Night fell over Heaven Dou City like an enormous swath of black silk.
The streets, bustling with traffic during the day, gradually quieted down. Only scattered lanterns swayed in the wind, casting dim yellow halos.
Lu Jing led Wang Dong'er and Xiao Wu around the patrolling guards. With several flickers, they arrived outside a manor on the western side of Heaven Dou City.
Far from the clamor of the imperial palace, its walls stood tall, with two understated silver lamps hanging at the entrance. It was utterly unlike the extravagant residences of ordinary nobles, exuding a deliberate air of modesty.
Lu Jing stepped forward and pushed open the half-closed side gate. "Go in."
The three entered the manor. Several magnolia trees grew in the courtyard, and moonlight filtered through their branches and leaves, casting mottled shadows across the bluestone path.
A faint fragrance permeated the air, mingling with the freshness of grass and trees. Unlike the majesty of the palace or the bustle of an inn, it carried the refined elegance of a young woman's home.
They had barely come to a stop in the courtyard when the room door of the pavilion directly ahead, glowing with warm yellow light, creaked open.
A graceful figure emerged from within, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
She wore a light gold long skirt embroidered with delicate silver patterns along its hem, its soft sheen flowing beneath the moonlight.
Her golden long hair cascaded down to her waist like a waterfall, its ends slightly curled. A few strands were brushed by the wind and clung to the side of her fair neck.
Most captivating of all were those purple eyes, like lakes holding a starry sky. They possessed both the nobility of royalty and a cold aloofness untouched by the mortal world.
She was tall