The cold footsteps of winter were quietly retreating, leaving behind an air tinged with gentle warmth that softly brushed across every stone slab along the sea route of Senyin Harbor.
Sunlight broke through the clouds, shadows flickered on the river below—today was a special day in Ansels, the Rain Song Festival. The first rain after the end of winter was falling beneath the corridors of the ancient mausoleum.
It was said that this was the day the Divine Abyss Goddess scattered her love, luring all living things into the deep currents, drawing them back into the embrace of chaos and origin, allowing every living being to love and depend on each other, generation after generation.
On this day, the weather was damp and chilly, as if everything in the world was gently immersed in a kind of nameless anticipation, the air filled with a delicate hint of romantic atmosphere.
Outside the forested cemetery of the sea harbor, a beautifully carved, violet-hued Jade Cart adorned with dazzling gemstones stood quietly—an unmistakable symbol of the Lorien Lord’s family.
Inside Longgan Hall, many precious gifts lay waiting—among them, a set of Shaomi’s hand-embroidered silks, crafted with a unique, subtle technique, and golden jewelry from the Da Chunwen Treasure. Two attendants were pointing out each of these gifts one by one.
“Honorable Princess, today is the day the Divine Abyss Goddess expresses her love. I would like to take this chance to offer you this token of my heart.”
Buke, son of nobility, wore a splendid robe, making no attempt to hide the affection he radiated for the Second Princess.
Sista stood by the carriage, her face as cold as frost.
To her, such sweet words and flowery phrases were no more than hollow flattery. Yet, out of regard for etiquette and her family’s reputation, she managed to force a polite smile and accepted the weighty gift.
“Thank you for your generous gesture.”
“So… would you consider—”
A sudden gust of wind blew, scattering Buke’s words.
In the distance, Su Ling and several other maids were secretly peeking from the side, leaning forward with curiosity as they watched the scene unfold in the main hall.
“Lord Buke is so handsome! Do you think Her Highness will marry Lord Buke in the future?” one maid whispered, face full of anticipation.
“I doubt it,” Li Li said quietly. “Her Highness is very particular, and besides, Lord Buke isn’t that remarkable. He says the same sweet nothings every time—anyone would get tired of it.”
“That’s true. The Second Princess is so dignified; who knows what kind of man could ever catch her eye…”
Their hushed gossip continued, and Fenlu stuck out her tongue, glancing warily at the sharp-eyed Sista nearby.
But what these maids didn’t know was that Sista wasn’t interested in men at all. Just a few days ago, in her chambers, she’d even done that sort of thing with another woman… She was clearly just an auntie!
Once the crowd dispersed, Su Ling walked briskly back to Yanggong, intending to finish the cleaning she had started earlier.
She picked up a rag, preparing to wipe the long table on the balcony, when she heard a soft voice calling from behind.
Turning around, she saw Tii holding a tray of delicate biscuits, with Banni standing behind her, face anxious, her tousled short hair almost covering her small eyes.
“Su Ling, today is the Rain Song Festival. Want to play a game with us?” Tii said, “They say it’s a traditional game for this festival.”
“But Tii, we’re supposed to be working right now. If the steward catches us—”
Tii waved her hand, cutting her off. “Relax, it’s fine. We’ve nearly finished our chores anyway. It’s okay to take a short break.”
As she spoke, Tii took out a Liangxin Biscuit from the tray and showed it to Su Ling.
“Look, the rules are simple. This biscuit is made up of two heart shapes. Two people each bite one end, then pull at the same time.
“If the biscuit breaks cleanly in two, it means you’re fated for each other. If it shatters into pieces, the game fails.”
So this was the Fengpei Game.
Su Ling listened to Tii’s explanation with growing curiosity and felt the urge to give it a try herself.
She looked around to make sure no one was paying attention, then nodded.
“All right, in that case, I’ll play a round.”
As soon as Su Ling agreed, Tii’s eyes lit up. “Great! Let’s do a demonstration first. Banni, you and I will go for the first round.”
“Okay, okay!”
With a little wave, the two of them performed a small ritual together:
“Goddess, please grant us a sign, so that those who belong together may find their bond.”
Then, Tii passed one end of the biscuit to Banni, while she bit down on the other. The two exchanged a glance, then pulled at the same time.
There was a soft crack, and the biscuit split perfectly in two, each heart shape remaining intact.
“Yes! We did it!”
“Does this mean… Miss Tii and I are fated?”
Banni revealed a rare smile, her eyes a bit shy, but clearly pleased with the outcome.
“Next round is me and Su Ling!”
The biscuit was placed in front of her. Su Ling took a deep breath, nodded, and gingerly bit down on one end of the biscuit.
Tii also bit the other end, her cheeks faintly tinged with pink. For a moment, their eyes met.
Just then, Tii turned her body, blocking Banni’s line of sight, and leaned in close.
Su Ling felt her breath catch. The biscuit crumbled instantly, and their tongues briefly brushed against each other.
A kiss… they’d kissed.
The warmth and slight sweetness felt like an illusion, passing by in a flash.
Weren’t they just playing a game? What had just happened?
She remembered Tii had said she wouldn’t kiss before—so was that just an accident? Su Ling’s mind couldn’t quite keep up.
“Well, we lost.”
Tii casually lifted the broken crumbs, dusted off her shoulders, and smiled as if nothing had happened.
Clearly, she hadn’t taken the fleeting touch to heart at all.
“There’s one more biscuit left. Next is Banni and Su Ling, right?” Tii asked as she held out the tray.
“M-me? Huh!” Su Ling felt her tongue tie itself in knots, but when she saw Banni pick up the last Liangxin Biscuit, she walked over as if in a trance.
“What are you doing, Su Ling? You look just like a duck!” Tii teased, unable to hold back a laugh.
“I’m not pecking! I just—”
“Su Ling, I—I’m ready!” Banni said, holding the biscuit, but just as they were about to start—crack—the biscuit shattered into powder, scattering crumbs all over her and Su Ling as she hurried to dust them off.
“Haha, Banni, you really need to be more careful. That round’s a failure!” Tii joked, and Su Ling laughed along.
“Tii, you’re teasing me again!”
So the three girls burst out laughing, their voices as clear and lively as silver bells.
Their laughter drifted past the balcony, reaching the shadows behind a pillar on the other side of the terrace—where a figure had just passed by and quickly hidden.
It was none other than Sista, her black hair falling loosely, standing tall and striking. In her pale hand, she still clutched the precious gift sent by Buke, but her heart was far away from it.
Her red eyes narrowed, gaze following the edge of the pillar and fixing directly on Su Ling’s smiling, radiant face.
Sunlight streamed through the clouds, glinting on the younger girl’s hair and cheeks, laying a glowing halo around her. Strands of hair clung to her soft, rounded cheeks. Su Ling stood with her hands behind her back, swaying gently, the simple black maid’s dress suddenly looking lively and bright on her.
Such a vivid smile was in stark contrast to the Sista who stood shrouded in shadow.
“Why…” Sista murmured quietly to herself.
So, in a place where I couldn’t see you, you could smile so happily?