The Girl Who Fell From the Wall

Morning sunlight spread across the imperial capital as merchants opened their shops and nobles traveled through the busy streets in decorated carriages. News of the Emperor’s marriage decree had already begun spreading throughout the city.

The calm astrologer Zhang Wei was going to marry Minister Lin’s troublesome daughter.

Half the capital was shocked.

The other half was entertained.

Inside the Celestial Observatory, however, silence remained untouched.

Zhang Wei sat beside a low wooden table, carefully arranging ancient star charts beneath the morning light. His white robes flowed neatly around him while soft incense smoke curled through the room.

A young palace official stood nearby nervously.

“Master Zhang,” he began carefully, “everyone in the capital is discussing your marriage.”

Zhang Wei calmly poured tea into a porcelain cup.

“People discuss many things.”

The official hesitated.

“They say Lady Lin climbed onto her residence roof last night and threatened to run away.”

Zhang Wei paused for the first time.

Only briefly.

Then he continued drinking his tea as though nothing happened.

“I see.”

The official stared at him in disbelief.

How could this man remain calm about everything?

At that exact moment, chaos was indeed unfolding inside Minister Lin’s residence.

“Miss! Please stop running!”

Lin Meiyue sprinted through the courtyard while several maids chased after her carrying expensive dresses and jewelry boxes.

“I said I’m not wearing those!” she protested loudly.

“But Lady Meiyue, the royal tailor personally prepared them!”

“That makes them even worse!”

She darted around a stone pillar and climbed halfway onto the courtyard wall before anyone could stop her.

Her mother nearly fainted.

“MEIYUE!”

“What?” she replied innocently from the wall. “I’m only getting fresh air.”

“You are supposed to learn proper etiquette before meeting your future husband!”

Meiyue rolled her eyes dramatically.

“If he truly studies stars all day, I doubt he even notices people.”

The servants exchanged helpless looks.

Everyone in the capital feared Zhang Wei because of his cold and unreadable nature.

Everyone except Lin Meiyue.

A maid suddenly pointed toward the front gates in panic.

“The royal carriage has arrived!”

Meiyue froze.

Her mother straightened immediately while servants hurried into formation.

A golden carriage bearing the royal emblem slowly entered the courtyard.

Meiyue narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“Why is the palace here?”

The carriage doors opened.

A tall figure stepped out gracefully.

White robes.

Long black hair.

Calm dark eyes.

The entire courtyard fell silent instantly.

Zhang Wei himself had arrived.

Several servants quickly bowed their heads while Minister Lin hurried forward nervously.

“Master Zhang, we did not expect your visit so soon.”

Zhang Wei inclined his head politely.

“His Majesty requested that I deliver ceremonial gifts personally.”

His voice was low and calm, smooth like quiet water.

Meiyue crossed her arms while sitting on the wall above everyone.

So this was the famous astrologer.

He was even prettier than the rumors claimed.

Annoyingly pretty.

Zhang Wei calmly glanced upward.

Their eyes met for the first time.

For a brief second, the noisy courtyard seemed to disappear.

Meiyue expected him to look away immediately like most noblemen did when embarrassed.

But Zhang Wei simply observed her quietly.

Calm.

Unreadable.

As though he were studying the moon itself.

Meiyue suddenly felt strangely challenged.

“You’re staring,” she declared boldly.

Gasps spread across the courtyard.

Minister Lin almost died on the spot.

But Zhang Wei showed no reaction.

“You are sitting on a dangerous wall,” he replied calmly.

Meiyue smirked proudly.

“I never fall.”

The moment the words left her mouth, one loose stone shifted beneath her foot.

Her eyes widened.

The servants screamed.

And Lin Meiyue fell directly from the wall.

Before anyone could react, Zhang Wei stepped forward swiftly.

His sleeves moved like flowing clouds as he caught her effortlessly in his arms.

Silence.

Complete silence.

Meiyue blinked in shock.

One of his arms supported her waist securely while the other steadied her shoulders. Up close, she could see how unfairly handsome he was.

His face remained calm, but his grip was firm and warm.

The servants stared with open mouths.

Minister Lin nearly cried from relief.

For the first time in years, Zhang Wei’s perfectly composed expression shifted slightly.

His brows furrowed faintly.

“You should be more careful,” he said quietly.

Meiyue stared at him for several seconds before slowly grinning.

“Oh,” she whispered mischievously, “so the great astrologer does know how to catch people.”

The servants covered their faces in horror.

Flirting.

She was openly flirting.

But instead of reacting coldly, Zhang Wei simply released her gently and stepped back.

“I only prevent disasters when possible.”

Meiyue’s smile widened instantly.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Because for the first time in a long while, someone had not become frightened, embarrassed, or angry because of her behavior.

And for the first time in years, Zhang Wei found himself unable to completely predict what would happen next.

Far above them, hidden behind daylight, the stars quietly shifted.

Their story had finally begun.

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