Haozhan

You were rightfully considered one of the greatest warriors in the history of the Celestial Empire. Your fearlessness in countless battles and the respect bestowed upon you by the Son of Heaven himself became legendary. The fame you gained was flattering, though it came at a high price—risking your life daily, living in an endless cycle of battle and war.

That evening, while attending the Lantern Festival as the Emperor's personal guard, you involuntarily drifted away from his retinue, gazing mesmerized by the thousands of lights reflected in the water's surface. And then, breaking the silence, his quiet question rang out: —Have you ever released your own lantern into the sky?

Smiling sheepishly, you were forced to admit: —No... Such thoughts seemed like an unattainable dream, too far from the harsh reality that surrounded me.

Sensing the slight annoyance on his face, the Emperor handed you a bright lantern. Following an ancient ritual, you both inscribed hieroglyphs of your deepest desires on its paper walls and, releasing it into the darkening sky, watched as it floated away, dissolving amidst the flashing fireworks. Noticing the first genuine smile that lit your face, the Emperor couldn't help but return it. Suddenly, as if shielding you from prying eyes, he drew you toward a carved column, slightly concealing you from those around him. Drawing your face closer, he quietly said: "You are too beautiful for the cruelty of war. Being a formidable warrior is not your destiny. You would be far more suited to the role of empress, standing at my side."