The Inner Palace – Orchid Courtyard

Within the serene walls of the Orchid Courtyard lived Concubine Su, one of the Emperor’s lesser wives—harmless on the surface, but razor-sharp behind the silk. She owed her favor not to beauty or wit, but to secrets… secrets she sold to the highest bidder.

And recently, she’d been whispering Zhou Mei’s lies straight into the Empress’s circle.

Today, Shen Lianhua came to visit with a tray of rare snow-lotus cakes and a warm smile.

“Your Grace,” Lianhua said, bowing gracefully, “I’ve heard your poetry is unmatched and hoped I might study under you.”

Su blinked—surprised, flattered, wary.

“Of course, Crown Princess-to-be,” she said, smoothing her sleeves. “But surely you’re too busy for such things.”

“Not at all,” Lianhua said sweetly. “My future role requires grace in every form. Including the subtle art of courtly conversation.”

Su chuckled. “A rare girl, indeed.”

Yes, Lianhua thought, rare enough to look harmless while digging graves.

Two Days Later – The Imperial Poetry Banquet

Lianhua hosted it herself—an elegant gathering in the name of literature and harmony. Guests from all factions were invited. Even Zhou Mei was present, seated far from the main table, forced to smile through clenched teeth.

The event climaxed with a reading of poems written by the attendees.

Concubine Su stood, unfolding her silk scroll with a confident smirk.

But before she could read, Lianhua raised a hand.

“Before you begin, Your Grace, might I read one that was anonymously delivered to the Crown Prince’s study yesterday?”

Su paused, visibly unsettled. “Of… of course.”

Lianhua read aloud, voice calm and poised:

“The Crown’s shadow darkens with child unknown,
Conceived in shame, by blood not royal grown.
May the plum blossom hide its stain,
Until winter's snow absolves its name.”

Gasps.

Silence.

Lianhua lowered the scroll.

“Curious, isn’t it?” she said lightly. “That someone would slander both the Prince and I in poetic form. Especially when the language closely resembles that of Concubine Su’s published verses.”

Su’s face drained of color.

“This is slander—!”

“Is it?” Lianhua asked, smiling. “The Crown Prince has already ordered a handwriting comparison.”

A eunuch stepped forward, holding a matched sample.

The Empress, already watching, raised a hand. “Escort Concubine Su to her chambers. Until an investigation is complete, she is not to leave.”

Zhou Mei looked away.

Another ally—fallen.

That Night – Crown Princess’s Wing

Shen Lianhua removed her jewelry slowly in front of the mirror, her reflection calm, composed.

Li Shenzhao stepped inside, watching her from the doorway.

“You terrify them now,” he said.

“Good,” she replied. “I want them to be afraid of what happens when they lie about me.”

“And when they lie about me?”

She turned, stepping into his space.

“Then they learn why I’m marrying the most powerful man in the empire.”