Wei Lanying sat in the swaying palanquin, her fingers tightly clasped around the red jade pendant. The cool surface of the pendant did little to calm the storm of emotions surging within her. Her thoughts churned like a tempest.
'I've killed Concubine Mei, and with her, Yu Wang's standing among the people. How laughable, his inability to control his own harem—letting one of his women disgrace him so publicly. A green hat for a prince... fitting, isn't it?' She tightened her grip on the pendant, her expression icy beneath the veil. 'This is only the beginning. Yu Wang, in our previous life, you ruined me. Now, I'll deliver the killing blow.'
A voice broke through her thoughts. "My Lady," Bai Ting Ping called cautiously from outside the palanquin. "We're approaching a teleportation array."
Wei Lanying's gaze sharpened, though she kept her composure. "I see," she replied, her tone neutral but commanding. "Ensure everything is prepared."
"Yes, My Lady," Bai Ting Ping said before her hurried footsteps receded.
The palanquin came to a halt near the array, and Xu Jinhai appeared, extending his hand to her. His movements were smooth, his amber eyes glinting with an unreadable expression. Wei Lanying hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing her hand in his. He escorted her toward the towering wedding hall of the Blood Moon Palace.
The veil draped over her head was heavy, obscuring her view of the grand sect's intricate architecture. She could feel the weight of the atmosphere—solemn, ancient, and imposing. There was strange scent of blood. As if someone just spilled fresh blood.
The wedding ritual began swiftly. In the center of the hall stood tablets honoring Xu Jinhai's late parents. His grandfather, an imposing figure despite his advanced age, presided over the ceremony from a seat of authority.
"You are a child of the Sima Clan?" the old man asked, his voice as cold and piercing as winter frost.
Wei Lanying lowered her head slightly in respect. "Sima Qiuyue was my mother," she replied evenly.
The old Lord scrutinized her in silence, his gaze heavy with judgment. After a moment, he turned to the officiant with a curt nod. "Proceed."
The ceremony unfolded with precise formality. The first bow was to heaven and earth, the second to their elders, and the third to each other as husband and wife.
Afterward, Wei Lanying was escorted to the bridal chamber, her veil still concealing her expression. She sat on the edge of the bed, waiting in silence. When Xu Jinhai entered the room, he brought the Matron with him.
With ceremonial precision, the Matron handed Xu Jinhai a jade stick. He lifted Wei Lanying's veil, revealing her face bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. The Matron offered her blessings before excusing herself, leaving the newlyweds alone.
Xu Jinhai studied her for a moment, his light amber most gold eyes catching the flickering flames of the candles. They seemed almost golden at certain angles, reflecting a depth of thought he didn't voice.
Wei Lanying broke the silence, her tone steady but tinged with defiance. "Are you planning to consummate the marriage?"
Xu Jinhai's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. "No," he said simply. He gestured toward her elaborate bridal attire. "You look uncomfortable. You should rest."
She blinked, caught off guard by his lack of aggression. Nodding stiffly, she removed some of the heavier pieces of her adornments and lay on the bed. Xu Jinhai settled beside her, maintaining a respectable distance.
As Wei Lanying drifted into sleep, Xu Jinhai stared at the canopy overhead, his expression unreadable.
'Did you enjoy my gift?' he mused silently, his gaze shifting to her sleeping face. 'My people were the ones who spread the truth about that woman's lover and the disgrace of her pregnancy'
He'd watched the drama unfold with quiet satisfaction, feeding just enough evidence into the rumor mill to ignite the scandal. He had Wei Lanying's loathing for Yu Wang —he'd only nudged the flames higher.
A soft exhale from Wei Lanying drew his attention. His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before returning to the canopy. 'I wonder, Wei Lanying... how far will you go for revenge?'
The next day, Wei Lanying and Xu Jinhai made their way to greet Old Lord Xu in the dining hall. The air was filled with the soothing scent of pine and lavender, creating a serene atmosphere. The Old Lord, seated at the head of the long table, looked up from his tea as they entered.
When his gaze landed on Wei Lanying, his eyes widened in surprise. "You... look rather familiar," he said, studying her face with a furrowed brow. "This face—I've seen it somewhere, but I can't recall where."
Wei Lanying offered a graceful bow before stepping forward to serve him tea. "Perhaps it is merely a passing resemblance, Old Lord," she said politely, lowering her eyes as she poured the tea.
The Old Lord took the cup from her, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment longer before he took a sip. Setting the cup down, he reached into his sleeve and pulled out a bracelet made of pure white jade. He held it out to her, his expression turning solemn.
"This belonged to Hai'er's mother," he began, his voice softening with emotion. "It was my wife's gift to her, a family heirloom passed down to the wives of the Xu family's eldest sons. Since neither of them are here anymore..." His voice faltered briefly, but he recovered. "I entrust it to you."
Wei Lanying accepted the bracelet with both hands, her movements respectful and deliberate. She slid it onto her wrist, the jade cool against her skin. "Thank you, Old Lord," she said earnestly, her tone carrying both gratitude and a hint of formality.
The Old Lord waved a hand dismissively. "Call me grandfather," he said with a faint smile. "You are now a part of the Xu family. More than that, you are the Mistress of Blood Moon Palace. Treat this place as your home."
Wei Lanying hesitated for a moment, then bowed deeply. "Thank you... Grandfather."
As she and Xu Jinhai turned to leave, the Old Lord watched them go, his expression thoughtful. "She bears a resemblance to the Emperor of Wei, Wei Shiyi," he murmured to himself. "Though her hair and eyes differ... how peculiar."
---
Once outside, Xu Jinhai guided Wei Lanying to the Blood Moon Palace's main hall. The structure was grand, with towering columns and an air of quiet authority. Here, Wei Lanying realized, the sect's power resided.
Various elders paused their discussions to greet Xu Jinhai as he passed. Their bows were deep, their voices tinged with both respect and fear.
Wei Lanying whispered as they walked, "They seem... wary of you."
Xu Jinhai's lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. "They should be."
Her uncle Sima Yiming's words came back to her: "The Blood Moon Palace is not a sect for the faint-hearted. It is an assassin-based sect, and its succession is steeped in bloodshed. For one to lead, they must eliminate all rivals—sometimes even their predecessor."
She glanced at Xu Jinhai, who seemed unfazed by the weight of those words. "You've walked that path, haven't you?"
He stopped before a grand door, turning to meet her gaze. "My father died before the succession trials could begin," he said bluntly. "The elders sought to take control, but I ensured their rule was short-lived. Blood Moon Palace has no place for weakness or indecision."
