The Prince’s Manor – Calm Waters, Hidden Currents

Lin Yue stayed in the manor, but how many dangers lurked beneath its polished surface? Could she survive this vipers' nest? She threw herself into learning Tang customs – bowing properly, using archaic utensils – but every move was watched by unseen eyes. One day, while strolling through the gardens, she overheard maids whispering:

"What's the deal with that new girl? Why's the prince keeping her here? Some secret scheme?"

"Look at her weird clothes – maybe she's a spy!"

Lin Yue's stomach dropped. They're onto me. To prove her worth, she approached the steward: "I have medical training. Let me treat the household."

The steward eyed her skeptically. "Medicine's no trifle, girl."

"I know what I'm doing," Lin Yue countered, masking her nerves. The steward agreed – but only to test her. If she fails, the prince's wrath falls on her, not me. Lin Yue bided her time until a young guard collapsed during training, foaming at the mouth. The manor physician shrugged helplessly. She barged into the sickroom, ignoring stares. The guard's pale face and ragged breaths told the story: heatstroke combined with acute stress.

"Cool him down! Fetch silver needles!" she ordered. Gasps filled the room – a woman performing acupuncture? Unheard of! Yet her steady hands worked the needles, cloths dabbing his fevered skin. Slowly, his breathing steadied. The steward bowed, newly respectful. "Your skill shames this old fool."

Lin Yue waved it off. "Basic knowledge, really." But her smile faded. This bought me time, not safety. Though servants now smiled more, shadows still followed her. She'd won a battle, not the war.