Crown Princess’s Study – Two Days After the Temple Rite

The list of names was short, but dangerous.

Each one was tied to General Wei Xuanzhi—either through war camps, marriage alliances, or discreet political favors. These weren’t men with titles alone.

They were loyalists, many unaware they were pawns in Lianhua’s long game.

She tapped a brush against the scroll.

“I don’t need to destroy him all at once,” she murmured. “I just need to take away every piece that lets him believe he still matters.”

Across from her, Xiao Fen hesitated. “Will the Crown Prince approve of this?”

Lianhua’s smile was faint. Sharp.

“He won’t interfere. And if he truly sees me, he’ll understand why it must be done.”

Minister Ren of the Armament Bureau received a quiet audit that same afternoon—his books found lacking, his appointment suspended.

Madam Sun of the Silk Ledger Guild, once known to source supplies for House Wei, discovered her contracts suddenly voided by palace decree.

General He of the Western Command was reassigned—under polite applause—to a ceremonial post on the northern cliffs.

Each move made no noise.

But in Wei Xuanzhi’s world, it was an earthquake in slow motion.

Wei Estate – War Hall

General Wei slammed his hand against the lacquered map table.

“She’s moving against me,” he growled. “One contact at a time. One ally stripped and thrown to the wolves.”

Across the room, a messenger from Minister Yu bowed deeply.

“Perhaps it is time to bring your strength to bear, General. The Crown Prince may be powerful—but he is not invincible.”

“Join us,” the man said. “When the Emperor falls, we will rise… and Shen Lianhua will fall with him.”

Xuanzhi said nothing.

But his hand clenched slowly around the hilt of the ceremonial sword she had once polished for him.

She chose a crown over me. Now I’ll take her crown and bury it in the dirt she came from.

Later – Crown Prince’s Quarters

The storm outside matched the one in Lianhua’s mind.

She sat before the window, watching the rain fall in perfect sheets, her hand wrapped around a cup of untouched tea.

Shenzhao entered without a word, reading the news from the Bureau of Personnel.

“Wei’s people are falling.”

“Good,” she said.

“Is this just about control?” he asked.

She looked at him then, her gaze heavy.

“No,” she whispered. “This is about justice.”

“He used me. Discarded me. Killed me. In this life, I will make him feel every crack I once begged him to see.”

Shenzhao walked over and pressed his lips to her temple.

“Then I’ll clear the path while you drag him through it.”