Cheng woke up to the warmth of sunlight on his face and the comforting weight of Mei pressed against his chest. When he opened his eyes, he saw her still fast asleep, her hand resting gently on his side.
At some point during the night, she must have shifted closer, seeking comfort without even realizing it. Now, in the soft light of dawn, she looked completely at peace. A little smile graced his lips as he watched her sleep.
His eyes traced the gentle curve of her brows and the delicate shape of her lips, memorizing every detail as if trying to carve them into his heart.
Strands of sunlit hair had fallen across her cheek, shifting gently with each breath she took. Cheng's fingers twitched with the urge to brush them aside, but he stayed still, not wanting to wake her. Instead, he simply watched her, mesmerized by her beauty and the way the morning light seemed to glow from within her. Even in sleep, it felt like her very soul was shining through.
Cheng wished he could stay like this forever, watching over her peaceful dreams. But he knew moments like this were rare, fleeting and precious, stolen between the endless duties that kept pulling them apart.
After some time, Yizé opened the door and stepped inside. He was about to greet Cheng when Cheng quickly raised a hand, signaling for silence so Mei could continue sleeping undisturbed. Yizé took one look at Mei and gave a small nod of understanding. With a respectful bow, he quietly stepped back out, closing the screen door softly behind him.
As Yizé turned to leave, he caught sight of Princess Chán Juán and some escorts walking briskly down the corridor toward the chamber.
Without wasting a moment, Yizé slipped back inside. "The princess is on her way here," he whispered. A faint crease formed between Cheng's brows. What could be so urgent that it couldn't wait until noon?
"I'll go and inquire her reason for the visit," Yizé murmured before bowing and stepping out again.
He hesitated for a brief moment, wondering how best to approach her. Then, he fell into step beside Chán Juán. "Your Highness"
"Is there something I can assist you with, Your Highness?"
Princess Chán Juán swept past Yizé without so much as a glance, her hawk-like eyes locked firmly on the chamber doors. Yizé became worried as his attempt to stall her had failed.
As she reached the door, Yizé quickly stepped in front of it and rapped loudly. "Princess, you cannot enter. The Prince is indecent. Please allow me to announce your arrival."
Unfazed, she pushed the door open anyway, determined to confront Cheng. But the moment her eyes landed inside, she stopped in surprise.
Cheng was sitting at the edge of the bed, his sleeping robes draped loosely around him. Without the usual formal court attire, his long hair spilled freely over his shoulders and down his back, the dark strands slightly tangled from sleep. The sight caught her off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Cheng didn't bother to stand or fix his rumpled appearance under Chán Juán's inspecting gaze. He let her take in the sight, from his bare feet beneath his robes to the open collar exposing his chest.
For a brief moment, Chán Juán seemed at a loss, as if the scene wasn't what she had expected. Cheng held her gaze calmly, though a warning glint shone in his eyes.
Chán Juán's brow furrowed slightly before she gave a polite bow. "Prince Cheng, I meant no offense. I only wished to speak with you."
The sound of her voice stirred Mei awake. She blinked, realizing she had been tucked fully under the blanket. She quietly waited still for the conversation to end.
At the door, Chán Juán made to leave but stopped. "When you have a moment, I'll be waiting in the courtyard." With that, she stepped out, sliding the door shut behind her.
Once the door clicked into place, Mei let out a soft sigh before slowly sitting up. Cheng glanced at her, catching the way she stretched before their eyes met.
"Good morning," he whispered.
"Good morning," Mei answered just as softly.
"How do you feel?" he asked.
She gave him a gentle smile. "I slept well, thank you. My energy is almost restored."
"I'm glad to hear that. But please, take all the time you need to recover fully. There's no need to rush," Cheng said gently.
Mei almost insisted that she felt fine, but the worry in his eyes made her pause. Maybe a little more rest wouldn't hurt.
"Alright, I'll try," she agreed with a light nod. She adjusted her pillows, then settled back down, turning onto her side to face him. "And you? How are you feeling?"
"I'm better, thanks to you,"
"I suppose I should get up and—" Her stomach gave a loud, unmistakable growl. Mei's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"It seems you need nourishment as much as rest. Allow me prepare something light for you, perhaps soup and rice?"
Mei gave a small smile of agreement.
"Once I finish my meeting outside," He added before stepping out of the chamber.
As expected, Yizé was lingering nearby, Cheng took a seat in the courtyard and calmly addressed Chán Juán. "Princess Chán Juán, to what do I owe this early visit?"
Chán Juán smiled and stepped closer, resting her hand lightly on his arm. "I heard about your recent demotion," she said. "And it seems I was the last to know."
Cheng held her gaze as she spoke.
"As your future wife, I worry about your well-being," she continued. "That's why I came, to see how you're holding up."
Cheng gently removed her hand and stood. "I appreciate your concern, Princess Chán Juán. As you can see, I am well."
Her poised smile slipped into a faint frown. "Since my arrival at the palace, you've barely spoken a word to me," she said. "And now, you're pushing me away again."
"You are right, princess chan juan. I have neglected my duty to you since your arrival," Cheng admitted evenly. "For that, I apologize. You deserved better. Much has happened, but that is no excuse. I'm grateful for your concern and for coming to check on me. Your support means a great deal." He bowed respectfully.
She studied him with concern, then reached out to brush a loose strand of hair from his forehead. The unexpected touch made him take a step back.
Her eyes briefly narrowed, but then her expression softened.
"I understand the weight of your responsibilities. May I speak to the emperor on your behalf? I'm certain he would—"
"That won't be necessary, Princess."
She stared at him in silence for a moment before speaking again.
"I ask that you do not forget your commitments. Our union is no trivial matter."
"I will keep that in mind." Cheng offered a polite smile.
"Have you thought about our wedding?" she asked. "I believe spring would be an auspicious time, and it would allow plenty of time to prepare. I envision an elegant ceremony in the inner courtyard, followed by three nights of celebration. What do you think?"
Cheng suppressed a weary breath but kept his expression composed. "Matters of such importance are best handled by our parents and their advisors," he replied. "Our role is simply to honor their wishes."
Chán Juán glanced sideways at him, and she pressed on. "While parents and elders may guide the process, this is still our wedding. Shouldn't it reflect at least some of our preferences? What would you like?"
Cheng drew a slow breath, "You raise a fair point, as always. But right now, with so much going on, I find it hard to focus on such details. I trust our families to plan a ceremony that suits our station."
She chose not to press further, though her dissatisfaction was clear. "I never asked... what led to such punishment from the emperor? He never struck me as one who would impose something so demeaning on you."
Cheng searched for a way to steer the conversation elsewhere without offending her. "Forgive me, but I would rather not discuss that right now."
She opened her mouth to speak "And if I—"
But Cheng gently cut in. "My lady, I must beg your pardon once more, but this conversation will have to wait for another time. As you can see, I have not yet taken my morning meal or bath, and my robes are hardly fit for company. Perhaps we can speak during our walk this evening, after I've attended to these matters?"
Chán Juán exhaled sharply, her frustration obvious. "Cheng, do you care about this marriage at all? I have been patient, but it is clear your heart belongs elsewhere."
He closed his eyes briefly, pained by her words. After a moment, he turned to face her. "I apologize if my words or actions have caused offense. That was never my intention."
She took a step closer. "I am ready to stand beside you... as your partner, your wife, and your queen. All I ask is that you let me."
Her earnestness struck a chord, rising conflicted feelings he could not easily express. Cheng rose to his feet and offered a respectful bow. "I'll have Yizé escort you out."
A brief flash of frustration crossed her eyes, once again, Cheng had slipped from her grasp when it came to their union. Still, she inclined her head gracefully. "Very well. This evening, then. I'll hold you to your word."
Without another word, Cheng turned and walked away.