In the silent gardens of the imperial palace, the night breeze stirred the paper lanterns, casting dancing shadows on the stone paths. Jin Xian was alone in the moonlight, sitting on a dark wooden bench, his gaze lost in the reflection of the water in a nearby pond. In the palace, where the laughter and whispers of the harem became a constant competition, this forgotten corner was the only place where he could breathe without feeling watched.

She slid her fingers through the fabric of her robe, feeling the deceptive softness of her silk and gold prison. He let out a sigh, his voice barely a murmur in the night breeze.

“When I was a boy, my father spoke of the honor of serving the emperor” he murmured to himself, expecting no response from anyone. I never imagined it meant being handed over as a bargaining chip.

His lips curved into a bitter smile. He remembered the cold farewell from his family, the way his mother avoided his gaze when they took him to the palace. It was not a difficult decision for them; sacrificing a son to ensure loyalty to the throne was an acceptable price.

"If only they knew... that here, oblivion is a gift” he whispered, letting the wind carry his words away.