Southern Palace Gates – Dusk

The guards opened the side entrance just wide enough to admit a single rider.

Prince Li Shenwei entered the capital like a shadow slipping through the cracks.

Five years ago, he had been exiled for plotting to seize control of the northern garrison. His name was struck from official records. His crest burned. His servants dismissed.

Now he returned with a new weapon: political backing from the Yu Clan, whispers of imperial illness, and the promise of chaos.

His robes were still rich, but darker now. His smile—polished, but cold.

He didn’t want to be king.

He wanted to erase the brother who stood in his way.

Imperial Council – The Next Morning

The atmosphere was razor-thin. Crown Prince Li Shenzhao stood with his usual calm, flanked by high ministers and generals loyal to the throne.

When the herald called out, “Prince Li Shenwei, son of the Emperor, seeks reentry to court,” murmurs rolled like thunder.

Shenwei entered, bowing low.

“I have returned only to serve, not to steal,” he said with the elegance of a snake in brocade.

“The Emperor’s health is uncertain. The empire must be strong.”

“Should the Crown Prince fall short, I will be ready to shoulder the burden.”

Shen Lianhua, watching from behind the royal screen, smiled faintly.

He’s already misstepped, she thought.

He thinks succession is about rank. But it’s about reach.

That Night – Crown Princess’s War Room

Lianhua stood over a map of court alliances and hidden loyalties. Pins marked ministers. Colored threads traced allegiances.

Xiao Fen whispered, “What if the Yu Clan convinces enough nobles to challenge His Highness’s right?”

“Then we don’t just block them,” Lianhua said. “We expose them.”

She pulled a scroll from her sleeve—an old confession, signed and sealed, recovered by her spies.

“Minister Yu bribed two military clerks to erase Shenwei’s crimes from the archives. It was sloppy.”

Fen’s eyes widened. “And you mean to reveal it?”

“No,” Lianhua said, eyes gleaming. “I mean to let Shenwei reveal it himself.”

Three Days Later – Royal Debate Chamber

A special assembly convened.

The Yu faction presented a formal appeal: Shenwei as successor, citing “preparedness,” “health uncertainty,” and “the need for backup bloodlines.”

Lianhua stepped forward before Shenzhao could speak.

“If the court seeks loyalty, then let us measure it.”

She unfurled the scroll in front of Shenwei and Minister Yu.

“We asked Prince Shenwei to sign a reaffirmation of his loyalty to the Emperor, including an oath that he has never plotted against the throne.”

“He refused.”

Gasps.

Lianhua’s voice rang like a bell.

“Because if he signs it, he perjures himself.”

She handed the scroll to the court scribe.

“And I have the proof.”

Shenwei went pale. Yu tried to speak.

“Do not,” she said, silencing him with a single look. “Not unless you want this court to hear what your grandson paid the scribes to erase.”

The room gre quite and tongues stilled at Lianhua's words, leaving heads bowed and men looking away from Shenwei as if to distance themselves.

Later – Crown Prince’s Pavilion

Shenzhao poured her a cup of tea, his posture relaxed for the first time in days.

“You cornered them with their own blade.”

“They handed it to me,” Lianhua said. “I just made them trip on it.”

He looked at her, gaze warm.

“You’d have made a terrifying empress even without me.”

“But with you,” she whispered, “I’ll be unstoppable.”