The palace gardens shimmered with autumn light, chrysanthemums blooming in shades of gold and crimson. Yun Xi walked the winding paths alone, seeking solace. Yet even amidst beauty, she felt the press of unseen eyes.
"Scholar Yun," a voice called.
She turned swiftly. It was General Wei, the young commander of the Imperial Guard. Tall and broad-shouldered, he exuded martial strength. Few dared speak with him openly; fewer still commanded his respect.
"You have stirred a hornet's nest," he said bluntly, striding beside her. "Kang's faction will not forgive. Already, his allies mutter of revenge."
Yun Xi inclined her head. "This servant merely served truth."
General Wei's gaze softened slightly. "Truth is a blade. Wield it too freely, and you cut yourself. Be cautious."
Before Yun Xi could reply, the Empress's attendant, Lady Hua, appeared. She bowed with graceful precision. "Scholar Yun, Her Majesty invites you to join her at tea."
Yun Xi's pulse quickened. An invitation from the Empress was no courtesy—it was a summons cloaked in silk. She followed Lady Hua through quiet corridors until they entered a pavilion overlooking the lotus pond.
The Empress sat waiting, her beauty serene, her presence commanding. She gestured for Yun Xi to kneel.
"You have impressed the Emperor," the Empress said softly. "And impressed me. Few men dare speak with such clarity."
"This servant only spoke truth."
The Empress smiled faintly. "Truth, yes. But truth can be shaped. Directed. A loyal servant ensures truth serves the throne—and the throne's guardian." Her gaze sharpened. "Tell me, Scholar Yun. Are you loyal?"
Yun Xi bowed, heart racing. "This servant's loyalty is to His Majesty and the realm."
The Empress's smile did not waver, yet a flicker of amusement gleamed in her eyes. "A careful answer. Perhaps too careful. Remember, in this palace, neutrality is but another name for betrayal."
Silence stretched, broken only by the rustle of lotus leaves. The Empress sipped her tea. "You will serve me, Scholar Yun. Not in open defiance of the Emperor, but as my eyes and ears. In return, I protect you from those who now conspire against you. Refuse…" Her tone never rose, yet its chill bit like steel. "And you will discover how swiftly brilliance extinguishes."
Yun Xi's chest constricted. Every instinct screamed danger. Yet refusal meant death, and compliance meant entanglement.
"This servant…" she murmured, choosing words with desperate care, "…will never betray the throne. But if my humble service pleases Your Majesty, I can only obey."
The Empress's gaze lingered, then she smiled, satisfied. "Wise. The palace is a vast game of weiqi, Scholar Yun. You have taken your first step upon the board. May you survive long enough to see its end."
As Yun Xi bowed low, hiding the turmoil in her eyes, the Empress turned toward the lotus pond, watching ripples spread across its surface.
In that moment, Yun Xi understood: she had not escaped the storm. She had stepped into its very heart.