In the Chengqian Hall, a young eunuch had refilled the tea for the fourth time, yet King Edward and Prince Edward Cullen seemed tireless in their game of Go. Typically, their matches were closely contested, but tonight, Edward Cullen was losing consistently.
Edward Cullen made his move, placing a white piece on the board. King Edward responded with a black piece that cornered Edward Cullens position. With a light smile and a shake of his head, Edward Cullen admitted, "Ive lost again. Your Majestys skill at Go is superior. Perhaps we should end the game here."
King Edward manipulated the pieces on the board, his expression composed as he spoke, "Its not that my skill is superior, but rather, your mind is not fully engaged in the game tonight."
King Edwards words cut through Edward Cullens thoughts, and he paused, holding the chess box. He forced a smile and replied, "Your Majesty teases me; its my own inadequacy in the game."
"You are young, and the game of life is like a game of Go. Once a piece is placed, it cannot be moved, and there is no taking back. The person youre thinking of, I am well aware. Do not let personal affections jeopardize your future. Have you considered that your feelings for her might actually be harming her? Would you involve her in the struggle for the throne? As a prince, you cannot protect her; how could you once you are a commoner? If your thoughts about her lead you astray, then I will put an end to them."
King Edwards words were resolute, and Edward Cullens grip on the chess box tightened, spilling the pieces onto the board with a clatter, disrupting the game.
As Edward Cullen left the Chengqian Hall, his expression remained clouded with worry. His wandering thoughts led him to the West Palace Gate where they had planned to meet, but her absence was expected. He had arrived too late; she wouldnt wait for him indefinitely.
In the soft embrace of the moonlight, the fallen flowers from the nights wind and rain covered the ground. His minds eye conjured images of Claire Randalls every gesture and smile, her voice calling out to him as "Edward," her eyes filled with affection. But each time these memories surfaced, they were overshadowed by the kings warning. He feared that he might not be able to protect her, and even harm her in the end...
After their parting, Claire never saw Edward Cullen again. She refrained from inquiring about him, heeding the queens words, and they severed all contact. The only reminder of him was the begonia emerald jade hairpin, which she would take out from time to time to reminisce.
To celebrate the one-month anniversary of the birth of the tenth prince by Lady Chen, King Edward held a grand banquet in the palace, inviting ministers of the third rank and above. The palace was bustling with people, and Princess Isabelle, who loved a lively atmosphere, disappeared from Claires sight as she searched for her attire. Claire hurriedly left the Purple Hall, searching the surrounding palaces, but there was no sign of her.
Exiting through a side door, Claire ran straight into Edward Cullen, who was on his way to the banquet. "Prince Edward," Claire greeted nervously, lowering her head and stepping back to the wall to bow. She had expected him to respond with his usual affectionate smile, but now he passed by her as if she were a stranger.
Suddenly, Claires heart sank. All her expectations were in vain. Even as he walked away, his gaze never once fell on her. Edward Cullens indifference was as clear as written words. There was now a world between them, a world she could not reach, a world of unpredictable change.
All day long, she thought of him, wasting away for his sake, through the blooming seasons.
When Claire returned to the Purple Hall, Princess Isabelle was already seated inside, eating osmanthus cakes she had gotten from the imperial kitchen. "Claire, come taste these. Theyve added rose petals to the cakes, so fragrant!"
Even the most exquisite delicacies of the world were unappetizing to Claire now. She poured tea for Isabelle in silence, who, noticing Claires dejected expression, asked, "Whats wrong? Are you unwell? Just now, Uncle Matthew from the imperial service came by and said you were needed at the banquet. If you dont wish to go, I can have someone inform him on your behalf."
"No... its not necessary," Claire replied, putting down the teapot and bringing a few clever palace maids to the banquet.
In the Spring Dew Pavilion, ministers gathered as King Edward was in high spirits. Beside him sat Lady Chen and Lady Catherine, while Queen Elizabeth, claiming illness, did not attend. The harem and the court together at such a gathering were a breeding ground for gossip and intrigue, and the queen preferred to avoid the fuss.
Uncle Matthew instructed Claire to serve tea in front of the emperor, but King Edward was so delighted that he drank cup after cup of wine, leaving the tea in his cup untouched. Claire stood to one side, relatively idle.
"Your Majesty, the tea has gone cold; allow me to fetch you a fresh pot," Claire said, picking up the white and blue porcelain bowl and heading towards the rear hall.
She pretended not to care, but every glance was filled with concern. She watched as Edward Cullen sat closest to her, but even as she stood in front of the emperor for so long, even when he toasted to King Edward, his gaze never lingered on her for a second.
Claire held the tea bowl and, with the tight seating in the hall, the path was narrow. As she made her way to the rear hall, several young maids came carrying fruits. Claire stumbled slightly while avoiding them.
"Claire, be careful," Jane Eyre said, catching Claire from behind.
"Thank you," Claire replied with a faint smile, but her heart was heavy. Edward Cullen was right beside her, yet he didnt make a move to help when she nearly fell, preoccupied with his cup of tea, completely at ease. It was clear he wanted to sever all ties, just as the queen had said, understanding what was more important to him after weighing his options.
With a pained heart, Claire left, her lips pursed. Edward Cullens hand clenched the tablecloth tightly. He wanted to help, and a moment later, he would have held Claire tightly in his arms, but he couldnt. He wanted her to be safe, and the love he gave her was unnoticeable. He didnt want Claire to be drawn into the struggles that didnt belong to her.
As autumn deepened and flowers withered, the fates within the palace were as complex as the sea. Claire poured tea behind the hall, but her mind was elsewhere, and she didnt realize the tea was overflowing. Suddenly, she woke from her daze and tried to wipe it, but her hand was scalded by the hot water, her fair skin turning red. Tears welled up in Claires eyes, and finally, she couldnt hold them back, one drop, two drops...
Tears fell on her hand, into the scalding tea bowl, she suppressed her voice, tried to stop herself, but every time she thought of Edward Cullens sudden coldness, her sorrow was like the water in the tea bowl, constantly overflowing.
"Have you thought it through?" Queen Elizabeth asked, fanning herself as she lay on the bed, the aroma of Luanfeng Ming heavy in the Phoenix Hall. Luanfeng Ming was a fragrance unique to the queen, a special favor from King Edward, and the entire harem was envious of this exclusive scent.