Xiao Zhi sat in her room, panic filling her mind. Her heart was thumping so loud she could almost hear it.
"No… no, no, no!" She stood up and paced around the room, biting her finger as she desperately tried to think.
"This is bad. Today, the envoy will leave with the bride. And if I'm back to normal… that means I'm still at risk."
Her thoughts were cut short by footsteps outside. When she heard her maid greeting the Emperor, her panic grew. She quickly dove back into bed and pulled her blanket all the way up to cover herself.
The Emperor burst in, his gaze falling on the lump under the blanket. The Empress, the eunuch, and Xiao Zhi's trembling maids followed behind.
"Lian Zhi, are you awake?" The Emperor stepped closer to the bed, no more warmth in his voice.
The maid behind him stammered, "The Princess is resting, Your Majesty."
"Wake her up," he commanded the maids.
"But, Your Majesty, the doctor said—"
"Wake her up!" His patience thinned.
The maid dared not disobey. She crept closer and gently shook the blanket. "Princess, the Emperor and Empress are here."
Xiao Zhi groaned weakly from under the covers. "Father, forgive me… I'm too weak right now. I can't let you see me like this."
The Emperor's tone stayed calm but firm. "Uncover the blanket. I want to see your condition. Are you getting better?"
"I'm sorry, Father. I'm not presentable yet. I don't want to infect you." She coughed weakly between breaths.
The Emperor gestured to the eunuch. "Uncover it."
The eunuch stepped forward and tried to pull the blanket, but Xiao Zhi clung to it as if her life depended on it.
For a few awkward seconds, the two ended up in a blanket tug-of-war. One tugging, one refusing to let go.
"Princess Lian Zhi!" The Emperor's voice thundered.
Startled, Xiao Zhi lost her grip, and the eunuch stumbled back, pulling the blanket away.
Everyone froze.
The Emperor's sharp gaze fell on Xiao Zhi's smooth, flawless skin. He drew in a sharp breath, brows knitting.
Touching her cheek, Xiao Zhi pretended to be shocked. "Oh my heavens… It's a miracle! My rashes are gone!"
The Emperor did not look impressed.
"Princess Lian Zhi," he cleared his throat. "You will be the bride. You will leave for Tughril today. There is no debate." He turned away, not even waiting for Xiao Zhi to respond.
Without another word, the Emperor left the room. The Empress smiled in satisfaction before following him.
Xiao Zhi slumped against the headboard. After everything she had done, after all the misery, it all came to nothing.
She had failed. Again.
***
Meanwhile, Ruhan was preparing for his departure. He hummed softly as he adjusted his robes in front of the mirror, a smirk tugging at his lips. He let out a quiet laugh, remembering his little ploy from the night before.
It had been almost too easy. Swapping the bottles in the dead of night felt like child's play, and watching Lian Zhi smear the antidote over her skin while thinking it was an itch relief? That was too entertaining. He easily made them set themselves right into his trap.
He tied his sash neatly as the final step. Stepping out into the fresh morning air, he breathed in deeply as if savoring victory. His eyes swept over the peaceful palace one last time.
His mind flicked back to the day before the bandit raid near Hua's border. He had heard from his men that trouble would come. So, he had one of his soldiers disguise himself in his clothes and ride in the carriage as a decoy, while he and his strongest guard, Duran, took a separate route.
And the plan to get Consort Ling out of the palace? He found out about it, too. He didn't even need to do anything to stop it. All he had to do was drop a hint to Princess Lian Zhi that he knew her plan.
Every piece was falling perfectly back into its place. A fresh smile of victory curled his lips.
Just then, a palace guard approached and bowed. "Good morning, Envoy. The Emperor has summoned you to the Great Hall. He wishes to see you before your departure."
Ruhan gave a small nod. "Understood."
He followed the guard toward the hall. Duran, who was standing on guard not far away, followed him from behind.
***
Back in the Great Hall, everyone had gathered. Officials, guards, and attendants filled the space, their faces tense. Xiao Zhi, Consort Ling, and Shen Han stood among them, their expressions heavy with despair.
A moment later, Ruhan entered and bowed before the throne.
"Envoy Ruhan," the Emperor began, "today you depart from Hua and will bring one of my daughters as the bride to Tughril."
Ruhan nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"I must apologize for the commotion in the palace lately. I'm ashamed."
Ruhan lowered his gaze briefly in courtesy. "Nonsense, Your Majesty. Your hospitality has been… most entertaining. I thank you for your kindness."
Knowing that there was more behind those words, Xiao Zhi's stomach turned.
"There have been many unfortunate events," the Emperor continued. "But I am pleased to say Princess Lian Zhi will be the one to go with you to Tughril to marry the Grand Prince."
The hall murmured in surprise.
Xiao Zhi sighed in defeat, while Shen Han could only tighten his fists in frustration.
Consort Ling's eyes widened, and before she could think, she stepped forward.
"Your Majesty! You can't do this! Princess Lian Yue was chosen to be the bride!"
"Consort Ling, Lian Yue is ill. She is unfit to be the bride."
"But, Your Majesty, her illness is only temporary! She—"
"Enough!" His voice echoed through the hall. The Emperor had enough of this nonsense. "We've discussed this long enough. It would be an insult to the Tughril Khanate to delay further."
Consort Ling's panic broke through. "No! Lian Zhi is not going anywhere! I won't let her!" She turned to Ruhan. "Envoy Ruhan, please, don't take my daughter away!"
Ruhan's solemn expression did not change, and he only offered a polite bow. "I cannot interfere, Your Highness. The Emperor has decided."
"I will not let you take her!"
Xiao Zhi's eyes widened. Oh no, what is she doing?
Before anyone could react, Consort Ling drew a small knife hidden in her sleeve and lunged it toward Ruhan.
Ruhan didn't even flinch. The blade stopped just a thread away from his chest when Xiao Zhi screamed,
"Mother, no!"