Seraphina Li had been given a chamber within the imperial palace—spacious, elegantly decorated, and guarded at all hours. It was not a prison, but it was far from freedom. Servants attended to her needs, but their eyes flickered with unease, wary of the former Zhou warrior now in their empress's service.
Evelyn Jin had made her position clear: prove her worth, or face a fate far worse than death. Seraphina understood that this was no mere act of mercy. She was a piece in Evelyn's game, a weapon that would either be sharpened or discarded.
At dawn, a summons arrived. She was to meet the empress in the war chamber.
Seraphina was escorted through the labyrinthine halls of the palace, her every step measured, every glance noted. When she entered the chamber, she found Evelyn seated at a grand wooden table, surrounded by generals and advisors. A massive map of the empire lay spread before them, marked with red and blue insignias.
"You took your time," Evelyn remarked, golden eyes flickering with amusement as Seraphina approached.
"I was not aware I had a choice," Seraphina replied evenly, earning a few stiffened expressions from the gathered nobles.
Evelyn only smirked. "Then let us see if you can make one now." She gestured to the map. "The border province of Xi'an has become a breeding ground for rebellion. Some still believe the Zhou dynasty can rise again. Convince me that you have not lost your strategic brilliance—how would you quell the unrest?"
Seraphina's gaze swept over the map. The province was surrounded by mountainous terrain, limiting access to reinforcements. The rebels, if well-organized, could hold out for months. A direct siege would be costly.
She inhaled slowly, then pointed to a river snaking through the landscape. "Xi'an depends on the Daming River for resources. Cutting off their supply lines will force their surrender without unnecessary bloodshed."
One of the generals scoffed. "Starving them out? A coward's strategy."
Seraphina turned to face him. "It is efficient. A prolonged battle will cost lives on both sides. If they surrender, we gain an intact province, not a ruin."
Evelyn studied her carefully. Then, with a slow nod, she said, "Interesting. And if they refuse to surrender?"
Seraphina did not hesitate. "Then we use their desperation against them. Offer terms—food in exchange for loyalty. The moment they open the gates, the rebellion ends without a single blade drawn."
Silence fell over the chamber. Then Evelyn laughed, low and thoughtful. "You think like a survivor, not just a soldier. Very well, Seraphina. You will accompany my forces to Xi'an and oversee this strategy yourself."
Seraphina stiffened. "You expect me to lead your army?"
Evelyn's smile was sharp. "Not as a general, but as a test. Succeed, and you may yet carve a future for yourself in my empire."
Seraphina clenched her fists at her sides. She had been given her first trial, and failure was not an option.