Ruyi Pavilion, Empress's Quarters
The grand double doors to the Empress's chamber opened with a quiet creak. Marquis Xiao stepped in cautiously, bowing deeply before the Empress Ruyi seated with regal grace on her ornate throne. The heavy silks of his robe rustled softly as he knelt low.
"Rise, Marquis Xiao," the Empress's voice cut through the stillness, calm yet commanding.
He obeyed, straightening with a respectful nod. "Your Majesty."
Her eyes, sharp as a hawk's, fixed on him. "I have been informed about your household's complicated affairs — two wives, two bloodlines. However, what troubles me most is the birth astronomy of your children. The portents do not lie."
Marquis Xiao swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her gaze. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"The daughter of your concubine, Lady Xiaoping, has been declared the one bearing the Phoenix fate," the Empress stated plainly. "She is destined for greatness, and I have arranged for my son, the Crown Prince, to be betrothed to her. Do you have any objections?"
Though his heart clenched painfully, Marquis Xiao's voice was steady and respectful. "I dare not oppose Your Majesty's will. It is the highest honor for the Marquis family to receive such favor."
A slow nod from the Empress sealed her decision. "Prepare the betrothal gifts accordingly. The wedding will take place during the Month of Light. I have petitioned His Majesty for approval."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Marquis Xiao bowed deeply once more.
As a maid escorted him out, Marquis Xiao's mind churned with questions and unease.
---
Outside the Palace
On the marble steps, Marquis Xiao noticed the dark silhouette of the Regent approaching silently. The Regent inclined his head curtly but spoke no word as Marquis Xiao passed by.
Once inside his carriage, Marquis Xiao muttered to himself, "What has happened to Xiaoling's destiny? When Jade gave birth, the temple's divination was clear — the Phoenix star shone brightly within her. But now, whispers speak of a curse, a jinx. Ever since Jade's death, Xiaoling has grown frail, and even Xiaoyu suffers from a mysterious illness no doctor can explain."
The wheels rattled steadily over the stone road, each bump echoing his growing anxiety.
---
Marquis Xiao Manor, Evening
In the dim bath chamber, Xiaoling sat quietly on the wooden bench as her loyal maid, Ming, prepared a medicinal herbal bath.
"Princess," Ming whispered softly, "Peng has arrived."
From the shadowed doorway stepped Peng, bowing low with respect. "I will find a way to bring young master Xiaoyu out safely. The market square will be the meeting point. I shall wait for you at the Chen Inn."
Xiaoling nodded thoughtfully. "Very well. But the Chen Inn is crowded and costly."
Peng frowned. "How will we afford room and food there?"
Xiaoling reached into her sleeve and pulled out a delicate jade bracelet. "Sell this at a good price. Use the funds for medicine and sustenance. Stay alert — Wenxi must not suspect anything."
Ming accepted the bracelet, eyes shining with determination. "Yes, Princess."
Closing her eyes, Xiaoling breathed deeply. I never imagined transmigrating to this ancient era. But my top priority remains — curing this poison. Luckily, my training as a secret operative may give me the edge I need.
---
Inner Chambers
"Princess," Ming said nervously, "Mistress Wenxi insists on delivering your medicine herself."
Xiaoling shook her head. "She cannot see me yet. Wait until after my bath, when the poison's hold weakens."
Wenxi appeared, her sly smile unsettling as she approached with a steaming cup.
"I'll help you drink this," Wenxi said, stepping forward.
Ming stepped quickly between them. "No, Wenxi. The Princess must take it on her own terms."
Wenxi's smile faded into a scowl, but she retreated.
"Prepare some crest fruit for after the bath," Ming told Xiaoling.
A cold tension hung in the air, but Xiaoling's focus never wavered.
"I will teach you survival skills, Ming. Poison needles, restoration pills — all concealed in this hairpin. You must protect both yourself and me," Xiaoling said quietly.
Ming smiled weakly, understanding the dangerous game they were playing.
---
Chen Inn, Market Square
Xiaoyu laughed, running freely for the first time in days.
"Good boy," Xiaoling said softly. "You must stay with grandmother for now. Your father agreed."
Peng grinned. "I will personally escort young master Xiaoyu."
Xiaoyu looked up, worry flashing in his eyes. "What about you, sister?"
Xiaoling smiled sadly. "I will manage. Your bodyguard was compromised. From now on, Peng protects you."
Nodding resolutely, Xiaoyu said, "I will learn to defend myself. No one will harm you."
---
Inside the Chen Inn
The busy inn hummed with gossip and laughter. Servants and nobles mixed in the smoky air.
"Is that Marquis Xiao's daughter?" a maid whispered to another.
"They say she's cursed — ugly, mute, and sickly."
"I heard her betrothal to the first prince was broken because of her disfigurement."
"Lady Xiaoping, the concubine's daughter, is the beauty — unlike her."
The whispers grew sharp and cruel.
Ming's eyes flashed with fury. "How dare they insult my princess!"
Xiaoling raised a calm hand. "Let them talk. We have more urgent matters."
Princess Weylin, a haughty noblewoman with a mocking smile, approached.
"Still mute, are you?" she sneered. "Must have taken centuries to find a cure."
Xiaoling met her glare steadily. "Remember your place."
Weylin's maid slapped Ming across the cheek. The inn fell silent in shock.
Xiaoling raised her hand to stop Ming from retaliating. "Your maid needs discipline," she said coldly. "I will not tolerate insolence."
Caught off guard, Weylin backed away with a furious glare.
"Don't mistake my silence for weakness," Xiaoling warned.
Suddenly, a firm voice cut through the tension: "Princess Weylin, you owe Princess Xiaoling an apology."
Official Shen, the Regent's loyal guard, appeared beside them. His presence silenced the crowd.
Weylin bowed stiffly. "Of course, Official Shen."
Xiaoling refused compensation with a faint smile. "Make charity in Ming's name instead."
The crowd whispered of shifting power and rising fortunes.
---
Game Center, Chen Inn
Later, Xiaoling sat at a wooden table, facing a masked man.
"I must admit, you are skilled," he said, sliding a pile of coins forward.
"I concede," Xiaoling sighed. "If I lose, I risk losing my mother's jade necklace pawned at the market."
The man's voice dropped low. "Then let us wager. What will you offer if I win?"
Xiaoling narrowed her eyes. "What do you want?"
A slow, mysterious smile curved beneath his mask.