Midnight light flooded the room. Jihua stood before the mirror. Her hands were trembling, and her heart was beating so fast it felt as though it would burst from her chest.
The maid, who had long since become a close friend, watched the young woman carefully, helping her with the dress and adjusting the veil. She did everything in silence, not distracting her, understanding perfectly well that her mistress needed quiet, and knowing how anxious she was and what she was so desperately waiting for.
"Breathe evenly, my lady," she said quietly, smoothing out the folds of the dress. "Everything will be alright."
But Jihua merely nodded, unable to reply. In the mirror before her, she saw a bride, but in truth, it was the attire of a captive. Fear, anticipation, and terror intertwined within her in a suffocating knot.
"I... I can't," she exhaled in a near whisper.
The maid gently took her hand, squeezing it tightly in her own. With this gesture, she tried to calm her mistress, if only a little.
"I know, my lady," she whispered, "but you are strong. You will get through this. I am with you."
Silence hung in the room. The dress fit perfectly, the veil cascading over her shoulders, but a storm raged inside Jihua. She was waiting for him to rush to her. All these days and nights she had been praying, just as he had advised, and now her heart clenched with impatience and the fear of a possibly empty hope. And as the maid helped adjust the final details of her attire, Jihua silently prayed to the heavens for him to come.
Yunsheng burst into the courtyard of the residence, where a festive commotion already reigned. Everything pointed to one thing—the wedding had begun.
He jumped off his horse while it was still moving, dropping the reins, and at that moment, he saw Houwei. The latter was standing by a pillar and, noticing Yunsheng, ran up to him.
"This is all your doing," Yunsheng hissed, jabbing his finger into his comrade's chest and not giving him a chance to say a word.
Houwei frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
"You told me the wedding was in five days, but it's today!"
"I didn't lie," he replied immediately. "It was supposed to be in five days."
"Don't." The commander chuckled bitterly. "I was sent away, and the wedding started early. A coincidence?"
"Yunsheng, I swear. I didn't report you."
For some reason, he didn't believe him. Houwei had seen them, coupled with his strange behavior and jealousy. He nodded slowly, as if finally confirming what he had already decided for himself.
"So that's how it is..." he said quietly. "You've chosen a side."
"I chose you!"
"I can no longer trust you."
"Yunsheng..."
Houwei tried to grab his arm, blocking his path, but the man pulled away sharply and forcefully shoved his shoulder, pushing him out of the way. Houwei stumbled back and did not retaliate, only freezing in place, looking at his friend with eyes full of despair.
"Don't go in there," he almost whispered. "Please."
"If I don't try... I will lose everything again," Yunsheng said quietly, without turning around. "But if you truly didn't betray me... then you will understand why I can't just stand by and watch."
He turned and walked at a brisk pace toward the main building. Houwei remained standing there, watching his friend's retreating back.