Imperial Tailors' Pavilion – Nine Days Before Coronation

The silk was crimson.
The thread: woven with strands of gold and phoenix feathers.
It took sixteen artisans to embroider the empress-to-be’s ceremonial robe.

Shen Lianhua stood in the center of it all—arms lifted slightly as the tailors whispered and moved around her like bees circling a queen.

But her mind wasn’t on stitches.

It was on silence.

Because somewhere within the court, a new threat was gathering—one not from her past, but from his.

That Evening – Crown Prince’s Private Study

Li Shenzhao read the report slowly, lips drawn in a hard line.

“Lady Xu,” he said.

Lianhua looked up from her notes.

“The old tutor’s daughter?” she asked. “The one with cousins in the Ministry of Ceremonies?”

He nodded. “She’s returned from the northern border. Unmarried. Unaligned. And suddenly being invited to every noble wife’s salon. Including one hosted by Minister Yu’s niece.”

Lianhua’s brow arched. “Ah. A backup bride.”

Shenzhao said nothing.

But his hand curled slightly over the scroll.

“You once knew her,” Lianhua said quietly. “Didn’t you?”

“Yes. When I was younger. She was poised to be chosen, if not for you.”

Lianhua walked to him, lifted his chin gently.

“And are they testing your loyalty… or mine?”

“Both,” he replied. “But only one of us will give them an answer.”

She leaned in and kissed his forehead. “Then let’s give it together.”

Three Days Later – Hall of Heavenly Rites

Every influential noblewoman in the capital was present. Velvet gowns. Polished jade. Carefully guarded secrets behind painted smiles.

And at the center table, Lady Xu Jinyan, flawless in every way—except for her timing.

She spoke softly, humbly, with rehearsed grace.

“I only wish to serve the court,” she said to the circle of wives. “Whatever form that may take.”

Several nodded.

Then the doors opened.

Shen Lianhua entered.

Not escorted.

Not announced.

She wore a simple white silk robe, unadorned—save for the imperial hairpin of the Crown Princess, glinting in her black hair like a quiet blade.

“Ladies,” she said, voice as serene as a calm lake, “forgive my interruption. I was simply curious what legacy we’re entertaining today.”

A few flushed.

Lady Xu rose, bowing gently. “Your Highness honors us.”

“Do I?” Lianhua asked, stepping forward. “Then let me be clear. There will be no ‘second’ empress. There will be no convenient replacements. I may share the court—but I do not share my crown.”

Lady Xu hesitated.

“I meant no disrespect—”

“You didn’t need to,” Lianhua said. “Your presence was the message. I’ve returned it.”

She placed a scroll on the table: a copy of Lady Xu’s sealed correspondence with Minister Yu’s niece—detailing plans to shift inner court influence away from the Eastern Palace.

Gasps. Frozen faces.

“Some of you may not support me. But you will not plot beneath my roof.”

“This is the final warning.”

She turned and left—no threats. Just truth.

And it rang louder than thunder.

That Night – Crown Prince’s Bedchamber

Shenzhao traced his fingers along her bare back, the candlelight flickering over her skin.

“You’re not just prepared for the throne,” he said. “You’ve already taken it.”

She looked over her shoulder.

“Not yet,” she whispered. “But soon.”

And when she kissed him, it tasted like sovereignty.