CHAPTER 24 — THE PRINCE MAKES HIS MOVE
The western gate had finally gone quiet.
Shen Wu's army had retreated.
Bo Qiang had returned.
The soldiers were celebrating their survival.
And Lei Hua?
She was sitting on the wall with a bowl of noodles.
(*After nearly dying three times today, I deserve noodles. Actually, I deserve a whole restaurant.*)
She lifted the noodles.
Then paused.
(*Wait... why is everyone looking at me?*)
Across the wall, soldiers were staring.
Lei Hua slowly lowered her bowl.
"What?"
One soldier immediately looked away.
Another pretended to inspect his sword.
Lei Hua narrowed her eyes.
(*Suspicious. Very suspicious.*)
Behind her, Lei Yue calmly said,
"Your noodles are getting cold."
Lei Hua immediately returned to eating.
"Yes, Sister Yue."
(*Priorities. Survive first. Investigate suspicious soldiers later.*)
Lei Yue almost smiled.
Almost.
Then—
A palace messenger came running up the stairs.
"URGENT IMPERIAL DECREE!"
Every soldier straightened.
Lei Hua nearly choked on her noodles.
(*WHY DOES EVERY IMPERIAL DECREE SOUND LIKE BAD NEWS?!*)
The messenger knelt.
"By order of His Majesty, all senior officials are to return to the palace immediately."
Bo Qiang's expression changed.
"Why?"
The messenger swallowed.
"There is more."
He slowly unrolled the decree.
"The Second Prince, Zhen Ruo, has submitted a formal petition to the Emperor."
Lei Yue's eyes sharpened.
"Regarding what?"
The messenger hesitated.
"The throne."
Silence.
Lei Hua's noodles slipped from her chopsticks.
They landed on the ground.
"...My noodles."
Nobody cared.
---
### THE IMPERIAL COURT
That evening, the grand hall was packed.
The Emperor sat upon the throne.
The Empress sat beside him.
Zhen Wu stood on one side.
Zhen Ruo stood on the other.
Ministers filled the hall.
Lei Hua stood behind Lei Yue, already regretting coming.
(*I should have stayed home. Why did I come? I could have eaten noodles peacefully.*)
The Emperor looked toward Zhen Ruo.
"You requested this emergency court."
Zhen Ruo bowed.
"Yes, Father."
"Speak."
Zhen Ruo raised his head.
"The empire has suffered repeated attacks, assassinations, corruption and military rebellion."
Several ministers lowered their heads.
Zhen Ruo continued.
"The people are frightened."
Zhen Wu's expression hardened.
"And what exactly are you suggesting?"
Zhen Ruo turned toward him.
"I suggest that the Crown Prince take responsibility for the security of the capital."
The court erupted.
Lei Hua's eyes widened.
(*WAIT. That sounds normal. Why does it feel like a trap?*)
Zhen Ruo continued calmly.
"If my brother truly wishes to inherit the throne, then he must prove he can protect the empire."
The Emperor stared at him.
"Explain."
Zhen Ruo smiled.
"I propose that Crown Prince Zhen Wu personally lead the northern defense."
The hall became silent.
Zhen Wu's eyes narrowed.
The northern border was the empire's most dangerous military region.
If he left the capital—
The court would be left behind.
And Zhen Ruo would remain.
Lei Hua's brain finally caught up.
(*OH. OH NO. HE WANTS TO SEND HIS BROTHER AWAY SO HE CAN CONTROL THE COURT!*)
Lei Yue glanced at her.
Lei Hua immediately shut her mouth.
The Emperor tapped the armrest.
"You want your brother to leave the capital."
"I want him to prove himself."
Zhen Wu laughed quietly.
"You don't care about proving me."
Zhen Ruo looked at him.
"Then what do I care about?"
Zhen Wu stepped forward.
"You want me gone."
The entire court went silent.
Zhen Ruo smiled.
"Can you prove it?"
Zhen Wu's expression became cold.
Before he could answer—
Lei Hua's system chimed.
[DING.]
Lei Hua froze.
[The petition contains a hidden purpose.]
(*I KNEW IT!*)
[DING. Zhen Ruo wants Crown Prince Zhen Wu away from the capital for twelve days.]
Lei Hua's eyes widened.
(*Twelve days?! Why exactly twelve?!*)
[DING. During those twelve days, three court factions will switch allegiance.]
Lei Hua nearly screamed.
(*THREE?!*)
The Emperor suddenly looked toward her.
"Lei Hua."
She froze.
"Y-Yes, Your Majesty?"
"You look as though you know something."
(*I KNOW TOO MUCH. THAT IS THE PROBLEM.*)
She swallowed.
"Your Majesty... I believe the Second Prince's proposal should be investigated before accepting it."
A minister immediately stepped forward.
"How dare a young woman question a prince's proposal?"
Lei Hua looked at him.
(*And who invited Grandpa Interrupting?*)
The minister's face changed.
He had heard that.
Again.
Lei Hua didn't notice.
She continued.
"The timing is suspicious."
Zhen Ruo's eyes narrowed.
"You accuse me of plotting?"
Lei Hua shook her head.
"No."
She smiled awkwardly.
"I'm accusing your timing."
The hall went silent.
Lei Yue's eyes flickered with amusement.
Bo Qiang almost smiled.
Zhen Wu turned his head slightly to hide his expression.
Even the Emperor looked entertained.
Zhen Ruo stared at Lei Hua.
Then laughed.
"Interesting."
Lei Hua smiled nervously.
(*Why does that sound like a threat?*)
---
### THE EMPEROR'S DECISION
The Emperor finally spoke.
"Neither proposal will be accepted tonight."
Zhen Ruo's smile disappeared.
"The matter will be investigated."
Zhen Wu bowed.
"Thank you, Father."
The Emperor looked toward the ministers.
"Until then, no prince is permitted to move troops without imperial authorization."
Everyone bowed.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The court session ended.
But Lei Hua noticed something.
Zhen Ruo wasn't angry.
He was smiling.
(*That smile is definitely illegal.*)
---
### THE CORRIDOR
Lei Hua followed Lei Yue out.
She whispered,
"Sister Yue."
"Yes?"
"Did you notice that Zhen Ruo wasn't surprised?"
Lei Yue stopped walking.
"I noticed."
"Then why isn't he worried?"
Lei Yue turned toward her.
"Because the petition was never his real move."
Lei Hua's eyes widened.
"...Then what was?"
Lei Yue looked toward the dark palace corridor.
"Look behind you."
Lei Hua turned.
Nobody.
Then—
A palace servant quietly walked away.
Lei Hua stared.
"Who was that?"
Lei Yue's eyes became cold.
"Someone who shouldn't have been listening."
The system chimed.
[DING.]
[New information discovered.]
[One palace servant has been secretly reporting to Zhen Ruo.]
Lei Hua's mouth fell open.
(*THERE'S A SPY INSIDE THE PALACE?!*)
Lei Yue calmly continued walking.
"Don't expose him yet."
Lei Hua hurried after her.
"WHY NOT?!"
"Because..."
Lei Yue glanced back.
"...a spy who thinks he is undiscovered is more useful than a spy who is afraid."
Lei Hua stopped.
Her eyes sparkled.
(*OH. SHE'S PLAYING CHESS WITH PEOPLE'S LIVES AGAIN.*)
Lei Yue walked away.
Lei Hua hurried after her.
"WAIT FOR ME!"
---
### SOMEWHERE ELSE
Inside a dark room—
Zhen Ruo received the report.
"Lei Hua noticed the petition was strange."
He remained silent for a moment.
Then smiled.
"Good."
A figure bowed.
"Should we silence her?"
Zhen Ruo shook his head.
"No."
His eyes turned toward the palace.
"She's useful."
The figure hesitated.
"And Lei Yue?"
Zhen Ruo's smile faded.
"Lei Yue is different."
He looked toward the night sky.
"Do not touch her."
The figure lowered his head.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Zhen Ruo closed his eyes.
For the first time that night—
His expression showed uncertainty.
Because he had expected Lei Hua to be troublesome.
He had not expected Lei Yue to notice his game before it began.
And somewhere in the palace—
Lei Yue was already three moves ahead.