Li Han's investigation
The palace corridors were silent, yet the weight of secrets pressed heavily on Li Han's chest. The scroll from his mother was carefully hidden in a compartment within his study, but its contents haunted his every thought. If the Empress had orchestrated his mother's death, she would not hesitate to strike again. And now, with the massacre of the physician's family, the threads of betrayal were tightening.
Li Han summoned Captain Wei into his chambers late at night, the air thick with the scent of burning incense.
"We need to trace the assassin's trail," Li Han ordered, voice low. "The Empress moves carefully, but she must have accomplices within the palace. Find out who they are."
Captain Wei nodded but hesitated. "Your Highness, the Empress's influence is vast. If she learns you're investigating her—"
"She won't. Not yet." Li Han's eyes narrowed. "Focus on the palace physicians. One of them might have tampered with my mother's medicine. And... keep Meng Yu safe. No one must know he survived."
As Captain Wei departed, Li Han turned toward the window, gazing at the moonlit gardens below. His thoughts drifted not just to justice but to Shen Yue—the woman who had shown a rare strength during the tea party. Perhaps... she could be trusted.
At the Prime Minister's mansion, tensions escalated. Shen Yue could sense it. Madam Zhen's anger over the tea party humiliation had not subsided. Whispers followed Shen Yue in the halls, and the servants exchanged furtive glances whenever she passed. It was only a matter of time before another trap was set.
That afternoon, while Shen Yue embroidered in the garden pavilion, a maid approached with a summons.
"Miss Shen Yue, Madam Zhen requests your presence in the east hall."
Shen Yue folded her embroidery with care. "Did she say why?"
The maid hesitated before bowing deeply. "It concerns the second prince, miss."
A chill ran down Shen Yue's spine. Another scheme... but why now?
Upon entering the east hall, she found Madam Zhen seated beside her second daughter, Shen Ruo, who wore a smug smile.
"Yue'er," Madam Zhen began with feigned warmth, "I hear you've caught the second prince's attention."
Shen Yue's eyes narrowed. "I did nothing improper, Madam."
"Of course." Madam Zhen's voice sharpened. "But such attention can be... dangerous. Which is why I have arranged for you to return to the countryside for a few months. Surely you wouldn't wish to bring more shame upon the family?"
Shen Ruo's smirk deepened.
Shen Yue straightened her posture, keeping her voice calm but firm. "I have done nothing to disgrace this house. Sending me away would only fuel rumors further, Madam. I suggest you reconsider."
Madam Zhen's gaze turned icy. "You dare defy me?"
A tense silence stretched between them—until a voice echoed from the entrance.
"If she leaves, I will consider it a personal insult."
Everyone turned toward the door. Li Han stood there, his dark robes flowing as he stepped inside.
"Your Highness," Madam Zhen stammered, bowing deeply. Shen Ruo paled, her earlier confidence crumbling.
Li Han's gaze never left Shen Yue. "Miss Shen Yue has shown nothing but dignity. If she is mistreated again, I will take it as an offense to the royal family."
Madam Zhen bowed lower. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I was merely concerned for my stepdaughter's well-being."
Li Han's cold stare lingered on her for a heartbeat longer before softening when he looked back at Shen Yue.
"Miss Shen Yue," he said gently, "may I speak with you alone?"
The garden was quiet except for the distant chirping of crickets. Li Han stood with Shen Yue beneath the lantern-lit pavilion, his expression conflicted.
"You must be cautious," he began, his voice low. "I did not intervene tonight out of kindness, but because you are being targeted."
Shen Yue blinked. "Targeted? By whom?"
Li Han hesitated, then exhaled. "There are forces in the palace who wish to see certain people silenced. You became a target because of the tea party. Someone wants to discredit you... perhaps to remove you as a threat."
Shen Yue clenched her fists. "But I am no threat to anyone. I don't understand."
Li Han's eyes softened. "You are strong. Stronger than most in your position. And you've shown a dignity that many nobles lack."
A faint blush touched her cheeks, but she masked it quickly. "Your Highness, why are you telling me this? Why protect me?"
Li Han hesitated, his gaze searching hers. "Because I trust you, Shen Yue. And... because I may need your help."
Shen Yue's breath caught. "My help?"
He nodded, voice serious again. "I'm investigating the death of my mother. I believe it involves those in the palace responsible for the recent... tragedies. I need eyes and ears beyond the palace walls—someone with no direct ties to court politics."
Shen Yue's heart pounded. He was entrusting her with something dangerous. Deadly, even.
But as she met his gaze, she saw no deceit—only the burden of a prince carrying too many secrets alone.
"I will help you, Your Highness," she said softly. "No matter the risk."
Li Han offered a rare, genuine smile.
"Thank you, Shen Yue."