The Trap She Must Set

Chapter 27: The Trap She Must Set

The corridors of the palace were never truly silent.

Even in the dead of night, footsteps echoed in distant halls, whispers carried through paper-thin walls, and shadows moved where no figures could be seen.

Ye Xian knew this because she had spent half her life listening to the sounds of those who thought they were unseen.

And right now—she was one of them.

She moved carefully, her steps controlled, her breath even.

She had spent the entire day being watched.

Now—it was her turn to do the watching.

---

The Trail of the Man in Green

She had followed him before.

But now, she would finish what she started.

The man in green—the one who had tried to poison her, or at least warn her before someone else did—had disappeared during the banquet.

That alone was a mistake.

Because when people disappeared, they always left something behind.

And Ye Xian had found it.

A name.

One whispered in the halls by those who spoke in hushed tones.

Master Ren.

A low-ranking court official. Unimportant to some. But important to someone.

And that made him dangerous.

Now, all she had to do was confirm who he was working for.

And then—decide what to do with him.

---

A Meeting in the Dark

The corridors leading to the eastern wing of the palace were dimly lit, meant for only those who had business there.

Ye Xian slipped through without hesitation.

Then—she stopped.

A voice.

Low. Sharp. Speaking in a tone that was meant never to be overheard.

She moved closer, keeping to the edge of the wooden panels.

And then—she saw them.

Master Ren stood just beyond a set of carved doors, his back half-turned.

Across from him—another figure.

Dressed in black robes lined with silver.

A familiar silhouette.

Ye Xian exhaled silently.

Han Yue.

---

The General's Hidden Interests

"Is everything prepared?" Han Yue's voice was quiet, but the steel beneath it was unmistakable.

Master Ren nodded. "Yes, General. The reports have been sent."

A pause.

Then—Han Yue's gaze flickered toward the hall.

Ye Xian held still. He hadn't seen her.

Yet.

"Good," Han Yue murmured. "But I want more than reports. I want proof."

Master Ren hesitated. "Proof?"

Han Yue's expression darkened slightly. "The Shadow Empress's hand is moving. I want to know where it will strike next."

A silence.

Then—Master Ren exhaled.

"I understand, General. I will be careful."

Han Yue's lips curled faintly. "Careful isn't enough."

A pause.

Then—he turned sharply and disappeared down the corridor.

Master Ren stood there for a moment, unmoving.

Then—he turned too.

And Ye Xian followed.

---

A Blade in the Dark

She moved like a shadow, tracing his path through the winding halls.

Master Ren was careful. Too careful.

He stopped once, glancing over his shoulder.

Ye Xian remained hidden. Silent.

Then—he moved again.

Through the courtyards. Beyond the main halls.

Toward—the eastern tower.

Her breath steadied.

This wasn't just anywhere in the palace.

This was the Emperor's restricted wing.

And that meant—whoever Master Ren was reporting to wasn't just a court official.

They were someone with real power.

Ye Xian's fingers brushed against the inside of her sleeve.

Then—she made her choice.

She moved.

Fast. Silent.

And then—her blade was at his throat.

---

The Secrets He Holds

Master Ren stiffened.

His hands barely twitched before Ye Xian pressed the dagger closer.

"Stay quiet," she murmured.

He exhaled shakily. "Who—"

"You already know who I am."

A silence.

Then—Master Ren swallowed.

"Do you think killing me will change anything?" he whispered.

Ye Xian's fingers remained steady. "That depends on your answer."

She tilted her head slightly.

"Who are you really working for?"

A pause.

Then—Master Ren exhaled.

And he did something she hadn't expected.

He smiled.

"You should be asking," he murmured, "who you've been working for this whole time."

---

The Question That Changes Everything

Ye Xian didn't move.

Didn't speak.

But her pulse slowed.

Because she understood what he was saying.

And she didn't like it.

Master Ren inhaled lightly. "You're a smart woman, Ye Xian. You already know that no one truly acts alone in this palace."

Ye Xian's fingers twitched slightly.

"And?" she said softly.

Master Ren exhaled, his voice barely above a whisper.

"The orders you've been following… the ones you think are from the Shadow Empress…"

A pause.

Then—he smiled again.

"They aren't hers."

---

The Truth in His Words

Ye Xian exhaled slowly.

Because this was dangerous.

More dangerous than anything she had planned for.

If the Shadow Empress wasn't the one giving certain orders…

Then who was?

Who had been moving behind the scenes, using both her and the Hidden Order as pawns?

Master Ren tilted his head slightly.

"Now," he whispered, "what will you do with that information?"

Ye Xian studied him.

Then—she made her choice.

She stepped back.

Master Ren exhaled sharply, touching his throat lightly. "So you do know how to be reasonable."

Ye Xian didn't respond.

Because she was already moving.

Already thinking.

Already deciding.

She had been preparing for war against the Shadow Empress.

But now—there was another player on the board.

And she had no idea who they were.

Yet.

---

End of Chapter 27