Chapter 8 : The Empress Moves Her Piece

Chapter 8: The Empress Moves Her Piece

The palace walls shone under the rising sun, clean and polished as if the blood spilled the night before had never touched them. Servants moved quickly, pretending that nothing had happened.

But everyone knew.

Whispers swirled behind every silk curtain.

**An assassination attempt inside the prince's private courtyard.**

**And yet… Lady Mei Lian remained unharmed.**

It didn't matter that she had fought for her life. It didn't matter that Prince Rui himself had defended her.

In the eyes of the court, the attack had done something far more dangerous.

It had exposed her.

She was no longer just the quiet daughter of a forgotten noble house. She was now a woman involved in murder, mystery — and most dangerously of all — she was closely tied to Prince Rui.

The palace sharks were starting to circle.

Mei Lian stood before the carved mirrors as her maid pinned up her long black hair, securing it with pearl combs. Today's robe was different — not the softer pastels she usually wore.

Today, Prince Rui had personally requested her to wear deep crimson silk embroidered with phoenix feathers.

Bold, unapologetic, defiant.

She studied her reflection as the finishing touches were made.

She no longer recognized the woman staring back.

This woman didn't fully belong to either world — not the assassin's den she had escaped, nor the delicate palace life she had tried to fit into.

She was something in between.

And now, she would stand before the court for the first time since the attack.

Not as prey. Not as an orphaned daughter.

But as someone the prince openly favored.

The grand audience chamber buzzed with low murmurs as she entered. Dozens of nobles — ministers, generals, scholars, concubines — filled the space beneath the tall silk banners. The air was thick with incense, but no amount of fragrance could hide the sharp scent of political ambition.

Lady Jin stood near the center, dressed in shiny silver, her lips curved into a cold smile as she watched Mei Lian approach.

"Lady Mei," Lady Jin greeted, her voice laced with false sweetness. "You've recovered remarkably well from such a tragic night."

Mei Lian lowered her head slightly, her voice calm. "I am fortunate to have survived, my lady."

Lady Jin's eyes gleamed. "Indeed. Most would not. It's as if you have skills not typically seen in court ladies."

The words floated into the chamber like poison.

Nearby, several ministers exchanged quick glances. The trap was being set. Lady Jin wanted them to question how Mei Lian had survived an assassination attempt unharmed.

"She was lucky." Prince Rui's voice cut through the air, firm and unapologetic.

He entered from the opposite side, walking directly to Mei Lian's side, taking his place beside her without hesitation.

The move was deliberate. Public.

He had never stood next to any other woman at court functions. Not even Lady Jin.

His message was clear.

**This woman belongs to me.**

Lady Jin's smile stiffened for a moment, but she quickly recovered.

"Of course," she said with a sweet laugh. "Our prince is quite protective of his chosen companions."

The unspoken accusation lingered in the air:

*How far will this 'protection' go? Will he risk the throne for her?*

The arrival of the Empress herself interrupted the growing tension.

The tall doors opened, and the Empress entered with regal grace. Her embroidered gown trailed behind her like a flowing river of jade and gold. The entire chamber fell into deep bows.

"Your Majesty," they all greeted in unison.

The Empress was not easily read. Her expression was calm, her eyes sharp as glass. She took her throne and gestured for everyone to rise.

Only once the bows had ended did her gaze land squarely on Mei Lian.

"I've summoned the court today," the Empress said, "not only to address the recent breach of security but also to speak on matters of… propriety."

The word sliced like a blade.

Mei Lian's spine straightened.

Propriety. It was always the excuse used to control women here.

"I am troubled," the Empress continued smoothly, "that a lady of relatively modest background has suddenly become the focus of considerable attention."

The court tensed. The trap was closing.

Prince Rui's jaw tightened. But Mei Lian gently placed her fingers on his sleeve, signaling him to wait.

She would fight her own battle.

With a respectful bow, Mei Lian addressed the Empress directly.

"Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your concern. I too am troubled that danger found me within these walls. I assure you, my only wish has always been to serve my family honorably."

"And yet you survived," the Empress said lightly, "when trained assassins could not defeat you. How curious."

The accusation was finally out in the open.

The courtiers leaned in, awaiting her response. Even Lady Jin held her breath, watching.

Mei Lian's heart beat steadily beneath her ribs. She chose her next words carefully.

"I owe my survival entirely to Prince Rui's protection and the palace guards' swift response," she said, her voice calm, her eyes steady. "If I possess any strength, it is only the strength of a woman who refuses to be broken."

The subtle implication was dangerous:

*Do not mistake my survival as a crime. Survival is not shameful.*

Whispers rippled through the chamber.

The Empress studied her for a long, tense moment.

"You speak well," the Empress finally said. "But whispers of impropriety swirl when a prince so openly favors a woman outside of the approved noble ranks."

Prince Rui spoke then, his voice firm.

"I will speak plainly, Your Majesty. Mei Lian has proven herself not only resilient, but loyal. Her origins are irrelevant to me."

The court gasped.

A bold declaration.

The Empress's gaze sharpened, but her voice remained smooth. "And if the Crown is endangered by such favoritism?"

Prince Rui's reply was sharp. "A strong Crown cannot be shaken by who I choose to stand beside me."

The Empress allowed a faint smile to play at the corners of her mouth — one not of amusement, but of calculation.

"This matter will not be settled easily," she said softly. "There are traditions, Rui. And there are consequences for ignoring them."

Prince Rui bowed politely but stood firm.

"As Your Majesty wishes. But know this — I will not allow Lady Mei Lian to be harmed under the guise of tradition."

The audience ended soon after, but the unspoken war had begun.

As they left the chamber together, Prince Rui whispered low into Mei Lian's ear.

"You handled them beautifully."

She exhaled slowly. "It's only the beginning."

"They will move more aggressively now."

She nodded. "I know."

He paused, glancing around to ensure no one overheard.

"They fear you, Mei Lian. Because you are not one of them. You've slipped into this world and turned the rules upside down. That makes you dangerous."

"Or vulnerable," she whispered.

His gaze softened. "Not while I'm breathing."

The sincerity in his words wrapped around her like warmth against the chill.

But inside her, a quiet voice whispered:

> *They will not attack me directly. No… not yet. They will aim for what I care about.*

That evening, her prediction proved true.

As she returned to her chambers, one of her maids rushed forward, pale and breathless.

"Miss Mei! The Empress has summoned your father to the palace."

Her stomach dropped.

Her father — the frail, quiet Minister Mei — had never been summoned to private royal chambers before.

This was not courtesy. This was a message.

**They would use her family as leverage.**

Mei Lian's hands trembled, but her voice remained steady.

"Prepare my carriage."

"Miss?"

She inhaled sharply. "I will visit the Empress myself."

When she arrived at the Empress's private quarters, she was met not with hostility — but with cold politeness.

The Empress sat at her private tea table, calmly sipping fragrant jasmine tea, her sharp eyes observing every move.

"My Lady Mei," the Empress greeted softly, "I did not expect you tonight."

Mei Lian bowed. "I came to inquire about my father."

The Empress smiled faintly. "He's well. We simply had a… friendly conversation."

Mei Lian held the Empress's gaze. "And what price was discussed for that friendship?"

The Empress let out a soft chuckle. "Clever girl. No wonder my nephew is so taken with you."

She set her cup down and leaned forward.

"Allow me to be direct, Mei Lian. You've impressed many. But you threaten stability. Your past raises questions. Your survival raises suspicion. Your presence beside Rui disrupts alliances I have built for years."

A pause.

"I don't care who you were. But I cannot allow you to unbalance my court."

Mei Lian straightened her shoulders. "And if I refuse to step aside?"

The Empress's smile vanished, replaced by cool authority.

"Then your family will suffer. Quietly. Legally. There will be no blood. Only shame. And you will be left alone, precisely where you began."

Mei Lian's breath caught.

The old her would have fled. Cut losses. Disappeared into shadow.

But now…

Now she had something she'd never had before:

**A reason to fight.**

She bowed deeply, but her voice carried quiet strength.

"Then let us both hope it doesn't come to that, Your Majesty."

The Empress watched her leave with narrowed eyes.

The first true war inside the palace had begun.

To be continued...

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