Chapter Seven:" Shadows Of The Past".

After Prince Hanyu departed,Yanli returned to her room. She paced her room, mind still lingering on her past life memories of the palace and, most particularly, Prince Zhen. Reclusive, clever, and shrouded in rumors, he was the son of the late emperor, a rightful heir who had claimed illness and remained in the shadows. She recalled the rare times she'd glimpsed him—a quiet presence at formal gatherings, ever observant, with eyes that held mysteries she had never dared to explore. Until now.

In her previous life, she had barely noticed him. She had been young, preoccupied with her engagement to Prince Hanyu and the seeming certainty of her future. Now, with her rebirth, she understood her mistakes. She knew that Zhen had attended her burial, leaving her with questions that she couldn't ignore any longer.

Turning to her maid, Mei, Yanli straightened, determination flashing in her gaze. "Mei, I need you to gather information," she instructed, her voice steady yet resolute. "Find out if Prince Zhen will be attending tomorrow's Spring Festival gathering."

Mei looked momentarily surprised by the unusual request but quickly bowed her head. "As you wish, my lady."

The maid disappeared through the door, leaving Yanli alone with her thoughts. She sat down by her window, peering out over the palace grounds bathed in the soft light of the setting sun. Her heart beat a steady rhythm, anticipation creeping through her veins. In her previous life, Zhen had been nothing more than an enigmatic figure in the background, yet now, she felt drawn to him, curious to unravel his secrets.

Moments later, Mei returned, a little breathless. She knelt, looking up at Yanli with wide eyes.

"My lady," Mei began, voice slightly hushed, "I have heard from a reliable source that Prince Zhen will indeed be attending the festival tomorrow. It's a rare occurrence; he's been absent from the court for many months."

Yanli's lips curved into a slight smile, though her mind raced with possibilities. "Thank you, Mei. You have done well."

Mei hesitated, then spoke again, her tone curious. "If I may ask, my lady… Is there a reason you wanted to know about Prince Zhen's attendance?"

Yanli glanced at her maid, the glint in her eye both playful and guarded. "Let's just say… I have some questions that only he can answer."

That night, Yanli instructed her maids to prepare her attire carefully, choosing a gown of deep crimson silk embroidered with delicate golden peonies, a striking choice meant to convey both elegance and strength. She didn't want to fade into the background; she wanted to be seen. The rumors of her unexpected shift in demeanor, the newfound confidence she wore like armor, would surely stir whispers at court. And she intended for Prince Zhen to notice.

The following morning, the palace grounds were buzzing with activity as officials and nobles prepared for the festival. Yanli made her way to the ceremonial hall, her presence commanding attention. The ladies in attendance murmured, their eyes casting sideways glances at her, the once gentle Lady Yanli who now walked with an undeniable aura of resolve.

As she entered the hall, her gaze swept across the room, and there he was—Prince Zhen, standing in a quiet corner, observing the gathering with a calm detachment that set him apart from the bustling crowd. He wore dark robes that emphasized his tall, commanding figure, and his gaze, sharp as a blade, seemed to pierce through anyone who dared look too closely.

When their eyes finally met, a shiver ran down Yanli's spine. She couldn't read his expression, but she felt the intensity in his gaze. She held her head high, letting a faint, enigmatic smile play on her lips as she inclined her head in acknowledgment. She could see a flicker of surprise cross his face before he gave her a barely perceptible nod.

The Emperor soon arrived, drawing everyone's attention, and Yanli joined in the greetings. But her mind remained fixed on the silent prince standing just a few feet away. This time, she was determined to learn more about him—this prince who had been an enigma in her past life, who had mourned her in ways she hadn't fully understood.

As the festivities began, Yanli sensed that today was only the beginning. She would draw Prince Zhen closer, unraveling the mystery around him and, perhaps, her own fate in the process.