A Moment of Truth

Suyin couldn't help but laugh nervously at the absurdity of the situation.

"You're kidding, right?"

The idea of marrying the Prince of Qin seemed like something straight out of a far-fetched tale, yet here they were, discussing it as if it were a viable option.

Qin Fuhua shook his head with a serious expression on his face. He placed both of his arms over the table, wrapping his hands as he leaned forward.

"This is the only way if you want me to help you."

"If we were to get married going through the forest...." Suyin trailed off, her mind racing with thoughts of the implications of such a bold move.

Qin Fuhua interrupted her musings, pointing out an alternative route that bypassed the need to traverse the dangerous forest.

"There is another way in and out of the Long territory that connects here." Qin Fuhua pointed to the north of the area, "Along the way, there is a checkpoint of the Long territory that allows merchants to go in and out. If we were to fake our marriage and ride the red carriage from my home here to visit your family that lives in the Long territory, they would have no choice but to allow it, since the Kingdom from both sides has not said anything about this...yet."

His explanation painted a clearer picture of their plan, outlining the steps they would need to take to execute it successfully.

Suyin listened intently, weighing the risks and benefits of their proposed course of action. It was a gamble, to be sure, but it offered her the best chance of reaching her friend and thwarting her impending marriage to a tyrant.

As Qin Fuhua finished explaining, Suyin found herself nodding in agreement, a sense of determination settling over her. She held out her cup of tea in a silent toast, sealing their agreement with a simple gesture.

"Deal," she declared, her voice steady despite the lingering uncertainty in her heart. With Qin Fuhua's help, she would brave whatever obstacles lay ahead, for the sake of her friend and the hope of a better future.

-----------------

Upon Suyin's solemn nod of approval, Weizhe and Zhaoyun embarked on an urgent flurry of wedding preparations.

In the quiet courtyard, amidst the soft rustle of silk and the scent of fresh blossoms, a scarlet carriage stood proudly, its lacquered wood gleaming under the dappled sunlight.

Nearby, a meticulously curated ensemble of wedding garments awaited Qin Fuhua, each stitch a testament to the love and dedication woven into its fabric.

As the final embellishments were added, a handful of trusted soldiers, now transformed into merry civilians bedecked in crimson hues, began to mingle with the villagers, their laughter and jests echoing through the air like the playful notes of a springtime melody.

Weizhe, ever the pragmatic strategist, proposed the use of a deserted home, forgotten by time and untouched by human presence, as their "home base" when they arrive past the gates.

As the first faint blush of dawn kissed the horizon, casting the world in a gentle hue of rose and gold, the quietude of the early morning was shattered by the plaintive crowing of a distant rooster, heralding the imminent arrival of a new day

In the bedroom, Suyin found herself settled between the walls of anticipation and uncertainty.

Suyin's betrothal was not to the illustrious Prince Qin Fuhua, but rather to his lesser-known guise as Tienzheng, the erudite scholar.

This careful ruse was orchestrated to avoid the tumultuous ripples that would inevitably cause trouble in the Long territory should the truth of their plan come to light.

Yet, despite the veils of secrecy and deception that shrouded their romance, Suyin found herself grappling with a perplexing question that lingered like a stubborn mist: Why did he persist in aiding her, even under the guise of a humble scholar?

Suyin's gaze traversed the expanse of the bedroom to settle upon Qin Fuhua. Bathed in the soft glow of flickering candlelight, he stood poised amidst a flurry of activity, his silhouette a study in grace and determination.

As maidens fluttered around him like industrious butterflies, meticulously attending to every fold and crease of his scarlet robes, Suyin remained a silent observer, her thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a gentle breeze.

Amidst the whirlwind of preparations and the hushed murmurs of anticipation, Suyin found herself grappling with an unspoken truth that lingered like a shadow in the recesses of her mind.

Why did he, a man bound by the chains of duty and honor, persist in weaving himself into the fabric of her life with such steadfast devotion?

"Why marry me?" Suyin's voice pierced the quiet stillness of the chamber, her fingers tracing delicate patterns along the rim of her teacup, each movement a testament to the tumultuous thoughts that churned within her.

The question hung in the air like a fragile wisp of smoke, a whispered plea for understanding amidst the shadows of uncertainty.

Qin Fuhua, his reflection gazing back at him from the polished surface of the mirror, turned to meet Suyin's gaze.

In the depths of her eyes, he glimpsed a flicker of doubt. He understood the weight of her unspoken question, the burden of uncertainty that lay heavy upon her heart, yet he remained steadfast in his resolve to reassure her.

"The plum tree does not grow on its own without help," he spoke with a sincerity that resonated through the tranquil air, his words a soothing balm to the wounds of her doubt.

In those simple words, he sought to convey the depth of his admiration for her, the profound gratitude he harbored for her. He had found not just a companion, but a beacon of strength and resilience amidst the stormy seas of fate.

With gentle reassurance, he sought to quell the whispers of self-doubt that echoed within her soul, to remind her of the indomitable spirit that burned bright within her.

For she, in her quiet grace and unwavering resolve, had proven herself time and time again, her actions speaking louder than any words could convey.

From the moment they had first crossed paths, she had been a guiding light in his darkest hours, a steadfast ally in the face of adversity.

With Qin Fuhua's words echoing softly in the chamber, Suyin cast a bitter smile upon her lips, her gaze drifting downward to the teacup cradled delicately in her hands.

The reassurance he offered, though perhaps prompted by the presence of others, stirred a faint ember of warmth within her heart.

It was a fleeting comfort, tinged with the bitter sweetness of unspoken truths and hidden desires. Yet, in that moment, she found solace in the knowledge that he, at least, took notice of her, even if his words were but a facade.

-------------------------

As Qin Fuhua departed to afford her the privacy to prepare for the ceremony, Suyin surrendered herself to the tender ministrations of the two elderly attendants.

Their gnarled fingers worked deftly, weaving strands of ebony silk into intricate patterns, their voices a gentle murmur of admonishment and affection.

With each stroke of the brush and each dab of pigment, they transformed her, stripping away the layers of dust and fatigue to reveal the radiant beauty that lay hidden beneath.

Dark red hues, extracted from the petals of delicate blossoms, adorned her lips and eyes, lending an air of regal elegance to her countenance.

Inkstone, ground to a fine powder and mixed with water, imbued her brows and lashes with a subtle allure, accentuating the depths of her gaze.

A porcelain pot, adorned with delicate motifs of floral splendor, held the blush that painted her cheeks in a rosy hue, a flush of vitality amidst the pallor of her skin.

As the transformation unfolded before her eyes, Suyin could not help but chuckle softly at the sight of her reflection. Her disheveled maiden of humble origins was replaced instead by a vision of ethereal beauty and grace.

The maidens, their laughter like tinkling bells in the stillness of the chamber, marveled at the transformation, their words a chorus of praise and admiration.

Amidst the chatter and laughter, they spoke of Qin Fuhua, his noble visage and scholarly demeanor the subject of much admiration and envy.

Suyin listened in silence, a wistful smile playing upon her lips as she pondered the disparity between appearance and reality.

After what felt like an eternity of meticulous grooming and adorning, Suyin emerged, her limbs weary from the exertion yet her spirit alight with newfound resolve. Draped in resplendent scarlet robes, adorned with gilded ornaments that gleamed like captured sunlight, she stood before the mirror, a vision of beauty and grace unlike any she had ever known. She lifted the veil that shrouded her features, revealing to herself the transformation wrought by the hands of fate.

The sight that greeted her stole her breath away, leaving her speechless with wonder and awe. The reflection that stared back at her was not that of a simple maiden, but of a princess in her own right, poised to embark upon a journey to save her dear friend.

----------------------

Suyin descended the staircase with measured steps, her hands delicately clasped before her as if cradling a precious treasure. Each movement was a study in grace and poise, the scarlet folds of her gown cascading around her like a river of molten silk.

Yet, despite her careful tread, she found herself perilously close to stumbling on the final few steps, her heart lurching with the sudden fear of falling.

In that moment of vulnerability, she felt a pair of strong hands envelop her, their touch gentle yet firm as they steadied her trembling form. Though her vision was obscured by the veil that cascaded around her like a shroud, she knew instinctively that it was Qin Fuhua who stood at her side, his presence a reassuring anchor.

"I'm sorry."

With a nervous laugh that bubbled forth like a springtime brook, Suyin offered a quick apology, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

It was a fleeting moment of vulnerability, a reminder of her own mortality amidst the grandeur of the occasion. Yet, in the warmth of Qin Fuhua's touch, she found solace, a silent reassurance that she was not alone in this grand charade they had woven together.

As Qin Fuhua's soft reassurance caressed her ears like a gentle breeze, Suyin felt a rush of gratitude wash over her, thankful for his understated support in her moment of vulnerability.

With a sheepish smile hidden beneath the veil, she murmured a quiet "thank you," her words carried away on the currents of the air.

Meanwhile, unseen by Suyin, Qin Fuhua's gaze lingered upon her form with an intensity that bordered on reverence, his heart stirred by the ethereal beauty that radiated from beneath the delicate folds of her veil. Yet, before he could indulge in the silent reverie of his thoughts, the clearing of throats from Weizhe and Zhaoyun served as a gentle reminder of the task at hand.

With a cough to mask their bubbling excitement, Weizhe and Zhaoyun announced the readiness for departure, their voices a harmonious blend of anticipation and nervous energy.

The time had come for the culmination of their carefully laid plans, the moment when fiction and reality would intertwine in a delicate dance of deception and devotion.

As Suyin and Qin Fuhua bowed to each other in a ceremonial gesture of respect, a sudden collision startled them both, the gentle bump of foreheads eliciting a surprised yelp from Qin Fuhua.

"A-Ah! I'm sorry again! I can't see," Suyin's voice echoed with genuine contrition, her hands rubbing nervously against each other as she braced herself for his inevitable reaction.

"It's fine," came Qin Fuhua's soft reply, his words a gentle reassurance that washed over Suyin like a soothing tide. Yet, as his gaze remained fixed upon her, unseen behind the veil, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of warmth blossom within her chest.

Amidst the gentle exchange, Weizhe and Zhaoyun observed with barely contained amusement, their eyes twinkling with mischief as they exchanged knowing glances.

It was a rare sight indeed to witness Qin Fuhua's uncharacteristic gentleness, and the two couldn't resist the opportunity to tease him ever so subtly.

"Oohh hooo," Weizhe chimed in, his tone laced with mock solemnity as he nudged Zhaoyun with his elbow once more.

The playful banter between the two friends danced like firelight in the dimly lit chamber, a welcome distraction from the weight of the impending ceremony.

However, their amusement was short-lived as Qin Fuhua's sudden glare pierced through the jovial atmosphere like a thunderbolt, a silent warning that brooked no further teasing.

With sheepish grins and wide-eyed innocence, Weizhe and Zhaoyun quickly straightened their posture, their laughter stifled by the intensity of Qin Fuhua's gaze.

"Let's depart to the bride's home," Weizhe declared hastily, eager to defuse the tension that hung thick in the air.

With a hurried exchange of glances, they made a swift exit, their footsteps echoing in the silence of the chamber as they hastened to saddle their horses before Qin Fuhua could make good on his unspoken threat.

------------------

As the carriage trundled along the winding path toward the checkpoint, the air was pregnant with anticipation, each heartbeat echoing the cadence of their shared journey.

Suyin sat ensconced within the plush confines of the carriage, her heart aflutter with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, while Qin Fuhua guided the horse with practiced ease, his gaze fixed upon the horizon like a lone sentinel guarding their path.

As they approached the checkpoint, a sense of unease settled over them like a shroud, the sight of the soldiers in unfamiliar attire casting a shadow of suspicion over their intentions.

With pointed helmet hats and brown-colored armor, these soldiers stood in stark contrast to the golden-clad warriors of Qin territory, their swords gleaming menacingly in the dappled sunlight.

"Halt. Why are you here for?" The soldier's voice cut through the silence like a blade, his eyes narrowing with suspicion as he fixed his gaze upon Qin Fuhua, who halted the horse with a practiced motion.

With a soft smile that belied the tension that simmered beneath the surface, Qin Fuhua addressed the soldiers with calm reassurance.

"Brothers, I am getting married to my beautiful wife. She lives in the village not too far from here, and I wish to cross to do the ceremony," he explained, his words laced with sincerity as he met the soldiers' gaze without flinching.

But the soldiers remained unconvinced, their brows furrowing with skepticism as they moved to inspect the carriage.

Before Qin Fuhua could respond, however, Suyin, emboldened by a surge of courage, parted the cloth covering the entrance to the carriage and peered out with wide eyes.

"Sweetheart, is there something the matter?" Her voice, soft and tremulous, carried on the breeze like a whispered prayer, her gaze locked with Qin Fuhua's in a silent plea for reassurance.

Seizing upon the opportunity presented to him, Qin Fuhua turned to Suyin with a playful smirk, his eyes dancing with mischief.

"My mother is sickly, so we must hurry," she improvised, her voice tinged with urgency as she sought to weave a convincing tale to appease the soldiers' suspicions.

With a grudging nod, the soldiers lowered their guards, their suspicion tempered by the guise of familial duty that Qin Fuhua and Suyin had artfully crafted.

"Hurry and let them go!" the guard commanded, his voice ringing out like a clarion call as they ushered the carriage through the checkpoint and into the Long territory beyond.

As they resumed their journey, the tension of the encounter slowly dissipated like morning mist beneath the sun's warming rays, replaced instead by a palpable sense of relief and gratitude.

At the rest stop that greeted them on the outskirts of the Long territory, exhaustion hung heavy in the air like a heavy quilt, each weary traveler seeking solace in the promise of respite that awaited them. Suyin, still cloaked in the veil that shrouded her features, remained patient within the carriage.

As Qin Fuhua deftly removed the veil that shrouded Suyin's features, her breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening with surprise at the sudden proximity between them.

Heat rushed to her cheeks, suffusing her face with a rosy hue as she instinctively recoiled, her hands instinctively moving to cover her chest in a gesture of modesty.

"W-What are you doing?" she stammered, her voice trembling with a mixture of confusion and embarrassment, her heart fluttering like a trapped bird within her chest.

Yet, before she could retreat further into the safety of the carriage, Qin Fuhua silenced her with a gentle hush.

"Where do you live, and where does your friend live?" he inquired, his tone soft yet insistent. Suyin met his gaze with a mixture of apprehension and resignation, realizing that there was no point in hiding the truth any longer.

As Suyin hesitated, grappling with the weight of her confession, she finally spoke, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "Um... she's the Princess in the Palace of Long."

Qin Fuhua's brows lifted in surprise, a flicker of admiration dancing in his eyes as he processed her revelation.

It made sense now, he thought, why she had been adorned in such luxurious attire when they first met.

"The Princess, eh? That's who you want to save?" he mused, his tone tinged with curiosity as he sought to understand the depths of her determination.

Suyin met his gaze with unwavering resolve, her eyes shining with a quiet intensity. "I just need to warn her, that's all I want," she declared her words a testament to the singular focus that drove her onwards.

But before they could delve further into their conversation, Qin Fuhua broached the topic of her parents, his voice laced with concern.

"How about your parents then? Should we arrive there?--"

Yet, before he could finish his inquiry, Suyin interjected with a note of finality. "No," she stated firmly, her voice tinged with bitterness as she shook her head.

"I'm a disgrace to them..."

Her words hung heavy in the air, a stark admission of the painful truths that lay buried within her heart. In that moment of vulnerability, Suyin felt a dam burst within her, her emotions pouring forth like a raging river in flood.

"I ran away from a marriage I didn't want, and... I'm just a puppet living with them," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper as she bared her soul to the man sitting before her.

Qin Fuhua listened in silence, his expression a mask of understanding and empathy as he absorbed the weight of her words. He didn't know how to console her, but instinctively, he reached out a hand to gently pat her head, offering what little comfort he could muster.

"My parents never loved me either. Living in the Palace, although I'm the Crown Prince," he confessed, a bitter laugh escaping his lips as he reflected on the absurdity of his circumstances.

With those words, Qin Fuhua rose from his seat, his vulnerability laid bare for her to see. It was a moment of rare candor, a glimpse into the depths of his soul that few had ever witnessed.

As he stepped out of the carriage, leaving Suyin alone with her thoughts, she couldn't help but feel a strange sense of connection to the man who had just shared his innermost fears and insecurities with her.

As the carriage rumbled onwards towards their destination, Suyin couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, a bond forged in the crucible of shared pain and shared understanding.