The capital breathed differently at night. By day, it was all blinding marble and perfumed corridors, a performance of order and grace. But when the sun dipped and the moon ascended over the gold-tiled roofs, the palace became something else entirely—a living thing, restless and watchful. Every shadow concealed an ear, every echo carried a secret.
Within the Eastern Palace, Liang Yi sat at his desk, the lamplight casting long, angular shadows across his face. A stack of petitions lay before him, each more venomous than the last. Calls to censure the Minister of War. Demands to investigate the Empress Dowager's treasury. Subtle accusations that the Crown Prince had been… swayed. It was court politics distilled to poison, and the poison dripped in his favor. Yet he didn't smile. Victory in the palace was never without cost.
A discreet knock came at the side door. "Enter," he called. Shen Zhi slipped in, the faint scent of pine smoke clinging to his cloak. He bowed low before speaking."The northern envoy has arrived. No fanfare. No imperial decree. He was brought directly to Minister He's private quarters."Liang Yi's gaze sharpened. "So it's true. They're negotiating behind the Emperor's back.""And," Shen continued, lowering his voice, "the Crown Prince sent for Grand Tutor Wu immediately afterward. The meeting is… still ongoing."
For a long moment, Liang Yi said nothing. Then he stood, moving to the latticed window. Outside, the gardens glowed under the silver wash of moonlight. Somewhere beyond those walls, his twin—Liang Feng—was making a choice. Whether it was a mistake or a masterstroke would determine the empire's fate."Keep our watchers close to the Hall of Heavenly Edicts," Liang Yi ordered. "If the Crown Prince tries to formalize anything, I want to see the ink before it dries."Shen inclined his head. "There's more. Li Shen was seen leaving the Empress Dowager's tower in haste. She looked… troubled."
At that, Liang Yi's jaw tightened. Li Shen's instincts rarely failed her. If she was unsettled, something deeper was moving beneath the surface. He crossed the room and retrieved a small sealed scroll from a locked chest. "Deliver this to her discreetly. Tell her… it may be time." Shen's expression flickered, but he nodded and disappeared into the corridor.
Hours later, beneath the gnarled incense trees of the neglected shrine, the twins met. Li Shen's voice was urgent, barely above the chirr of night insects. "They're bringing the envoy here to secure a pact. The Minister of War is to pledge troops to the north in exchange for their loyalty—loyalty not to the Emperor, but to the one they believe will replace him." She looked into Liang Yi's eyes. "That replacement… is you."He felt the words like a blade's edge. "Then they think they control me." His tone was ice. "Good. Let them believe it."
But before dawn, while the rest of the court still dreamed, the first strike came. A masked figure scaled the palace walls with a blade designed for silence. Their target was not Liang Yi, but Li Shen.And when she cried out, the chambers of the Eastern Palace were empty.
Liang Yi was gone.