Chapter 42 – The New Flame in the Halls

The castle bustled with gossip.

By morning, Lady Meilian Baoshi was officially engaged to Qingsai and had already taken up residence in the eastern wing—where she draped her curtains in pink, filled the space with perfume and pillows, and began casually calling herself "Wife #4."

> "You know," she told Meiyan one afternoon, "I'm not here for your thrones. I'm here for him."

Meiyan raised an eyebrow. "You'll need to be more than seductive."

> "Don't worry, Ice Princess," Meilian winked. "I'm also perverted, unpredictable, and fiercely loyal. I'll protect him like a dragon guards gold."

Meanwhile, Fengrui Yuwen became a favorite among the servants and soldiers—telling crude jokes, organizing small betting games, and offering backhanded political advice that was surprisingly effective.

That evening, Qingsai stood atop the tower, looking out across the forest.

> "You now have five powerful families connected to you through blood or alliance," Lucen said beside him. "And you're only twelve."

> "I don't want to be a king," Qingsai murmured. "I just want to choose my own path."

Lucen nodded. "Then build the world where that's possible."

And in the forest beyond, something ancient stirred—watching the Soulkindled grow stronger… and preparing to strike.