Yanli sat in her quarters, stilling her breathing as the shock of her recent discovery settled within her. The ancient and foreign warehouse now lay concealed in her mind, a mysterious space accessible only to her. She marveled at the shelves upon shelves lined with rare herbs, spices, and precious foods from far-off lands—items of immense value that could tip the balance of power in times of famine or unrest.
Testing her newfound ability, she closed her eyes, focusing her thoughts until the warehouse appeared in her mind as clear as day. A single glance at the herbs confirmed their potency. Yanli knew she had been given a unique advantage, one that would help her survive the palace intrigues—and perhaps even defend her family if trouble came knocking again.
A rustling outside her door broke her concentration, pulling her back to the present. Moments later, her maid entered, bowing quickly. "My Lady, Prince Hanyu has arrived and requests an audience with you."
Yanli's eyes narrowed. Prince Hanyu. His visit would have excited her in her previous life; after all, he was once her intended. But now, knowing what she did—knowing the role he and Consort Mei would play in her family's ruin and her own death—her heart grew cold.
"Tell the prince I shall meet him in the garden," she said, dismissing her maid with a wave of her hand.
A chill breeze swept through the palace grounds as Yanli made her way to the garden. She schooled her expression into one of calm composure, her heart steeling itself against the memories of Hanyu's smiling mask and his cold betrayal. Today, she would begin her own game, testing him just as he had tested her.
When she arrived, Hanyu stood by the peonies, the smile on his face bright and charming. He looked as she remembered—handsome, with eyes that held a glimmer of mischief. But now, all she could see was the darkness hidden beneath.
"Yanli," he greeted, his voice soft and warm. "I've missed you. It's been far too long since we last spoke."
She dipped her head politely. "Your Highness honors me with his visit. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
He reached for her hand, but she pulled back ever so slightly, the motion barely noticeable yet intentional. His eyes flickered with a hint of surprise before he continued.
"I've been busy with court matters and other affairs," Hanyu explained, a carefully crafted excuse. "But I always think of you. Our future together…"
Yanli's smile did not reach her eyes. "Ah, the future. It's always so uncertain, isn't it?" She let her words linger, watching as Hanyu's expression faltered briefly.
A flicker of annoyance crossed his face before he masked it with a smile. "You seem... different, Yanli," he observed, attempting a lighthearted laugh. "I suppose time changes us all."
"Indeed," she replied, her tone as frosty as the winter breeze. "We must all adapt to survive, after all."
As they exchanged pleasantries, Yanli felt a surge of satisfaction. She could already see his discomfort, his mild irritation at her changed demeanor. The prince may have hidden his true nature well, but he had underestimated her resolve.
Hanyu finally rose, his smile stretched a bit too tight. "I shall take my leave, then," he murmured, dipping his head. "I hope to see you again soon."
Yanli returned his farewell with a measured nod, watching him depart through the gardens. The past may have bound them, but this time, she would sever those chains herself.
As she returned to her quarters, her thoughts turned to Prince Zhen—the emperor's elusive younger brother, who had been watching her closely from the shadows.