"Good day, Lady Li. Might I ask what brings you to summon me?"
Zhao Xunan stepped into the main hall of the second courtyard, clasping his hands in a respectful yet unyielding bow. His tone held neither excessive deference nor rudeness—just the steady calm of a man who'd learned to navigate life's storms.
"How have your studies been these past days?" Lady Li replied, her voice smooth but edged with frost. Even with her disdain, she couldn't skip the formalities expected of a hostess.
"Fairly well," Zhao Xunan said, his gaze steady. "The Four Books and Five Classics are clear to me, and I've mastered the art of crafting policy essays. This Autumn Examination… I might even say I've a good chance."
His confidence bordered on boldness, lacking the humility expected of a junior scholar. Lady Li's lips pursed, her patience fraying. She'd heard enough of his posturing.
"You're a man raised on the teachings of sages," she said, leaning forward. "Surely you understand the ways of the world."
"Given your status, do you truly believe yourself worthy of my Phoenix?"
Though her beauty remained, age had not softened Lady Li's sharpness. Her words stung, but Zhao Xunan's fists only tightened slightly—he'd heard worse from the abbot of Mount Xiao during his past life.
"In truth, that betrothal was a farce from the start," Lady Li continued, undeterred. "Your father treated my Phoenix's tuberculosis with some folk remedy, and Lord Li, in a moment of whimsy, promised this union. No witnesses, no contracts—hardly binding."
"After your father's passing, you couldn't even hold onto your family's estates. You've no home, no standing. How dare you cling to a match with my Phoenix?"
"My Phoenix is a disciple of immortals," she sneered. "She'll ascend to heaven one day. Clinging to her like a beggar will only earn you scorn. Have some self-awareness—abandon this farce, and I'll speak to Lord Li about dissolving the betrothal. Otherwise…" Her tone turned icy. "Even your place in the Autumn Examinations might not survive."
Zhao Xunan listened quietly, a faint smile curving his lips. This was not the cunning schemer he'd imagined. Lady Li was shallow, her malice blunt—nothing like the scholars of his past life who'd hidden their venom behind polite smiles.
"Do my words not sink in?" Lady Li snapped, her patience snapping.
Zhao Xunan said nothing. He bowed again, turning to leave. The farce of the betrothal had already been exposed; there was no need for further theater.
Behind him, Lady Li's voice rose in anger. "He doesn't even respond? What a lack of manners!"
"Madam speaks true—orphans have no upbringing!" the second steward chimed in, eager to please.
A curtain rustled, and a young woman glided out. At eighteen or nineteen, she wore a peach-colored gown, her beauty delicate yet striking.
This must be the Phoenix, Zhao Xunan thought. The girl he'd once glimpsed as a gaunt, sickly child had transformed into a celestial presence—no wonder she was called "the Phoenix of the North."
"Is it Master Zhao Xunan?" the woman asked, her voice clear and melodious.
Zhao Xunan inclined his head. "I am. Might I ask who you are?"
"A lady-in-waiting to the Immortal Phoenix," the woman replied, her eyes sharp. "I oversee her scrolls and records. You may call me Red Dragonfly."
"Red Dragonfly," Zhao Xunan repeated, committing the name to memory. "What brings you to speak with me?"
Red Dragonfly's gaze softened. "The Emperor has taken note of your reputation. He knows of your betrothal to the Phoenix and wonders why a man of your talent would cling to such a union."
"Talent?" Zhao Xunan raised an eyebrow. "I'm but a minor scholar."
"Nonsense," Red Dragonfly said, her tone earnest. "You memorized the Four Books and Five Classics by eight. Your policy essays have amazed ministers. The Grand Academician himself said you'd rank among the top scholars at the Spring Examinations. Why waste this potential on a path that diverges from the Phoenix's?"
"The Phoenix walks a divine path; I walk the mortal world," Zhao Xunan said simply. "Our roads don't cross."
Red Dragonfly nodded, as if she'd expected this. "The Emperor agrees. He believes you deserve better than a life tied to a celestial figure. Let go of this betrothal, and both you and the Phoenix will be free of gossip."
Zhao Xunan met her eyes. "Did the Phoenix send you?"
"No," Red Dragonfly admitted. "She sees the betrothal as a joke. This… this is the Emperor's doing."
Understanding dawned. Zhao Xunan bowed deeply, not to Red Dragonfly, but to the power she represented. "Thank you for conveying his message."
Red Dragonfly smiled, a hint of warmth in her otherwise cool demeanor. "My name is Red Dragonfly—'Dragonfly' as in the insect. I'm a foundling, raised by an old wet nurse. Farewell, Master Zhao."
As she left, Zhao Xunan exhaled slowly. Reborn, his fortunes had shifted drastically. A lowly scholar now held the Emperor's attention—a stark contrast to his past life, where his talents had been scorned.
"What's the point of clinging to the past?" he thought, brushing a hand over his robes. The weight of unseen eyes lingered, a reminder of the power now watching his every move.
The first courtyard came into view, guarded by two burly stewards. They were old servants of Li Ze Yuan's family, their loyalty unshakable.
"Master Zhao!" one called, bowing. "Lord Li's expecting you. No need to announce yourself!"
Zhao Xunan thanked them, stepping into the study. There, behind a desk piled with scrolls, sat Li Ze Yuan—his former guardian, now a man of power.
"Xunan!" Li Ze Yuan rose, breaking formality. He clasped Zhao Xunan's shoulders, steering him to a chair. "I heard you've been ill again. Why didn't you call for a physician?"
"Old ailments," Zhao Xunan said with a smile. "They'll pass. Worrying you is the real sin."
Li Ze Yuan grunted, though his concern was genuine. "Enough of that. How are your studies? The Autumn Examinations are half a year away—you mustn't slacken."
"I've reviewed all past papers," Zhao Xunan said. "The Four Books and Five Classics are etched into my mind. Eight-legged essays won't trouble me."
Li Ze Yuan nodded, impressed. "Your memory is legendary. Even the Grand Academician praised your essays. But…" His tone turned grave. "Avoid controversy. Stay within the bounds of orthodoxy. Do you understand?"
Zhao Xunan's smile faded. He knew exactly what Li Ze Yuan meant—the Emperor's warning, the Phoenix's presence, the betrothal that could unravel everything.
"I came today for two reasons," Zhao Xunan said, leaning forward. "First, to pay my respects. Second…" He met Li Ze Yuan's gaze. "To dissolve the betrothal to Miss Phoenix."
Li Ze Yuan froze, then surged to his feet. "What?!"
"Uncle, the betrothal was never valid—no witnesses, no contracts. And I…" Zhao Xunan's voice steadied. "I have no wish to tie myself to a path that doesn't suit me."
Li Ze Yuan's face flushed. "Nonsense!" He slammed his fist on the desk. "Phoenix or not, she's my daughter by adoption. This betrothal stands—unless you want me to disown you!"
A knock interrupted them. Xiao Mojin, Li Ze Yuan's steward, entered, his expression tense. "Lord Li, the Phoenix has arrived. She wishes to speak with you."
Li Ze Yuan's scowl deepened. "Send her in."
As Xiao Mojin left, Li Ze Yuan rounded on Zhao Xunan. "You'll stay here until I return. We'll finish this discussion—properly."
Zhao Xunan nodded, his mind racing. The Phoenix's arrival changed everything. But he'd made his choice: no more clinging to shadows. This time, he'd carve his own path—even if it meant clashing with immortals.