Days passed in a whirlwind of quiet anticipation and careful preparation. Zhen Li's every waking hour was devoted to subtly strengthening her family's position and cautiously navigating the intricate web of court politics. She knew well that patience and meticulous planning were the cornerstones of victory.
Today, however, brought a rare moment of respite. The palace gardens were in full bloom, and Zhen Li allowed herself a brief reprieve beneath a blossoming cherry tree, its delicate petals falling softly around her like fragrant snow.
"Lady Zhen."
She turned slowly, a mild surprise flickering across her composed features as General Xu Wei emerged from a nearby pathway. His armor, replaced by a simple but elegant dark robe, made him seem less intimidating, though no less formidable.
"General Xu," she acknowledged politely, inclining her head in greeting. "It's unusual to see you at leisure within palace grounds."
He inclined his head slightly in response, his piercing gaze assessing her carefully. "Even warriors must occasionally pause to appreciate fleeting beauty. Though I must admit, I didn't expect company."
"Nor did I," she admitted softly, allowing a faint smile to grace her lips. "But perhaps fate has its own plans today."
Xu Wei studied her quietly, his eyes betraying nothing of his thoughts. "You intrigue me, Lady Zhen. You show maturity beyond your years, a grasp of matters far surpassing mere court etiquette. Tell me, what do you truly hope to achieve?"
Her heartbeat quickened slightly, sensing the delicate line she tread. "General, my goals are simple. I seek stability and prosperity for my family. Surely these are not unusual desires?"
He stepped closer, eyes darkening subtly. "Indeed not. Yet few understand that to ensure stability, one must be prepared to wage war—not only on battlefields but within palace halls as well. You grasp this truth, don't you?"
Zhen Li held his gaze unflinchingly, allowing herself to reveal just a sliver of genuine determination. "Perhaps more clearly than you realize, General. The battlefield of court politics is just as deadly as the wars you fight on the borders."
His eyes sparked with something akin to admiration, though his voice remained steady and cold. "You impress me. And yet, I sense hesitation within you. Is it compassion, lingering affection, or perhaps doubt?"
She smiled faintly, shaking her head gently. "Not hesitation, General. Merely patience. One must know when to strike and when to wait."
Xu Wei tilted his head slightly, contemplating her words. "Then let me offer a word of caution. The Crown Prince is not easily fooled, nor is he one to accept defiance lightly. Your careful movements have already stirred whispers at court. Tread carefully."
His warning hung heavily between them, and Zhen Li felt a wave of gratitude for his frankness. "Thank you, General. I will heed your advice."
He nodded slowly, turning to leave, but paused to glance back at her over his shoulder. "Should you find yourself in need of an ally, Lady Zhen, remember—you are not alone."
His words lingered, warm yet enigmatic, as he vanished down the path. Alone beneath the cherry blossoms once more, Zhen Li's heart raced. Xu Wei was powerful, dangerous, yet possibly the most valuable ally she could secure. But trusting him blindly was not something she could afford. Not again.
Lost in thought, she barely noticed Meilin approaching hurriedly until the maid's voice startled her back to reality.
"Young Miss!" Meilin's voice quivered slightly, her eyes wide with alarm. "There's trouble. Lord Gu's daughter, Lady Feiyan, has fallen gravely ill. It is said she was poisoned—and the blame has somehow fallen upon you!"
Zhen Li felt a sudden chill race down her spine. Lady Feiyan was a gentle soul, known widely for her kindness and grace—far removed from court intrigues. Poisoning her was a cruel act, designed clearly to frame Zhen Li.
"Who has made such an accusation?" Zhen Li asked sharply, rising immediately from her seat.
"Consort Yue," Meilin whispered, eyes fearful. "She publicly declared that only you had reason to remove Lady Feiyan—claiming jealousy as your motive."
Zhen Li's fingers clenched tightly, nails digging painfully into her palms. Yue's schemes had begun earlier this lifetime. Yet this move was predictable—an opening gambit she could counter easily.
"Meilin, gather our trusted servants," she commanded calmly, her voice betraying none of the fury burning within. "We must visit Lady Feiyan immediately and offer our aid openly."
"Yes, Young Miss!" Meilin hurried away, leaving Zhen Li alone momentarily to gather her thoughts.
Arriving swiftly at the Gu family residence, Zhen Li found Lady Feiyan pale and weakened, attended by frantic servants and a worried father pacing anxiously.
"Lord Gu," Zhen Li addressed clearly, stepping forward with dignity. "Allow me to assist. I assure you—I will find the true culprit and clear both your daughter's name and mine."
Gu Yijun hesitated, his gaze flickering uncertainly, but desperation pushed him to concede. "Very well, Lady Zhen. But please hurry. Feiyan grows weaker by the moment."
Nodding firmly, Zhen Li approached the bedside, gently examining Feiyan. The poison symptoms were clear—swift paralysis, shallow breathing. She recognized it instantly: Moonshade Herb, a poison favored by palace concubines.
Her mind raced, quickly formulating a plan. "Bring fresh honey water and willow leaf broth immediately. This will slow the poison's spread and grant her more time."
Servants rushed to follow her instructions, relief washing visibly across Gu Yijun's features. "How do you know this, Lady Zhen?"
Zhen Li smiled faintly, gaze resolute. "I studied medicinal herbs extensively. Such knowledge proves invaluable in court life."
Slowly, Feiyan's breathing steadied, and some color returned to her cheeks. Gu Yijun looked at Zhen Li gratefully, now fully convinced of her sincerity.
But the crisis was far from resolved. Zhen Li knew she must strike decisively now.
Returning home, she quickly summoned trusted servants and spies she'd cultivated quietly in recent days. "Find the suppliers of Moonshade Herb within the city. Check the palace medicinal storerooms and track down recent buyers discreetly. I need evidence, swiftly."
"Yes, Young Miss!" They scattered urgently, leaving Zhen Li alone once more, determination steeling her heart.
Night fell swiftly, and soon her spies returned with crucial information—a palace maid from Consort Yue's chambers had recently procured large amounts of Moonshade Herb from an illicit herbalist.
The next morning, Zhen Li stood confidently in court, presenting her findings clearly before the Emperor and the gathered nobles. The courtroom buzzed with whispers, eyes flickering toward Consort Yue, whose delicate face now paled dramatically.
Emperor Li narrowed his eyes, his voice cold and authoritative. "Consort Yue, explain yourself."
Yue trembled slightly, lips parting to speak, but no words emerged. The Emperor's expression darkened further.
"I see," he said harshly. "Until further investigation, you shall remain confined to your chambers."
Zhen Li bowed respectfully, eyes lowered to hide the triumphant spark within. Her first real victory was achieved—but she knew this was merely the opening move in a far more dangerous game.
Returning home, she found General Xu Wei waiting discreetly near her residence, a subtle smile upon his lips.
"Well done, Lady Zhen," he remarked quietly. "Your strategy was impeccable."
She smiled faintly, acknowledging his praise. "Yet the war has barely begun, General."
He nodded gravely, eyes serious and intent. "Indeed. But at least now, your enemies understand they face a formidable opponent."
Their eyes met in mutual understanding. From this point forward, there was no turning back.