The Whisper Before the Strike
Three days after the Ceremony, the palace corridors grew quieter, but not calmer. Nobles had stopped speaking in public; their voices slithered into alcoves, gardens, and tea rooms. The same question repeated in every shadow:
How far will the Empress let him go?
Those who knew history well already whispered a different truth: She will not wait long.
The Empress's Command
The Empress sat upon her jade throne, her fingers trailing across a scroll of names. Sect leaders. Scholars. Ministers. Each one a piece she could move against Hei Long's growing storm.
Yan Yiren stood beside her, silent, crimson robes glowing beneath lantern light.
"He has made three women into a banner," the Empress said softly. "The people sing about them already. And men who inspire songs are men who build empires."
Her eyes narrowed. "I will not permit another empire."
Yan Yiren tilted her head. "Then you will set him a trial."
