spun sharply to Jùn, who was still standing before her.
"Come here, sit." Her smile ceased, turning to Lián, who was already seated.
Your stay at the temple didn't add anything to this cocky attitude. She waved her head, carrying her plate.
"Dad," Mò Lián huffed, crossing her arms as he turned sharply.
"Won't you let him speak?" Her aunt grumbled, dishing the food.
"I heard you are from the capital, you are welcome. What is your father's name?"
The spoon in Rong's hand slipped, falling on her empty plate.
When did I start becoming careless?
"What's your name?"
"Tiān Jùn, sir," he replied, bowing respectfully.
"Tiān… Jùn…"
What family name has such a name?