Fate's Enchantment

The Empress Dowager's smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "Of course, Crown Prince," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ce Fei, you may go."

Aoi glanced at Zhao Han, her eyes filled with gratitude and relief. She stood up slowly, her legs feeling unsteady. Zhao Han's hand remained on her arm, a reassuring presence that gave her the strength to face the Empress Dowager.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Aoi said softly, bowing her head in respect.

Zhao Han nodded, his gaze never leaving the Empress Dowager. "Let's go, Aoi," he said, guiding her out of the room.

As they walked away, Aoi couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. She had faced the Empress Dowager and come out unscathed, thanks to Zhao Han's intervention. She glanced at him with gratitude.

"You spoke so rudely with me, what happened to you there?" Zhao Han asked playfully, a teasing glint in his eyes.

"You can't certainly kill me since you need me. But she can kill me and I'd rather live a bit longer," Aoi chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with a mix of humor and caution.

"Since I need you, I'd protect you from them as well," Zhao Han said, his gaze shifting away from her for a moment, as if lost in thought.

Aoi noticed the change in his demeanor and decided to tread carefully. "Can I know what your father's plan is? Isn't he... dead from the rebellion years ago?" she asked softly, aware that it might be a sensitive topic.

Zhao Han's expression darkened and he took a deep breath before responding. "No, he's... not dead," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of bitterness and resolve.

Aoi's eyes widened in surprise, "What do you mean? Everyone believes he perished in the rebellion," she said, her curiosity piqued.

Zhao Han turned to face her, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions. "It's a long story, Aoi. My father survived the rebellion, but he's been in hiding ever since. He's been planning his return, waiting for the right moment to reclaim his throne," he explained, his voice steady but laced with underlying tension.

Aoi listened intently, her mind racing with questions. "Why hasn't he revealed himself? What's his plan?" she asked, her tone gentle yet insistent.

Zhao Han sighed, running a hand through his hair. "He's been gathering allies, building his strength in the shadows. He believes that the current regime is corrupt and that he's the rightful ruler. He's waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike and take back what he believes is his," he said, his eyes reflecting the weight of his father's ambitions.

Aoi felt a shiver run down her spine. The revelation of Zhao Han's father being alive and plotting his return added a new layer of complexity to her situation. She knew that aligning herself with Zhao Han meant being drawn into a web of political intrigue and danger.

"Where is my aunt?" Aoi spoke again, her voice hinting at a bit of sadness.

"She's fine. Do you want to meet her?" Zhao Han asked, looking into her eyes.

She nodded, then looked up at the sky and pointed to a bright star. "That's my parents, my aunt said. The brightest star is my mom and the second one is my dad, the one beside it!" She grinned.

For a moment, Zhao Han was stunned. It was the first time she had grinned genuinely. She looked so innocent, like a child. He quickly cleared his throat and chuckled awkwardly. "Yes, they must be happy to see you happy," he said softly.

"How did you know me for three years?" Aoi's gaze fixed on his face with curiosity.

"I didn't stalk you, if that's what you're thinking," Zhao Han said with a soft chuckle. "I had my trusted aide deliver small gifts to you every month. I wanted to make sure you were safe and happy."

"Xian...?" she whispered in shock, her voice barely audible. The name brought back a flood of memories, and she felt a pang of nostalgia. Many years ago, she had saved a little boy in the down alley of the mountain. He had been lost, scared, and alone. She had taken him under her wing, offering him food and shelter. He had told her his name was Xian.

For two months, they had been inseparable. They explored the mountain together, shared stories, and laughed like friends. She had grown fond of him, and he had become like a part of her daily life to her. But then, one day, he suddenly disappeared without a trace. She had searched for him, calling out his name, but he was nowhere to be found.

After that, she always used to write letters to him, hoping that somehow, they would reach him. She poured her heart into those letters, sharing her thoughts, dreams, and experiences. She also baked moon cakes for him during festivals, a tradition they had started together. For three years, she continued this ritual, holding onto the hope that he would return.

But as time passed, she began to lose hope. She thought the letters didn't reach anyone and that it was useless to continue. The pain of his absence became too much to bear, and she eventually stopped sending the letters and baking the moon cakes. She tried to move on, but the memory of Xian always lingered in the back of her mind.

Now, standing before her was Zhao Han, the crown prince, who had just revealed that he had known her for three years. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. "Xian?!" she repeated, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Zhao Han's expression softened, and he nodded. "Yes, it's me," he said quietly. "I never forgot you, Aoi. You saved my life, and I've been watching over you ever since."

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, her voice steady and annoyed.

Zhao Han sighed, his gaze distant. "I wanted to, but I couldn't. There were too many dangers, too many people who would have used you to get to me. I had to keep my identity a secret to protect you."