The estate of Minister Gao stood like a jewel at the edge of the upper district—tall red walls, golden tiles, and hanging lanterns that shimmered with firelight. That evening, dozens of carriages lined the streets, and silk-draped guests moved like waves through the grand gates.
Li Wei had never seen anything like it since the fall of her family.
Her borrowed dress clung to her gently. It was light green, like the leaves of spring tea, with embroidery of birds and branches near the sleeves. Xiao Mei had brushed her long black hair and twisted it into a soft knot, held by a single silver pin.
"You look like you never left the palace," her mother had whispered earlier, eyes full of memory and pain.
Now, standing at the gate of the banquet, Li Wei took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The air smelled of orchids and sandalwood. Musicians played slow melodies on guzheng and flute, and the courtyards glowed with floating candles.
She was guided by a servant through tiled paths into a long hall filled with laughter and golden light. Rich men and women sat around low tables, sipping wine and nibbling on sweet plums.
She felt like an outsider in her own skin.
But when she entered the hall, many heads turned. Whispers followed.
"Is that the chef from the market?"
"She used to be from a noble family, I heard..."
"She's quite beautiful…"
Shen stood from his place at the head table. Dressed in navy robes with subtle gold details, he looked elegant but not arrogant.
He smiled as he walked toward her. "You came."
Li Wei gave a small bow. "Thank you for the invitation."
"You've honored us," he said softly. "Come. There's a place beside me."
She hesitated. "I thought I'd be helping in the kitchen."
"The food is already prepared," he said, voice warm. "Tonight, you are a guest."
Li Wei allowed him to guide her to the table. She sat beside him, unsure where to place her hands.
A few guests nodded to her politely. Others simply stared.
"Why me?" she asked quietly.
Shen looked at her, then leaned in just enough so only she could hear. "Because when I passed your stall that day, I saw something I hadn't seen in a long time."
"What?"
"Genuine strength. Not the kind that fights wars. The kind that survives when no one expects it to."
Li Wei looked away. Compliments like that made her feel exposed.
Shen reached to pour her tea, but a servant quickly did it for him. Still, the gesture made her heart beat faster.
Far from the glow of the banquet, General Yan Chen sat at a war table surrounded by maps and quiet soldiers.
He should have been focused on the reports: border raids, stolen grain, suspicious movements near the mountain passes.
But his mind wandered.
"Update?" he asked, not looking up.
Feng stepped forward. "She's arrived. The banquet is large. The entire Minister's family is in attendance. Shen is sitting beside her."
Yan Chen's hand tightened on the edge of the table.
"She seems… well?" he asked.
"She does. Dressed nicely. Quiet, but composed."
"Did she look happy?"
Feng hesitated. "She smiled once."
Yan Chen looked down at the map, then brushed it aside. "That's enough."
"You're… bothered," Feng said carefully.
"She shouldn't be used for status," Yan Chen said. "Not again."
"Shen doesn't seem cruel. He could—"
"I know what Shen could do," Yan Chen snapped, voice low. "That's why I'm watching."
Then, quieter, "She doesn't need another cage, even if it's golden."
Back at the banquet, Minister Gao himself finally arrived, followed by his wife and oldest son. They moved like royalty, each step measured, each smile cold.
Li Wei bowed her head slightly as they passed, but Shen remained standing.
When the Minister's wife saw Li Wei sitting beside her son, her gaze sharpened. She said nothing, but her eyes lingered.
Later, when wine flowed and music rose, Shen stood and lifted a small glass.
"A toast," he said. "To fresh beginnings, and to those who rise even when the world wishes them to stay low."
Some guests smiled. Some clapped politely.
Li Wei blushed.
After the toast, Shen turned to her. "I'd like you to consider something."
"What is it?"
"My mother is difficult. My father even more so. But I don't follow their path."
Li Wei stared at her cup.
"I want to help you," he continued. "And not just with your stall."
She raised her eyes slowly. "What are you asking?"
He smiled gently. "Nothing yet. Just… allow me to stay close. To learn more about you."
Li Wei didn't answer right away. Her heart felt full and confused.
She didn't dislike Shen. He was kind. Curious. Gentle.
But in the back of her mind… someone else stood in the dark. Always just out of reach. Always watching.
That night, long after the banquet ended, Li Wei walked home alone under the moonlight. The streets were quiet, and the warmth of the wine had faded.
She reached into her sleeve and pulled out the note she had received earlier that week.
"Some battles are not fought with swords. Be brave in silk."
She folded it again and tucked it close to her chest.
"I'm trying," she whispered to the night. "But I don't know what I'm walking into."
In a silent alley, a figure in black stood hidden among the shadows. The mask gleamed faintly in the dark.
Yan Chen watched her walk safely home, then turned away.
His expression could not be seen.
But in his hand, he still held a small flower — the same kind that grew outside her stall.
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