The candlelight flickered softly in the War Pavilion as Xuanlong pored over a map of the northern territories. His fingers traced the red markings drawn by General Luo—rebel movements near the riverbanks, supply lines disrupted, hidden pockets of resistance that had slipped through the Emperor's notice. Or rather, been allowed to.
Shen Zhihao, now known within the palace as "Lord Shen," sat across from him, pouring wine with a subtle smirk. "Still pretending you're just a shadow, brother?"
Xuanlong looked up, his face calm. "Someone has to be."
Shen chuckled and leaned back. "They call me the Sun Prince. Yet you walk through these halls with more weight than even Father dares admit."
Their secret as twins had remained safe thus far. But now the nobles had begun whispering—not about Shen, but about Xuanlong. His sudden elevation, his silent authority in council meetings, the way seasoned generals deferred to him. It was dangerous.
"You should take the credit," Xuanlong murmured. "Sooner or later, one of us will need the throne."
Shen's smile faded. "I don't want it."
"I know," Xuanlong said, his voice quiet. "But I also know what it means to let power fall into the wrong hands. Minister He is pushing for your marriage to the Grand Chancellor's daughter. That alliance would tilt the court."
Shen raised a brow. "Then stop him."
Xuanlong didn't answer.
Instead, he unfurled another scroll—this one sealed in red wax. Intelligence from the Hidden Veil, their own underground network. It bore news from the Western Provinces.
"Someone's been looking into our birth records," he said finally. "The original documents. The midwife's records from the White Orchid Convent. A eunuch died in the archives three nights ago."
Shen's eyes narrowed. "They're close."
"Too close," Xuanlong said.
They stared at each other in silence.
Outside, the imperial drums echoed in the distance. A new envoy had arrived from the southern border—bearing tribute. But Xuanlong knew better. Tribute was only the beginning.
This empire was a web of lies and loyalty.
And he was starting to see the threads unravel.