Unnamed

Jin Yue sat quietly in the outer chamber, waiting as her father, Lin Zhao, discussed matters with the Emperor behind closed doors. She didn't know the specifics of the meeting.

The large doors creaked open, and the sound of soft footsteps filled the air. Jin Yue looked up to see the Empress enter with an air of grace and authority. Her eyes swept the room, quickly landing on Jin Yue.

"Ah, you must be imperial advisor Lin's daughter," the Empress said, her voice smooth yet carrying an undertone Jin Yue couldn't quite place. "How lovely to see you here."

Jin Yue rose respectfully, bowing her head. "Your Majesty."

Inwardly thinking, we just met at the banquet..is forgetfulness a royal trait?

The Empress approached, her gaze inspecting Jin Yue from head to toe with a slight smile. "you are engage to the prince." Her words lingered, as if she were considering something far deeper than a simple comment. "Have you started your preparations?"

Jin Yue hesitated, unsure of what to say. "I… have not, Your Majesty."what preparations?

The Empress's smile widened, though her eyes remained sharp. "I see. Well, it is no surprise, given your… humble background. Court life requires refinement, grace, and a certain understanding of etiquette. If you are to be the future princess, you must learn these things properly."

The words seemed kind on the surface, but Jin Yue could sense the subtle condescension beneath them. Before she could respond, the Empress continued, "Starting tomorrow, you will attend the palace regularly to receive instruction in etiquette. After all, it would not do for the prince's future wife to be lacking in such matters."

Jin Yue's heart sank, not just because of the command but because of the veiled hostility in the Empress's voice. Though the Empress appeared pleasant, Jin Yue could feel the chill of hidden enmity.

The Empress leaned in slightly, her voice dropping into a more personal tone, "It is important for you to make a good impression, dear. We will ensure you're well-prepared for your future role. Don't you agree?"

Jin Yue forced a polite smile. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will attend the lessons." she is tempted curse someone,hmm...will i be beheaded if i called the empress a witch?

The Empress's smile widened, though Jin Yue could feel the subtle tension behind her friendly façade. "Good. I'm certain you'll learn a lot."

Jin Yue nodded slightly, her dark eyes unreadable as she accepted the Empress's "kind" offer. "I will come to the palace tomorrow, Your Majesty."

Just then, the heavy doors of the Emperor's chamber opened, and her father, Lin Zhao, emerged. His gaze fell on Jin Yue, then flickered to the Empress, he immediately bowed to greet her and When he overheard the news of Jin Yue's upcoming visits to the palace, his eyes lit up with an unusual glint of satisfaction.

Although Lin Zhao had no love for Jin Yue, the thought of her being connected to the royal family—by both her engagement and now her time in the palace—was a blessing for his tarnished reputation. It was an opportunity to mend the family's name, despite their strained relationship.

"Is that true?" Lin Zhao's voice was oddly enthusiastic. "You're going to the palace?"

Jin Yue offered no more than a faint smile, but he didn't care about her silence. The prospect of the royal favor was enough to make him temporarily forget his distaste for her.

"Good. Very good," he muttered under his breath, as if already picturing the benefits that would follow.

Jinyue could do nothing but roll her eyes secretly.

____

The morning air was crisp, with the faintest rays of sunlight just beginning to warm the palace grounds. Jin Yue arrived at the entrance of the palace far earlier than most would expect. Her instincts had told her that timeliness in the imperial court was a game of subtlety, and being too late or even too on time could be interpreted as disrespect. It was a trap she wouldn't fall into.

As she approached, a eunuch stood waiting, his head slightly bowed. He glanced up, surprised to see her this early, yet quickly composed himself.

"Miss Jin Yue," he said in a high-pitched voice, "you are early. The Empress will be pleased."

Jin Yue nodded, her gaze was cool but observant. "Lead the way," she replied, the slight chill in her tone enough to show she knew she had sidestepped an unspoken test. If she had arrived any later, she was certain the blame would have fallen on her for keeping the Empress waiting.

The eunuch walked ahead, glancing back only once as he guided her through the intricate corridors, past grand pavilions and gardens, until they reached the Empress's palace. The grandeur of the building was imposing, with golden rooftops glistening under the morning sun.

As they neared the entrance, a soft murmur of voices reached her ears. Jin Yue's sharp eyes caught sight of the Emperor sitting beside the Empress, enjoying breakfast in a casual yet regal setting. To her surprise, there was someone else there whom she later learned was the fourth princess also present, seated with poised grace, paying her respects to her mother and father. The daughter of a low-ranked concubine, Lady Zhao, was also present, standing a little to the side, her eyes carefully watching every movement, ready to ingratiate herself,it seems like she leeched off someone to get her because normally, her status is not enough for her to be here.

The eunuch announced Jin Yue's arrival, and all eyes turned toward her. With careful steps, she entered the hall, her every movement measured, and bowed deeply to the Emperor and Empress.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness," she greeted in a calm voice, keeping her tone respectful yet not overly humble.

The Emperor glanced at her with mild curiosity, but it was the Empress who spoke first. "So, you came early, Jin Yue. That's admirable," she remarked, her voice lined with false warmth. "Not many are so diligent on their first day."

Jin Yue's lips curled into a faint, polite smile. "It is my honor to serve and learn from Your Majesty. I would not dare inconvenience you by arriving late."

The Empress's smile remained, but her eyes darkened ever so slightly. Jin Yue had seen through the trap, and they both knew it. But the Empress, being a seasoned master of courtly games, offered no outward sign of displeasure.

Instead, she turned to the elderly woman standing at her side. "This is Nanny Mei. She has been in the palace for many years and is well-versed in the ways of etiquette. She will guide you in proper court behavior."

Nanny Mei, a stern woman with years etched into her face, stepped forward and bowed. "It will be my pleasure to instruct you, Miss Jin Yue. The art of etiquette is the foundation of respect in the imperial court."

Jin Yue returned the bow respectfully, though her thoughts remained sharp. She had expected a strict mentor, and Nanny Mei's reputation was well known. Yet Jin Yue was not easily intimidated. She had come prepared to adapt.

Just as the jinyue was about to get lost in thought, Lady Zhao stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with opportunity. "Your Majesty," she said, bowing deeply, "I too wished to pay my respects to you this morning. It is my humble hope that I may learn from the wisdom of the court as Miss Jin Yue has been so generously granted."

The Empress's eyes flickered toward Lady Zhao, her lips curling slightly. "Ah, Lady Zhao," she replied, though the warmth in her tone seemed colder than ice. "It is always good to see your enthusiasm."

Jin Yue's gaze sharpened, watching the exchange. Lady Zhao had used the opportunity to curry favor, hoping to elevate herself in the Empress's eyes. But there was something calculated about Lady Zhao's move, and Jin Yue's instincts prickled with suspicion.

As the tension subtly brewed, the Emperor's voice cut through the air, unexpected . "It is always interesting to watch these etiquetteand court training unfold," he remarked, setting his teacup down. His gaze turned to Jin Yue, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Tell me, lady Jin Yue, how does one navigate the traps of court life?"

It was a challenge, spoken lightly but laden with meaning. The Empress's eyes flashed with intrigue, waiting for Jin Yue's response. Even the Fourth Princess paused in place, her attention fully focused.

Jin Yue bowed her head slightly, her dark eyes gleaming . "Your Majesty," she began, "in court life, it is important to remember that not all battles are fought with swords. Some are fought with silence, others with words. But most importantly, it is knowing when to move and when to stand still that determines whether one emerges victorious."

The Emperor chuckled, a rare sound in the otherwise quiet hall. "Wise words for someone so young."

Jin Yue straightened, her gaze still lowered in respect. "I have much to learn, Your Majesty."

Lady Zhao shifted uncomfortably, sensing the undercurrents in Jin Yue's reply. The Empress, though smiling, was clearly studying Jin Yue more closely now, as if she had underestimated her from the beginning.