Everything that happened between Zhan and Maid Banou was witnessed by Daneen. She had also been about to step out when she saw Banou digging around behind Dowager Ruyan's window, then noticed Zhan approaching. Having earlier seen him in his casual robe, she immediately recognized him. Her heart pounded, her thoughts racing, and she stopped in her tracks, watching closely.
But Zhan's words, and the strange behavior of Banou, unsettled her. If she judged with a clear mind, she could sense that Zhan himself had also suspected Banou, which was why he revealed himself. Banou's demeanor carried the weight of secrets... something deceptive lay beneath her surface.
Why had no one, in all these years, ever seen Banou's true face? Who exactly was Zhan? Could it be that there were things about this boy they all should have known by now?
Zhan, shaken by the affairs of the Palace, entered the chamber that now served as his roim. He leaned against the door, eyes closed, exhaling heavily. Even he was astonished by his own courage today. He could swear he didn't know where he had found such daring.
Opening his eyes, Zhan placed his hands on his waist, tilting his head as if deep in calculation. If his suspicion was correct, then Banou was a sorceress. He remembered a story Wei Po once told them about a witch-girl from the old village of Yizhou, years ago.
And what Banou had just done bore no difference from that tale... she seemed like a soul-stealer, a woman who devoured lives and wore disguises.
"So it's true," Zhan muttered aloud, his eyes narrowing. "In this palace, even servants are steeped in foul corruption. The great monster of a king devours his people outside, while inside, slaves consume each other."
At the doorway, Daneen, who had been quietly observing, let out a faint laugh. Her restless heart had driven her to follow Zhan, and she nearly knocked at the door. But then she stopped, thinking.... if Zhan truly harbored some sinister intent, then it was better to let him be caught in his own doing.
She leaned a little closer to the door. By luck, she overheard what Zhan said, for his voice carried sharpness. After that, she turned back to her chamber.
Daneen locked her own door, though she knew no one would enter. She went straight to her wardrobe and drew out a small, elegant iron box. From it, she retrieved a secret device. After entering a code, it flickered to life.
Closing her windows tightly, she tapped away for two minutes before sending a text. Almost immediately, a call came. She waited until the last ring before answering. Without greeting, she gave a sharp order:
"By tomorrow morning, I want every detail about the royal consort...the male one. And when I say everything, I mean everything."
She cut the line before a reply could come, a sly smile curling on her lips. Shutting down the device, she placed it carefully back into its case.
(So… does everyone in this palace have their own hidden agenda?)
Dowager Taihou
Seated as always in regal splendor, Dowager Taihou's presence dominated the hall. Dressed in elegant finery, her fragrance filled the chamber, a perfume that seemed to enchant the very air. Even the walls of her quarters carried a unique, enthralling scent.
Beside her sat Jasrah, also beautifully adorned. She had arrived at the summons of her sister. Jasrah too lived within the palace, married into the royal household. She was wed to the younger brother of the late King Murong.
The family was vast...King Murong and his siblings were many, sharing their father with thirteen in total, though the daughters outnumbered the sons. Jasrah's husband was the eldest son of Princess Zhaijun, the father of the late king's beloved consort. Princess Zhaijun had been a virtuous and noble woman, and her bond with Dowager Ruyan was strong...so strong that they were never seen as rivals, despite sharing the king.
Princess Zhaijun had two children only. Her eldest son, Miran, was the eighth child of King Murong's father, and the third among the sons. He was her pride, and Jasrah marriage to him had been personally arranged by King Murong himself, who saw Miran as a brother after the loss of his younger brother Nayyar.
This closeness between Princess Zhaijun and Dowager Ruyan extended to their children, tying Jasrah even deeper into palace intrigues.
- - - -
"Sister, you asked me to come but haven't said a word. Did something happen again?"
Dowager Taihou let out a slow breath, her eyes resting on her younger sister who stared at her as though she were her own elder daughter. For a moment it seemed she wouldn't speak, but then she sighed with restrained majesty.
"Nothing new has happened, but I fear something may. You know well, Jasrah, that it isn't certain those people will let go so easily just because the boy escaped this time. And besides him, there are still two other female consorts we dare not yet send to the King's Chambers. If we delay too long, you know the whispers will begin."
"That's true, sister. But what exactly are you trying to say?"
"My point is simple. First, I am afraid. Second... this boy, Zhan, has touched my heart more than any other royal consort brought into this palace."
"Truly, he has touched mine as well," Jasrah confessed warmly. "From his bearing alone you can see he was raised with dignity. And he is the youngest among all the royal consorts of our king."
"That is precisely one of the things that draws me to him, Jasrah. And that is why a thought came to me: perhaps I should consult Mother, Dowager Ruyan tomorrow. When the King goes to greet her in her chambers, Zhan might accompany him and they could meet. I feel such a step might alter the schemes those who plot in the shadows are weaving. You know the rule: the King only sees his consorts in his own chambers, as has been tradition for generations."
"You're right... that's a good idea, sister, if Dowager Ruyan agrees. It would give us another way to face matters concerning the King himself."
"That's it. To be honest, Jasrah, even I am no longer sure of myself. My heart trembles when I think of what is happening. In truth, I cannot even trust myself."
Jasrah laughed, showing her teeth.
"Oh, sister, you can be amusing sometimes. If you don't trust yourself, then who should we trust? I only feel in my heart that whatever it is, the end is near, and it will come through this boy. The fact that their first attempt against him failed shows they've already been forced to their limits. We have no time to waste. Just speak to Dowager Ruyan. Whatever judgment she makes, we will accept."
Dowager Taihou nodded, touched once again by her sister's warmth. No matter what, speaking with her always brought a kind of comfort.
★★ … ★ … ★★
"Earlier, when I was about to enter the court hall, I thought I saw your car pass by. Did you go somewhere?"
She was pouring his tea, setting the cup before him before settling back into her seat. "You know me well... it was only to sister. She sent an urgent summons, so I had to go. But why are you still in the court hall at such a late hour?"
"Well, nothing serious, but there was an unexpected guest and His Majesty had already gone in. We had no choice but to wait. But tell me... was that urgent call of your sister's about another problem? Is it concerning the male royal consort's condition?"
"No, not directly. He's well... in fact, if you saw him now, you'd never believe anything had happened at all. It was sister's idea. She thinks that when the King visits Dowager Ruyan tomorrow, perhaps the male royal consort should be brought along to see her. Maybe such a meeting will shift matters we still cannot fully understand."
"But don't you think that's risky? After all, by law the King only meets his consorts in his chambers."
"Yes, we considered that. Which is why no decision will be made until Dowager Ruyan is consulted. But tell me, Langya , what do you think? My sister… she is deeply troubled. So much so that she has begun to suspect even her own son is behind all this chaos."
"What kind of talk is this? Why would she think like that about her own son? I don't believe Yibo would ever do such a thing. There must be something else behind it."
"Exactly. But I have a strong feeling that through this boy, Zhan, everyone will eventually see the truth. To me, he is like a light in this empire....especially since he has already broken through the legacy of past tyrants."
"That is also what we hope for. In fact, this has been the main subject of discussion in court both yesterday and today. Almost every conversation now revolves around this matter, apart from the killings of those attendants."
"Yes, may we one day see the end of this struggle."
"Amen to that, my dear," he said, with a playful wink full of affection. She smiled back and rose to her feet. "Let me prepare myself before you finish."
He nodded, his eyes still fixed on her warmly.
As she turned away, he watched her with a deep glare, intense expression, his face tightening with meaning and restraint.
🤦 Jasrah, just as your sister warned you...right now, no one can truly be trusted. 🧐
Just as Jasrah and Dowager Taihou had discussed, she did not delay. Disguised, she left her own quarters and made her way to Dowager Ruyan's residence. Since she had already informed Daneen, the two of them went together to meet her. Dowager Ruyan was already expecting Taihou, so they did not waste time. They began their private discussion swiftly so that Taihou could return before dawn.
At first, Dowager Ruyan reminded them of the royal protocols that strictly governed the union between the King and his royal consort....it was not something that could happen casually in her chambers. However, after hearing their explanation and the purpose behind their request, she finally agreed, though with one condition: if anything went wrong, she would hold them fully responsible.
Trusting that nothing would go astray, they accepted the terms. With that, Dowager Taihou bid farewell and departed.
Daneen, who shared Taihou's determination about this secret meeting, smiled inwardly. To her, this battle felt like hers alone, for she was the only one who knew the hidden truth that no one else did. Her only wish was that everything would fall into place, even if she had to risk her own life in the final struggle against their enemies.
(Daneen… you're starting to frighten me 🧐😞).
KING YIBO
Today was one of the rare days when King Yibo paid his respects to his grandmother, Dowager Ruyan. This happened only once each month, unless she requested to see him directly in his own quarters. But regularly, he reserved two days every month: one to visit his grandmother, and another to visit his mother, Dowager Taihou.
At the beginning of the month, he went to Dowager Ruyan; in the middle, to Dowager Taihou. Though his late-night visits were always discreet, he carried himself with a presence that could not be hidden. Even when he veiled his features, there was always a distinctive aura around him...the commanding scent, the dignified stride, the weight of authority.
It was in his very bloodline: majesty in his bearing, restraint in his poise, confidence in his silence, and elegance in his nature.
Though it was still early in the night, barely eight o'clock, the entire palace had already fallen silent. Everyone knew this was the night the King would emerge to go to Dowager Taihou's wing.
No attendants were permitted to linger, except for Ghazi and the guards stationed everywhere in greater numbers than usual. As for the rest of the household, unless they were senior officials of unquestionable authority, no one was allowed to wander during this night. The King's appearance required absolute order…
***
Jasrah froze when she saw that Langya was not where she had left him. She quickly went to their bedroom, thinking perhaps he had slipped inside. But even there, not a trace of him... not even in the bathroom. Without thinking too deeply, she just shrugged and stepped out.
Meanwhile, Prince Langya, who had left shortly after Jasrah... barely three minutes later... disguised himself and headed toward Prince Deng's quarters.
Prince Deng was currently staying with Princess Jixue, the second wife of King Murong's father, and mother to his fourth son, making Deng the second son among the male heirs. Prince Langya followed after him in rank. There had never been harmony between Princess Jixue and Dowager Ruyan; even the untimely death of Prince Nayyar was whispered to have ties to Jixue.
But since their rivalry was one of shadows and whispers, the world remained oblivious. Prince Deng's lifelong ambition had always been the throne, a desire carefully nurtured in him by his mother. For this reason, Dowager Ruyan had long waged her hidden war against the late King Murong's wife Jixue, desperate to ensure her son's claim. Fate, however, had given King Yibo instead....a birth that crushed their hopes.
The birth of King Yibo was a heavy blow to their ambitions, and since then, they had done countless things to prevent him from rising to power...including drawing Prince Langya to their side, manipulating him through Zhaijun (a trusted ally of Dowager Ruyan) and his marriage to Jasrah.
Prince Langya, unlike his virtuous mother, was himself deceitful and carried secrets of his own. After his mother's Zhaijun death, Dowager Ruyan had raised him with a firm grip, and perhaps that was why he agreed to ally with Prince Deng in the plot against King Yibo. But fate had its own plans, for King Yibo ascended as ruler of the Beiping Empire despite all their schemes. Still, neither Prince Deng nor Prince Langya abandoned their secret conspiracies to fulfill their ambitions.
(I don't know if you understand, but Prince Langya and Prince Deng are siblings but different mothers, their father is a younger brother to late King Murong, Yibo's father, so both of them are Yibo's Uncles.)
Prince Deng had long been waiting for Prince Langya's arrival. Rising from his seat in his opulent living room, filled with luxury and treasures, he locked eyes with him. Both brothers knew that behind their alliance lay secrets each held against the other.
Prince Deng was the first to break eye contact. Folding his hands behind his back, he paced slowly toward the center of the sitting room. Prince Langya stepped forward too, until they stood face-to-face.
"Brother Langya, welcome," Prince Deng said smoothly.
Langya nodded faintly, placing his own hands behind his back as he turned toward the window.
Deng smiled faintly, pivoting back to watch him. He took a few steps closer once more. "You're quiet, but I can see something pressing in your eyes...the same matter you mentioned over the phone."
Prince Langya exhaled sharply before turning his gaze on Deng. "Brother Deng, there's a problem. I just returned from my wife. At the King visit today with his grandmother, a secret meeting was arranged.... between him and that useless man we were forced to marry him to."
"What! Who dared to arrange such a thing?"
"Do you really need to ask? You know only one arrogant woman could presume to make such a decision. I've grown tired of seeing that woman alive."
Prince Deng smiled coldly, biting his lip before answering with a bitter tone. "It isn't the Empress Dowager Taihou who deserves death. It's that other old crone, Dowager Ruyan. Still, both of them will live for now."
"For now? Then when?"
"Not until they weep over that foolish king's corpse....just as they wept over his father's."
For the first time, Prince Langya smiled. He spread his hands and shrugged. "That is indeed an amusing plan. And what of the male royal consort's father and his brother? I heard they have recently gained the services of Barrister Aas."
Deng's head snapped up in surprise. "Why didn't I know of this?"
"Because it's irrelevant. I've already dealt with them."
"Langya, do you even realize who Barrister Aas is?"
"Whatever his reputation, it doesn't frighten me. His influence pales compared to the power of what we know."
"I'm not speaking of authority."
"Then what is it you want me to understand?"
"This isn't the time for history. Just make sure he is stopped...and those people relocated."
"Why are we keeping them alive at all?"
"Because they are the key to controlling the male royal consort, bending him exactly as we want."
"Then that handmaiden, Moosa's wife, is no longer needed, since she has already served her purpose."
"She's a minor issue. Neutralizing Barrister Aas is what matters...between tonight and tomorrow. I want him to taste fear, to know exactly where he stands before he realizes he's already trapped in a tiger's den. If he ignores the first warning… then his fate is sealed."
Prince Langya closed his eyes with a faint smile, his gaze lingering on Prince Deng. The latter returned the smile with a respectful nod.
★... ★★.... ★....
In Dowager Ruyan's quarters, everything had been carefully arranged in preparation for the King's arrival....from the meal to be shared with his grandmother to the overall tidiness of her residence. Though her chambers were always kept spotless, today they had been polished to perfection. Aromas of the dishes, prepared personally by Daneen with the help of Dowager Ruyan's younger sister Yumma, had been wafting through the residence since early evening, enough to make even the neighbors notice.
Outside, the royal vehicle carrying King Yibo came to a stop in front of Dowager Ruyan's palace. One of the attendants, trembling, rushed to open the door. The others were already kneeling with their foreheads lowered to the ground in deep respect. The door remained open for more than two minutes, yet the King did not step out immediately. Only when he chose did he move with deliberate grace...first extending a fair, elegant foot clad in a soft blue half-boot reserved for royalty, the kind of step that could captivate any onlooker. After a pause of several seconds, he brought out the other foot, his bearing radiating authority.
The subtle fragrance of his perfume and the rhythm of his measured steps announced his arrival before he even appeared. With a single wave of her hand, Dowager Ruyan dismissed her attendants, who hurried toward the sitting room entrance so as not to block the path.
Slowly, the elderly woman lifted her eyes toward the doorway just as he entered. For a long moment, they simply looked at each other....the brilliance of his youthful, noble features meeting the calm dignity of her aged gaze. She smiled softly, releasing a breath as he reached her side.
With a respectful bow, he lowered himself, gently took her frail, aged hand, and pressed his lips to it.
"My honored foundation," he said with solemn reverence.
Her eyes closed briefly in contentment, a smile curving her lips before she opened her arms to him. He embraced her, returning a rare, warm smile. They remained like that for half a minute before finally letting go. He stayed half-bent as she placed her hand fondly atop his silken hair...a reminder of the wealth and care poured into him since childhood.
"My pride and joy," she said softly, her tone heavy with affection.
His eyes narrowed slightly, and he inclined his head, smiling in a way only she...or Dowager Taihou...could ever see from him. Then, with quiet grace, he sat down upon the fine carpet laid for their meal, in the dignified manner of an emperor who was born to rule. His gaze never strayed far from his grandmother's face; this day was special to her, bringing back memories of her late husband and son, as well as her boundless love for her grandson.
"Nainai, how are you?" he asked.
"In body, I am well. But in spirit, I ache for you. I long to see you close to me, Lion."
"Hmm." He let out a quiet sound, his eyes half-closing before opening again. "Then come live in my quarters. If you truly feel such longing, why not stay near me?" His tone carried a teasing lilt, though his face remained composed, showing no outward trace of playfulness.
She only smiled, saying nothing, as she handed him a cup of warm milk.
"What's been going on with you these past two days?" she asked.
He hesitated a few moments before shaking his head, signaling there was nothing to tell. Yet her gaze lingered on him so intently that it unsettled him, and he turned his face away. She, too, averted her gaze, letting the moment pass without comment.
For nearly three minutes, silence hung between them... until he broke it abruptly.
"How is my Mamy?" he asked, the words spilling out as though he had been compelled.
With all the composure of her station, she answered simply:
"They are on their way."
His luminous eyes caught hers for a fleeting moment. Then, she quickly turned her gaze aside, knowing well what King Yibo had been silently asking with that look. King Yibo, in his composed dignity, lowered his own eyes and picked up the cup of milk that she had poured for him.
Just then, Daneen entered, holding Zhan's hand. He was dressed in an exquisite black and red robe, adorned with finely wrought gold that fit his tall figure perfectly. It was a special garment Daneen had chosen and arranged for him herself.

The faint, unique fragrance that lingered on Zhan's body drifted across the chamber, reaching Dowager Ruyan and King Yibo. King Yibo inhaled sharply, at first assuming the scent belonged to Daneen. So he lifted his eyes to stare directly at her.
Daneen smiled softly at him when their eyes met, while his own expression betrayed a deep affection for her. Dowager Ruyan, too, allowed a graceful smile to appear on her face, though her gaze remained fixed upon Zhan, who sat quietly with his head slightly lowered, avoiding all attention.
Daneen clasped Zhan's hand more firmly, as if afraid someone might take him away, and together they walked in slow composure. Dowager Ruyan gestured gently for Daneen to seat Zhan beside her, placing him in a position directly opposite King Yibo, with herself in between them.
Yet, despite Zhan's presence, King Yibo focused entirely on Daneen, his eyes locked upon her as though no one else existed in the hall. "My dearest Mamy," he said quietly, his voice carrying only to her. Neither Zhan nor Dowager Ruyan heard him... only Daneen did, seated closest.
Daneen answered with her usual warmth, "And with you, my son. I hope you are in good health and peace of heart?"
He gave a small nod, though his face grew faintly shadowed.
She smiled again, then shifted her gaze toward Zhan and Dowager Ruyan. "Dear one, have you been unable to sleep?"
Zhan's chest rose and fell quickly as he answered with lowered head, "No, Mamy, I simply did not lay down yet."
"And your health?" Dowager Ruyan asked with quiet care.
"I am well, Momma. Thank you."
Zhan smiled faintly, still with his gaze averted. Daneen, watching him with affection, soon turned back to Yibo, who had already looked away again, his attention drifting as though unconcerned.
"Son," Daneen called gently, the way she always did.
"Yes, Mamy," Zhan replied obediently, though his voice was low. He dared not raise his head. Though he had never truly seen King Yibo before, the aura surrounding the man was enough to fill the chamber, pressing against his heart until he felt suffocated....almost ready to flee if only to regain his composure.
"Here is the one I hold dearest," Daneen said meaningfully, her words heavy with intent, as though wishing to reveal the truth to Zhan.
Zhan, uninterested in uncovering hidden meanings, simply answered with soft courtesy, "Greetings. May this moment be auspicious for you."
But King Yibo did not reply. The silence stung Zhan sharply. He loathed being ignored, loathed disrespect above all things. No matter how hard he tried to restrain his temper, resentment bubbled inside him. For the first time since entering the hall, he dared to raise his eyes, his gaze burning with quiet indignation.
At that very instant, King Yibo also looked up, just as he was about to sip from the milk cup. Their eyes met...unmoving, unrelenting...caught in a suspended moment that lasted only a breath or two.
Zhan's eyes widened in sudden shock, while King Yibo, pausing briefly, soon turned his gaze away with calm indifference, adjusting his posture with the effortless air of majesty, as though nothing of significance had occurred at all.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛