Shen Han walked down the corridor from the Imperial Guard office that night with his mind tense.
His earlier conversation with Envoy Ruhan left a faint uneasiness that he couldn't shake. There was something about that man that he could not grasp. His every step and every word seemed to hide another meaning. Shen Han knew he had to stay alert.
He was lost in thought when a familiar voice stopped him. "General Shen."
He lifted his head and saw Princess Lian Yue standing at the end of the corridor, looking far too satisfied.
"Your Highness," he greeted the princess, bowing slightly.
His heart was beating faster, bracing for news he wasn't sure he wanted. Dealing with Ruhan had already made his mind tense, and now the princess's sudden appearance added another headache he didn't need.
She closed the distance, her expression glowing with a satisfaction that set him on edge. Whenever Lian Yue smiled like that, someone was usually about to suffer. "I was looking for you, actually."
Shen Han looked at her with slightly furrowed brows. "Is there something you need, Your Highness?"
"News, perhaps. I spoke with Father last night." She leaned in closely as her lips began to curve. "He agreed to our marriage."
Shen Han's stomach dropped. That "someone" was him.
"Princess, that's—"
"Perfectly proper," she interrupted, almost teasing. "A royal match between the Emperor's daughter and his most trusted general. Father said he would grant the marriage. A decree will be issued soon."
Satisfaction entered her voice as she continued, "You should be honored, General."
Shen Han tried to remain calm, refusing to give any reaction. "I am honored by His Majesty's trust, but my heart cannot be commanded."
Lian Yue's face twisted with annoyance. "Still Princess Lian Zhi?"
He said nothing.
"You are foolish," she snapped, "That woman will be married off soon, whether you like it or not. You're fighting a battle you have already lost."
Shen Han still didn't say a word and let his silence speak for him.
She folded her arms, breathing louder as she grew more frustrated. "Father's decree has sealed her fate. There is nothing you can do!"
He finally lifted his head. "Forgive me, Your Highness. But no matter what happens, my heart will not waver."
Shen Han couldn't reveal the plan he and Lian Zhi had devised, but one thing was clear: there were two obstacles they still had to overcome before they could be together.
Lian Yue studied him for a moment before exhaling softly. "We'll see, General. I admire your devotion… even if it's wasted."
She turned and walked away, her steps heavy enough to echo on the wooden floor. Shen Han stood there long after she was gone. He knew he needed a new plan, and fast.
Little did he know, the one woman he truly loved had already taken the first, terrifying step of a plan that would change everything.
***
The next morning, the sunlight pierced through her window as Xiao Zhi rolled over in bed. It was almost too bright. She groaned and stretched a hand to shield her eyes... then she froze.
Her hands, which used to be soft and perfectly manicured, were now covered in angry red rashes.
Panic surged, and she nearly screamed until realization hit. The poison she had taken last night was working.
She glanced at the rest of her body and saw the rash spreading just as she had planned. With her heart pounding in excitement, she shot upright, pressing a hand to her mouth to stifle a squeal.
It works! The poison works!
"Qin Yan!"
"Yes, Your Highness?" Qin Yan entered promptly.
"The poison works!" Xiao Zhi said, showing off her rashes.
Qin Yan's eyes widened. "Oh, Princess! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Xiao Zhi assured her. "Now, spread the rumor around the palace. Tell everyone a plague is coming, and I might have caught it." She leaned in closer, whispering her next words. "Also, call a royal doctor, one you can trust. Ask him to come, but don't tell anyone else."
Qin Yan nodded. "Yes, Your Highness," and excused herself.
By mid-morning, words buzzed through the palace. Maids whispered, guards exchanged nervous glances, and the kitchen staff muttered anxiously about the "plague" sweeping the city.
Xiao Zhi lay back under the quilt, putting on her most pathetic face. An imperial doctor sat next to her. She had briefed the doctor to follow her plan, bribing him with some money he couldn't refuse.
"Zhi'er, are you sure about this?" Consort Ling whispered, sitting by the bed. She had been terrified when she first saw the rash, but now she was playing along, though her worry was still there.
"I am, Mother. Don't worry. This will work."
Moments later, as footsteps echoed outside, her pulse began racing.
Here we go.
The door opened. The Emperor entered first, his usual sternness softened by worry. Behind him, Lian Yue froze at the sight of her sister.
"Zhi'er… what has happened to you?" the Emperor gasped, staring at his daughter's condition in horror.
Lian Yue covered her mouth dramatically. "Eww... Lian Zhi! What is that? You look… revolting!"
"Lian Yue!" the Emperor barked at his eldest daughter's comment. Lian Yue waved her hands in disgust.
Consort Ling seized the moment, collapsing beside the bed with a handkerchief pressed to her eyes. "My poor child! What curse is this?"
Xiao Zhi bit her cheek to keep herself from smiling.
Perfect Mama, you deserve an Oscar.
She was too busy with her performance that she didn't notice Ruhan was also there. But he wasn't joining the panic and remained leaning against the doorframe. His gaze traveled from the "sobbing" Consort to Xiao Zhi's "tragic" rashes. He caught her eye for a split second, and the corners of his mouth lifted. He wasn't buying the act for one bit.
"Seems like the princess requires time to recover. I will inform the Tughril Khan that the wedding must be postponed."
Xiao Zhi blinked and finally noticed him.
Wait, that's not how it supposed to happen! Don't postpone! Cancel the wedding! Change the bride at least!
She then gave a small, subtle nod toward the imperial doctor, who stepped forward with perfect timing.
"Your Majesty," the doctor said gravely, "the princess's condition is permanent. All remedies have failed. While she is not in grave danger, the rashes will scar. This… is incurable. This disease is like a curse."
Gasps filled the room.
"C-Cursed?!" Lian Yue shrieked, stumbling back toward the door.
Consort Ling pressed her hand to her forehead dramatically. "Heavens! My poor child! Why must fate be so cruel?"
Xiao Zhi groaned softly, turning her face away. "No… my beauty… my future…"
Maybe I should get an Oscar, too.
Ruhan's eyes glinted with the look of a man watching a particularly clever stage play. "How fascinating," he whispered.
The Emperor's face hardened. "Is there truly no cure? No treatment at all?"
"None, Your Majesty," the doctor replied solemnly.
Lian Yue suddenly cried in panic, "Father, I shouldn't stay here! This could be infectious! I don't want to be cursed too!" She was about to flee the room before the Emperor stopped her.
"Lian Yue, stay. Since Lian Zhi's condition is incurable, she cannot be sent to Tughril as the bride."
Xiao Zhi looked up weakly, eyes shimmering with false tears, but her lips curled secretly.
It works.
Lian Yue went deathly still. "Father, you don't mean—"
"You will replace her as the bride for this marriage alliance," the Emperor said firmly.
"No! You can't! Father, please, no!" Lian Yue's face drained of color while Xiao Zhi fought to keep her smile hidden.
While the room became a mess of shouting and tears, Ruhan simply watched with a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
His gaze flicked to Xiao Zhi, and she locked eyes with him. He was surprisingly calm, and she didn't like it. Not one bit.
Is her plan really working?