Fate's Enchantment

"Court dismissed!" Empress Dowager's voice echoed through the grand hall. Nervous glances were exchanged as the courtiers hurriedly exited the room.

Aoi's thoughts raced. Only her maids had seen her handwriting, and none of them were present. She couldn't rely on Zhao Han; he seemed weary of her already.

"Your Highness," Aoi greeted Zhao Han with a soft smile.

Zhao Han returned the smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "What is it, My Lady?"

"Where is my aunt?" Aoi asked gently, her eyes searching his face.

"Oh, I had forgotten about her," Zhao Han chuckled softly. "Do you wish to see her?"

Aoi nodded, her expression serious. "Your Highness, may I recite a poem?"

Zhao Han laughed, masking his true feelings. "Of course, I don't mind."

Aoi began, her voice clear and deliberate, "Ni yongyou de yongchu, jiu xiang yi zhang mumen zai long xue li, ni de youya, jiu xiang yi tou zuijiu de niu zai gangsi shang (Your usefulness is like a wooden door in a dragon's lair, and your grace is like a drunken ox on a tightrope)."

Zhao Han's smile faded as he realized the insult. "Just say you want to see her, no need to be mean," he muttered, rolling his eyes.

Aoi laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It wouldn't be necessary since you're smart," she teased.

Zhao Han's gaze softened as he looked at her. "So are you, My lady. Can you walk up to the mountains?" he asked, his voice gentle yet probing.

Aoi nodded calmly, her expression unwavering. "I've walked up and down the mountains so many times, it won't make any difference if I do it again," she replied confidently.

Zhao Han's eyes flickered with a hint of something unreadable as he looked away. "Your aunt is in Yinshan," he said, his tone distant.

"Yinshan? I've never heard of any place like this..." Aoi's brows furrowed in confusion.

Zhao Han smirked, a sly glint in his eyes. "Because you're not supposed to, but let's focus on the task first," he said, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

"But-" Aoi began, but before she could finish, Zhao Han moved with lightning speed. In a swift motion, he knocked her out, catching her limp body and carrying her over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes. Despite the roughness of his actions, his touch was surprisingly gentle as he placed her in the carriage.

As the carriage began to move, Aoi woke up with a soft groan. She blinked, trying to orient herself. "You've surely got some skills," she admitted, her voice tinged with grudging admiration.

Zhao Han smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Or did my wife think I am all talk?" he retorted, his tone playful.

Aoi blushed softly, her cheeks tinged with pink. "What happened to 'my lady'?" she yelled out, her voice a mix of embarrassment and indignation.

Zhao Han laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Keep your tone low, people might make rumors about you," he teased, leaning closer to her. "Like... my wife getting frustrated easily."

Aoi's expression turned serious, her playful demeanor fading. "Though we're friends, we're still married for our selfish desire, not out of love. We should maintain boundaries so I could still live peacefully after the divorce," she said, looking away, her frustration evident.

Zhao Han's expression hardened, and he looked away from her face as well. "Sure, my lady. It was just playful flirting, don't mind me," he replied, bowing slightly, his tone now formal and distant.

After a few moments, they finally arrived at their destination. The air was crisp and biting, the landscape blanketed in a thin layer of frost. Zhao Han dismounted gracefully and turned to Aoi, extending his hand with a gallant gesture. "My lady, shall we?" he inquired, his voice imbued with a gentle warmth.

Aoi shivered involuntarily, her breath visible in the frigid air. "This place is so cold..." she muttered under her breath, her words barely audible. Yet, Zhao Han's keen ears caught her lament. Without hesitation, he removed his cloak and draped it over her shoulders with a tender touch. "My lady, we must not let you catch cold. Your aunt might think we're not taking care of you," he said, his voice soft and reassuring. His presence exuded an aura of strength and protection, his body seemingly impervious to the chill, brimming with the Qi of a god.

Aoi's heart skipped a beat as she processed his words. My aunt is alive, then, she thought, a glimmer of hope igniting within her. She glanced at Zhao Han, his expression a mask of calm determination.

As they walked towards the entrance of the secluded mountain retreat, the path was lined with ancient trees, their gnarled branches forming a natural archway. The silence was profound, broken only by the crunch of their footsteps on the frosty ground. Aoi's mind raced with questions, but she remained silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of anticipation and trepidation.

Upon reaching the entrance, they were greeted by an elderly caretaker, his eyes twinkling with wisdom and curiosity. "Welcome, travelers," he said, his voice a gravelly whisper. "Your presence has been foretold."

Zhao Han nodded respectfully, his demeanor unwavering. "We seek refuge and guidance," he replied, his tone measured and authoritative.

The caretaker gestured for them to follow, leading them through a labyrinthine corridor adorned with intricate carvings and ancient tapestries. The air inside was warmer, infused with the scent of incense and aged wood. Aoi marveled at the opulence and history that surrounded them, her earlier apprehensions momentarily forgotten.

As they entered a grand chamber, Aoi's eyes were drawn to a figure seated at the far end, shrouded in shadows. Her heart pounded in her chest as she recognized the familiar silhouette. "Aunt Li?" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

The figure stirred, stepping into the light. "Aoi, my dear," Aunt Mei said, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and sorrow. "You've come at last."

Aoi rushed forward, embracing her aunt tightly. "I've missed you so much," she murmured, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Zhao Han watched the reunion with a sense of satisfaction, his earlier reservations melting away. He knew their journey was far from over, but in that moment, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and resolve. Though he can't help but remember, he's not supposed to feel anything.

"Aunt, are you hurt? Are you okay?" Aoi asked nervously, her voice trembling with concern.

Zhao Han would protect her and keep her safe? It sounded ridiculous and unbelievable. When Li Wei nodded, Aoi's eyes widened in shock. For real? I'm not dreaming? What is wrong with this? She shot a suspicious glance at Zhao Han before quickly changing her expression to a grateful one, "Thank you, Your Highness," she bowed slightly.

Feeling a strong source of dark spirit, Zhao Han excused himself from that place.

Aoi is not going to leave the Inn for a few moments since she and her Aunt caught up after so long... maybe I could leave. Not feeling at ease, he used his powers and sealed the Inn. Humans and spirits with pure intentions could get in, but those with impure intentions would be met with a different fate. As soon as they attempted to enter, they would be repelled by an invisible barrier, their bodies feeling an intense burning sensation as if they were being scorched by flames. The barrier would also emit a blinding light, forcing them to retreat in agony.