chapter 8

The aftermath of the Plum Blossom Festival rippled through the palace and noble households alike. Shen Ruo's public disgrace had left Madam Zhen in a simmering rage, her carefully constructed plans unraveling. For Shen Yue, however, the incident only intensified the scrutiny she faced.

Days passed, but the tension didn't subside. Shen Yue felt the weight of every gaze upon her when she stepped outside, even within the supposed safety of the Prime Minister's mansion. Madam Zhen was colder than ever, and Shen Ruo was confined to her chambers, though the servants whispered about her tantrums and threats of revenge.

Shen Yue tried to focus on her embroidery that morning, but her thoughts kept drifting to Li Han. The image of him standing between her and danger was etched deeply in her mind. His words—his promise of protection—lingered in a way she couldn't quite shake.

"Miss Yue'er," her maid, Xiaoyu, said softly, interrupting her thoughts. "The eldest young master requests your presence in the study."

Shen Yue frowned. Shen Xian rarely involved himself in household matters unless they directly impacted the family's reputation. Still, she rose and followed Xiaoyu to the study.

When she entered, Shen Xian stood by the window, his hands clasped behind his back. His sharp eyes turned to her, measuring her silently before he spoke.

"Yue'er," he began, his tone clipped, "the family cannot afford any more scandals. Your presence at the festival has already stirred too many rumors."

"I didn't intend to cause trouble," Shen Yue replied evenly.

"Intentions mean little in the world we live in," Shen Xian said sharply. "The Empress has summoned you to the palace tomorrow. It is likely a test. You will represent the family properly."

Shen Yue's stomach twisted. The Empress? Why would she request to see her?

Before she could question further, Shen Xian continued, "Do not embarrass us again. And whatever connection you have with the second prince—tread carefully. You are playing a dangerous game, one you are ill-equipped to handle."

His words stung, but Shen Yue merely bowed her head. "Yes, Brother."

---

The next day, Shen Yue found herself stepping into the grand halls of the Empress's palace, her nerves tightly wound. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, and the polished floors gleamed under the sunlight streaming through intricate lattice windows.

She was led into a smaller, more private chamber where the Empress awaited her. Regal and composed, the Empress exuded an air of authority that made Shen Yue's heart race.

"Shen Yue," the Empress said, her voice smooth but laced with curiosity. "You caused quite the commotion at the festival."

Shen Yue knelt respectfully. "Your Majesty, I did not intend to disrupt the event."

The Empress waved her hand dismissively. "Intentions matter little in the court. What interests me is your connection to the second prince."

Shen Yue hesitated, carefully choosing her words. "His Highness showed kindness when I was in a difficult situation. Nothing more."

The Empress studied her for a long moment, then smiled faintly. "You are cautious. That is good. But caution alone will not keep you safe in the palace."

Before Shen Yue could respond, the Empress's gaze sharpened. "There are forces at play that you cannot yet comprehend. If you wish to survive, you must decide where your loyalties lie."

The cryptic warning left Shen Yue with more questions than answers.

---

Later that afternoon, as Shen Yue left the palace, she was intercepted by a familiar figure. Captain Wei, Li Han's trusted guard, stood at the gate with a respectful bow.

"Miss Shen Yue," he said. "His Highness requests your presence."

Though she was hesitant, Shen Yue nodded and followed him to a secluded pavilion within the palace gardens. Li Han was waiting, his expression unreadable.

"Your Highness," she greeted, bowing politely.

Li Han gestured for her to sit. "What did the Empress say to you?"

"She asked about my connection to you," Shen Yue replied honestly. "And warned me to choose my loyalties carefully."

Li Han's jaw tightened. "The Empress is testing you, as she does with everyone who enters the palace. Do not trust her words too easily."

Shen Yue frowned. "What is she testing me for?"

He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping. "The Empress knows the balance of power is shifting. She is watching everyone, searching for those who may tip the scales in her favor—or against her."

Before Shen Yue could respond, another voice interrupted.

"So this is where you've been hiding, Brother."

Both turned to see Li Wei approaching, his smirk as sharp as ever.

"Miss Shen Yue," he said smoothly, "you seem to attract my brother's attention quite often. I must admit, I'm intrigued by you myself."

Li Han stood, his expression hardening. "Li Wei, leave."

Li Wei ignored him, his eyes fixed on Shen Yue. "Tell me, Miss Shen Yue, do you know what happens to those who get too close to the second prince? Their lives tend to become... complicated."

Shen Yue met his gaze steadily. "Your Highness, I believe life is already complicated, no matter where one stands."

Li Wei chuckled, clearly entertained. "You're bold. I like that. Perhaps we'll speak again soon."

As he left, Li Han exhaled sharply, frustration evident. "Stay away from him, Shen Yue. He's dangerous."

"Everyone seems to be dangerous, Your Highness," she replied softly.

Li Han's expression softened. "Perhaps. But I will not let anyone harm you. Remember that."

As Shen Yue left the pavilion, her mind swirled with confusion and unease. The palace was a battlefield, and she was caught in the middle of a war she barely understood.

---

Back at the Prime Minister's mansion, trouble awaited her. Shen Qian had been waiting for her return, her arms crossed and her expression sour.

"Did you enjoy your time with the prince?" Shen Qian sneered. "You think you're so special, don't you?"

Shen Yue sighed, too tired to argue. "I have no interest in fighting with you, Qian."

But Shen Qian's voice rose, drawing the attention of the servants. "You're nothing but a concubine's daughter, and yet you act as if you're better than the rest of us!"

Before Shen Yue could respond, Shen Lihua stepped in, her voice firm. "That's enough, Qian. If you have nothing useful to say, leave."

Shen Qian huffed and stormed off, leaving Shen Yue with her eldest sister.

"You shouldn't let her get to you," Lihua said gently.

"I'm trying," Shen Yue replied with a faint smile.

But as she lay in bed that night, Shen Yue couldn't shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come.