The Hand That Holds the Blade

Chapter 21: The Hand That Holds the Blade

The warmth of the tea cup lingered against Ye Xian's fingertips.

Too warm. Too bitter.

She had smelled countless poisons before—some subtle, some deadly within seconds. But this one was different. A slow-acting toxin? A paralyzing agent?

She didn't need to know the exact composition.

She only needed to know one thing.

Someone in this hall wanted her dead.

And they had just made their first move.

A Choice in Silence

Ye Xian exhaled softly, her fingers brushing the porcelain rim as if savoring the scent.

Across the banquet table, Han Yue was still watching her.

The Emperor had returned to speaking with one of his advisors, his expression unreadable.

Zhao Fengyun and Bai Zhen had noticed nothing—yet.

Which meant whoever had done this had been careful.

Very careful.

She had two choices.

Drink it. Take the risk, let her body handle the poison, and pretend nothing was wrong—but risk falling into her enemy's trap. Make them reveal themselves.

Her fingers tightened slightly.

No.

She wasn't here to be tested.

She was here to control the game.

The First Counterattack

Ye Xian tilted her head slightly, lifting the tea cup just high enough to catch the light.

Then—she turned.

Smooth. Unhurried. Deliberate.

"Zhao Fengyun," she said lightly. "This tea tastes different."

Bai Zhen raised a brow. Zhao Fengyun's fingers paused against the edge of his own cup.

Then—he smiled.

"Different?"

Ye Xian extended the cup toward him.

"Try it."

A pause.

The hall did not go silent. The conversations continued, the music played on.

But in that moment, Ye Xian knew—whoever had tried to poison her was watching closely.

Zhao Fengyun's smirk didn't waver. He took the cup from her, bringing it close enough to inhale.

A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face.

Then—without hesitation, he took a sip.

Bai Zhen's expression shifted slightly.

Ye Xian watched. Waited.

Zhao Fengyun exhaled through his nose, swirling the liquid briefly before swallowing.

Then, he set the cup down, leaning forward slightly.

"A curious flavor," he murmured. "A bit stronger than usual."

Ye Xian met his gaze.

A silent understanding passed between them.

Yes. There was something in the tea.

And now, Zhao Fengyun knew it too.

But he wasn't going to react.

Not yet.

Because now, the real game had begun.

The One Who Watches from the Dark

A servant arrived to refill the cups.

Ye Xian let them take hers without a word, watching carefully as they poured fresh tea from the central kettle.

No hesitation. No flicker of nervousness.

Either they were innocent—or they were very well trained.

She lifted the new cup.

This time—it smelled normal.

So.

Whoever had arranged this hadn't expected her to notice.

But now, they knew she had.

And they would have to adjust their next move.

She glanced toward the edge of the hall, where a row of palace officials and military officers sat in quiet conversation.

One of them had been watching her.

Not Han Yue.

Someone else.

A figure dressed in dark green robes, their expression carefully neutral.

She didn't recognize them.

But she would.

Before this night was over, she would know exactly who had tried to kill her.

And then—they would regret failing.

The Emperor's Next Test

The banquet continued.

But Ye Xian's mind was already moving ahead.

Who had the most to gain from her death?

The Emperor? Unlikely. If he wanted her dead, he wouldn't use something as subtle as poison. The Shadow Empress? Possible. But if this was her doing, why use such an obvious method? The Imperial Officials? Some of them had no doubt grown wary of her presence.

And then—there was Han Yue.

The man who had been watching her too closely.

The man who had suddenly brought up Lan Huai's name.

The man who—at this very moment—was rising from his seat.

The hall quieted slightly as Han Yue stepped forward, his boots clicking lightly against the polished floor.

He approached the Emperor's dais, stopping just short of the raised platform.

Then—he placed a hand over his heart.

A formal request. A request that meant he was about to ask for something important.

The Emperor tilted his head slightly. "General Han Yue."

Han Yue spoke, his voice even. "Your Majesty. If I may be so bold, I have a request regarding one of our guests."

A ripple of interest moved through the hall.

The Emperor gestured for him to continue.

Han Yue's gaze flickered—just once—toward Ye Xian.

Then—he spoke words that sent a slow, burning heat through the room.

"Allow me to test her."

The Duel That Cannot Be Refused

Ye Xian's pulse remained steady.

So.

He had chosen the direct path after all.

The Emperor tapped his fingers against the table, considering. "A test?"

Han Yue inclined his head. "Physician Xie has proven herself a capable healer. But I have heard whispers that she possesses skills beyond medicine."

A polite way of saying—he didn't believe her identity.

Zhao Fengyun sighed dramatically beside her. "How predictable."

Bai Zhen rubbed his temple. "You know, I was hoping for at least one evening without a challenge to someone's life."

Han Yue ignored them.

His gaze remained on the Emperor. "If she has nothing to hide, then she will have no reason to refuse."

The words were spoken lightly. But they were a trap.

A refusal would mean suspicion.

An acceptance would mean exposing herself.

The Emperor leaned back in his seat, exhaling slowly. "A fair request."

Then, he turned to Ye Xian.

"Physician Xie."

Ye Xian placed a hand over her heart and lowered her gaze slightly. "Your Majesty."

The Emperor studied her.

Then—he smiled.

"Will you accept?"

A pause.

A choice.

And Ye Xian knew—the next move was hers.

She smiled faintly.

"Of course," she said. "I never refuse a challenge."

End of Chapter 21