Chapter 6

The morning sun painted the sky in hues of pale orange as the palace buzzed with quiet tension. Rumors of the second prince's unexpected defense of Shen Yue had already begun to spread, stirring both curiosity and resentment among the nobles.

Within the Prime Minister's mansion, Shen Yue sat silently in the garden pavilion, her thoughts lingering on her conversation with Li Han the night before. His words had lingered—"I need your help." But what could she truly offer a prince navigating such dangerous palace intrigues?

Before she could reflect further, a shadow approached. It was her eldest sister, Shen Lihua, the only one who treated her with kindness. Lihua's calm presence was a rare comfort in the household's web of jealousy and deceit.

"You've been quiet all morning, Yue'er," Lihua said gently, kneeling beside her with a cup of warm tea.

Shen Yue forced a smile, grateful for her sister's attention. "I was only thinking about the tea party… and what happened afterward."

Lihua's gaze darkened, her hand gently brushing Shen Yue's arm. "Madam Zhen and Shen Ruo will not stop. You know that. You must be careful, Yue'er. Power struggles in this house are as deadly as the ones in the palace."

Before Shen Yue could respond, loud footsteps echoed from the courtyard. Madam Zhen had summoned all the sisters to the front hall.

When Shen Yue arrived, she found Shen Ruo standing beside their mother with her usual smug smile, while Shen Lihua remained quietly at Shen Yue's side. The fourth sister, Shen Qian, pouted in a corner, already irritated by the tension.

Madam Zhen's sharp voice filled the air. "The Empress has invited all noble daughters to the annual Plum Blossom Festival in two days. This is a rare chance to represent our family properly. Ruo and Qian will attend."

Shen Yue's eyes narrowed slightly. Her name had not been mentioned.

Shen Lihua, ever diplomatic, spoke first. "Mother, will Shen Yue not attend? She is of age and equally deserving of such an opportunity."

Madam Zhen's smile was cold. "The second prince's attention has already drawn enough gossip. It would be improper for her to attend... for the family's sake."

Shen Yue clenched her fists but said nothing. She knew better than to provoke her stepmother openly.

Later that evening, when the mansion had grown quieter, Shen Yue sat alone in her chamber, a single lantern flickering beside her. She hadn't expected a visitor—but when the maid entered and announced a guest, her breath caught.

It was Li Han.

Dressed in dark robes, his expression serious, he gestured for the maid to leave them alone. Once the door closed, he spoke in a hushed tone.

"I heard you will not be attending the Plum Blossom Festival."

Shen Yue nodded stiffly. "Madam Zhen has made her decision."

Li Han's gaze lingered on her face, thoughtful. "That will not do. The Empress is gathering noble daughters for a reason—she is seeking alliances. If you are not there, it will be seen as either a slight against her or weakness in your family. I will ensure you receive an invitation."

Shen Yue blinked, startled. "But why? What difference does it make if I attend?"

His voice lowered further. "It makes a great difference, Shen Yue. You saw how dangerous palace politics can be during the tea party. If you remain invisible, you become a target. If you stand tall, you are seen as a player, not a pawn."

Before she could argue further, a soft knock echoed against the chamber door.

"Miss Shen Yue," the maid whispered. "The eldest young master has returned."

Shen Yue stiffened. Her eldest half-brother, Shen Xian, was a cold man who rarely involved himself in household affairs. His return could only mean one thing—political tensions were rising.

Li Han's expression shifted, recognizing the change. "I will leave for now. Be cautious."

The moment he left, Shen Xian entered. Tall and dressed in a scholar's robe, his sharp gaze swept over his younger sister.

"Yue'er," he greeted curtly, sitting across from her without ceremony.

"Brother," she replied softly.

"I heard you have been causing quite the stir." His voice held no warmth. "Attracting the attention of a prince is dangerous. You should focus on maintaining the family's dignity."

Shen Yue met his gaze directly. "I have done nothing wrong, brother. I do not control who the prince speaks to."

Shen Xian's jaw tightened. "Perhaps. But Madam Zhen has ordered you to stay home from the festival. Do not defy her. The family's reputation depends on it."

The words stung, but Shen Yue nodded in compliance. As he left, a heaviness settled in her chest.

The festival would be crucial. And she would attend—one way or another.

---

The Plum Blossom Festival arrived with grand fanfare. Lanterns lined the palace courtyards, and the scent of blooming plum blossoms filled the air. Noble daughters in vibrant silks gathered under the Empress's watchful eye.

Shen Ruo and Shen Qian had already arrived, both wearing their finest dresses, hoping to catch the princes' attention. Yet, whispers spread like wildfire when Shen Yue entered the palace gates—escorted personally by Prince Li Han.

Madam Zhen's face paled in the crowd, while Shen Ruo's expression twisted with barely concealed rage.

Li Han offered his arm as Shen Yue stepped gracefully into the festival grounds. "Let them talk," he whispered.

But as the music played and nobles mingled, a chill ran down Shen Yue's spine. A pair of sharp, watchful eyes had been observing her every move from the balcony above.

The Empress.

And next to her—the Third Prince.

Trouble was only beginning.