Liaoping

After the tumultuous events involving Shi Zhang and the villagers had finally subsided, a serene calm settled over the village of Jiaoshu. Some of the villagers, their hearts heavy with remorse for their past treatment of Suyin, departed with eloquent apologies lingering on their lips.

Suyin, having unveiled a comprehensive plan to rescue Jiaoshu and restore its once-thriving community, spent the entire day tirelessly assisting in its implementation. As the first rays of dawn kissed the horizon, signaling the dawn of a new day, Qin Fuhua, Suyin, and Weizhe prepared to bid their farewells to Shi Zhang, the venerable leader of the village.

With a grace befitting their gratitude, they expressed their heartfelt appreciation for his unwavering support.

Just as they were about to depart, Shi Zhang leaned in, his voice a soft whisper that painted a rosy hue across Suyin's cheeks.

Flustered and taken aback, she waved off his words with a flurry of denials before hastily retreating into the safety of their awaiting carriage. Qin Fuhua, observing the exchange with a mixture of curiosity, caught the twinkle of mischief in Shi Zhang's eyes as he chuckled softly, shaking his head in silent amusement before retreating back into the sanctuary of his humble abode. "What a pity," Shi Zhang remarked, his words crafted with deliberate intent to reach Qin Fuhua's ears, a sly grin dancing on his lips as he disappeared from view. Perplexed by the enigmatic exchange, Qin Fuhua furrowed his brow before stepping into the carriage to find Suyin, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment, awaiting his company.

(What the Shi Zhang whispered to Suyin: "If you'd like, you can stay here forever. I'll set you up with my grandson!")

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[SHI ZHANG'S RESIDENCE]

Heading back inside, the Shi Zhang's walk exuded a sense of contentment, his cane tapping rhythmically against the worn wooden floor of the corridors.

With a determined push, he swung the heavy doors open, only to be met with the unexpected sight of a figure seated in the dimly lit room, idly twirling a small toy ball between his fingers.

The Shi Zhang's brows furrowed in a mixture of annoyance and curiosity as he strode past the man, his steps echoing with purpose. "What are you doing here?" Shi Zhang's voice resonated through the room, laced with a gruff tone that hinted at his displeasure. The man in the chair, undeterred by the elder's stern demeanor, turned to face him with a smirk playing on his lips.

"Whoa, old man. Don't tell me you're ignoring me now," he quipped, his tone tinged with playful defiance. "I played my part in saving this village too. Heard there was some strange illness going around, so I thought I'd swing by and see what the fuss was about." Recognition dawned upon Shi Zhang as he realized the identity of the intruder—it was none other than Zhaohui, the enigmatic individual who had been lingering in the company of Suyin. Zhaohui rose from his seat with a casual grace, trailing after the Shi Zhang as the elder marched further into the room, his irritation palpable. "If you have no intention of contributing to the welfare of this village, then why bother showing up at all?" Shi Zhang's voice carried a note of exasperation, his white mustache twitching with frustration as Zhaohui intercepted his path, halting his progress with an outstretched hand. "I know, I know. I didn't mean to abandon the village, but circumstances forced my hand—" Zhaohui began, his words tinged with a hint of defensiveness. "No choice but to pursue the path of becoming the next Shi Zhang? Are you so eager to follow in your father's footsteps?" Shi Zhang's interruption was sharp, cutting through Zhaohui's protestations with a stern rebuke. "That's not it at all!" Zhaohui retorted, his expression a mix of frustration and defiance as he sought to defend his actions.

Zhaohui drew in a long, steadying breath, his eyes shuttering momentarily as he gathered his resolve.

With a solemn expression, he reached out and grasped the Shi Zhang's shoulders, a silent plea etched into the depths of his gaze. "I understand that the villagers may never accept me as the next Shi Zhang," Zhaohui began, his voice carrying a weight of resignation. "You know my feelings on the matter, and what I had planned to do about it." The Shi Zhang remained silent, his weathered features a testament to the burdens he had borne throughout his lifetime. Lines of stress and sorrow etched deep into the corners of his eyes as he regarded his grandson with a mixture of apprehension and hope. "Grandfather," Zhaohui's voice softened, a hint of determination seeping through his words, "it's been six long years—" "And yet, here you are, returned to us," the Shi Zhang interjected, his voice tinged with a note of surprise. Zhaohui met his grandfather's gaze unwaveringly, the weight of his decision evident in the depths of his eyes.

"For now, at least. But I believe I've finally found something worth striving for, something that compels me to become dependable," he confessed, his gaze locking with the elder's.

"I am willing to undergo the trial, to fully embrace my role within the Jiao." The Shi Zhang's shock was palpable, his features frozen in a mixture of disbelief and pride as he absorbed his grandson's declaration. In that moment, a flood of memories rushed through the Shi Zhang's mind—a montage of fleeting moments, of a young Zhaohui darting through the village streets, evading the weight of his destiny.

The villagers had remained oblivious to the child's true status, for the declaration of his inheritance as the next Shi Zhang was to occur only after he had undergone the trial and received the sacred tattoo at the pit of his elbow, signifying his acceptance as a true member of the Jiao. But fate had intervened, and Zhaohui had fled, driven by the pursuit of his lost family and his own identity. As the years passed, the Shi Zhang had resigned himself to the inevitable course of destiny, yet he had never ceased to hope that one day, his grandson would return, forever changed by the hand of fate. And now, in an unexpected twist of fate, it was that woman who had altered the trajectory of Zhaohui's life, leading him back to the village and the legacy he had once sought to escape.

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In the confined space of the carriage, with the rhythmic sway of the vehicle lulling them into a sense of tranquility, Suyin found herself finally able to focus on the burning question that had been gnawing at her mind since their departure from the village of Jiaoshu.

She turned to Qin Fuhua, who sat beside her, engrossed in the pages of a manuscript. "So... how did you come to the conclusion that the mosquito was the culprit behind this illness?" Suyin's curiosity tinged her voice, her eyes alight with genuine interest in his discovery regarding the tiny, seemingly innocuous insect. Qin Fuhua spared her a brief glance before directing his gaze ahead, his thoughts momentarily elsewhere.

"Weizhe," he called out. At his name, Weizhe, who had been stationed outside the carriage, perked up with a readiness to assist. "Yes, Your Highness?" Weizhe responded eagerly, his tone brimming with enthusiasm.

"I had been conducting preliminary investigations into the nature of the illness before our arrival at the village," he explained.

"Prince Fuhua observed a correlation between individuals who had been bitten by mosquitoes and subsequently fell ill a few days later. While we couldn't be certain if the mosquito was indeed the root cause of the illness, we deemed it important to provide you with that information, allowing you to explore its validity further." Pride swelled within Weizhe as he recounted their investigative efforts, his posture straightening with a sense of accomplishment.

"Your Highness's keen insight once again proved to be accurate," he added with a self-assured grin. Suyin's gaze shifted between Qin Fuhua and Weizhe, noting the stark contrast in their demeanor.

While Weizhe exuded pride and eagerness, Qin Fuhua remained cold and indifferent, unaffected by his companion's display of confidence.

Yet, despite his apparent detachment, Suyin couldn't help but marvel at Qin Fuhua's quick-wittedness and astute perception.

It made sense as to why he commanded such respect and fear from those around him, not merely due to his imposing presence, but also his formidable intellect.

However, she couldn't shake the pang of regret that accompanied the realization—a lament for the potential tarnished by his abrasive demeanor and aloofness.

*BOM*

As the carriage jolted to an abrupt halt, Suyin found herself lurching forward, instinctively grasping the side for support as her heart skipped a beat. "Are we home already?" she ventured, peering out through the small window, anticipation bubbling within her. Indeed, they had arrived back at their residence—a welcome sight after the trials and tribulations they had faced in Jiaoshu village.

Suyin couldn't help but feel a surge of relief wash over her at the thought of finally being able to unwind and enjoy some well-deserved rest. A soothing bath sounded like the perfect way to rejuvenate herself after the exhausting journey—a symbol of renewal as she prepared to embark on the next chapter of her endeavors. But before she could fully relish the prospect of relaxation, Weizhe's voice interrupted her thoughts from outside the carriage, signaling his imminent departure. "I will take my leave right now, Your Highness. If you need assistance, please let me know by then," Weizhe's words carried through the air, tinged with a sense of duty and respect. "Good. You may leave now," Qin Fuhua's response was curt, devoid of any sentiment as the carriage resumed its forward motion. Suyin's eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth falling agape in protest.

She hadn't anticipated being left alone, especially when the comfort of home beckoned so invitingly. Panic seized her momentarily as she contemplated the possibility of being whisked away to some unforeseen destination against her will. "I-I'm not leaving?!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and apprehension. Qin Fuhua's response was matter-of-fact, his tone unwavering as he reminded her of their unfinished business.

"We still have to retrieve the key," he stated simply, prompting Suyin to recall the Shi Zhang's earlier declaration.

"There is someone with the key, though. I can tell you that. She lives in the village of Liaoping"

With a resigned sigh, Suyin conceded to the reality of their situation, her thoughts already drifting ahead to the tasks that awaited them.

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As dusk draped its somber veil over the land, Suyin found herself wrestling with a profound dilemma.

The weight of responsibility pressed heavily upon her shoulders, urging her onward despite the weariness that clung to her like a relentless shadow. Each step closer to her destination seemed to deepen the chasm between her exhaustion and her determination. The carriage, a sanctuary of sorts, offered little solace from her inner turmoil. The rhythmic clatter of hooves against the hardened earth served as a dissonant lullaby, lulling Suyin into a state of restless repose.

Her chest rose and fell in sync with the carriage's gentle sway, each breath a silent prayer for strength in the face of adversity. Minutes ebbed away like sand slipping through an hourglass, melting seamlessly into hours.

In the embrace of sleep, Suyin found a fleeting respite from the burdens that weighed upon her soul. Her features softened, the lines of worry that etched her brow smoothing momentarily as dreams wove their elusive tapestry. Yet, even amidst the tranquility of slumber, the journey was not without its tumult.

The carriage lurched and jostled along the uneven terrain, its wheels grinding against the earth in a cacophony of protest.

Suyin's head, nestled against the unforgiving hardness of the carriage wall, became an unwitting victim of the relentless tumult. With a sudden jolt, her head lolled against the sturdy frame of Qin Fuhua's shoulder, disrupting the serenity of his scholarly pursuits.

Startled but undeterred, he cast a fleeting glance towards Suyin, his gaze lingering upon the exhaustion etched into the delicate contours of her face. In that moment, he became acutely aware of the weight she bore, both physical and mentally. Her furrowed brow bespoke of dreams plagued by uncertainty, her features contorted by the unseen specters that haunted her subconscious. With a tenderness born of empathy, Qin Fuhua shifted her form, a silent gesture of solidarity in the face of adversity.

Ensuring her comfort became his silent vow, a testament to the unspoken bond that bound them together in their shared quest. Returning his attention to the scroll cradled in his hand, Qin Fuhua continued his reading, his left hand poised in readiness to offer solace should Suyin stir from her troubled slumber.

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The carriage rumbled to a halt, the sudden cessation of movement jolting Suyin from the embrace of sleep. With a swift movement, she lifted her head, her senses immediately attuned to the unfamiliar stillness that enveloped them.

Beside her, Qin Fuhua moved with a sense of purpose, his silhouette outlined against the fading light of dusk as he disembarked from the carriage.

Sensing a shift in their journey, Suyin hastened to follow his lead, her curiosity piqued by the unspoken urgency that lingered in the air. As they stepped onto solid ground, Liaoping unfurled before them like a silent sentinel guarding the threshold of their destiny.

Unlike the formidable barriers that had greeted them in other corners of the Qin territory, the city's gates stood open, a beacon of welcome amidst the encroaching darkness. With a casual wave of his hand, Qin Fuhua dismissed his servant, a silent command that echoed in the stillness of the night.

The servant, ever obedient, nodded in understanding before vanishing into the shadows, leaving the duo to navigate the streets of Liaoping unaccompanied.

"Wait, why do that for?" Suyin's voice quivered with uncertainty as Qin Fuhua abruptly turned around, his countenance cloaked beneath the veil of a spell.

His hand moved with practiced precision, masking his features from prying eyes, turning into Tienzheng with his mask.

With a swift pivot, he closed the distance between them, his presence looming over Suyin, catching her off guard.

She recoiled slightly, her brows furrowing with a mixture of concern and intrigue, instinctively drawing back from his enigmatic approach. "Do you see who I am?" Qin Fuhua's inquiry hung in the air, laden with a weight of secrecy.

Suyin, perplexed, shook her head, her gaze fixed upon him expectantly.

But before she could utter a word, his index finger pressed gently against his lips, a silent entreaty for her compliance.

"I am Yi Tienzheng. Remember that." Suyin's laughter bubbled uncertainly in her throat, her eyes averting from his intense gaze. His assertion lingered in the air, casting a shadow of doubt upon her mind. Though his appearance remained unchanged, the revelation of his true identity as the Prince of Qin sent a tremor through her consciousness. Yet, she understood the gravity of his words, the unspoken command compelling her obedience. Thus, she remained rooted in place, her stance resolute as she awaited his further instructions.

Qin Fuhua's arm enveloped Suyin, drawing her into an embrace that felt simultaneously comforting and coercive. She resisted his hold, a feeble attempt to reclaim her autonomy in the face of his overpowering presence. "What are you doing?" Suyin's protest faltered as Qin Fuhua leaned in, his voice a soft murmur that sent shivers down her spine. His words, laden with implication, conveyed a sense of urgency that resonated deep within her. "In order to maintain our facade, I must present you as my wife during our visit to 'family' in Liaoping," Qin Fuhua explained, his tone laced with a sense of gravity. "If the Prince of Qin came to this village, it would cause a disturbance which means nothing but danger."

Suyin's breath caught in her throat, the weight of his words sinking in as she realized the perilous implications of their charade. In the eyes of the world, she would be his consort, a role thrust upon her in the name of deception and survival.

The gates creaked open, granting passage to the duo as they stepped into the heart of the district.

Qin Fuhua released his hold on Suyin, striding purposefully ahead while she trailed in his wake. The bustling streets greeted them with a vibrant tapestry of life, each corner teeming with activity and energy. Suyin's senses were inundated with a wave of awe and wonder, her eyes alight with fascination as she beheld the bustling town.

It felt as though she had been transported back to her childhood, the sights and sounds invoking a sense of nostalgia that warmed her heart. "Wow! This place is amazing! It's like stepping onto the set of a Chinese drama!" Suyin exclaimed, her gaze darting eagerly from one quaint shopfront to the next. Qin Fuhua cast her a confusing glance, his expression betraying a hint of bemusement at her exuberance. "Hehe... I mean, it's just so different from anywhere else I've been," Suyin amended with a sheepish grin, sensing his confusion. In the absence of any looming threat to their secret identities, the atmosphere exuded a palpable sense of serenity.

Qin Fuhua came to a halt before an imposing manor, but Suyin, still lost in the enchantment of her surroundings, collided clumsily with his back, eliciting a startled yelp. "Where... where are we?" Suyin rubbed her forehead tenderly, her gaze darting around the grandeur of the estate. "Welcome, master!" A servant appeared, bowing deferentially before Qin Fuhua. With a nod of acknowledgment, he turned towards Suyin, her presence now acknowledged in the eyes of the household. "I have brought my wife home and decided to make a brief stop in town," Qin Fuhua declared, gesturing towards Suyin with a subtle tilt of his head. Suyin's eyes widened in astonishment at the unexpected designation, her mind reeling with the implications of their charade. Yet, before she could gather her thoughts, the servant hastened away to prepare their accommodations, leaving Qin Fuhua to lean in conspiratorially towards her, his words meant for her ears alone.

"You will be staying here until I return. This is my 'second home' as Tienzheng," Qin Fuhua murmured, slipping the Jade of the Dragon ornament into Suyin's palm.

"In case of trouble, whether from outsiders or within these walls, use this to protect yourself. Weizhe is not here to watch over you, and I will be away." "Okay," Suyin replied, her fingers curling tightly around the cool surface of the jade dragon.

With a final glance, Qin Fuhua turned towards the doorway, the servants parting to allow his passage, leaving Suyin standing alone in the cavernous foyer. "What am I supposed to do here?" Suyin's frustration bubbled to the surface, her impatience palpable in the air.

She was not one to idly while away the hours in leisure. If she wanted such a life, she might as well have married into wealth, she mused sarcastically.

Restlessness gnawed at her, fueled by a desire to be of use, to contribute to the mission at hand. Yet, here she was, relegated to the confines of this lavish estate, her role reduced to that of a bystander. "Mistress," a servant's voice broke through her reverie, drawing her attention. Suyin turned to find the servant bowing respectfully before her, a gesture that ignited a mischievous spark in her eyes.

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"Ah! This feels great!" Suyin's voice rang out jubilantly as she stretched her arms, reveling in the freedom of movement afforded by the bustling streets of the shop district.

Clad in unassuming attire that blended seamlessly with the throng of passersby, she strode with purpose, her steps infused with a newfound sense of independence. No longer constrained by the weight of Qin Fuhua's expectations, she navigated the alleys and avenues with ease, a ghost amidst the crowd, invisible to all but the keenest of observers.

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[An hour earlier]

Under Qin Fuhua's stringent decree, known to the household as Tienzheng, the servants had been instructed with unwavering resolve: under no circumstance was Suyin to be granted egress from the confines of the estate.1

Despite her persistent pleas and earnest offers of assistance, they remained steadfast in their refusal, their loyalty to their master unyielding.

Suyin's attempts to curry favor with the staff, whether through offers of aid in household chores or acts of kindness, were met with gracious yet resolute rejections, leaving her trapped in a gilded cage of monotony and confinement. Frustration simmered within her, a tempest of rebellion brewing beneath the surface of her composed facade.

Denied the simple pleasures of exploration and discovery, Suyin's playful spirit chafed against the suffocating constraints imposed upon her.

It was in a moment of impulsive desperation that she concocted a daring scheme, her playful demeanor masking the gravity of her intent. Approaching one of the lady servants with feigned distress, Suyin spun a tale of woe, threatening dire consequences should her plea fall upon deaf ears, aiming a knife at her neck.

With a mixture of fear from her Master and sympathy, the servant relented, her resolve crumbling in the face of Suyin's melodramatic antics.

Thus, clad in borrowed attire and fueled by the thrill of deception, Suyin embarked on her adventure, slipping past the vigilant guards and wary servants with the attire of a female servant.

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"Miss! Will you be coming to the Lantern Festival? This event will occur in two days! Be sure to buy yourself a personalized lantern! If not, I can make one for you!" a cheerful voice called out to Suyin, interrupting her thoughts with a burst of excitement. "A lantern festival?" Suyin's eyes sparkled with anticipation, her hands clasping together in delight.

The mere mention of such an event stirred memories of long-held desires, unfulfilled dreams of attending a lantern festival back in the present, always preoccupied with the demands of her work as a Doctor. "Yes! Be sure to make it to the event! Buy yourself a lantern, or I can help make one for you if you'd like!" the vendor persisted, her enthusiasm infectious. "I would love to!" Suyin replied eagerly, drawn towards the vibrant display of lanterns that adorned the cart. Lost in her excitement, Suyin failed to watch her surroundings, colliding clumsily with a passerby, her jade dragon ornament and money pouch tumbling from her grasp in a flurry of motion.

Panic gripped her heart as she scrambled to retrieve the precious artifact, her movements swift and furtive as she concealed it within the folds of her robe. "Miss... are you okay?" Concern laced the stranger's voice as he extended a hand to assist her. "Yes, I'm alright. Sorry about that—" Suyin's words faltered as she looked up, her breath catching in her throat at the sight before her.

It was him—Minsheng, the man she had liked with all her heart, his features mirroring those etched in her memories with uncanny precision.

"M-Minsheng?!" Suyin's voice wavered as she called out to the man, her heart pounding with a mixture of disbelief. His gaze, initially clouded with confusion, softened at the sound of her voice, a flicker of recognition dancing in his eyes. "I'm sorry, who are you talking about?" The man's response shattered Suyin's fleeting hope, forcing her to confront the harsh reality of the present moment. With a sheepish chuckle, Suyin shook her head, willing herself to dispel the illusion that had momentarily taken hold of her senses.

"Sorry about that," she murmured, her laughter tinged with a hint of melancholy. "You just look like a... friend of mine." The man's kind smile washed over her like a gentle breeze, his outstretched hand returning her lost money pouch.

"Here." Grateful, Suyin accepted the pouch, her gaze lingering on the stranger's enigmatic figure. Clad in layers of clothing and shrouded in a silk scarf of royal red, he exuded an aura of mystery that both intrigued and unsettled her.

His porcelain skin, untouched by the sun's rays, lent him an otherworldly allure that piqued her curiosity. Turning his attention to the shopkeeper, the man inquired about a lantern adorned with a fox imprint, his demeanor betraying no hint of recognition despite Suyin's persistent sense of déjà vu. "It's going to be 10 coins for that," the shopkeeper replied, stating the price of the chosen lantern. With a nod of acknowledgment, the man exchanged coins for the coveted item.

"Thank you." Feng Junli's voice held a warmth that belied his mysterious demeanor as he graciously accepted the lantern from the shopkeeper, his attention returning to Suyin with a gentle smile. "I saw you were eyeing these lanterns. As an apology, I insist on gifting one to you." Suyin's instinctive protest was met with laughter, her attempts to decline the gesture rebuffed by Feng Junli's unwavering insistence.

With a resigned sigh, she accepted the lantern, her gratitude tinged with a sense of guilt for the unintended collision. "Don't worry about it. Consider it a token of our newfound friendship," Feng Junli remarked, his gaze earnest as he extended the olive branch of camaraderie.

"May I know your name, Miss?" he inquired, his smile warm and inviting.

"My name is Feng Junli." Suyin's response was measured, her smile masking a tumult of conflicting emotions as she grappled with the uncanny resemblance between this man and her long-lost crush.

Though she couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow connected to Minsheng, his demeanor and mannerisms were worlds apart from those Minsheng.2

"My name is Han Suyin." Suyin's response was measured, her smile masking a tumult of conflicting emotions as she grappled with the uncanny resemblance between this man and her long-lost crush. Though she couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow connected to Minsheng, his demeanor and mannerisms were worlds apart from him.

"I appreciate it," she continued, accepting the lantern with a mixture of resignation and gratitude. Despite her initial reluctance, the gift served as a small token of solace amid her tumultuous thoughts. "What a beautiful name," Feng Junli remarked, his compliment accompanied by a warm smile that failed to dispel the unease lingering in the air between them. Deep down, Suyin's stomach churned with a blend of frustration and resentment at the sweetness of Feng Junli's words. Though she understood that his intentions were benign, the uncanny resemblance to Minsheng only served to exacerbate her inner turmoil.

She struggled to reconcile her conflicted emotions, torn between the desire to embrace this newfound connection and the instinctive urge to retreat from the painful memories it evoked. "I... have to go now, before it gets dark," Suyin declared, a sense of urgency coloring her words as she gestured back the way she came. "But, it was nice meeting you, Junli. Thank you for the generosity in giving me this," she added, waving him away in a bid to hasten her departure. "It's not a big deal. After all, money is no problem for me," Feng Junli replied casually, his tone tinged with a hint of affluence that left Suyin feeling unsettled.

With a final wave, she hurried off, eager to put distance between herself and Junli. As she made her way homeward, Suyin couldn't shake the sense of unease that lingered in the air, a subtle undercurrent of foreboding that sent shivers down her spine.

Though she had enjoyed her brief respite from the confines of the estate, she didn't want to overstay and come home to Qin Fuhua's gloomy face. Unbeknownst to her, a group of men observed her departure with keen interest, their eyes alight with malicious intent.

In Suyin, they saw an opportunity—a pawn to be manipulated in their game of power and intrigue. "That's the girl... she has it. That must mean she's someone we can use against the Prince," one of the men murmured, his words laden with sinister implications as they plotted their next move.

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As Suyin returned home, the fading light of dusk gave way to the ethereal glow of starlight, casting a veil of enchantment over the tranquil surroundings.

The crescent moon hung low in the night sky, its silver beams illuminating the path ahead while shrouding the road in a soft, mysterious darkness. Seated within the pavilion, Suyin found herself engulfed in a solitude broken only by the gentle rustle of the evening breeze. With nothing but her thoughts for company, she idly toyed with the paper lantern, its delicate form dancing gracefully in her hands as she sought refuge from the monotony of her surroundings. "Mistress, it is getting late. You should go to bed," the servant's voice broke through the stillness, a gentle reminder of the passing hour. "Our master sometimes does not come home, so we should not wait in case he doesn't arrive." Suyin hesitated, her gaze drifting towards the entrance of the door before acquiescing to the servant's counsel. "Well..." she began, her reluctance evident in the faint furrow of her brow.

"Okay. Can you put this somewhere for me until I ask for it?" With a resigned sigh, she handed the paper lantern to the servant, a silent gesture of surrender to the inevitable passage of time.

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In the solitude of her bedroom, Suyin sat ensconced within the comforting embrace of familiar surroundings, the soft glow of lamplight casting a warm ambiance over the space.

Lost in her thoughts, she absently sipped on her tea, the fragrant aroma wafting through the air as she allowed her mind to wander aimlessly. Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the violent intrusion of the door swinging open.

*BAM!*

Startled, Suyin's gaze snapped towards the entrance, her heart pounding in her chest as Qin Fuhua stumbled into the room, his disheveled appearance and the unmistakable scent of alcohol preceding him.

"You," Qin Fuhua slurred, his words slinking out in a haze of intoxication as he fixed his gaze upon her.

Suyin's stomach churned with a mixture of fear and disbelief at his unexpected outburst, her instincts urging her to brace herself for what was to come. Attempting to maintain a semblance of composure, Suyin rose from her seat, her hands poised in a futile gesture of defense as Qin Fuhua lurched towards her.

Despite her best efforts to resist, she found herself overpowered by his intoxicated fervor, his grip unyielding as he forced her down onto the bed. "Don't you dare smile at another man!" Qin Fuhua's words reverberated through the room, each syllable laced with a venomous intensity.

Struggling against his oppressive hold, she searched his eyes for any semblance of reason, her mind reeling with confusion. "What are you talking about?!" Suyin's voice trembled with a mixture of indignation and desperation, her heart racing as she grappled with the sudden turn of events.

In the dim light of the bedroom, she confronted the stark reality of Qin Fuhua's irrational jealousy, a volatile force that threatened to consume them both in its wake.