The palace was quiet in the way a storm is quiet—when everyone knows the thunder is coming but no one wants to be the first to admit it.
Zhen Luo's laughter still echoed in the banquet hall, a dangerous sound that made the King's jaw clench. The Queen's eyes had been burning with hatred ever since.
But the palace was not just filled with the royal family's rage. It was also filled with gossip.
The Crown Prince danced with a nobody.
The Crown Prince is acting like a fool.
The Crown Prince must be punished.
Li Shuran's name was on every tongue. Her reputation was ruined. Her plans collapsed.
And the King was satisfied.
But he was not done.
That afternoon, Zhen Luo was called into the private chamber of the King and Queen. The walls were decorated with portraits of ancestors, their painted eyes seeming to judge him.
"Your Highness," the Queen began, voice sweet and sharp, "you will be attending the Lotus Ceremony tomorrow."
Zhen Luo's eyes narrowed. "The Lotus Ceremony?"
The Queen smiled, like a poisonous flower. "Yes. It's a celebration of the royal family's prosperity. We will invite the most powerful families—some of whom are looking to strengthen ties with the Crown Prince."
Zhen Luo stared at them, calm and unreadable. "And what do you want me to do?"
The Queen's smile widened. "You will announce your engagement."
Zhen Luo's voice was quiet. "To Li Shuran?"
The Queen's eyes flashed. "Yes. To Li Shuran."
The King leaned forward. "And you will publicly accept her."
Zhen Luo's gaze shifted to the window, where the garden outside looked peaceful. "And if I refuse?"
The Queen's smile did not change. "Then we will announce your incapability."
Zhen Luo's expression hardened. "My capability is not your decision."
The King's voice grew cold. "Then we will make it your decision."
Zhen Luo stood, his jaw tight, and nodded once. "Very well."
He left the room, his steps steady, his expression calm.
Outside, Han Jian waited near the garden gate. He had been informed of the meeting through his loyal bodyguard, Xu Ren, who always seemed to know more than he should.
Han Jian's eyes were sharp. "They're setting a trap."
Zhen Luo's voice was quiet. "Of course they are."
Han Jian's gaze softened for a moment, then hardened again. "If they use you—"
Zhen Luo looked at him, almost amused. "They already do. The difference is I finally know it."
Han Jian's heart tightened. He wanted to reach out and grab the Crown Prince's hand—just once—just to remind him he wasn't alone.
But the palace was watching.
The next day arrived with a bright sky that made the palace look innocent.
At the Lotus Ceremony, the courtyard was filled with noble families, their silk flowing like rivers. The King stood at the center, smiling, welcoming, and watching.
The Queen stood beside him, her eyes on Zhen Luo like a hawk.
Zhen Luo appeared on the stage, wearing ceremonial robes, his expression calm and distant. He stepped forward, and the crowd fell silent.
"My family," he began, voice clear, "has always stood for strength, loyalty, and tradition."
He paused, letting the silence stretch. The King's eyes flicked toward him, sharp and threatening.
Zhen Luo continued. "And today, I will announce my engagement."
The crowd murmured, excitement rising.
The Queen's smile was triumphant.
Zhen Luo raised his hand, and the crowd waited, breathless.
"However," he said, voice steady, "I will not announce it today."
The crowd gasped.
The King's face tightened.
The Queen's eyes flashed with anger.
Zhen Luo continued calmly, "I will announce it when I am ready."
A hush fell over the palace.
The King's voice roared, "This is unacceptable!"
Zhen Luo turned to him, voice low and dangerous. "Then you will be the one who is unacceptable."
The Queen screamed, "You will regret this!"
Zhen Luo's voice was quiet. "I already do. Regret the day I was born into a family that hates me."
The crowd was stunned. No one knew what to say. The King's pride had been wounded.
And the Crown Prince… had just started his rebellion.
Han Jian watched silently, smiling slightly. Good. Let them burn.
Because the palace was a trap, yes.
But Han Jian was no longer trapped.