Chapter 29

📖 CHAPTER 29: A BLADE HIDDEN IN SILK

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the Gu Manor.

Gu Qingyan sat before the bronze mirror in her chambers, slowly combing through her long hair. The night's events played in her mind like an intricate melody—each note, each glance, each word holding hidden meaning.

Feng Xuan's warning lingered.

"The storm is coming."

She set the comb down.

[Ding! New Side Mission: Identify the True Threat.]

Her lips curled slightly. "True threat, hm?"

The system rarely gave vague missions. That meant… there were multiple dangers lurking, and it was up to her to decipher which one would strike first.

A soft knock at her door.

"Enter."

Xiao Yue stepped in, her face slightly pale. "Miss… there's a guest."

Gu Qingyan raised an eyebrow. "At this hour?"

Xiao Yue hesitated. "It's… the Third Prince."

Gu Qingyan stilled.

Feng Liyan?

Her gaze darkened slightly before she rose to her feet, adjusting the loose silk robe draped over her shoulders. "Prepare tea."

Xiao Yue bowed and hurried out.

Gu Qingyan stepped into the pavilion where Feng Liyan waited.

Dressed in elegant deep blue robes embroidered with golden threads, he leaned lazily against a pillar, his usual smirk in place. His sharp golden eyes glinted with amusement as she approached.

"You don't seem surprised to see me, Lady Gu."

Gu Qingyan lowered herself onto the seat across from him, her expression calm. "Should I be? It was only a matter of time before Your Highness paid a visit."

He chuckled. "I see you already understand how this game works."

She picked up the teapot and poured the tea herself. "A blade hidden in silk is still a blade, Your Highness. I simply choose to acknowledge what others pretend not to see."

His smirk deepened. "Then you must know why I'm here."

Gu Qingyan lifted the teacup to her lips, taking a slow sip before meeting his gaze. "You want to know which side I stand on."

Silence.

Feng Liyan's fingers tapped against the table. "And?"

Gu Qingyan set the teacup down, her voice soft yet firm. "I stand where I have always stood—on my own path."

His gaze flickered.

Then—he laughed.

A low, rich sound filled the night air.

"Interesting."

He leaned closer, resting his chin on his palm. "You really are not the same Gu Qingyan from before. And that… is both fascinating and dangerous."

She met his gaze head-on. "Then should I take that as a warning, Your Highness?"

Feng Liyan smirked. "Take it however you wish."

He stood, brushing off his sleeves. "For now, I will simply watch and see how far you go."

Gu Qingyan remained seated, watching as he stepped into the moonlight.

"Lady Gu," he called over his shoulder.

She tilted her head slightly.

"If you ever grow tired of walking alone…" His lips curled. "Consider standing beside me."

Then, with a final glance, he disappeared into the night.

Gu Qingyan exhaled, her fingers tightening slightly around her cup.

The game was shifting.

And the players were drawing closer.

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📍 Secret Meeting – The Crown Prince's Side

In the depths of the Eastern Palace, Feng Yusheng sat in silence.

His advisor kneeled before him. "Your Highness, the Third Prince has visited Lady Gu."

Feng Yusheng's eyes remained unreadable.

"She is attracting attention."

"Yes, Your Highness."

A long pause.

Then, the Crown Prince finally spoke. "Let them watch."

His fingers brushed against the hilt of his sword.

"In the end, she will have no choice but to kneel."