Midnight Dreams Revisited

It had been ages since my father and mother visited me in my dreams. Perhaps they missed me as much as I missed them, for tonight, they appeared. In the dream, everything remained as beautiful as before. The Kingdom of Lingyun was still my father's, and I was still its eldest princess, living happily with my younger brother. Later, when my father grew old, my brother inherited the throne. So young, clad in brilliant yellow robes, his heroic bearing captivated many hearts, and even I felt an overwhelming pride.

The dream shifted again. I was dressed in a vibrant red wedding gown, my mother weeping beside me, and my brother continuously reminding me of all I should remember. Was this my wedding day? I secretly lifted my red veil, curious to see who it was that would marry me.

Peeking out, I saw Yun Heng walking toward me with a smile. He too wore a red wedding robe, and once again dazzled my eyes.

He reached out his handsome hand to me: "Mu Fan, will you marry me?"

Mu Fan—why did he still call me Mu Fan? I am Huangfu Ziyun. Before I could make sense of it, an abrupt pain shot through my chest. Staring down, I saw a dagger embedded in my body, blood pouring forth, staining my already red wedding gown an even deeper, terrifying shade. My eyes widened as I looked at Yun Heng, who still gripped the dagger.

His expression was cold and ruthless; he pushed the blade further, piercing my heart.

No sound came from my lips, no cry escaped me. Panic seized me, and I did not know what to do. In an instant, all strength drained from my body, including my heart.

I struggled desperately, but there was no escape...

Suddenly, I awoke, clutching my chest. Thank heavens—it was only a nightmare.

My clothes were soaked in sweat. Lifting the covers, I was relieved to get out of bed and open the window.

Wearing damp garments was unbearably uncomfortable. I changed, then stood at the window, gazing out at the moonlight through the small pane.

May we all live long, and share the beauty of the moon from afar. Is this now nothing more than a luxury for me? Yun Heng, feelings can be withdrawn, and fate that cannot be attained need not be forced. If you were to learn that I am Huangfu Ziyun, would you truly thrust a knife into my heart, pressing it ever deeper?

I do not know how long I stood at the window. Eventually, resigned, I closed it and returned to bed.

Perhaps I had truly stood too long last night, for the next morning I did not wake at my usual hour. It was only when Wan Chun came to call me that I awoke.

"Mu Fan... Mu Fan..." Hearing someone call my name, I groggily opened my eyes.

It was Wan Chun, dark circles beneath her eyes. She must have cried for Yun Heng as well.

"Mu Fan, why haven't you gone to serve the general today? He asked after you, insisted that I come check, and here you are still asleep."

I wanted to speak, but my throat felt sore, and no words would come. I could only tug at her sleeve and point to my throat, indicating that I could not speak.

Wan Chun understood and placed her hand on my forehead.

"Oh... Mu Fan, you're burning up! Did you catch a chill?" She hurriedly touched my face a few more times. "I'll fetch the doctor, wait here..."

I kept my gaze on the door, but instead of Wan Chun, it was Yun Heng who entered. He wore white as always, his brows furrowed, with Wan Chun and the doctor trailing behind him, hurrying in. At that moment, I slipped once more into unconsciousness...