Chapter 31. Mei Shen’s birthday party
IN A BIT
LIANWEI POINT OF VIEW:
The heavy wooden doors of the ballroom loomed ahead, carved with intricate dragons and phoenixes, symbols of power and legacy. My heart thudded, not from nerves, but because this moment felt monumental. After all the battles, the doubts, and the long years away, tonight wasn’t just a ball. It was a declaration. Mei Shen, by my side, was stepping fully into the life she’d earned. I reached out, taking her hand gently, feeling how her fingers trembled ever so slightly in mine.
"Are you ready?" I asked softly.
She glanced up at me, eyes wide but steady.
"As ready as I’ll ever be."She said.
I offered a small smile, squeezing her hand reassuringly.
"Then let’s go."I said.
Inside, the room burst to life with golden candlelight, crystal chandeliers scattering glitter across polished marble floors. Nobles in elaborate gowns and silk robes paused, heads turning, whispers rippling through the crowd like wind through leaves. But none of that mattered. Only Mei Shen did. I guided her forward, steady and proud, letting her take in the stunned faces and bowed heads. Servants had already spread word of her status, my mother’s decree was clear, and the respect shown to her was now noticeable. As we reached the center of the ballroom, the murmur of voices faded into silence. All eyes were on us.
"Mei Shen." I said, my voice firm but full of something deeper. "You’ve walked through fire and shadow to stand here today. I am honored to call you my wife, my partner, my future empress. Will you marry me?"I asked.
Tears glistened in her eyes as she nodded, barely able to speak.
"Yes, Lianwei. I will."She said.