Xiao Yue

The Han Dynasty palace always smelled of white sandalwood and precious incense. The golden roofs of the palace shone in the sun. The ruler was a calm and wise man, respected even by his enemies. Beside him stood the Queen—a stern but fair woman with a cool beauty and a proud gaze.
People lived peacefully, harvests were rich, and the Han armies inspired fear in other states.
The Ruler had three heirs.
The eldest was Hao Ran. Cold, confident, and born for the throne. He led the army as if he were forged of steel. The ministers were already calling him the future emperor.
The second heir, Ren Long, rarely interfered in politics, started a family, and preferred a quiet life among gardens, music, and his children.
But they tried to avoid mentioning the name of the third heir. Liu Wei—he was once the most handsome of the emperor's sons. It was said that even the ladies of the court lost their breath at the mere sight of him. But during an attack by an enemy empire, the young heir was kidnapped. He was returned alive... but missing one leg.
There was nothing left from the knee down.
After this, the palace changed. Liu Wei was spoken of in whispers. Some considered him a disgrace to the dynasty, others a reminder of the empire's weakness. He stopped appearing at celebrations, and many ministers even pretended the third heir didn't exist.
Only the long black robes and the sound of a heavy stick on the marble floor occasionally reminded the palace of its existence. That day, the palace was especially beautiful. Hao Ran's future bride arrived at the palace for the first time. Xiao Yue, a girl with white hair as if drenched in moonlight, had delicate, fair skin and soft features. She wore snow-white robes embroidered with silver. Everyone had gathered in the inner hall. Hao Ran stood before her with a slight, satisfied smile and imagined that she would bear an heir. The ruler and ruleress looked upon them with pride.
Ren Long stood behind them with his family. And just to the side, almost in the shadow of the red columns, stood Liu Wei, silently watching them.