The banquet stretched into the late hours, its music echoing throughout the palace grounds. While the nobles reveled in the luxuries of the imperial court, Li Yuhua's mind remained sharply focused on her task. Each smile she gave, each glance exchanged with the courtiers, was carefully calculated. Every word she spoke was chosen with precision. But now, as the night deepened, it was time to move beyond pleasantries.
Slipping away from the bustling hall, she made her way toward the palace gates. The cool night air hit her face as soon as she exited the grand doors, a welcomed reprieve from the stifling atmosphere inside. Her crimson gown swayed in the breeze as she moved quickly but quietly, keeping to the shadows. The palace gardens, though beautiful, were also filled with potential eyes and ears—spies of the emperor, Chancellor Fang, and even Xiao Ruichen.
The thought of the general caused a flicker of unease. His warning from earlier still lingered in her mind. He had appeared at the banquet unexpectedly, and his cryptic words hinted that he knew more than he let on. Li Yuhua had to remain vigilant. Trusting the wrong person could lead to her downfall.
Reaching the willow grove near the gates, she paused for a moment, listening for any sounds of movement. The rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of crickets—nothing out of the ordinary. She stepped forward into the grove, her heart pounding in her chest. Moments later, Han Fei appeared from the shadows.
He was dressed in his usual scholar's robes, his face partially hidden beneath the hood. His expression was as serious as ever, though there was a glint in his eyes—something she couldn't quite place.
"Lady Li," he greeted her in a hushed tone. "I wasn't followed, but we must be quick. There are eyes everywhere tonight."
Li Yuhua nodded, stepping closer to him. "What have you found?"
Han Fei glanced around once more before pulling a small scroll from his sleeve. He handed it to her with great care. "It's as you suspected," he said quietly. "Chancellor Fang has been moving funds from the imperial treasury into private accounts—money meant for military defense. He's been siphoning resources from the empire for his own gain."
Li Yuhua's heart raced as she unrolled the scroll, her eyes scanning the detailed records. Names, dates, amounts—it was all there. Proof of Fang Wei's corruption. Her pulse quickened, a mixture of triumph and fury filling her chest. This was what she needed. With this evidence, she could finally expose Fang Wei for the traitor he was.
"But there's more," Han Fei continued, his voice lowering even further. "The emperor is aware of Fang's actions, but he's too weak to oppose him. The court is divided, and those who still support the emperor are being silenced. There's talk that Fang Wei is planning something… something far more dangerous than mere embezzlement."
Li Yuhua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Assassination," Han Fei said grimly. "There are rumors that Fang is preparing to eliminate the emperor entirely, paving the way for him to seize control of the empire. He's gathering allies within the court, those who will support his claim to power once the emperor falls."
A chill ran down Li Yuhua's spine. The game was far more dangerous than she had anticipated. Exposing Fang Wei's corruption was one thing, but if he was planning to assassinate the emperor, then the entire empire was at risk. The balance of power could shift overnight, and if Fang succeeded, there would be no stopping him.
"We have to act quickly," Li Yuhua said, her voice steady despite the weight of the information. "If we don't stop him soon, it will be too late."
Han Fei nodded in agreement. "But you must be careful, Lady Li. Fang Wei is not a man to be underestimated. He has eyes and ears everywhere. One wrong move, and he will strike."
Li Yuhua clenched the scroll tightly in her hand. She knew the risks. But she also knew that this was her only chance to avenge her family and save the empire from Fang Wei's tyranny. She would not back down, no matter the cost.
As they spoke, a faint sound reached her ears—footsteps approaching from the direction of the palace. Li Yuhua's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly hid the scroll in her sleeve. Han Fei's eyes widened, and he stepped back into the shadows, his figure blending seamlessly into the night.
A moment later, a figure emerged from the darkness. Xiao Ruichen.
His silver armor glinted in the moonlight, his expression hard as stone. He approached slowly, his eyes locked on Li Yuhua, and for a brief moment, she thought he had overheard their conversation. But then, he stopped a few feet away, his gaze flicking briefly to the willow trees.
"You're alone," he stated, though there was a question buried within his words.
Li Yuhua kept her expression neutral. "I needed some air," she replied smoothly. "The banquet was… stifling."
Xiao Ruichen's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he didn't quite believe her, but he said nothing more about it. Instead, he stepped closer, his voice low. "I've received word that Chancellor Fang has been making unusual movements in the court. He's planning something dangerous."
Li Yuhua's heart pounded in her chest. How much did Xiao Ruichen know? Was he truly trying to help her, or was this all part of some greater scheme? She had to tread carefully.
"I've heard similar rumors," she said cautiously. "But without proof…"
Xiao Ruichen's eyes darkened. "Proof will come soon enough. But when it does, you must be prepared. The court is a battlefield, Lady Li. And battles are won by those who strike first."
There was a weight to his words, a warning hidden beneath the surface. Li Yuhua studied his face, searching for any hint of his true intentions, but his expression remained unreadable. For now, she would have to play along, keep him close, and figure out whether he was an ally or an enemy.
"I understand," she said quietly. "Thank you for the warning, General."
Xiao Ruichen nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer before he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night. As soon as he was gone, Han Fei emerged from the shadows once more, his face pale.
"That was too close," he muttered. "We have to be more careful."
Li Yuhua nodded in agreement, her thoughts racing. The pieces were moving faster than she had anticipated, and soon, the first strike would be made. But who would it be? Fang Wei, Xiao Ruichen, or someone else entirely?
As the moonlight bathed the willow grove in a ghostly glow, Li Yuhua knew one thing for certain: the dance of deception had only just begun.
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End of Chapter 6