Chapter 35

A Bold Gamble

Wen Shia stood frozen, watching Xiang walk away. His heart clenched with frustration and longing, her absence leaving a hollow ache within him. How could he make her stay? How could he stop her from slipping further away? Returning home in despair, he brooded for hours until a single thought crystallized in his mind: he would not let her marry the prince.

Determined, Wen Shia set out to uncover everything he could about the man Xiang was supposed to wed. He questioned merchants, villagers, and passersby, piecing together the prince's reputation. The answers enraged him further—everyone described the prince as a kind and honorable man, beloved by his people. The perfect man for Xiang. Wen Shia's resolve hardened. It didn't matter how virtuous the prince was; he would find a way to stop the marriage.

Wen Shia devised a daring plan. He would infiltrate the palace under the guise of a wealthy merchant to confront the king himself. Dressing the part, he approached the palace gates with an air of authority. But the guards quickly intercepted him.

"Halt! You cannot enter without the king's permission. State your business or leave," one of them barked.

Feigning urgency, Wen Shia replied, "I am here on a matter of utmost importance. I bring news that could save the kingdom! If I'm turned away, the consequences will be dire."

The guards exchanged skeptical glances, unimpressed by his dramatics. One of them shoved him back. "Leave now, or you'll face punishment for wasting our time."

But Wen Shia wasn't deterred. "This is no waste of time! I carry a message for the king that cannot wait. I must speak with him directly!"

After much insistence, one guard relented, though not without a warning. "Fine. But if you're lying, you'll pay with your life."

Led into the grand hall, Wen Shia stood before the king, who was deep in discussion with his commander. The regal figure turned to him, his expression stern and unwelcoming.

"How dare you interrupt my council without permission?" the king thundered.

Wen Shia bowed slightly, masking his defiance with feigned humility. "Your Majesty, I come with urgent news that could benefit your reign. The guards permitted my entry because of its importance."

The king's frown deepened. "The guards never allow anyone to enter without my express consent. You've overstepped, and I have no time for nonsense."

Wen Shia straightened, meeting the king's gaze with quiet confidence. "If you send me away without hearing what I have to say, you may regret it for the rest of your life. But if you truly wish for me to leave, I will do so."

The king hesitated, his pride battling his curiosity. Wen Shia's calm yet audacious demeanor unnerved him. Before the king could speak, the commander intervened.

"Your Majesty," he said, "perhaps we should hear him out. If he's lying, we can deal with him swiftly. But if there's truth in his words, it would be foolish to dismiss him."

After a tense moment, the king relented. "Fine. Speak. But if you waste my time, you'll face the consequences."

Wen Shia smiled faintly. "Very well. I bring news from the heavens."

The king's brows knit in confusion. "The heavens?"

"Yes," Wen Shia replied smoothly. "I know secrets about the celestial realm that few mortals do. My parents were gods in heaven, but they were punished for their mistakes. The king of heaven executed them and sought to kill me as well. My mother hid me, sparing my life. That's why I despise the gods and why I've come to warn you."

The king regarded Wen Shia with suspicion. "If what you say is true, then prove it. How can I trust you're not here to deceive me? What if you're working with the gods to destroy us?"

Wen Shia held his gaze unwaveringly. "My blood carries the essence of the gods, but my loyalty lies with you. If you doubt me, test me. But heed my warning: the gods are watching you, and they are plotting your downfall. Only I can help you navigate their schemes."

The king leaned back on his throne, his expression unreadable. The room fell silent, tension crackling like a storm about to break. Finally, the king spoke.

"Very well. I will consider your words. But mark this—if you betray me, not even the gods will save you from my wrath."

Wen Shia inclined his head. "A fair judgment, Your Majesty. I ask only for your trust, and in return, I will reveal everything I know."

The king nodded to the commander, who remained on high alert. "Let's see if this so-called son of the heavens speaks the truth."

As Wen Shia stood there, a faint smile played on his lips. His gamble had paid off—for now.