Ruhan caught the knife midair, his hand moving faster than anyone could see. With a sharp twist, he turned it around and aimed it straight at Consort Ling's heart.
But Shen Han was quicker. He swung his sword, and the metal flashed between them, striking the blade aside with a loud clang.
Consort Ling stumbled back, falling to the ground. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Mother!" Xiao Zhi cried as she rushed to her side. She grabbed her mother's trembling hands. "Are you hurt?"
Too shaken to speak, Consort Ling merely shook her head.
Shen Han stood protectively in front of them, pointing his sword straight at Ruhan, ready to strike again.
Ruhan, strangely calm, just smiled. "My, my… I was only defending myself. Is this even fair, General Shen?" His tone was playful, as if the chaos entertained him.
"Enough!" The emperor's roar echoed through the hall. He slammed his hand against the armrest. "What is this madness? Consort Ling, how dare you try to harm an envoy!"
"Father, wait—" Xiao Zhi tried to speak, but the Emperor's hand shot up.
"Guards!" he commanded, pointing his finger toward his consort. "Apprehend Consort Ling!"
Two guards stepped forward immediately, but before they could reach her, Xiao Zhi was already moving.
"No! Stop!" she cried out as she stood between them and her mother. With pleading eyes, she looked at the Emperor. "Father, please! She didn't mean to! She was just desperate. It's all my fault."
"Lian Zhi," the Emperor snapped, his eyes burning with fury now. "Are you trying to defy me now?"
Xiao Zhi dropped to her knees instantly. "No, Father. I don't dare. But please… let Mother go. I'll go to Tughril, I'll obey. I'll go peacefully." Her voice trembled but didn't break. "Just… spare her."
Shen Han's sword didn't move. "Your Highness—"
"Shen Han!" she shouted, holding up her palm toward him. "Put your sword down. Trust me. I'll be fine."
He hesitated.
"Trust me," she said again softly, meeting his eyes. "I'll be okay. Just protect my mother. That's all I ask. Everything else... leave it to me."
Shen Han didn't move at first, his eyes locking on hers. Slowly, he lowered his sword, though his grip was still tight.
The Emperor's eyes softened slightly at his daughter's composure. The room remained tense, but no one moved.
"I'll be okay, Mother," Xiao Zhi whispered, turning to Consort Ling. She brushed her mother's tears away with her finger. "I'm strong now. Trust me."
Consort Ling nodded weakly. "My Zhi'er…" she whispered. Her voice was breaking. "You shouldn't have to bear this."
Smiling faintly, she forced a strength into her voice. "It's fine, Mother. I've made my choice."
The Emperor let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples before straightening his robe. "Enough. Proceed with the preparations. The bride will leave with the envoy. I will not tolerate further delays or distractions."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the eunuch said, bowing.
Xiao Zhi helped her mother up and turned to Shen Han. "Take her back to her quarters, and make sure she rests. I'll visit later."
Consort Ling clung to her one last time. "Zhi'er…"
"It will be okay, Mother. Go with Shen Han for now," Xiao Zhi promised, even though she wasn't sure she could keep it.
She watched as Shen Han guided her mother out of the hall. When she turned back, her eyes met Ruhan's. Xiao Zhi held his gaze firmly, her eyes saying what her lips didn't.
Don't think I'll give up. This isn't over.
Facing the throne again, she bowed to the emperor, who still had his hand pressed firmly against his throbbing temple. "Your Majesty, I shall take my leave and prepare for the journey."
The emperor gave a tired nod, waving his hand in dismissal.
Once she was out the door, she turned her gaze briefly toward the Great Hall in the distance. In the original novel, that hall had been drenched in blood, her mother's blood, after a desperate attack gone wrong. But in this version, it stood quiet and untouched.
Her fate hadn't changed, but she had already altered something. A small victory, yes, but a precious one.
For that, she could endure the rest.
***
Back in her quarters, Xiao Zhi folded her clothes quietly. Qin Yan and another maid helped beside her.
Her hands paused when she reached for a small bundle at the corner of the table, the one her mother had given her days ago. She opened it slowly.
Inside were a short blade and a small bottle of poison.
Xiao Zhi stared at them for a long moment. Then she sighed, wrapped them back up neatly, and placed the bundle beneath her folded robes.
"Are you done packing, Your Highness?" Qin Yan asked softly.
"Almost." Her tone remained calm, but deep inside, her heart was already bracing for what would come next. "Just… making sure I don't forget anything."
Before she could finish, the door swung open. Consort Ling and Shen Han rushed in.
"Mother!" Xiao Zhi hadn't expected to see her mother here, not after everything that had just happened. "I told you I'd visit you later."
"I couldn't wait." She clutched Xiao Zhi's arm. "You think I can just let you go like this?"
"Mother, please…" Xiao Zhi took her hands, steadying the tremor in them. "I'll be fine. I promised."
"Do you still have what I gave you?"
Xiao Zhi nodded.
"Good." Consort Ling gave a slight nod back. "Use it if you must. Don't worry about me. The Emperor won't dare to harm me."
Shen Han stepped forward, his hand resting firmly on the hilt of his blade. "She'll have me. Don't worry, Lian Zhi. I'll protect your mother."
Xiao Zhi met his gaze, and for a second, the mask of the brave princess slipped.
"Thank you, Shen Han. For... everything."
Shen Han's head bowed low to hide the tension in his jaw, but his grip on the hilt tightened. "Lian Zhi, I—"
"I know," she cut him off. She couldn't let him finish that thought. "It's all right. This is the path I chose."
"I swore to be your shield, yet I'm standing here while you prepare to cross the border alone. I failed to protect you."
"You didn't fail." Xiao Zhi stepped closer and placed a hand on his arm, her grip surprisingly firm. Under her touch, his knuckles finally began to relax, his grip on the sword loosening. "You saved the only part of me that matters. You saved my mother."
He finally dared to look up and meet her eyes. "I will find a way to bring you back. Even if I have to carve a path through Tughril myself."
I know you would, but please don't wait till I die.
"I trust you." She turned, gently guiding her mother toward him. "But for now, take care of my mother for me."
He bowed deeply, "I promise, my princess."