Wei Manor – Morning Court Briefing

General Wei Xuanzhi stood in full uniform, reviewing troop movements when the news hit like a war drum.

“His Highness has proposed marriage to Shen Lianhua,” a steward whispered, trembling. “The Emperor has approved it.”

The map slipped from his hands.

“What did you say?”

“She… she broke off the engagement. And the palace announced the new betrothal this morning.”

Zhou Mei, draped in soft lavender, appeared behind him, clutching a porcelain tea cup that now trembled in her hands.

“That can’t be,” she said. “It’s too soon. The documents aren’t even signed yet.”

“She couldn’t have done this,” Xuanzhi said, eyes narrowing. “She doesn’t have that kind of cunning.”

Zhou Mei’s voice dropped. “Then she learned it… in the dark.”

He stormed from the room, cloak billowing like smoke.

Imperial City – Market Streets

The whispers started before noon.

“Did you hear? The Shen girl is marrying the Crown Prince.”

“She must be brilliant—or bold.”

“Didn’t she used to be betrothed to the general? What did she do to turn his head?”

And the most cutting of all:

“Perhaps she was never meant to be the general’s pawn… but the empire’s queen.”

Shen Manor – Inner Courtyard

Shen Lianhua sat in her favorite garden pavilion, sipping tea while her father ranted behind closed doors with a dozen panicked officials.

She smiled faintly.

The first ripple had been sent through the water.

Now came the waves.

A maid rushed in, bowing low. “Mistress… your presence is requested at the palace. The Empress wishes to meet you privately.”

Lianhua set her teacup down.

“Then let’s not keep Her Majesty waiting.”

The Imperial Harem – Empress’s Private Chamber

Silken curtains, gold-leafed screens, and the soft scent of jasmine.

The Empress Dowager, elegant and calculating, regarded Lianhua like a chess piece she hadn’t placed—but was now intrigued by.

“You move quickly, Lady Shen.”

Lianhua bowed perfectly. “Life taught me that delay is costly.”

“Is this about affection for my son,” the Empress asked, “or ambition?”

Lianhua looked her straight in the eye.

“Both.”

The Empress blinked. Once.

“You’re bolder than I expected.”

“Because I’ve died once already,” Lianhua said softly. “And I won’t waste this life playing small.”

There was a pause.

Then the Empress smiled—just a little.

“Good. My son needs someone who doesn’t fear fire.”