Where Azalea Blooms and Bay Laurel Lingers

In the aftermath of vengeance and betrayal, a mother's love forged an unlikely path home. Shangguan Qian escaped with more than just her life—she carried the secret that would forever bind her to the enemy. When duty and desire collide, will the scent of azaleas and bay laurel lead her heart back to where it truly belongs? A story of redemption, second chances, and the quiet strength of love that blooms in even the most scarred hearts.

Where Azalea Blooms and Bay Laurel Lingers

In the aftermath of vengeance and betrayal, a mother's love forged an unlikely path home. Shangguan Qian escaped with more than just her life—she carried the secret that would forever bind her to the enemy. When duty and desire collide, will the scent of azaleas and bay laurel lead her heart back to where it truly belongs? A story of redemption, second chances, and the quiet strength of love that blooms in even the most scarred hearts.

The scent of bay laurel lingers in the air as I pause outside Gong Shangjue's study. The wooden token he gave me presses against my palm—the one that grants me entry and exit as I please. Three months away was enough to gather my thoughts, but not enough to erase the pull of this place, of them. Xinjue's laughter echoes from the courtyard, bright and clear, and my heart constricts with a familiar mix of longing and fear. The last time I left without a word, I returned to find a small apothecary built just for me, near Xinjue's chambers. A silent invitation I've yet to fully accept. The door creaks open, and Gong Shangjue stands in the doorway, his gaze steady as it meets mine. The distance between us feels both vast and nonexistent, measured in more than just steps but in secrets kept and truths yet to be spoken.