But compared to Ding Huanhua, she realized she had been wrong.  There was no such thing as a truly cold person. 

He had kept his distance because he was bored with her, minimizing their interactions.  He had only accompanied her because of their betrothal.

As for him taking the blame and protecting her?  It was simply because the future mistress of the Li family couldn’t be punished. 

It would have been a disgrace to the Li family.  A woman’s reputation was more important than a man’s, so Li Yanyong taking the punishment was the most logical solution.  The punishment wouldn’t be severe for him anyway.

He had never liked her.  That’s what she thought.

Doubt consumed her, filling her with frustration and resentment.  What was the point of holding on?  Her once eager eyes were now filled with despair.

She fell behind, lost in the crowd.  She was left alone.

In the bustling market, she huddled, trying to appear less pathetic.  She was abandoned.  But fate rarely leaves one alone.  Through the blur, a dark red robe appeared, stopping before her.

A cold voice said, “Love-struck?”

Lin Zhaoxue, her eyes still red, looked up and saw a strikingly beautiful man.  His features were sharp and handsome, his black robe and red cord accentuating his tall, well-built figure. 

He was adorned with expensive jewelry, making him even more striking.  He stood over her, arms crossed, seemingly aloof.

Lin Zhaoxue shivered.  He was handsome, but his expression was cold and intimidating.  His black robe made him appear sinister, as if he might strangle her. 

It was Li Zong Heng, the head of the Li family, the person she feared most.  He was ruthless and could kill anyone, even the Emperor.  Killing her would be easy.

Lin Zhaoxue wanted to cry, but she forced a smile, her desire to survive overpowering her sadness.  She managed to say, “Master Li, what brings you here?”  She discreetly noticed he was alone.  Even more ominous!

Li Zong Heng, seeing her distress, took a neatly folded handkerchief from a pouch and gave it to her.  Lin Zhaoxue was startled.  He cared?  She hesitantly accepted it, thinking, “Unsolicited kindness is suspicious.”

Why would he offer her concern?  He didn’t seem to be here to kill her.  Then it struck her.  He wanted information about Li Yanyong to kill him.

Li Zong Heng and Li Yanyong were of similar age, both vying for control of the Li family. 

Now that Li Yanyong was a high official and had a son, the Li family would eventually pass to him.  Li Zong Heng would need to eliminate Li Yanyong.

Lin Zhaoxue was wary of Li Zong Heng.  Seeing her suspicion, he sighed, quickly recovering.  “Let’s go.  Thinking too much will only waste time.”

Lin Zhaoxue was confused, “Where?”

Li Zong Heng replied, “The Lantern Festival. Let’s go together.”

Lin Zhaoxue understood.  He was using her as a substitute for his unrequited love, just as Ding Huanhua had said, because she resembled his beloved.

It was time to register for the riddle contest.  The winner would receive the royal lantern, crafted by the Emperor and Empress.  This year’s lantern was especially precious because it would be the last one they would make together, as they were estranged.

Li Zong Heng’s intimidating aura was surprisingly subdued amidst the festive atmosphere.  Lin Zhaoxue felt slightly more at ease.

On their way to the contest, she saw Li Yanyong and Ding Huanhua again.  Ding Huanhua held two love tokens engraved with their names. 

She asked Li Yanyong if he liked them.  Under the lanterns, Ding Huanhua looked radiant.  Li Yanyong’s usually calm eyes flickered, then he averted his gaze, touching a mirror on a stall.  He nodded, indicating he liked them. 

Ding Huanhua, smiling, whispered something in his ear, causing his ears to redden.

Lin Zhaoxue stopped, thinking they looked like a real couple.  A deep sense of powerlessness and resentment filled her.  She couldn’t tolerate this.  She turned to leave Li Zong Heng, but he was gone.

She clenched her fists, forcing a smile, and inserted herself between Li Yanyong and Ding Huanhua, separating them.  Li Yanyong was now with her, but his attention remained on Ding Huanhua.

They reached the riddle contest area.  Lin Zhaoxue, remembering her plan to reconcile with Li Yanyong by winning the lantern, and knowing this would be the last year for the contest, decided to proceed.

She extended her hand to Li Yanyong, “The chance to win the lantern is only this once.  Let’s go together.  I remember seven years ago, at our first meeting, you got second place, and you seemed disappointed.”