Chapter 7

The whispers had not subsided since Shen Yue's dramatic arrival at the Plum Blossom Festival. Her name was on every noble's lips, a storm of speculation brewing among the attendees. Why had the second prince, known for his aloofness, personally escorted her? What could this mean for the delicate balance of power within the palace?

Shen Yue, aware of the countless eyes on her, remained composed as she stood beside Li Han in the lavishly decorated courtyard. Plum blossoms drifted lazily through the air, carried by a gentle breeze, their beauty masking the tension that hung heavily over the event.

"Miss Shen Yue," Li Han said softly, leaning closer so only she could hear, "stay by my side. The Empress is watching, and the Third Prince is not someone to underestimate."

Shen Yue tilted her head slightly, her voice calm despite the unease building in her chest. "What does the Third Prince want?"

Li Han's gaze darkened. "The throne. And he's willing to destroy anyone in his way—myself included."

Before Shen Yue could respond, a voice cut through the air, smooth and mocking.

"Second Brother, you've certainly brought an intriguing guest to the festival."

They turned to see Li Wei, the Third Prince, descending the grand staircase with deliberate grace. He was dressed in rich purple robes, his sharp features framed by a confident smile that didn't reach his calculating eyes.

Li Han's expression hardened. "Li Wei."

Li Wei ignored his brother's cold tone, his attention fixed on Shen Yue. "Miss Shen Yue, isn't it? Your presence here has caused quite the stir. Tell me, how does it feel to be the center of attention?"

Shen Yue met his gaze with calm defiance. "Your Highness, I did not come seeking attention. I am merely here to enjoy the festival."

Li Wei's smirk widened. "Ah, modesty. A rare trait in these circles." His eyes flicked briefly to Li Han, a spark of amusement dancing within them. "Brother, you must truly value her company to make such a public statement. Or is there another reason for your sudden interest?"

Li Han stepped forward, his voice like ice. "Careful, Li Wei. This is neither the time nor the place for your games."

Li Wei raised his hands in mock surrender. "Of course, of course. I wouldn't dream of ruining the festival." With a final glance at Shen Yue, he added, "I'll be watching with great interest."

As Li Wei walked away, Shen Yue let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

Li Han glanced at her. "Are you all right?"

"Yes," she replied, her voice steady. "But he's... unsettling."

"He's dangerous," Li Han corrected. "Stay away from him."

---

Elsewhere in the courtyard, Shen Ruo seethed with jealousy as she watched the exchange. Her hands clenched tightly around her fan, and her mother's warnings echoed in her mind.

"You must eliminate Shen Yue before she becomes a true threat," Madam Zhen had said earlier.

Shen Ruo's chance came when one of the noble daughters, Lady Bai, approached her with a conspiratorial smile.

"Lady Shen Ruo," she began, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "It seems your sister is quite... bold. Don't you think?"

Shen Ruo forced a smile. "Indeed. It's disgraceful how she's clinging to the second prince."

Lady Bai's eyes gleamed with mischief. "If such behavior were exposed, it could ruin her reputation entirely. I hear the Empress frowns upon women who overstep their boundaries."

Shen Ruo's mind raced. This was her opportunity. "What do you suggest, Lady Bai?"

A whispered plan began to form, one that would humiliate Shen Yue and, if successful, destroy her standing in the palace.

---

Later in the evening, as the festivities reached their peak, Shen Yue found herself being led away by a maid who claimed the Empress wished to speak with her.

The path through the garden was eerily quiet, the lanterns casting long shadows across the stone pathways. Shen Yue's unease grew with each step, but she steeled herself.

When they reached a secluded clearing, she stopped abruptly. The maid was gone, and in her place stood Shen Ruo and Lady Bai, both wearing triumphant expressions.

"What is the meaning of this?" Shen Yue demanded, her voice firm.

Shen Ruo smirked. "Oh, dear sister, you've always been so naive. Did you really think the second prince's favor would protect you forever? After tonight, you'll learn your place."

Before Shen Yue could react, a group of servants appeared, carrying buckets of water and mud.

Shen Yue's eyes widened. "You intend to humiliate me."

"Humiliate you?" Shen Ruo sneered. "I intend to destroy you."

The servants moved closer, but before they could act, a voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

"Stop."

Everyone froze as Li Han stepped into the clearing, his sword drawn and his expression thunderous. Behind him stood Captain Wei and several palace guards.

"Shen Ruo," Li Han said coldly, "do you understand the severity of your actions?"

Shen Ruo's confidence faltered. "Your Highness, I—"

"Silence." His voice cut through her excuses. "You've not only disgraced your family but also insulted the royal family by orchestrating this... spectacle. Guards, take her away."

As the guards dragged a protesting Shen Ruo from the clearing, Li Han turned to Shen Yue.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice softening.

Shen Yue shook her head, though her hands trembled. "No, Your Highness. Thank you for intervening."

Li Han's gaze lingered on her, a mixture of relief and anger in his eyes. "I told you to stay by my side. Why didn't you?"

"I didn't want to cause more trouble," she admitted.

Li Han sighed, sheathing his sword. "Trouble will find you whether you seek it or not. From now on, you will have a personal guard. I won't allow anyone to harm you again."

Shen Yue's breath caught at the intensity of his words, but before she could respond, the distant sound of the festival reached them, reminding her that the night was far from over.

As they walked back toward the main courtyard, Shen Yue couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of the dangers she would face in the palace—and that Li Han's protection came at a cost she had yet to understand.