The Prime Minister's mansion loomed like a fortress, its towering walls steeped in centuries of history and power. Yet within the sprawling estate, Shen Yue felt like a mere shadow—forgotten, ignored, and overshadowed by her powerful family. The weight of her father's legacy pressed down on her, and in the solitude of her chambers, she often longed for a life beyond the confines of politics and power plays.
Her stepmother, Madam Zhen, had other plans for her, though. That morning, Madam Zhen had called Shen Yue to her chambers, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness as she issued a cruel order.
"You will go to the tea party today," she had commanded, her cold eyes narrowed in calculation. "Wear that lavender gown. It will be perfect for showing you exactly where you belong—nowhere near the likes of the second prince."
Shen Yue knew exactly what Madam Zhen was doing. The tea party in the palace was a gathering of high-ranking officials and noble families, and the second prince, Li Han, was rumored to be attending. Madam Zhen wanted to use her as a pawn—to humiliate her in front of the nobility, especially in front of the prince. Shen Yue had little choice but to comply.
As she prepared herself for the party, the weight of her stepmother's intentions hung heavily in the air. The gown Madam Zhen had picked for her was a pale lavender silk, its delicate gold stitching meant to draw attention but also, in its own way, make her stand out in the worst way. It wasn't her style. She didn't want to be noticed—least of all in such a way. But no matter how much she despised the idea, she knew it would be a mistake to defy Madam Zhen, especially when the Prime Minister's position was at stake.
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The palace grounds were a stunning display of wealth and power. High walls surrounded the gardens, where elegant tea sets rested on marble tables beneath blooming flowers. Guests milled about, exchanging pleasantries, their voices a constant murmur that filled the air. But none of the beauty of the place seemed to ease the unease settling in Shen Yue's chest. She was, once again, the outsider. The daughter of a maid turned concubine, with no real place among the other nobles, no matter how fine her dress.
She scanned the crowd for her sister, Shen Ruo, and found her easily. Shen Ruo was already at the center of attention, surrounded by noble families and influential figures. Her voice was smooth, confident, and perfectly practiced. She was the picture of grace, poised to catch the second prince's eye, and she wore it like a crown. Shen Yue couldn't help but feel a pang of envy—not for her sister's beauty, but for the way she belonged in this world, the world Shen Yue could never truly be a part of.
As she wandered further into the garden, Shen Yue's gaze kept flicking back to Shen Ruo, who was already whispering to the other noblewomen, no doubt plotting her next move to attract the second prince's attention.
"Ah, Sister Yue," Shen Ruo's voice rang out, sugary sweet and loud enough to ensure everyone in earshot heard. "I see you've made it to the party. How lovely. I was just telling our dear friends about how the Prime Minister's concubine-daughter has such… interesting tastes in clothing."
Shen Yue stiffened, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. The mocking tone in Shen Ruo's voice was unmistakable. She could hear the laughter that followed—quiet giggles from the women around them, all polite on the surface, but sharp with mockery. Shen Yue felt herself shrinking, even as she stood taller than ever before, trying to project the strength she was often denied.
Without missing a beat, Shen Ruo's voice continued, louder this time. "Do tell me, Sister, are you here to find a husband?" She gave a dramatic pause before continuing, her voice dripping with venom. "Surely, you don't think the second prince will notice someone like you."
The words cut deeper than Shen Yue cared to admit. It wasn't just that they were cruel—they were true. She had no status, no claim to nobility, and she would never be worthy of a man like Li Han. She could feel the weight of her sister's words pressing against her chest like a stone.
Shen Yue forced herself to breathe deeply, willing the humiliation to pass through her. "I'm here to enjoy the party," she said evenly, her voice calm despite the storm inside.
But Shen Ruo wasn't done. "Oh, how modest," she mocked, her voice rising in mock sympathy. "Tell me, then, which prince will you be trying to catch the eye of? Surely, the second prince will have no interest in you."
The crowd around them watched intently, their attention focused on the scene unfolding. Shen Yue's heart raced in her chest, but she refused to let her sister see how much it affected her. She had to remain calm. She had no choice.
At that very moment, the air shifted. The sound of footsteps interrupted Shen Ruo's verbal attack, and the chatter around them quieted as a familiar presence filled the garden. Li Han, the second prince, entered the scene, his dark robes sweeping the floor like a shadow. He was as imposing as he was aloof, his expression cold and unreadable as his eyes scanned the gathering.
Shen Yue's heart skipped a beat as his gaze briefly met hers. For a moment, it felt as if the world around them had fallen away, leaving only the prince's intense stare. His gaze lingered on her for a heartbeat longer than she expected before he turned, speaking softly to one of the nearby ministers. The moment was fleeting, but it left her breathless.
Before she could collect her thoughts, Shen Ruo seized the opportunity.
"You see?" Shen Ruo whispered loudly, her eyes glittering with malice. "Even the second prince can barely tolerate looking at you."
Just as Shen Yue's face reddened with humiliation, she heard a voice cut through the tension.
"Is there a problem, Lady Shen?"
The words were directed at Shen Ruo, but the authority behind them made everyone freeze. Shen Yue's heart leapt in her chest as she turned to see Li Han approaching them, his eyes narrowed slightly. He didn't look at Shen Ruo; he didn't need to. His words carried a weight that made the entire group fall silent.
"Is this how you treat your sister, Lady Shen?" His voice was low and smooth, but there was a clear warning beneath it.
Shen Ruo opened her mouth to speak, but the words caught in her throat. For a brief moment, her usual composure faltered, and she found herself at a loss. Her expression shifted from smug confidence to pure surprise as the prince's reprimand hung in the air.
Li Han's gaze shifted to Shen Yue, and for the first time, it softened ever so slightly. His eyes, though still distant, seemed to acknowledge her presence with a quiet nod.
"Perhaps," he said, his voice steady, "Lady Shen should be treated with more respect." He gave a brief, almost imperceptible smile before turning away, leaving a stunned silence in his wake.
Shen Yue stood motionless for a moment, her heart still pounding in her chest. She hadn't expected the prince to intervene, let alone stand up for her in front of everyone. The crowd, which had once been buzzing with idle chatter, was now silent, their eyes fixed on her.
For the first time that day, Shen Yue felt something shift within her. She wasn't just a pawn to be used and humiliated. She wasn't invisible. And maybe, just maybe, she had a place in this palace that was more than just an outsider in her own home.
The prince had seen her. And for some reason, he had chosen to protect her, even in such a small way. It was enough to stir something deep within her—a flicker of hope that had long been absent.