The moment Emperor Jin Longwei left his chambers, the palace erupted like a disturbed beehive.
Lin Yue didn't need to step outside to feel it — the tension seeped through the walls, carried by hurried footsteps and hushed voices. Servants rushed back and forth, their faces pale, their whispers sharp with fear.
"Did you hear? His Majesty brought a woman into the Dragon Hall!"
"A maid, they say!"
"No… a stranger. No one knows her name."
"Then why would His Majesty—"
"Shh! Do you want to die?"
Lin Yue pressed a hand to her chest, her heart pounding.
She wasn't used to being the center of attention — especially not in a world where attention could get her killed.
A soft knock startled her.
The door slid open just enough for a young maid to slip inside. She was small, timid, with wide eyes that darted nervously around the room.
"Y‑Your… Your Ladyship," the girl stammered.
"Ladyship?" Lin Yue blinked. "I'm not—"
"You must be," the maid whispered urgently. "His Majesty ordered that no one may question your identity. That means you outrank everyone except the Empress."
Lin Yue nearly choked.
How did I outrank an entire harem in one hour?
The maid bowed deeply. "My name is Xiao An. His Majesty assigned me to serve you."
Assigned.
Not requested.
Not offered.
Assigned.
The emperor wasn't giving her a choice.
Before Lin Yue could respond, Xiao An hurried to close the curtains, her hands trembling.
You must stay hidden," she whispered. "The harem is in chaos. They're all demanding answers."
Lin Yue frowned. "Who exactly?"
Xiao An swallowed hard.
The Empress. Noble Consort Zhen. Consort Mei. Even the Empress Dowager has summoned the emperor."
Lin Yue's stomach dropped.
Xiao An continued in a whisper, "They think you're… dangerous."
"Dangerous? I haven't done anything."
"That's why they're afraid," Xiao An said. "His Majesty has never brought a woman into his private chambers. Not once. Not even the Empress."
Lin Yue froze.
Xiao An nodded, voice trembling. "You are the first."
The weight of those words settled heavily on Lin Yue's shoulders.
Before she could process it, a loud crash echoed from outside — a vase shattering, followed by angry voices.
Xiao An rushed to the window and peeked out. Her face went white.
"It's Noble Consort Zhen," she whispered. "She's furious. She's demanding to see you."
Lin Yue's pulse quickened. "What does she want?"
"To know why His Majesty ignored her for you," Xiao An said. "And to make sure you never threaten her position again."
Lin Yue stepped back instinctively.
But before fear could take root, the doors slammed open.
A group of palace guards entered — not hostile, but firm, protective.
"By order of His Majesty," the lead guard announced, "no one is permitted to approach this chamber. Anyone who attempts to do so will be punished."
Xiao An exhaled shakily. "His Majesty… he's protecting you."
Lin Yue didn't know whether to feel relieved or terrified.
The guards took their positions outside, forming a barrier between her and the furious harem.
Inside, the room fell silent again.
Lin Yue sank onto a cushioned seat, her mind spinning.
She had been in this world for less than a day.
She didn't know the rules.
She didn't know the dangers.
She didn't know how to survive.
But one thing was clear:
The emperor had claimed her.
And because of that, the entire harem now saw her as their enemy.