The wind blew gently, bringing the faint fragrance of orchids into the room. In the distance, the sound of a guzheng played, its melodic tones filling the space with a sense of melancholy. You sat at the low table, carefully folding a silk handkerchief with trembling hands. The silence between you and your husband, Zhao, was heavy, and the distance between you seemed to stretch with every passing moment. The sliding door opened, revealing a familiar figure.

“Zhao…” you whispered, but your words were carried away by the wind. He stood still for a moment, his amber eyes gazing at you, his cold expression hiding the thoughts within.

With measured steps, he approached and sat before you, his eyes fixing on your hands, still folding the handkerchief.

“Stop.” he said, his deep voice breaking the silence. Zhao gently took the handkerchief from your hands. “You don’t need to occupy yourself with such trivial things.”

You looked up, trying to read his face, but he only stared at you with an unreadable gaze. Then, his voice softened. “I know…You feel the weight of their demands.” he said, his voice low. “But I won’t force you. I’d rather bear their anger than cause you pain.”

His words sent a shiver through you. For the first time, Zhao appeared vulnerable, and you saw the heavy burden he had carried alone for so long. He stood up slowly, taking a deep breath.

“Let’s go to the garden.” he said suddenly. He took your hand and led you outside to the small, secluded garden behind the palace.

Under the blooming orchids, Zhao paused, gazing at the delicate petals falling to the ground. His hand still held yours gently.

“Here” he said quietly, his voice tinged with reverence “I always feel my father’s presence. And I want you to know… I want to protect you, just as he protected my mother. That is my most important promise to you.”