The Snow-Crowned Schemer

The snow had thickened into a blinding veil by the time Han Jin's carriage rattled away from the Jade Phoenix Tower, its wheels carving ruts through the frozen streets of the Tianhua capital.

The night air bit sharp, seeping through the carriage's seams, but Han Jin lounged within, his black-and-gold robes splayed across the cushioned seat, a smug grin plastered on his face. The taste of wine lingered on his tongue, mingling with the sweeter flavor of Wei Kang's humiliation—a dish best served with a sneer.

Guan Tao sat opposite, his broad frame filling the space, the notched axe across his knees glinting faintly in the lantern light. His scarred face was unreadable, but his eyes flicked to Han Jin with a mix of amusement and caution.

"You stirred a hornet's nest tonight, Third Young Master," he rumbled, voice low as distant thunder. "Wei Kang's pride took a beating he won't forget."

Han Jin waved a hand, dismissive.

"Let him stew, Uncle Guan. A whipped dog doesn't bite—it whimpers. And if he does growl, Father's fist will remind him of his place."

A chime pinged in his mind, crisp and clear: [Awe from Guan Tao detected. +10 Points. Total: 65.] The Dominance System hummed, its icy whisper cooing,

"Their fear is your crown." Han Jin's grin sharpened—he could get used to this.

The carriage jostled over a cobblestone, and Guan Tao grunted. "Aye, but the Fourth Prince—he's no dog. Tian Li's smile hides a blade, and he watched you like a hawk sizing prey. Royals don't mediate for sport."

Han Jin leaned back, crossing his arms.

"Let him watch. I'm no fool to cross a prince outright—Father's lessons stick, even if I dodge the books. Besides, what's he after? Wei Kang's trade routes? A pat on the head from the Emperor? I'll dance their dance 'til I know the steps."

[Confidence from Han Jin detected. Self-points invalid. Total: 65.] The system's note flickered, and he snorted—apparently, his own swagger didn't count. Fair enough; he'd harvest plenty from others.

The carriage rolled to a stop before the Chancellor's estate, its towering gates flanked by guards in crimson cloaks, their halberds glinting under torchlight.

Han Jin stepped out, snow crunching beneath his boots, and strode through the courtyard, Guan Tao trailing like a loyal specter. The estate was a fortress of dark stone and sweeping eaves, its lanterns casting pools of gold across the white expanse. Servants scurried to bow as he passed, their whispers a soft buzz in the frigid air.

Inside, the warmth of the main hall enveloped him—braziers roared, their flames licking at the shadows, while silk screens painted with cranes partitioned the space.

Lian Xue awaited near the threshold, her crimson robe a splash of color against the polished wood, her delicate face tight with something unspoken. She stepped forward, hands clasped, and dipped her head.

"Third Young Master, you're back late. Was the meeting… eventful?"

Han Jin tapped her chin with a playful finger, smirking.

"Eventful's one word for it, Xue'er. Wei Kang groveled, the prince played peacemaker, and I drank enough to float a boat. A fine night, all told."

[Affection from Lian Xue detected. +5 Points. Total: 70.]

The system chimed, and he winked at her flush—loyalty was its own reward, it seemed.

Her lips twitched into a small smile, but her eyes flickered with worry.

"The streets are buzzing already. Word's out you shamed Wei Kang again—some say he drew steel before the prince stopped him. The servants heard it from the market runners."

Han Jin laughed, a bright, careless sound that echoed through the hall.

"Good! Let the gossips sing it from the rooftops—'Han Jin humbles the mighty Wei!' Father'll love the tale, and Wei Kang can choke on it."

[Amusement from Lian Xue detected. +5 Points. Total: 75. ] The system kept pace, and he savored the tally's climb—each whisper was a coin in his pocket.

Guan Tao cleared his throat, stepping closer.

"Word travels fast, aye, but it's not all praise. The hawkers say Wei Kang's kin are spitting venom—calling you a thug hiding behind your father's robes. And some whisper the Fourth Prince looked too pleased, like he'd set a trap and watched it spring."

Han Jin's grin faltered, his eyes narrowing.

"A trap? Tian Li's too smooth for his own good—royals love their games. But Wei's lot can yap all they like; they're ants under Father's boot." He paused, then smirked again. "Still, I'll keep an eye on the prince. Can't have him stealing my fun."

Before Lian Xue could reply, a shadow loomed from the inner hall—Han Zheng himself, clad in indigo silk, his three-inch beard framing a face carved from granite. His presence filled the room like a storm rolling in, and the servants stilled, their bows deepening.

"Han Jin," he said, voice a low rumble, "you're back. I hear the capital's tongues wagging already."

Han Jin clasped his hands, dipping his head with a grin.

"Father! Just a little fun at the Jade Phoenix Tower. Wei Kang groveled, the Fourth Prince played host, and I kept your name shining. Nothing to fret over."

Han Zheng's gaze pierced him, sharp as a blade.

"Fun, you call it? The runners say you mocked Wei Kang 'til he nearly drew steel, and Tian Li had to leash him. Is that your idea of keeping peace?" His tone was stern, but a flicker of something—pride, perhaps—danced in his eyes.

Han Jin shrugged, unfazed.

"He begged for it, Father. A fool's pride bends when you press hard enough. And the prince wanted harmony—I gave him enough to save face. No harm done."

[Respect from Han Zheng detected. +10 Points. Total: 85.]

The system's chime was a quiet thrill—Father's approval was rare and rich.

Han Zheng stepped closer, his shadow swallowing the brazier's light.

"No harm, you say? Wei Kang's house may be fading, but they've allies—merchants, minor lords—who'll grumble to the court. And Tian Li's no idle meddler; he's the Emperor's fourth son, with ambitions of his own. You're playing with fire, boy, and I won't always douse it for you."

Han Jin met his gaze, grin softening to a sly smile. "I've got the measure of it, Father. Wei's a gnat, and the prince can scheme all he likes—I'll outdance him. You taught me that much."

Han Zheng huffed, a sound that might've been a laugh in a lesser man.

"Bold words. We'll see if your feet match your tongue." He turned, then paused, voice dropping.

"The Emperor summoned me after you left. That marriage he spoke of—Mu Qing—it's no jest. He wants it sealed soon, before her fame grows sharper."

Han Jin blinked, the warmth of the wine souring in his gut.

"Mu Qing? The border butcher? That's still on?"

He'd half-thought it a passing whim, a royal fancy to mull over later.

The image of her flashed—tales of a jade-skinned beauty with eyes like frost, her blade dripping with the blood of 380,000 Xiongnu. A shiver ran through him, not entirely dread.

Han Zheng nodded, his stare heavy.

"It's more than on—it's a command. The Emperor fears her father, Mu Feng, grows too bold, and Mu Qing's victories make her a banner for the frontier lords. She's to wed you, settle here, and blunt their edge. He trusts me to bind her, through you." He leaned in, voice a growl.

"Don't botch this, Han Jin. It's no game of wine and words."

[Tension from Han Zheng detected. +10 Points. Total: 95.]

The system ticked up, but Han Jin barely noticed, his mind racing. A warlord bride—ruthless, famed, and tethered to him? It was madness, a gilded cage with teeth. Yet a spark flared in his chest—challenge, ambition, something the system might feast on.

He forced a laugh, masking the churn.

"A bride who slays armies? I'll charm her, Father—or at least outlast her temper. The Emperor's trust is yours; I won't tarnish it."

[Confidence from Han Jin detected. Self-points invalid. Total: 95.] The system's snub rankled, but he let it slide.

Han Zheng studied him, then turned away.

"See that you don't. Rest now—tomorrow, we'll speak more." His footsteps faded into the hall, leaving silence in his wake.

Lian Xue edged closer, her voice soft. "Third Young Master, Mu Qing… she's no ordinary woman. The maids say she's as cold as the snow outside, and twice as deadly."

Han Jin smirked, tapping her nose. "Then I'll melt her, Xue'er—or dodge her blade. Either way, it'll be a tale worth telling."

[Affection from Lian Xue detected. +5 Points. Total: 100.]

A screen flared:

[Milestone Reached: 100 Points. Options Unlocked: 1. Enhance Strength (Basic). 2. Unlock Insight (Minor). 3. Charm Aura (Basic).]

He waved it off—plenty of time to choose.

Outside, the snow buried the city deeper, muffling the whispers of a night turned electric. Han Jin sank into a chair, the brazier's heat washing over him. Wei Kang's rage, Tian Li's schemes, Mu Qing's shadow—let them come. With the system at his side, he'd turn their chaos into his throne.