Night draped itself over the Qin Clan like a veil of silver silk. Lanterns flickered gently along the stone paths, their light reflected in quiet ponds and polished tiles, while the distant murmur of disciples faded into peaceful silence. Above, the moon hung round and bright, watching over the clan as though curious about the tangled destinies unfolding below.
In a secluded pavilion tucked among bamboo shadows, Feng Lian waited.
She stood beside a low table, willow-green robes brushing softly against the floor as a faint curl of tea steam rose into the cool air. Though her posture remained composed, her fingers rested lightly against the porcelain cup, betraying a trace of anticipation. Tonight was calm—almost too calm—and she found herself listening for footsteps she already knew would come.
They did.
Qin Su arrived without ceremony, hands clasped behind his back, his gait unhurried as if he had all the time in the world. The lantern light traced the edge of his relaxed smile, and for a moment, he looked less like a man tied to fate and more like a wanderer who had simply drifted into her life.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said casually. "Your fiancé had to escape five elders who were determined to lecture me about discipline, posture, responsibility, and something about moral conduct."
Feng Lian laughed softly, the sound light and unguarded. "You should listen to them sometimes."
"Impossible," Qin Su replied with mock seriousness. "I've survived this long by doing the opposite."
She hid her smile behind her sleeve, the tension in her chest easing. Moments like this—simple, unthreatening—felt precious.
Before the quiet could deepen, quick footsteps pattered toward the pavilion.
"Su! You're here!"
Rei Hanxiang appeared like a splash of color, her bright blue robes fluttering as she hopped inside with irrepressible energy. Her presence immediately shifted the atmosphere, the calm turning lively, the stillness broken by warmth.
She looked between Qin Su and Feng Lian, eyes narrowing with playful suspicion. "Oh? Am I interrupting something romantic?"
Qin Su coughed sharply.
Feng Lian's face bloomed red in an instant.
Rei giggled, clearly pleased. "I knew it. Lian-jie, you're already blushing. Su, what did you do?"
"I just sat down!" Qin Su protested.
Rei leaned close to Feng Lian, whispering conspiratorially, "He does that. His face alone makes women flustered. It's very annoying."
Qin Su raised an eyebrow. "You say that like it's my fault."
"It is," Rei replied without hesitation, crossing her arms.
Feng Lian couldn't help herself—she laughed, soft and genuine. For the first time in years, she felt something unfamiliar yet comforting bloom in her chest.
Happiness.
Rei took Feng Lian's hand without ceremony. "Since we're both engaged to that lazy troublemaker, we should get along, right?"
Feng Lian blinked, surprised by the sudden closeness—but Rei's sincerity was bright and impossible to refuse. She nodded gently.
"Yes," she said. "I would like that."
Qin Su watched them, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
Two fiancées getting along… this is good. Very good. Heavenly, even.
A dangerous thought followed immediately after.
If only they knew about Yuan Ai… and maybe Feng Rou later…
He cleared his throat sharply and straightened. "You two teaming up against me feels dangerous."
Rei smirked. "Then behave."
Before he could reply, a calm, familiar voice drifted into the pavilion.
"Lian'er? Rei? Qin Su?"
Feng Rou stepped forward, her presence smooth and commanding. Under the moonlight, her beauty took on a refined glow, like jade polished by time. Her posture was elegant, her gaze steady, and for a fleeting moment, even Qin Su found himself caught off guard.
She rivaled Yuan Ai's radiance—not golden and fierce, but dignified, womanly, and sharp in a quieter way.
Qin Su straightened instinctively.
"Thank you for looking after the girls," Feng Rou said gently.
"It's no trouble," he replied.
Inside, however, his thoughts were far less composed.
This woman is dangerous. Why does she look more beautiful every time I see her? This is either a serious problem… or an opportunity.
Rei tugged his sleeve sharply. "Su. Your smile is suspicious again."
Qin Su wiped it away at once.
Feng Rou raised a brow but said nothing. Still, she felt a strange flutter when his eyes lingered on her—a sensation she quickly suppressed.
Ridiculous. He's too young… right?
"It's late," she said evenly. "Come, Lian'er. Rei."
As she turned, her gaze paused on Qin Su for half a breath longer than necessary.
Later that night, the gardens lay quiet beneath moonlight. Plum blossoms glowed pale against the dark branches, and beneath one such tree stood Yuan Ai, arms crossed, golden hair catching the silver glow as she stared thoughtfully into the distance.
Feng Rou approached without sound.
"Miss Yuan," she said calmly. "May I speak with you?"
Yuan Ai blinked, startled. "Of course."
Feng Rou studied her carefully. "Forgive my directness, but… I hear you are rather close to Qin Su."
Yuan Ai nearly choked. "Me? Close? With him? No—absolutely not."
Feng Rou did not look convinced. "You are confident, beautiful, mature. Qin Su may be young, but he has… an effect."
Yuan Ai made a strangled sound. "Effect? On me? Impossible."
"Are you certain?" Feng Rou asked softly.
Yuan Ai hesitated—just a fraction. "He's talented. Annoyingly charming. But there is nothing between us."
Feng Rou watched her in silence, then nodded. "I see."
Her tone softened. "I only wish for Lian'er's peace."
Yuan Ai nodded sincerely. "You're a good mother."
Feng Rou smiled gently.
Later still, Qin Su found Feng Rou by the lotus pond.
"You seem troubled," he said lightly.
"I am not," she replied too quickly.
"You're red."
"That's the lantern light."
"There are no lanterns here."
She froze.
"…Good night," Feng Rou said hastily, retreating.
Qin Su watched her go, amused.
"Hehe… interesting."
Far above, the moon shone silently—bearing witness to destinies slowly tightening their threads.