Shen Tao Hua remained standing in her place, as if the ground had swallowed her ability to move.
Just moments ago, she had felt a rare inner warmth—an invisible joy that the Empress feared for her, thought of her amid court conspiracies, amid the silent war looming ahead, amid the ruin inching toward her family.
But a single word turned everything upside down.
Marriage.
A word as heavy as stone, carrying none of the dreams Tao Hua had hidden in her heart.
She had once wished for a refined man, noble in soul, strong from within, wise from experience—a merchant who honored words and promises.
Someone who loved her not for her bloodline, but for who she was.
But the man she was to marry?
Lazy. Sleeps in taverns. Wanders through alleys unfamiliar with nobility.
He has no power but his mood, no ambition but a bottle of wine.
A man who bore not a single trait of her dreams.
She exhaled slowly, a tear reaching her thick lashes, then her lips—but it didn't fall.
It stayed there, suspended, a witness to the battle between heart and mind.
Her heart rebelled, but her mind whispered:
> "This is an unmissable chance… a path into trade, a way to survive the coming trap, a shield for those you love."
Just then, the door opened gently. Mo Chen, her handmaiden, entered like a breeze after a storm.
She paused at the door, then rushed forward:
"My lady! What happened? Just moments ago you were happy!"
Tao Hua sat on the cushion, then told her loyal servant everything. Her voice was low, but every word etched itself onto Mo Chen's heart like a brand.
Mo Chen spoke with tender realism:
"My lady... I know it's painful. But believe me, this might be the best solution. I've heard that Lady Liang's son isn't all that terrible… manageable, even. If you know how to guide him, he might listen to you. The Empress, in her own way, is just trying to protect you. She may not know how to show it."
Tao Hua stared at the floor in silence. Her breath was steady, as if she were trying to calm her heart more than her body.
Mo Chen continued:
"If the Empress has spoken, refusal is no longer an option. You know that, and we don't have time to hesitate. If you're feeling well enough now, let's leave… this place is overflowing with envious eyes."
Tao Hua nodded slowly, surrendering to what she didn't want. Then she stood and left the chamber.
Her steps were heavy—but firm.
Inside her, she fought a swordless war.
She whispered to herself:
> "If I tell my brother now, he'll do everything he can to protect the family. But he'll hit a wall of truth: there is no escape. The wrong has been done... and this is its price.
If I marry and leave, who will guarantee my mother's safety? My brother's? My younger sister's?
Oh heavens… what is the solution?"
---
In the garden of the gathering, she spotted the Empress from afar.
Zhao Xian Yi sat quietly, watching her with an intense, deep gaze—not watching her body, but her soul.
She smiled gently, as if to say:
> "I am here, even when I hurt you."
Tao Hua sat on an embroidered cushion beside some women traders.
The talk was of spices, sailors, and gold, but her mind wandered. She smiled without thought, listened without hearing.
Until Lady Ru Lan Liang appeared.
She greeted her warmly:
"Oh, dear Shen Tao Hua! How I've missed you!"
Tao Hua replied with a voice soft like peach blossoms:
"And I've missed you too, Lady Liang. How have you been?"
Lady Liang smiled and placed her hand over Tao Hua's:
"I came to tell you something important."
Tao Hua's heart trembled, but she took a breath and said:
"I know what you're about to say... but it's better to bring the official decree to my father. He won't believe anything unless it bears the imperial seal."
Lady Liang blinked in confusion:
"Decree? Oh no, I meant nothing like that. I came to invite you to work with me—to teach you the secrets of trade. And if your father refuses, then speak to him yourself."
Tao Hua was momentarily flustered, then smiled:
"Ah… so that's what it is. Well then, I'll tell him. And if I mention it's with you, he'll surely agree. It would be a great honor to learn from you."
They continued talking, their laughter weaving into the melodies of the background flutes, until Tao Hua noticed the Empress leaving.
She politely excused herself and left to find her brother.
---
Shen Rui stood exactly where he promised to wait.
As soon as he saw her, he said:
"You're upset, aren't you?"
She shook her head and replied:
"No, just tired of the formality."
They boarded the carriage.
As it rolled forward, she turned to him:
"Brother... I carry secrets I can't speak of. But if I will marry"
Shen Rui froze in place for a moment. His lips trembled, but his eyes remained fixed on his sister's face. Then he took a slow breath, as if trying to read something unspoken in her expression.
— "So… the Empress ordered this marriage?"
Tao Hua nodded, without lifting her eyes. It was as if she feared she might break if she looked at him. Then she spoke in a quiet voice, not as someone making a choice, but as someone surrendering to fate:
— "Yes. She said it's the best solution for me. I don't have the right to refuse."
Shen Rui tightened his lips, his brows drawing together. He slowly clenched his hands on his knees, then said:
— "The son of the Liang family? I've heard of him… He's nothing like you. Irresponsible. Aimless. Are you truly okay with this?"
Tao Hua sighed and rested her head against the window, watching the streets passing by, as if searching for a thread of escape on a path that held none:
— "I'm not looking for a dream man anymore... just a chance to survive."
He bowed his head for a moment, then raised his eyes to her:
— "You always said you wouldn't marry anytime soon. What changed?"
She looked at him tenderly, then gently held his hand:
— "A lot has changed, and I can't tell you everything now. Just… if the day comes when I marry, and I need you — please come. Don't ask why. Don't wait for explanations. Just come. You, mother, and our little sister."
Shen Rui felt a sting of worry in his chest, and asked with unease:
— "Is something wrong? Please, tell me."
She shook her head and gave a faint smile, one that held more weariness than reassurance:
— "Not now. Just… remember what I said, when the time comes."
He squeezed her hand firmly and replied with solemn resolve:
— "I'll remember. And I'll be there."
She nodded in silence, then leaned her head against the seat. The carriage swayed gently — but inside, she was trembling.
This wasn't just a conversation.
It was a promise...
To a different life, born from uncertainty.