Shen Han walked down the corridor on his way back from the Imperial Guard office. His exchange with Envoy Ruhan earlier had left a faint unease he couldn't shake. There was something about that man—every step, every word seemed loaded with hidden meaning. Shen Han knew he had to stay alert.
He was lost in thought when a familiar voice stopped him."General Shen."
He turned his head and saw Princess Lian Yue standing at the end of the garden path. Her usual calm confidence was there, but now her expression carried something new. Satisfaction.
"Your Highness," he greeted, bowing slightly. His heart beat faster, bracing for news he wasn't sure he wanted. Dealing with Ruhan had left his mind tense, and now the princess's sudden appearance added another weight to his thoughts.
She walked closer, smiling cheerfully. "I was looking for you, actually."
Shen Han straightened. "Is there something you need?"
Her lips curved in a knowing smile. "News, perhaps. I spoke with Father last night."
"About what?" he asked cautiously.
"About us." Her tone was casual, but her gaze was steady. "He agreed to our marriage."
Shen Han's brows furrowed. "Princess, that's—"
"Perfectly proper," she interrupted smoothly, 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."
She smiled in satisfaction before continuing. "You should be honored, General."
Shen Han tried to remain calm, but his jaw tightened. "I am honored by His Majesty's trust… but my heart cannot be commanded."
Lian Yue tilted her head, annoyance flickering on her face. "Still Princess Lian Zhi?"
He said nothing.
Her smile faltered. "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 remained silent, letting his silence speak for him.
She folded her arms, breathing heavier with frustration. "Father's decree has sealed her fate. There is nothing you can do!"
Finally, Shen Han lifted his head and spoke calmly, "Forgive me, Princess. But as long as she is here, and as long as I am here, my heart will not waver." He couldn't reveal the plan he and Lian Zhi had devised, but one thing was clear: there were two obstacles they needed to overcome before they could surrender to their fate, and they could be together again.
Lian Yue studied him for a moment before exhaling softly. Her smile returned, faint and cold. "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.
***
The first rays of dawn crept across the palace corridors as Xiao Zhi rolled over in bed. The morning sunlight pierced through her window, almost too bright. She groaned and stretched a hand to shield her eyes—then froze.
Her hands… 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. Heart hammering, she shot upright, pressing a hand to her mouth to stifle a squeal.
It works! The poison works! she thought, nearly bouncing with excitement.
"Qin Yan!" she called to her loyal maid.
"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. "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, whispers 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, pale and dramatic. A royal doctor sat next to her. She has briefed the doctor to follow her plan, bribing him with some money he couldn't refuse.
"Zhi'er, are you sure you're okay?" Consort Ling asked softly, sitting nearby. Although amused by her daughter's plan, she was still worried by how miserable Xiao Zhi looked.
"I am, Mother. Don't worry. This will work," Xiao Zhi said firmly to calm down her mother.
Moments later, footsteps echoed outside. Her heart thudded. Here it comes.
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 asked, alarmed.
Lian Yue covered her mouth dramatically. "Eww...Lian Zhi! What is that? You look… revolting!"
"Lian Yue!" the Emperor barked at her first daughter's comment. But, she waved her hands in disgust.
Consort Ling hurried from behind a silk screen, handkerchief pressed to her lips, eyes shining with perfectly timed tears. "My poor child… what curse has befallen you?" she cried, collapsing beside the bed. "Who allowed this to happen?"
Xiao Zhi bit her cheek to keep herself from smiling. Perfect. Mother, you deserve an Oscar.
At the doorway, Ruhan stood quietly with his arms crossed. His dark eyes scanned the room—the Emperor's panic, Lian Yue's disgust, Consort Ling's performance—and finally landed on Xiao Zhi. A faint smile tugged at his lips, amused.
"I see," he said calmly. "The princess requires time to recover. I will inform the Turghil Khan that the wedding must be postponed."
Xiao Zhi blinked. Wait, that's not supposed to happen! Don't postpone! Change the bride at least!
She gave a small, subtle nod toward the court physician, 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.
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 lips twitched in amusement. "Interesting," he murmured under his breath.
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 Turghil as the bride."
Xiao Zhi looked up weakly, eyes shimmering with false tears, but her lips curled into a secret smile. It works.
Lian Yue gasped. "Father, you don't mean—"
"You will replace her as the bride for this marriage alliance," the Emperor said calmly.
"No! You can't! Father, please, no!" Lian Yue's face drained of color while Xiao Zhi fought to keep her smile hidden.
Only Ruhan remained unfazed, his gaze flicking toward Xiao Zhi with a faint smirk. So this is your move.
His eyes met Xiao Zhi's, surprisingly calm to her surprise. She didn't like it.
Is her plan really working?