The Crescent Moon

[Qin Fuhua]

After failing to retrieve Han Suyin's body, Weizhe came back to the Tienzhen manor with a defeated expression on his face. Qin Fuhua had failed to unlock the door, having difficulty getting through the riddle. Although it was strange that he had the key and knew the location, there must be something to the riddle that perhaps Suyin would only know about.

At Tienzhen manor (located in the Long clan's territory), the atmosphere was gloomy. Unable to abandon Wu Fei after finding out that her father had passed away due to his fixation, Qin Fuhua arranged to bring her back home to help back at the Qin manor in the Qin territory.

Not a single maiden, servant, or Qin Fuhua's men uttered a word. The clouds slowly moved on in the sky, quickly rushing back to where they came from as the moon remained. In the night, the crescent moon was barely visible, enough to show a silhouette on top of the rooftop in the Tienzhen manor.

Sitting there alone was a distressed male, dressed in a dark, navy blue robe. His hair was down, with a fur-coated robe around him to keep him warm from the frigid breeze passing by. He gazed at the sky, the stars aligned around each other except for the lonely moon that stood in the middle of the sky.

His eyebrows were relaxed, never showing a sign of anger or hint of sadness. A round, dark brown jar of wine was next to the feet of Qin Fuhua. Sitting alone in the darkness, embraced by the cold wind, he held a piece of item in his right hand. As he stared through the endless darkness of nothingness, facing away from the bustling city where lights lit everywhere, he clasped onto the hairpin meant for Han Suyin.

No one could read his mind. Weizhe and Zhaoyun stood at the bottom, gazing at the Prince with a worried expressions on both of their faces. This was the first time that the Crown Prince had faced away from them, tucking his emotions away into the darkness so that no one could see.

Qin Fuhua let out a small sigh, pouring the jar of wine into a porcelain cup. As he took one gulp of the wine, the man was engulfed with remorse.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Morning]

Qin Fuhua got out of his bath as the sun began to rise behind the mountains. The birds were chirping and the workers still managed to keep everything in place.

Weizhe and Zhaoyun stood in front of the doors of the Prince of Qin. As he got out of his room after getting dressed, Qin Fuhua turned to his men. "We are going home."

The two looked at each other after the Prince announced his decision. Was he planning on leaving Suyin here? Even if they couldn't find her body, they knew that Qin Fuhua wouldn't hastily make a decision, especially the night before.

They nodded, in agreement with the Prince.

"Tienzhen, do you think that she may be still here?" Zhaoyun questioned, daring to ask him the question that everyone (that knew about this situation) had wandered. Afraid to speak out their minds, Zhaoyun decided to ask since he had been searching for her from dusk to dawn.

Weizhe elbowed Zhaoyun to make him stop but it was far too late. Qin Fuhua turned to Zhaoyun and then stared in front of him.

"We didn't recover her body, so it means that there's a chance that she's still alive somewhere." he looked up in the sky and placed his hands behind his back. "She's strong. There's no way something like this will defeat her."

----------------------------------------------------------------

[Qin Territory; The Qin Manor]

Qin Fuhua's men as well as Wu Fei had departed back to the Qin territory. The clouds covered the whole sky grey and to top it off, the winds began to dance against their direction arriving home. Areum was the first one to hurry back to the front of the Qin manor gates, anxious to see Suyin because she knows how rash Suyin was going to be. Seeing her Master would relieve her.

Qin Fuhua was in the carriage, sitting alone as the men quietly marched towards the manor. As Qin Fuhua got out of the carriage, Areum couldn't help but tiptoe, hoping to see her beloved Master inside the carriage as she moved left and right.

Qin Fuhua entered inside, ignoring everyone else as he hurried inside. Zhaoyun followed behind Qin Fuhua as well as Weizhe. Right as Weizhe walked past Areum, she stopped him, blocking his way.

"Where's my Lady?" She asked, with a worried expression on his face. She knew that something was off the moment Qin Fuhua stepped foot out of the carriage.

"She disappea---"

"Miss Suyin had some urgent things she needed to get done back at home. Once everything is finished there, she will come back." Zhaoyun had turned around the moment Aruem stopped Weizhe. Although Areum faced Weizhe, he could see Zhaoyun shake his head, a motion to not speak about the problem so freely yet, until everything is confirmed.

"O-Oh. But it feels... a bit off." Areum wanted to get ahold of the situation but was stopped when Wu Fei entered the picture.

Stepping foot in the Qin manor, the child looked afraid but stood her ground. "Areum, this is Wu Fei. She is going to work with you to take care of Suyin."

Areum tilted her head in confusion. Where did this little girl come from?

"Nice to meet you, Areum. Suyin has done a lot for me. I hope that I can take care of her till the end of my time. She's helped me, and with her kindness, I wish to serve her with you."

As little Wu Fei said that, it reminded her of the younger days when Suyin and Areum were just little children. She had said the same thing at the same age as hers. She lit a small smile, bending down to the child. "Now, we have to work together as a team to help our Lady, right?"

Wu Fei nodded with a smile on her face. "Eum!"

-----------------------------------------------------

As the somber news of their failed attempts to retrieve Han Suyin's body reached to Qin Fuhua, an air of defeat settled over Weizhe, Zhaoyun, and Qin Fuhua.

Weizhe returned with a defeated expression etched upon his face, his eyes betraying the weight of his failure.

Meanwhile, Qin Fuhua grappled with his own frustrations, unable to unlock the door that stood between him and the answers he sought.

Despite possessing the key and knowledge of its location, the elusive riddle remained an insurmountable barrier, hinting at secrets that perhaps only Suyin held the key to.

Unable to abandon Wu Fei after finding out that her father had passed away due to his fixation, Qin Fuhua arranged to bring her back home to help at the Qin manor in the Qin territory.

Within the walls of the Tienzhen manor, nestled in the heart of the Long clan's territory, a profound silence reigned. Not a single word escaped the lips of maidens, servants, or Qin Fuhua's men, their collective sorrow casting a pall over the once-vibrant estate. Above, the clouds drifted aimlessly across the sky, a fleeting presence against the backdrop of the steadfast moon.

In the dim light of the night, the crescent moon hung low, casting a soft glow upon the rooftop of the manor.

There, a solitary figure sat in quiet contemplation, his form draped in a dark, navy blue robe. His hair cascaded around him, untouched by the confines of a tie, while a fur-coated robe enveloped him, shielding him from the chill of the night breeze.

With eyes fixed upon the heavens, he watched as the stars danced in their celestial ballet, their patterns shifting and intertwining, while the moon stood alone, a silent sentinel in the vast expanse of the night sky.

With an air of stoic resignation, Qin Fuhua's features remained composed, his brows furrowed neither in anger nor sorrow.

Beside him, a round, dark brown jar of wine stood sentinel, its contents promising solace in the face of turmoil. Alone in the darkness, cradled by the chill of the night wind, he clutched a small object in his right hand, his gaze fixed upon the abyss that stretched before him.

As he sat, his back turned to the bustling city aglow with light, Qin Fuhua's thoughts remained a mystery, hidden behind a veil of inscrutable silence. At his feet lay the hairpin meant for Han Suyin, a tangible reminder of a bond that transcended the barriers of time and distance.

Below, Weizhe and Zhaoyun observed from a distance, their expressions etched with concern as they watched the Crown Prince grapple with his inner demons. It was a rare sight to see Qin Fuhua turn away from them, his emotions cloaked in shadow, shielded from prying eyes.

With a heavy heart, Qin Fuhua released a small sigh, his movements deliberate as he poured wine into a delicate porcelain cup. With each swallow, the bitter liquid seared his throat, a physical manifestation of the remorse that gnawed at his soul. In that solitary moment, amidst the vast expanse of darkness, he was consumed by the weight of his regrets, his silent anguish echoing in the stillness of the night.

------------------

[Morning]

As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky behind the mountains, Qin Fuhua emerged from his bath, the serenade of birdsong greeting his ears as he stepped into the waking world. Despite the early hour, the diligent workers continued their tasks, ensuring that everything remained in perfect order.

Standing dutifully before the doors of the Prince of Qin's chambers, Weizhe and Zhaoyun awaited their leader's emergence.

Clad in his regal attire, Qin Fuhua emerged, his presence commanding attention as he addressed his loyal companions.

"We are going home," he declared, his voice resolute in its decision.

The announcement hung heavy in the air, leaving Weizhe and Zhaoyun exchanging uncertain glances. Was Qin Fuhua planning to leave Han Suyin behind?

Despite their fruitless search for her body, they knew their prince well enough to understand that he wouldn't hastily abandon hope, especially after the events of the previous night.

With a silent nod of acknowledgment, they acquiesced to their leader's command.

"Tienzhen, do you think she may still be here?" Zhaoyun dared to voice the question that lingered on everyone's minds, his courage spurred by the urgency of their search.

Weizhe's warning elbow came too late, the question already hanging in the air, a palpable tension settling over the trio.

Qin Fuhua's gaze shifted to Zhaoyun, his expression unreadable as he absorbed the implications of the inquiry. Turning his attention skyward, he spoke with quiet conviction, his words carrying a weight of determination.

"We didn't recover her body, so there's a chance that she's still alive somewhere," he affirmed, his hands clasped behind his back in a stance of contemplation. "She's strong. There's no way something like this will defeat her."

----------------------

[Qin Territory; The Qin Manor]

With careful planning and delicate explanations, Wu Fei was introduced to Qin Fuhua in his true identity as the Prince, rather than as Tienzheng. She needed to understand the reality of her situation, and so she was taught that Qin Fuhua was Suyin's true husband, not Tienzheng. Despite any confusion that may have arisen from her previous interactions with Tienzheng, Wu Fei was assured that Tienzheng and Qin Fuhua were indeed two distinct individuals. Through patient guidance and clear communication, she came to accept that Suyin and Qin Fuhua were the genuine couple and the Tienzheng person was just a person of substitute.1

The journey back to the Qin territory was fraught with an eerie atmosphere, as grey clouds blanketed the sky and the winds shifted in defiance of their direction.

Areum's heart raced with anticipation, her steps quickening as she hastened towards the front of the Qin manor gates. Anxious to see her Mistress, she braced herself for the inevitable recklessness that often accompanied Suyin's actions.

The sight of her Master would offer solace in the face of uncertainty.

Inside the carriage, Qin Fuhua sat in solitary contemplation, his thoughts veiled behind a mask of coldness. As the men proceeded towards the manor in solemn silence, anticipation hung thick in the air, mingling with the tension of the journey's end.

In the hushed ambiance of the carriage, Qin Fuhua's presence filled the space, a solitary figure amidst the silent procession toward the manor. As the carriage came to a halt and Qin Fuhua emerged, Areum's heart fluttered with anticipation, her gaze flickering in hopeful anticipation, her steps light as she tiptoed, seeking a glimpse of her beloved Master within.

Qin Fuhua strode purposefully forward, his focus fixed ahead, oblivious to the world around him as he made his way into the manor.

Zhaoyun trailed in his wake, his movements mirroring those of his esteemed master, while Weizhe followed suit. But before Weizhe could pass by, Areum intercepted him, her expression etched with concern, a silent plea in her eyes.

"Where is my Lady?" she implored, her voice tinged with worry that rippled through her like a distant echo. The moment Qin Fuhua stepped onto the earth beyond the carriage, a sense of unease settled upon her shoulders, whispering of secrets untold.

"She's disappe--"

"Miss Suyin was called back home on urgent matters. Once everything is resolved there, she shall return," Zhaoyun interjected, his swift pivot toward Areum accompanied by a subtle shake of his head, a silent caution to tread lightly until all was confirmed.

"Oh... But something feels... off," Areum murmured, her attempts to grasp the situation thwarted as Wu Fei's arrival disrupted the conversation, injecting an air of mystery into the already tense atmosphere.

Confusion clouded Areum's features as Qin Fuhua introduced the newcomer.

"Areum, this is Wu Fei. She will be assisting you in caring for Suyin," Qin Fuhua explained, his voice carrying a weight of authority that brooked no argument.

Areum's brow furrowed in bewilderment. Where had this little girl come from, and why was she being entrusted with such a crucial task?

"Nice to meet you, Areum," Wu Fei spoke softly, her voice carrying a sincerity that belied her tender age.

"Suyin has been like a sister to me, and I wish to repay her kindness by caring for her alongside you, for as long as I am able."

As Wu Fei uttered those heartfelt words, a pang of nostalgia gripped Areum's heart, transporting her back to the innocence of their own childhood. She remembered a time when she and Suyin had made similar promises, their bond forged in the simplicity of youth.

A small smile graced Areum's lips as she knelt down to Wu Fei's eye level, a gesture of camaraderie and understanding. "Together, we shall work as a team to aid our Lady," she affirmed gently.

Wu Fei's face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes shining with newfound determination. "Eum!" she echoed, her voice filled with a childlike enthusiasm that breathed life into the solemn halls of the Qin manor.

-----------------------

In the quiet solitude of his chamber, Qin Fuhua sat, his demeanor composed as he immersed himself in the words of ancient poetry, each syllable a delicate thread weaving through the tapestry of his thoughts.

But amidst the tranquility of his study, a sense of urgency tugged at his consciousness, propelling him to action.

"Summon the Princess," Qin Fuhua commanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he gestured toward the door, his gaze never leaving the pages before him.

A servant hastened into the room, his demeanor marked by apprehension as he knelt before the prince, his eyes averted in deference. With trembling hands and a voice laden with trepidation, he delivered news that pierced the stillness of the chamber like a blade.

"My Lord, the Princess has departed the manor several days hence. She was called forth by the Emperor himself."

Qin Fuhua's grip tightened around the wooden tome, his features betraying a flicker of concern before settling into a mask of calm composure.

"Summoned?" His voice, though measured, carried an icy edge that sent shivers down the servant's spine.

As the gravity of the situation dawned upon him, Qin Fuhua set aside the book, his thoughts racing with the implications of his sister's abrupt departure.

Was this mere coincidence, or did it herald something more ominous, something he had long feared?

With resolve hardening within him, Qin Fuhua rose from his seat, his movements swift and purposeful. The servant quailed under the weight of his gaze, unable to meet the prince's eyes as a sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air.

Qin Fuhua's mind churned with possibilities, each more troubling than the last. The Emperor's summons could only mean one thing: a matter of utmost importance, perhaps even an engagement—a prospect that filled Qin Fuhua with dread.

Determined to forestall such a fate, Qin Fuhua's resolve solidified into action. "Prepare my belongings," he commanded, his voice cutting through the silence like a clarion call. "We depart for Shu Qin at once."