A sharp pain spread through Ji Yunxi's temples. When she forced her eyes open, she was met not with the sterile brightness of the void but with an ornate canopy embroidered with phoenixes and gold thread.
She sat up slowly, finding herself in a lavish bedchamber filled with carved sandalwood furniture, jade vases, and silk curtains. Yet, despite the luxury, there was a suffocating gloom lingering in the air, like a palace wrapped in shadows.
Before she could gather her bearings, the system's crisp voice chimed in her head.
[ Host's current identity: Eldest Princess Ji Anning. ][ Fate: Betrayed on her coronation day, stripped of title, and exiled from the capital. ][ Mission Objective: Restore her throne and reveal the true traitor. ]
Ji Yunxi raised a brow. A princess betrayed at her own coronation… how dramatic.
She glanced at the nearby bronze mirror. The reflection staring back was hers yet not hers—delicate features framed by long black hair, dressed in royal silks. But the face looked pale, weary, and utterly defeated.
Suddenly, the heavy doors creaked open. A palace maid slipped in, panic etched across her face.
"Your Highness, you must rise quickly! The Empress Dowager has summoned you. They say… they say the Second Princess is to be named heir in your place!"
Ji Yunxi's lips curved coldly. "Already so eager to steal the throne? How efficient."
The maid trembled. "You—You seem… different today, Your Highness…"
Ji Yunxi stood, her gaze sharp, posture regal. The weakness of the original Ji Anning was gone; in its place was a quiet, suffocating confidence.
"Tell me," Ji Yunxi asked calmly, "who is the loudest supporter of the Second Princess?"
The maid stuttered, lowering her voice. "The Prime Minister… and… the Duke of Zhen's son, Mo Lian…"
Ji Yunxi froze.
Her chest tightened involuntarily at the name. Mo Lian… again?
Could it be him?
The system chimed neutrally.[ Warning: The male lead has appeared. ]
Ji Yunxi exhaled slowly. She should have expected this. No matter the world, he always seemed to find her. But if in this world he stood against her… then things would be far more complicated.
She turned, her voice low and commanding. "Prepare my formal robes. If they want a spectacle in the throne room, I'll give them one."
The maid's eyes widened. "Y-Yes, Your Highness!"
As the silks rustled and servants rushed to dress her, Ji Yunxi's eyes grew colder, sharper.
This time, she wasn't just slapping the faces of jealous heiresses—she would be slapping the faces of scheming nobles and traitors who dared strip her of what was rightfully hers.
And as for Mo Liancheng…
If he stood in her way, she would face him without hesitation—even if her heart whispered otherwise.