Emperor Murong sat on the high throne, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest as The court was abuzz with whispered theories and hushed excitement, though none dared to speak too loudly in his presence. His gaze flickered from Jin Yue, standing still, her eyes downcast yet sharp, to her father, Lin Zhao, who knelt nervously before him.
"Lin Zhao," the Emperor began, his voice cool and deliberate, "you have caused quite the stir today." His tone was neutral, but there was a distinct edge to his words.
Lin Zhao flinched, his forehead nearly pressed to the floor. "Your Majesty, I—"
"Enough." The Emperor's voice cut through the air like a blade, silencing the room. "The matter has been settled, for now. We will put aside this… unfortunate misunderstanding."
Jin Yue's fingers twitched at the word "misunderstanding," but she kept her expression carefully neutral. Internally, though, she was screaming: Misunderstanding? He threw me under the carriage wheels!
Emperor Murong leaned back, his sharp eyes settling on Lin Zhao. "You, Lin Zhao, are her father. I trust you will take this opportunity to... cultivate your relationship with your daughter."
A murmur rippled through the court. Cultivate? Jin Yue thought bitterly. More like trim the branches off entirely.
Lin Zhao looked up hesitantly, there was relief in his eyes . "Your Majesty is most wise."
The Emperor waved his hand dismissively. "I think a few days of absence from the court will be beneficial for you. You may take leave to... restore harmony." At that, the emperor stood up an went out with two long lines of eunuchs.
The court began to disperse, ministers and officials bowing out, though the tension in the air remained palpable. Lin Zhao, still kneeling, finally stood, though his legs wobbled under the pressure of the situation.
He turned to Jin Yue with a strained smile, looking as though he were approaching a sleeping tiger. "Ah, Yue'er... such a day, eh?" His voice was painfully awkward, and Jin Yue could feel her annoyance simmering.
"Father," she replied flatly, drawing out the word as if it weighed on her tongue. "Indeed, quite the day. How kind of you to let me stand trial for execution in front of the Emperor...Truly touching."
Lin Zhao gave an exaggerated laugh, wiping his sweaty brow. "Now, now, you know it's all part of the... delicate balance of court life, yes?" He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "A small misunderstanding with His Majesty, nothing more. You should learn to keep your mouth shut, I mean, really, what would you gain from... acting all pitiful?
Jin Yue raised an eyebrow. "Besides not being executed yourself? Hmm, that's a tough one."
He gave another nervous laugh, glancing around to ensure no one else heard her biting remark. "Yue'er, you wound me. I only did what was necessary to protect us both. Besides, we have a few days now to... reconnect." He winced, his attempt at fatherly warmth coming across as deeply unconvincing. "Let's not quarrel over small things."
Jin Yue's hair stood up on it's end upon hearing his affectionate "Yue'er ".
She shot him a sidelong glance, a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Small things like, say, my life?"
Lin Zhao spluttered, visibly uncomfortable. "You—! I... I've always been a loving father, haven't I?"
"Loving? Oh, yes. Like a dagger loves the back it's stabbing." Jin Yue's sarcasm slipped through, and she found herself enjoying watching Lin Zhao squirm. "But don't worry, Father. His Majesty has kindly given us time to bond. Let's make the most of it."
Lin Zhao gave her a withering smile, clearly regretting every moment. "Yes, yes. Of course. We shall... bond."
As the two of them exited the palace hall, Lin Zhao's nerves were frayed to the point of snapping. He muttered under his breath, half to himself. "Ungrateful wretch... after all I've done to raise you..."
Jin Yue's sharp hearing caught the insult. She stopped in her tracks and turned to him with a sweet but dangerous smile. "What was that, dear Father?"
the air between them crackled with unspoken tension. Lin Zhao's posture was rigid, his hands clasped behind his back as they walked, but his words, though polite, were barbed.
"You know," Lin Zhao began, his voice dripping with false warmth, "your sisters never cause me such... excitement. They've always been far more obedient."
Jin Yue's lips curled into a tight smile, her eyes flashing. "Yes, Father, I've heard about how well they play their roles. Jin Hua's artistic talents must be a great comfort to you while you're groveling at the Emperor's feet."
Lin Zhao's jaw tightened, but he kept his voice calm. "At least Hua'er doesn't embarrass the family by nearly getting herself executed in public. A rare talent, that."
Jin Yue tilted her head, pretending to ponder. "True, though her greatest talent is her ability to stay conveniently hidden. Quite impressive for someone in our family."oops! I mean the whole family.
They both shared a strained laugh, but anyone nearby would've sensed the icy undertones. The tension was thick enough to choke on.
As they approached the waiting carriage, Lin Zhao continued with his backhanded jabs, his tone shifting to something resembling mock concern. " this is called etiquette and manners, women should stay away from court matters. But I must say, it's a wonder you haven't learned more from your sisters. Mei'er , for example, excels in etiquette. She never gives me reason to doubt her loyalty."
Jin Yue's smile widened, though her eyes remained cold. "Loyal? Yes, it's easy to be loyal when you're not around to get involved in family matters." She paused . "And you've always kept her far away from any... real trouble, haven't you, Father?"
Lin Zhao's eyes darkened. "Perhaps if you could show even half the discretion your sisters do, you wouldn't need constant saving."
"Ah," Jin Yue replied sweetly, and withsarcasm. "Ahhh...yes ,it'swith my knowledge that am suddenly proclaimed as a saint and then Force unto the role,ending up almost executed... right?
The exchange between them continued like that—smiling in front of the palace staff, the words biting and sharp beneath the surface. Every sentence was crafted like a weapon, each insult wrapped in silk.
As they sat in the carriage, Lin Zhao stole a sideways glance at Jin Yue. The tension between them was as thick as ever, but something about her had changed. He couldn't put his finger on it, but the girl sitting beside him now wasn't the same Jin Yue he was used to manipulating.
The Jin Yue he remembered was timid, always obedient to his commands, always eager to avoid confrontation. She was the daughter who stayed silent when her sisters "teased"her and dutifully accepted her place as the family's shadow. But now... there was something unsettling about the way she spoke to him, her words cutting and bold, hidden behind that saccharine smile. It wasn't just defiance—no, something is wrong.
Lin Zhao frowned, his mind racing. He had expected her to crumble after what had happened in the Emperor's court. The old Jin Yue would have been begging for his approval, eager to win back his favor. Instead, she had looked him in the eye and thrown his own words back at him with a sharp tongue. Her confidence was unnerving.
"She's changed," he thought to himself, his brow furrowing. "What happened to the obedient daughter who knew her place?"
As the carriage wheels rumbled along the path, Lin Zhao shifted in his seat, feeling a creeping unease. He had planned to use her as a pawn, just as he always had, but now it felt like the game had turned against him. This Jin Yue wasn't playing by the same rules anymore. There was a boldness in her, something dangerous, and it was unsettling to see.
He cleared his throat, deciding to test her again. "You've become quite... assertive today, Yue'er," he said, his tone deceptively calm. "It's not like you."
Jin Yue turned her head slightly, her lips curling into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Is that so, Father? I'm simply trying to adapt. After all, I can't always rely on your protection, can I?"
The words were polite, but the meaning behind them was unmistakable. Lin Zhao's eyes narrowed. "You always knew your place before. This sudden... change in attitude. It's most unexpected."
Jin Yue's gaze flickered with something unreadable. "Times change, Father. I suppose we all have to... adjust."
As the carriage rolled along the bumpy path, Lin Zhao's thoughts circled back to the lightnin...that lightning. He couldn't shake it. The timing, the intensity... it was too coincidental to be natural. His eyes flickered toward Jin Yue, who sat across from him, seemingly lost in thought, her expression unreadable.
He cleared his throat, trying to sound casual, though his voice carried an edge. "Yue'er, that lightning back there... quite the spectacle, don't you think?"
Jin Yue, still gazing out the window, barely turned her head. "Mmm, yes. A real spectacle," she replied vaguely, her tone light.
Lin Zhao's eyes narrowed. "What did you do? What kind of trick was that?" His voice was sharper now, laced with suspicion. He leaned forward slightly, watching her closely, waiting for a crack in her demeanor.
Jin Yue finally turned to face him, her lips twitching into a faint smile. "A trick? Father, you give me too much credit." Her voice was smooth, almost amused, as if the idea of her controlling the weather was preposterous.
But Lin Zhao wasn't satisfied. "You expect me to believe that was a coincidence? Lightning striking just as you needed to avoid death? You've never been capable of... such things." His eyes bore into her, trying to unravel the mystery.
Jin Yue's smile widened, and she leaned back, adopting a relaxed posture. "Maybe the heavens felt pity on me, seeing as am about to die. Who am I to question divine timing?"
Lin Zhao's frustration mounted. He could sense she was playing with him, but he couldn't pin down the truth. "Yue'er," he said, his tone low and threatening, "I raised you. I know when you're hiding something."
Jin Yue met his gaze, her expression unruffled. "What could I possibly hide, Father? I'm just a timid daughter, after all." Her tone was sweet, but the words carried a sting. She was reminding him of how he had always viewed her—as someone weak, someone who couldn't possibly surprise him.
Lin Zhao clenched his fists, his patience wearing thin. "Don't mock me. You're up to something."
Jin Yue tilted her head slightly, feigning innocence. "Father, if I had the power to summon lightning, don't you think I'll make sure the miracle is a little more... targeted?"
Lin Zhao felt a chill run down his spine. This wasn't the meek daughter he had raised. Something had shifted, and for the first time in a long while, he wasn't sure he had control of the situation anymore.