The corridor fell into a tense silence.
Madam Lei had spoken. As far as she was concerned.The engagement was no longer an open discussion.
The crowd had seen enough
Maybe...
Too much
The murmurs had shifted from excitement to unease as everyone distanced themselves from the Ling family.
The scandal had not gone the way anyone expected, and now the air was thick with unspoken questions.
Madam Ling still knelt on the floor, her face pale, her hands limp at her sides. She had lost. She did not yet know how badly, but she could feel the weight of it settling on her shoulders as she faced all the mocking looks directed at her.
Madam Lei turned away from her, her back straight, her expression carved from cold stone. She walked toward her daughter, who was still lying on the bed, still dazed, still unaware of the fate that had just been sealed for her.
"Help her up," She said to her maids. Her voice was quiet, but it carried a lot weight "We are leaving."
The maids moved quickly, lifting their young miss guiding her out of the room. The noblewoman snorted glancing at Madam Ling then turned and left.
---
One by one, the nobles began to drift away.
Some left quickly, eager to escape the awkwardness. Others lingered, their eyes still fixed on the scene, hoping for one more moment of drama. But the drama was over. The door was open. A different girl had been found. The engagement was sealed.
There was nothing left to see.
The empress turned and walked back toward the main hall, her face unreadable. The princess followed a step behind, her jaw tight, her hands clenched at her sides.
Though just from her stance one could see the relief reverberating from her.
Fan Xinyu waited until the corridor was nearly empty, then stepped forward and closed the door to the east guest room. He did not speak. He did not need to.
The night was officially over.
---
In the quiet corner near the garden, Shen Miao stirred.
The effects from the scent were finally wearing off.
She blinked, her vision slowly focusing. The dizziness was fading. Feeling better she pushed herself off the stone bench, the cold underneath her feet grounding her.
Wei Lin turned when she moved, his sharp eyes studying her face.
"You're awake," he said.
Shen Miao blinked. "Where... where am I?"
"The garden ," he said. "A man...he said he was your guard ....he brought you here and said we should stay until he returns."
Shen Miao's memory flickered—the corridor, the scent, the room, the bed, but the rest seemed blurry, but searched her memory for anything finally remembering that at some point she heard a voice calling her name.
"Xi Shu," she mumbled rubbing her head
Wei Lin nodded "Yes....that was his name"
Shen Miao paused
"He found me."
Wei Lin nodded.
He was quiet for a moment. Then he added, "My sister was also with him ...they said they were looking for us."
Shen Miao looked past him and saw Wei Mei standing a few paces away, her hands clasped in front of her, her face pale but calm.
"Thank you," Shen Miao said.
"For helping me....."
"Both of you."
Wei Lin shrugged. "You should have been careful"
"I know," Shen Miao said.
"But based on what you've shown me am not surprised by now"
Shen Maio glared at him.
Wei Mei standing not too far moved forward and slapped the back of his head.
"...Ow..."
"What was that for?"
"Have some manners."
"She's the fourth miss of the Shen family"
Wei Lin shrugged
"Its not my fault she's gullible"
He ducked dodging another slap from his sister who was glaring at him.
Wei Mei sighed rubbing her forehead.
This child
"Ok..... I'm sorry for saying that"
Shen Miao raised her brow glancing at him.As she noticed the immediate change in his demeanour.
Wei Lin on the hand glanced at the far garden that was far from where they first met.
"I shouldn't have been rude"
Wei Lin's gaze softened—just a fraction, just for a moment. Then he looked away.
"But.....I," he said. " I'm glad you're alright."