The wind brushed against Yuhuan's face as she bent over a book. It was a new one her father had brought her, Moon over Mount Tai. She was completely absorbed until a scream, unlike anything she had ever heard, shattered the calm. Startled, she toppled from the swing.
She left her book behind and hurried to see what was happening, only to be met with horror. Blood stained the courtyard floors and the lifeless bodies of servants and family lay scattered. Imperial officers moved among them searching the place.
She goes to her parents' side and sees their lifeless bodies. She holds them in her arms, weeping terribly.
"Catch the girl!" an officer shouted.
At once, she sprang to her feet, heart hammering and bolted for the back exit. Footsteps pounded close behind her, relentless. She weaved through a maze of narrow alleys, twisting and turning until finally her pursuer vanished.
Collapsing into the alley, Yuhuan sat on the cold stones, finally letting her mind catch up to reality. Her family was all gone. She was the only Cen left. And she knew it would not be long before they found her. The thought overwhelmed her and tears streamed down her cheeks.
For a long moment she sat still, letting the world drift past her until a voice broke the silence. "Why are you sitting here all alone?"
Yuhuan looked up to see a young man a few years older than her. He was neither tall nor slight, but there was a presence about him. His dark eyes held a curious gleam and the fine cut of his clothing marked him as noble, a fact that made her wary.
"And who might want to know?" she asked.
A low chuckle answered her question and he closed the distance between them. Yuhuan rose without thinking, eyes locking with his.
"I am Lu Xiang," he said. "And I would like to know your name."
"It doesn't matter," she replied, turning away.
She left the alley and walked on until she found herself in a bustling street. People clustered around a bulletin board, reading intently. Curious, Yuhuan pushed closer and her heart sank. The notice told the story of her family, who had been executed for treason. Her father, it claimed, had sold secrets to a neighbouring state.
She shook her head, certain the words before her could not be true. Her father had been honest and upright his entire life. Why would he suddenly sell secrets to a neighbouring state? Someone must have framed him, she thought.
"I will uncover the ones who framed my father," she whispered to the shadows, her fists tightening. "And when I do they will tremble before the justice I bring."
Yuhuan turned to one of the women there. "What do you mean they were executed? He was an honest man!"
"They were traitors and deserved such a death," the woman remarked.
Grief and disbelief twisted inside her, yet a voice of reason whispered. This was no place for outrage. Eyes were everywhere and whispers could become chains. Yuhuan swallowed her tears and forced her shoulders straight, hiding the storm inside.
The sun was already setting. Night pressed closer and she had nowhere to stay. After a moment's hesitation, Yuhuan thought of Ji Ruoxue. If anyone might still receive her it would be her friend's family. Old affection might yet outweigh fear.
She left the crowded street behind and made her way to Ruoxue's residence, keeping to the quieter lanes.
When she reached the side gate, she hesitated only a moment before lifting her hand to knock. After some time, the door opened just a narrow span. A servant peered out, unease written plainly on his face.
"May I speak with the second Miss Ji?" Yuhuan asked.
The servant paused before speaking. "Lady Ji was aware of your situation. She has asked me to say that it would be inappropriate for her to receive visitors at this time."
Yuhuan's hand remained raised for a moment longer, fingers curled as though they might yet knock again. "I see," she said.
The servant hesitated, as if expecting tears or anger. When none came, he looked almost relieved. He bowed stiffly and closed the door. The latch slid into place with a dull sound.
Yuhuan stood there. She had known, she realised, even before she lifted her hand. Treason was a stain no water could wash away. Friendship meant little against fear. The cold settled deeper as night claimed the street. Yuhuan drew her sleeves closer. If she allowed herself to grieve then, she would not stop.
She turned away from the Ji residence and walked on without looking back. There was nowhere left for her to return to. As the kin of a condemned traitor, every door in the city was closed to her before she could even knock.
She weighed her options as she moved. An inn was beyond her means and lingering in the city invited danger. By morning, someone might recognise her or might decide a reward was worth the risk.
She realised she would have to leave Qingzhou for the capital, Ling'an. It wasn't too far, but she would need to find a caravan or some way to travel, since she had no proof of identity. She did not allow herself much time to hesitate. Ling'an lay beyond Qingzhou and for now, that was enough.
Anywhere was better than here. She moved through the city with purpose, watching the streets for signs of departure such as loaded carts, bundled goods and travellers speaking in low tones. Anyone preparing to leave might be her way out.
Lost in thought, Yuhuan collided with someone solid. She staggered back and looked up. It was Lu Xiang, the man from the alley.
"You again," he said. "Do you make a habit of wandering the streets? You know night has already fallen."
"Habit has nothing to do with it," Yuhuan replied. "Circumstance leaves me little choice."
"What circumstances drive you from home when the city sleeps?" Xiang asked.
"It is none of your concern," she responded.
"The way you move, the way you look around, either you're running or you've lost something very dear," he added.
Xiang went on. "In any case, I'll be off. My carriage won't wait."
Carriage? she thought. He must be leaving the city. This could be her chance. She stepped forward before he could get away. He turned, an amused smile playing on his lips.
Yuhuan drew a breath. "May I ride with you? I must leave the city before dawn."
Xiang raised an eyebrow. "And why should I allow a stranger to ride with me?"
"Because I have no other choice," she said. "Tonight the streets are not safe for me."
"Where do you wish to go?" he asked.
"Ling'an," she replied.
"Very well. Come," Xiang said.
He turned on his heel and started walking. Yuhuan fell into stride behind him, trying to match his pace. Soon they came upon a fine carriage. Xiang stepped up first and she followed, sliding onto the seat beside him. The driver cracked the reins and the wheels began to roll, carrying them out of the gates of Qingzhou.
Yuhuan pressed her hand lightly to the window, letting the city fade behind her. The tears she had held back all day finally spilled down her face. The streets, the blood-stained courtyard, the life she had known, all slipped away. Ahead lay a new place, a new life and with it the spark of change.