Time flowed like a quite year_unstoppable,unseen.
In the blink of an eye , six years had passed.
The child who was once cradled in silk now stood within the vast halls of the imperial palace, her steady steps , her gaze calm beyond her years.
Qiao Tian had turned 6 .
On the surface, this day was meant to be a celebration.
Lanterns were hung across the palace corridors . servants moved in careful rhythm. Soft music echoed in the distance .
But within the inner chambers of the queen -
There was no joy . Only silence.
The doors closed with a soft thud .
The last servant stepped out,leaving behind three figures.
The Queen.
Qiao Tian..
And Yu Lan.
The air felt heavy .
Qiao Tian stood quietly,her small hands resting at her sides.Her expressions was composed-but her eyes held awareness far beyond a child's.
She already knew. Or at least.....she understood enough.
Yu Lan stepped forward,his long robes brushing against the polished floor. His gaze lingered on Qiao Tian , thoughtful ....calculating .
YU LAN : "So ...the time has come ."
The queen's fingers tightened slightly around her sleeve .
The queen's fingers tightened slightly around her sleeve .
QUEEN: (low voice)- "Is it truly necessary...to begin as early ?"
Yu Lan did not look at her .
his eyes remained fixed on Tian.
YU LAN : " If you wish for her secret remain buried....then there is no other way."
Silence followed .
Qiao Tian spoke.
Her voice was soft -but steady.
QIAO TIAN : " Uncle ... this is the medicine you i had every year .
YU LAN :
from his sleeve,he drew out a small jade vial.
It was simple.Elegant .
But the moment it appeared , the air seemed to grow colder.
YU LAN : " This is no ordinary medicine ".
He knelt sligtly, bringing himself ti Qiao Tian's level.
(quietly): " It will temper your body ...suppress what must not be seen ....and reshape your path."
Qiao gaze fell upon the vial .
There was no fear in her eyes .
ONLY ACCEPTANCE .
QIAO TIAN : " Will it hurt ?"
A brief pause .
Yu lan did not lie.
YU LAN : "yes."
QIAO TIAN : "But i will endure it ."
Yu Lan studied him for a moment -then handled the vial to the queen .
YU LAN : "Give it to her ."
The Queen hesitated .
Her hands trembled slightly as she held the jade vial .
QIAO TIAN : "If i don't ... Father will know."
The words struck deep.
Since filled the chamber once more.
Slowly... Painfully..
The Queen Uncorked the vial.
QUEEN: (whispering)
"FORGIVE ME ....."
Qiao Tian took the vial from her hands.
Without hesitation-
She drank.
The effect was immediate .
her body stiffened.
The vial slipped from her fingers , shattering against the floor .
A sharp gasp escaped her lips as pain surged through her veins like fire.
QIAO TIAN : "Aaah____!"
She dropped to her knees .
Her small frame trembled violently.
It felt as if something inside her is being torn apart.... ans reshaped.
Her vision blurred. she clenched her fists , her nails dug into her palms .
her entire body screamed in agony - but she did not cry .
QIAO TIAN: " I won't fail ....."
THE queen held her tighter , tears falling freely now .
MY LITTLE CHILD , I cannot see her like this , I will take her away from this sect forever . I can't see her in this condition anymore.
YU LAN : Stop talking nonsense , king will find you from any corner of this world .
QUEEN( in anger ) : Should i let her suffer like this for her entire life just because she is a girl???
YU LAN WAS QUITE FOR A MOMENT...
*instant silence for moment.
YU LAN : I can understand your feelings sister, but you have to think about the future of our clan.
QUEEN: At cost of my child's life.
Qiao Tian, still in Queen's arms ,slowly opened her eyes . She could see intense pain in them . But also something stronger,The desire to be best,push herself to jer extreme limits for her clan,her father's love and trust.
QUEEN: Prepare her well.
She asked her : "Why didn't you cry ....?"
QIAO TIAN: Because.... Princes don't cry...
QUEEN : " You are more than that....."
But Qiao already closed her.
*Outside, the palace celebrated the birth of prince.
INSIDE: A fate has been already been sealed.
NOT BY CHOICE , BUT BY NECESSITY.