The news of Princess Lian Zhi's sudden illness had reached Shen Han's ears. He hurried down the corridor towards her quarters. His heart raced as fast as his feet.
Around him, words had already spread throughout the palace like wildfire.
"... The princess had fallen ill..."
"... Her skin was covered in strange rashes...."
Some whispered "curse," others "plague." He didn't believe any of it, but the rumors still bothered him.
He pushed open the wooden door without waiting for permission. "Lian Zhi!" His voice came out sharper than he meant, tight with panic and trembling with worry.
She looked up from her bed, propped lazily against her pillows. Her face was dotted with red spots, her hands covered in patches, and she looked pale as paper. Yet somehow, she still managed to smile. "Shen Han, you're here."
"Princess, you—" He couldn't finish his sentence, seeing the state Lian Zhi was in broke his heart.
She tilted her head, studying his expression, and laughed softly. "I know, I know... I look hideous, right?"
Shen Han rushed to her bedside, his chest tightened. "How can you joke at a time like this?" His tone was more strained than scolding. He really wanted to reach out his hand and touch her, but he stopped himself.
"Relax," Lian Zhi said, waving a hand. "It's not real."
He blinked, confused at her words. "What do you mean, not real?"
She grinned, her eyes sparkled with pride. "I took a mild poison. It causes rashes and bumps. Nothing fatal. Just enough to make me look unappealing." She reached under the pillow and pulled out a small ceramic bottle, holding it up like a trophy. "See?"
Shen Han stared at the jar. "You... poisoned yourself?"
"Technically," she said cheerfully.
He exhaled hard, rubbing a hand over his face. "You're insane." He couldn't believe she actually pulled this risky game. But he was glad this was just part of her plan.
"Insanely clever," she corrected. She shifted, sitting up straighter, as if suddenly aware of how close he was. "It worked, didn't it?"
A reluctant smile tugged at his lips. "You're impossible."
"Impossible, but effective," she said proudly. "I managed to make Lian Yue replace me as the bride."
"Well, congratulations then."
Shen Han knew it was not the time to celebrate yet. After all, Ruhan was still here. They were not safe until he truly left.
"How long will this last?" he asked, forcing himself to focus.
"Two, maybe three days."
"That's too tight," Shen Han noted, still feeling uneasy. "The envoy will leave in three days. Are you sure it is enough time?"
"If it fades too early, I'll take another dose," she said, lifting the bottle again.
Shen Han's expression darkened with worry. "Princess, that's reckless. What if it reacts differently this time? What if it scars you permanently?"
She met his gaze steadily. "Then I'll live with scars. Better that than marriage to someone who would torture me to death."
He didn't know whether to scold her or protect her. "Please don't push this too far. You've already risked enough."
She smiled gently. "You worry too much, General. Trust me. I know what I'm doing."
Shen Han wanted to trust her, but his mind refused to settle.
***
Meanwhile, in Princess Lian Yue's chamber, the air was thick with irritation.
She paced the room back and forth. Her movements were restless. "That wretched Lian Zhi," she muttered. "A miracle illness, appearing the moment she's to be married? Too convenient." Her reflection in the mirror glared back at her, breathing heavily in anger.
"I can't believe this is a coincidence." Her eyes narrowed. "Bring my maid," she ordered.
Moments later, a young maid hurried in, bowing. "Yes, Your Highness?"
"Go to the city," Lian Yue ordered. "Ask about this plague everyone's talking about. Find out if anyone outside the palace is sick. I want the truth. Not rumors."
The maid hesitated. "Yes, Your Highness." The girl bowed again and left in haste.
Lian Yue exhaled, hands tightening on her sleeves. "If this is some kind of trick," she muttered, "I'll make sure it backfires."
***
Elsewhere, in the quiet guest quarters, envoy Ruhan lounged comfortably, a cup of tea cooling in his hand.
"Princess Lian Zhi," he murmured, smiling to himself. "You continue to surprise me." He leaned back, tapping a finger thoughtfully on the armrest. "Clever. Daring. And amusing, too."
He let out a soft but dangerous laugh. "I suppose this little act of yours makes things more interesting. But don't confuse patience with defeat, princess." His eyes hardened, the softness fading. "I always get what I want. Even if I have to burn your little game to ashes to do it."
***
Back in Xiao Zhi's chamber, her grand act was starting to feel less brilliant.
She shifted under the covers, scratching furiously. "Ugh! I swear, this is worse than the poison itself."
"Princess... please stop scratching!" Qin Yan begged.
"It itches like crazy!" Xiao Zhi groaned. "I should've tested this first." She glanced down at her arms, pouting. "How do people in dramas look so graceful while being poisoned? I look like a spotted frog."
Qin Yan couldn't understand what she was saying, but her eyes were filled with worry. "Princess, should I fetch the doctor again?"
"Yes, tell him to bring something for the itching before I lose my mind," she grumbled.
The maid hurried away toward the imperial clinic.
"Brilliant plan, Xiao Zhi. Absolutely genius." She slumped back, groaning."You're itchy, you can't sleep, and you smell like herbs. Perfect royal image."
But her sarcasm faded when she caught a faint sound beyond the door.
Her eyes shifted toward the entrance.
"Qin Yan?" she called. No one answered.
In the dim corridor outside, a shadow remained still. Under the weak light, a pair of eyes watched the door. A faint smile curled.
"So it wasn't a plague after all…" a voice whispered.
"She chose to take poison."
The figure slipped away into the dark.
And inside, Xiao Zhi suddenly shivered. Uncertain whether her biggest danger came from the poison… or from something else.