While Xiao Zhi was struggling for survival beneath the blazing desert sun, the world inside Hua Palace remained calm and unbothered.
The East Wing, once filled with worried whispers and concerned looks, was now quiet.
Princess Lian Yue sat on a wooden bed, her skin clear as glass and her posture straight and composed. The red rashes that had covered her face the day before were gone, replaced by the smooth skin she took pride in.
The beautiful princess had returned.
She brushed her fingers lightly over her cheek, admiring the reflection in a nearby mirror. A small, satisfied smile curved her lips.
Everything was going according to her plan. She had successfully avoided being married off to the barbaric Tughril prince, and, most importantly, she had gotten rid of her sister. And soon, she would have the man she always desired.
The maidservant at her side flinched slightly at the expression on the princess's face. That look always scared her. She hesitated for a bit before bowing her head. "Your Highness, His Majesty has summoned you to the Great Hall. A decree will be read."
Lian Yue's eyes gleamed, but she already knew the content of the decree. "Finally."
She rose gracefully and glided down the corridor. Her every step was filled with confidence, as though the wooden floor itself acknowledged her triumph.
When she entered the Great Hall, every eye turned toward her. Ministers, court officials, and even Shen Han stood waiting.
Unlike her, Shen Han's expression was tense. There was a mixture of anger and helplessness in his eyes.
Lian Yue's smile remained flawless and triumphant, as if the world itself had bowed to her will.
The Emperor looked up and spoke to the hall with clear authority. "Since Princess Lian Yue has arrived, we can continue with the matter at hand."
A eunuch stepped forward and unrolled the golden scroll containing the decree. Everyone in the hall knelt, their heads lowered in respect. Lian Yue and Shen Han followed suit.
"Princess Lian Yue," the eunuch began, "graceful, intelligent, and filial. Possessing the virtues of a wise princess. General Shen Han, skillful and loyal. Renowned for his courage and unwavering service to the empire. They are a most fitting match. By Imperial decree, the two shall wed on a day of good fortune."
Shen Han's hands were clamped at his sides, trembling with a fury he had to hide. Lian Yue looked at him, her eyes dancing with victory. They moved as one to accept the scroll. Lian Yue's voice was sweet as she thanked her father, but Shen Han's "thank you" was a low, hollow sound that barely reached the Emperor's ears.
"The wedding shall take place in seven days," the Emperor announced.
***
Shen Han left the hall and walked into the open air, but he still felt like he couldn't breathe. His hands were clamped shut at his sides, his fingernails digging into his palms. The Emperor's decree was just a piece of paper, but to Shen Han, it felt as heavy as a mountain.
Seven days.
Seven days before he had to bow, to smile, to marry a woman he did not love, while the one he truly cared for remained beyond reach.
His heart clenched at the thought of Lian Zhi. She had been gone for days, and her fate and safety were unknown. He let her go, just like that. He failed to protect her, and now he had even failed to protect their love.
"General Shen," a soft voice called, cutting through his thoughts.
He turned to see Lian Yue approaching, with a victory smile that never faltered. Shen Han exhaled hard. She was the last person he wanted to see right now.
"Your Highness," he said with a polite but distant tone.
"I told you I would have you eventually," she said slowly, savoring each word. Then she paused, allowing the threat to hang in the air for a dramatic effect. "You cannot escape now."
Shen Han's expression remained unchanged. "I follow His Majesty's will."
"Say what you will, Shen Han. You are mine now, whether you like it or not." Lian Yue took a step closer to him.
Shen Han lifted his gaze firmly. "You will never have my heart."
Lian Yue's eyes narrowed, her victory smile faltering slightly. "And where does your heart lie? With Lian Zhi, the one already sent away to marry another man?"
"You are a fool, Shen Han," she snapped, anger rising in her voice. "I can offer you power, prestige, and the position of Prince Consort. Your family will rise in status. Your obedience would serve you well. And Lian Zhi? She's gone. You have no choice but to accept this."
"She may be gone for now, but I will rescue her," he muttered, determination filled his voice. "I will bring her back to my side. I will be with her again. No matter what I must do, I will do everything in my power to make it happen."
Lian Yue laughed softly. "You are indeed a fool, Shen Han."
She took another step, forcing him to look down at her. The softness in her face was gone, replaced by a gaze that was as hard as stone.
"You are a general, yes. But you are merely a soldier under the Emperor's control. As for me, I am the Emperor's precious daughter. I control him. And so you, my precious general, have no power." She leaned in, her lips close to his ear. "You are under my control."
Shen Han clenched his fists harder, trembling against his will. As much as he hated to admit it, she was right. In this palace, he had no power. Who was he even kidding? Determination and will alone could not help Lian Zhi. Even the best general, with the sharpest sword, was powerless against Lian Yue's hold over the emperor. What could he do?
Seeing the despair spread across Shen Han's face, Lian Yue felt a sense of satisfaction. She turned gracefully, ready to leave, then she paused. "Prepare yourself, General. Seven days cannot come soon enough." She smiled over her shoulder as she walked away. Every step radiated confidence and victory.
Behind her, Shen Han's hands remained clenched. He exhaled slowly, a mix of fury and despair rushing through him.