The Emperor's private garden was unlike the grand ceremonial courtyards of the palace. Here, blossoms grew untamed, and streams meandered with natural grace. It was said the Emperor himself designed it, a retreat from the suffocating weight of the Dragon Throne.
Yun Xi followed Eunuch Chen into the secluded pavilion, her heart pounding. She had been summoned directly—an honor, but also a peril. Few officials ever entered this garden, and fewer still returned unchanged.
The Emperor was seated by a low table, idly sketching calligraphy upon white silk. His robe was unfastened at the collar, revealing a glimpse of his throat—an intimacy rarely seen beyond the bedchamber.
"Scholar Yun," he said without looking up, "come closer."
Yun Xi bowed and obeyed, kneeling opposite him. The scent of ink and plum blossoms filled the air.
"You spoke boldly of taxes," the Emperor continued, his brush gliding smoothly. "Tell me—do you believe all my ministers are blind fools, that only you see the truth?"
Yun Xi lowered her gaze. "This servant dares not insult the wisdom of your ministers. Yet truth does not bend itself to rank. Whether spoken by a child or an elder, it remains truth."
The Emperor paused, then laughed softly. "Sharp tongue, indeed. You remind me of someone—an old general who once dared argue with me before the entire court. He died at the frontier, but his words… linger still."
Yun Xi's throat tightened. Could it be? Was he speaking of her father? She forced her expression still, but the brush of memory threatened to break her calm.
The Emperor studied her face closely. "Tell me, Yun Xi—what drives you? Ambition? Wealth? Or the dream of glory?"
Silence stretched between them. Yun Xi's heart pounded, but she bowed deeply until her forehead nearly touched the mat.
"This servant seeks only to ease the people's burden. If the empire prospers, then that is reward enough."
The Emperor leaned back, eyes narrowing with amusement. "How noble. Either you are a fool, or you are very dangerous."
He rose, his robe sweeping the floor like a dragon's tail. "I will test you, Scholar Yun. Tomorrow, the court shall debate the matter of military provisions. Stand before them and prove your worth again. Fail—and you will be dismissed. Succeed—and you may yet earn a place beside the throne."
As he departed, Yun Xi remained kneeling, her body rigid. A test. Another step closer to both power and discovery.
When she finally lifted her head, the garden's blossoms seemed sharper, as though each petal were a blade.
And in the distance, unseen by her, a figure in embroidered robes watched from behind a lattice screen. The Empress's lips curved into the faintest smile.
"Dance for us, little scholar," she whispered. "Let us see how long you can keep your mask."