65
The moon hung low in the inky sky, casting an ethereal glow upon the ancient city of Xianyang. Its soft radiance danced upon the pagodas and palaces, turning the intricate rooftops into shimmering jade. Within the imperial palace, the air was thick with anticipation. Tonight was the grand celebration of the Jade Festival, a momentous event that marked the unity between the mortal realm and the divine.
High above the city, perched atop the Cloud Serpent Pavilion, Princess Li Mei observed the festivities with a heavy heart. The sounds of laughter and music reached her ears, but the weight of her responsibilities pressed upon her like an unyielding boulder. As the chosen one, she carried the destiny of the Jade Empire on her shoulders, and tonight's celestial alignment would determine the fate of her people.