It's test of patience and determination

Capital - Xuanjing

Celestial Harmony Palace

The grand hall of Celestial Harmony Palace gleamed under the light of a thousand lanterns. Its high ceiling bore murals of celestial dragons and phoenixes, symbols of the Song Dynasty's divine rule. Ministers and nobles stood in two distinct groups, each representing one of the political factions vying for influence in the emperor's court.

At the head of the hall sat Emperor Xu Tianguan, his gaze calm but sharp, taking in the dynamics between the Grand Chancellor Yang Chenzi's party and the Prime Minister Feng Wehao's party.

Grand Chancellor Yang Chenzi stepped forward, his demeanor composed but with a faint edge of condescension. "Your Majesty, the Xianxi River's flood has displaced countless families. The court must act swiftly to provide relief. May I propose an immediate allocation of 1,000 gold coins from the treasury to aid the rebuilding efforts?"

Prime Minister Feng Wehao nodded in agreement but raised his hand. "Your Majesty, while the Grand Chancellor's proposal is commendable, it would be wise to also assess the structural weaknesses of the riverbanks to prevent future disasters. A mere monetary solution will not suffice."

Before Minister of Justice Wu Zhihao, a staunch ally of Grand Chancellor Yang, could respond, he interjected. "With all due respect, Prime Minister Feng, such investigations will take months. The people cannot wait while bureaucrats debate theories."

The Imperial Princess Xu Jiayi, standing tall in her crimson robes, her spear resting beside her, stepped forward. "The Minister of Justice speaks as if the Prime Minister suggested delaying action. What he proposed was to balance immediate relief with preventive measures." Her tone was sharp, her words cutting through the tension.

Grand Chancellor Yang Chenzi's expression tightened, but he quickly masked it with a placid smile. "Your Majesty, it is clear that some of us prioritize theoretical debates over swift action. Let us not forget the urgency of the matter at hand."

The Emperor Xu Tianguan raised a hand, silencing the brewing argument. "Enough. I have decided. The treasury will contribute 1,000 gold coins for immediate relief. Grand Chancellor Yang, you will oversee the rebuilding efforts and ensure that aid reaches those in need. Minister Zhao Renshu, prepare a detailed report on the costs for reinforcing the riverbanks. This assembly is dismissed."

As the emperor stood to leave, the factions exchanged glances, each side silently plotting their next move.

Private Chamber in palace

After the assembly, Grand Chancellor Yang Chenzi, Minister of Justice Wu Zhihao, and Minister of Rites Huang Jingde convened in a private chamber within the palace.

Grand Chancellor Yang Chenzi's serene mask dropped, replaced by a calculating smirk. "The Prime Minister Feng grows bolder by the day, questioning our decisions in front of His Majesty. It is intolerable."

Minister of Justice Wu Zhihao, leaning against the table, sneered. "The Imperial Princess Xu Jiayi is no better. Her martial prowess makes her believe she can challenge us politically. Her involvement in court matters is an affront to tradition."

Minister of Rites Huang Jingde, known for his quiet cunning, spoke softly. "Patience. The flood provides us with an opportunity. If the relief efforts fail or funds mysteriously disappear, the blame will fall on the Grand Chancellor's office, but if we redirect some of those funds strategically..."

Grand Chancellor Yang Chenzi's eyes gleamed. "We can ensure the Prime Minister Feng and his allies are implicated. Minister Huang Jingde, begin drafting plans to discredit Feng Wehao. Minister Wu Zhihao, use your influence to plant doubts about Xu Jiayi's military strategies. We must erode their support."

"As you wish, Grand Chancellor," they both said in unison.

Grand Chancellor Yang Chenzi leaned back in his chair, satisfied. "The emperor may be the sun, but even the sun relies on the stars to illuminate the night. Soon, His Majesty will have no choice but to rely entirely on us."

The three shared a quiet laugh, their scheming whispers a sharp contrast to the grandeur of the Celestial Harmony Palace.

Outside Celestial Harmony Palace

Imperial Princess Xu Jiayi, mastered Blazing Lotus Spear, accompanied by her trusted subordinate Zhang Yong with Golden Crane Formation mastered, strolled down the marble pathway leading out of the palace. The afternoon sun gleamed on her crimson hairpin, a symbol of her martial prowess and status.

"Your Highness," Zhang Yong said respectfully, "the ministers seem restless. Today's assembly was tense."

Xu Jiayi smiled faintly. "Restless men often speak too much. What matters is action, not words."

As they approached the palace gates, they encountered Imperial Guard Commander Zhao Jin, his Storm breaker Spear martial arts with spear on his back . He bowed deeply. "Your Highness."

"Commander Zhao," Xu Jiayi said, her tone warm but formal. "I have a task for you." She handed him a scroll, the red wax seal bearing her insignia. "Deliver this invitation to Lady Zhao Lin. Tell her I insist she attend the banquet at Qingxi Palace tomorrow night. It has been far too long since we last spoke."

Zhao Jin nodded. "As you command, Your Highness. My sister will be honored to join you."

"Good," Xu Jiayi said with a nod. "Now go. The road to Qingxi Palace can be unpredictable."

"As you wish, Your Highness." Zhao Jin bowed once more before departing.

On the way to Mount Zhaoshan

The dense jungle surrounding the Jiangnan River was eerily quiet as Lin Liangchen, Feng Xiangling, and Zhou Jinyu walked along the narrow dirt path. The river shimmered in the moonlight, its surface almost too perfect, adding to its mysterious reputation.

"This is the third time we've come back to this same spot," Zhou Jinyu muttered, his tone laced with frustration.

Lin Liangchen frowned, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. "The legends say that to enter Mount Zhaoshan, one must walk the same path seven times. It's a test of patience and determination."

Feng Xiangling, gripping her sword tightly, sighed. "If that's the case, let's not waste any more time. We'll take the same path again."

They retraced their steps, their resolve growing with each loop. On the seventh pass, the path ahead suddenly shifted. The trees parted to reveal a shimmering bridge spanning the river.

Feng Xiangling stepped forward instinctively, her hand brushing the hilt of her blade. "It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

"Stop!" Lin Liangchen's voice was sharp as he grabbed her arm and yanked her back.

The bridge dissolved into mist, revealing jagged rocks below.

"It was an illusion," Lin Liangchen said, his voice steady. "This place is testing us."

Before they could react further, a thick, silvery smoke surrounded them.

"What is this?" Zhou Jinyu called out, his voice echoing as the three were separated by the dense fog.

Feng Xiangling's voice rang out, "Stay close! Don't—"

Her words were cut off as the Celestial Dragon Formation began its work. Illusions danced before their eyes—visions of their greatest fears and deepest regrets.

Feng Xiangling found herself in a burning village, her brother Feng Yichen lying lifeless before her. She gritted her teeth and muttered, "This isn't real. It's not real!"

Lin Liangchen stood in a vast battlefield, his hands soaked in blood. "Not again," he murmured, his fists tightening. "I won't lose control."

Zhou Jinyu, separated from the others, saw a shadowy figure resembling Lin Liangchen standing over his fallen comrades. "No… I won't betray him," he said, shaking his head as he fought to break free of the illusion.

The formation's power grew stronger, but the question remained—would they be able to escape its grasp?

To be continued...