Shen Xuan stood at the foot of the enormous vermilion palace gates and stared upward.
The gates were so tall that she had to tilt her head back until her neck began to ache just to see the golden ornaments fixed above them.
Two rows of imperial guards stood on either side of the entrance, their armor neat and their expressions solemn. Behind them stretched the vast imperial palace, with its layered roofs, magnificent halls, painted corridors, and courtyards that seemed to go on forever.
Shen Xuan stared at the palace for several breaths.
Then she sighed.
A long, deep, utterly miserable sigh.
Xiao Mei and Xiao Cao exchanged a glance.
They had both learned to recognize that particular sigh.
It was the sigh of their young miss whenever she encountered something she considered troublesome.
"Young miss," Xiao Mei said gently, bowing slightly. "We’ll wait for you here."
Xiao Cao bowed beside her.
Shen Xuan turned around and looked at the two girls.
"You’re really going to leave me alone?"
Xiao Mei smiled apologetically.
"Young miss, we have no choice. Since you have not been granted an official title, palace regulations do not permit you to bring your personal attendants beyond the outer palace."
Shen Xuan’s mouth twitched.
She knew that.
She had known it before coming.
But knowing something and accepting it were two entirely different matters.
So I’m going into the palace alone.
She looked toward the seemingly endless road ahead.
Wonderful.
Absolutely wonderful.
First I was caught in an assassination attempt.
Then I was dragged into the palace.
And now I’m going to walk all the way to wherever the emperor is sitting.
She glanced at the palace gates again.
Why couldn’t the emperor simply summon me to the gate?
Wouldn’t that save everyone time?
No.
Of course not.
Ancient people really loved making people walk.
Before she could continue complaining inwardly, a palace eunuch approached them.
He was dressed in neat dark robes with a properly arranged official cap. His manner was respectful, but his movements were practiced and efficient.
"Second Miss Shen," he said with a slight bow. "His Majesty awaits you. If you would, please follow this servant."
Shen Xuan immediately composed herself.
She knew better than to complain aloud.
"Please, do show the way."
The eunuch turned and began walking.
Shen Xuan followed.
The moment she stepped beyond the palace gates, she felt the atmosphere change.
The lively noise of the capital seemed to fade behind her.
Inside the imperial palace, everything was orderly.
The wide stone paths were spotless. Palace servants moved quietly along the corridors, lowering their heads whenever they passed. Guards stood at strategic points, their hands resting near their weapons.
The palace buildings were magnificent.
Vermilion pillars supported sweeping roofs decorated with golden ornaments. Delicate carvings covered the wooden doors, while beautifully painted murals stretched along the walls.
Even the gardens seemed to have been arranged with careful thought.
Artificial mountains rose beside clear ponds filled with colorful koi.
Willow trees swayed gently in the breeze.
Small bridges crossed narrow streams.
Everything seemed to announce the same thing.
This was the heart of the Kingdom of Yin.
Shen Xuan looked around with genuine awe.
So this is the imperial palace.
She had seen descriptions of it in the novel, but words on paper could never truly capture its grandeur.
Unfortunately, admiration could only last so long.
After several minutes of walking, Shen Xuan’s legs began to ache.
How far is this place?
She glanced ahead.
The eunuch continued walking.
Ten minutes.
She looked at the long road behind her.
I’ve already walked for ten minutes.
She looked forward again.
The palace seemed to have no end.
What if he is taking me to another kingdom?
She almost stopped walking.
Maybe the emperor doesn’t actually live here.
Maybe this is a test.
Maybe if I walk long enough, I’ll suddenly receive a quest.
Congratulations! You have walked ten thousand steps. Your reward is—
She shook her head.
Shen Xuan, stop.
You’re becoming ridiculous.
The eunuch eventually turned toward another magnificent hall.
A plaque above the entrance bore three elegant characters.
Tranquility Hall.
Shen Xuan’s expression became serious.
They had arrived.
She took a slow breath.
Whatever awaited her inside, she couldn’t run away.
Not when she was already standing inside the imperial palace.
Stay calm.
Don’t say anything unnecessary.
Don’t offend anyone.
Don’t attract attention.
Most importantly...
She swallowed.
Don’t die.
With those words silently repeating in her mind, Shen Xuan stepped toward the entrance.
Several hours earlier...
The news of the explosion had reached the Shen Residence almost immediately.
Shen Ruiwen had been informed that an explosion had occurred near Delicious Pavilion.
His daughter had been there.
His face had changed instantly.
Without even changing his clothes, he had hurried toward the tea house with several guards following behind him.
But by the time he arrived, the tea house had already been reduced to ruins.
Smoke still hung heavily in the air.
The street was filled with injured people, frightened merchants, guards, and officials attempting to bring order to the chaos.
Then Shen Ruiwen saw his daughter.
"Awu!"
His heart nearly stopped.
Shen Xuan was standing beside Zhang Jingyuan.
The Crown Prince’s shoulder was injured, blood staining his robes.
Shen Ruiwen’s attention immediately went to his daughter.
"Awu, are you hurt?"
"I’m fine, Father."
He carefully examined her from head to toe.
Only after making certain she had no visible injuries did he release the breath he had been holding.
Then his expression became stern.
"Your Highness must return to the palace immediately."
The imperial guards had already arrived and surrounded Zhang Jingyuan.
Zhang Jingyuan nodded.
His gaze, however, remained on Shen Xuan.
Shen Ruiwen noticed.
His expression became even more serious.
"Awu."
Shen Xuan looked at her father.
She understood immediately.
That look.
Don’t say anything. Don’t ask anything. Don’t involve yourself.
Shen Xuan silently nodded.
She didn’t even dare look at Zhang Jingyuan as the Crown Prince was helped into the waiting imperial carriage.
The carriage eventually disappeared down the road.
Only then did Shen Ruiwen turn toward Ning Yichen.
The young master of the Ning clan had been standing nearby the entire time.
His clothes were dusty, but his expression remained composed.
"Young Master Ning."
"Minister Shen."
"Please take Awu home."
Ning Yichen glanced toward Shen Xuan.
She was unusually quiet.
He nodded.
"Of course."
Shen Xuan obediently followed him.
The journey back to the Shen Residence was unusually silent.
Normally, Shen Xuan would have found something to talk about.
Food.
Books.
The weather.
A new dress.
Anything.
But today, she simply sat quietly in the carriage.
The explosion had shaken her more than she wanted to admit.
And the fact that the event had occurred two years earlier than it should have made her even more uneasy.
When they arrived home, she went directly to her courtyard.
She didn’t even ask questions.
She simply sat down at the dining table.
The servants carefully served dinner.
Shen Xuan stared at the food.
Her expression was solemn.
Xiao Mei and Xiao Cao exchanged worried glances.
"Young miss..."
"I’m eating."
Neither servant had actually asked her to eat.
Shen Xuan picked up her chopsticks.
"I’ve decided."
Xiao Mei blinked.
"Decided what, young miss?"
Shen Xuan picked up a piece of meat.
"No matter what happens tomorrow, I must eat tonight."
Xiao Cao stared at her.
Shen Xuan swallowed the meat and nodded solemnly.
"A person cannot face a crisis on an empty stomach."
She picked up another piece.
"Besides, if I’m going to worry, I might as well worry while eating."
Xiao Mei couldn’t help smiling.
Shen Xuan continued eating with great seriousness.
Whatever happens, happens.
But my food is innocent.
It shouldn’t have to suffer because the plot has gone crazy.
By the time dinner was over, Shen Xuan had successfully convinced herself that everything would somehow be fine.
Unfortunately, the next morning proved her wrong.
The imperial decree arrived shortly after dawn.
A palace eunuch stood outside the Shen Residence with several imperial guards behind him.
The moment Shen Ruiwen heard that an imperial decree had arrived for his daughter, his expression became complicated.
Shen Xuan was summoned to the main hall.
She walked in wearing a simple morning dress, her hair only partially arranged.
She looked at the eunuch.
Then at the imperial guards.
Then at her father.
Then back at the eunuch.
"Is there a problem?" the eunuch asked politely.
Shen Xuan hesitated.
"Are you sure the decree is for me?"
The eunuch blinked.
"Yes, Second Miss Shen."
"Are you absolutely certain?"
"Yes."
Shen Xuan looked behind him.
"Could there be another Shen Xuan somewhere?"
The eunuch’s mouth twitched.
"No, Second Miss."
"Perhaps the emperor meant my elder sister?"
"No."
"Maybe my cousin?"
"No."
Shen Xuan lowered her head.
Why me?
She looked toward the heavens.
What did I do?
I didn’t even finish enjoying my peaceful life!
She sighed dramatically.
Dear author, can’t you leave me alone for one Chapter?
Shen Ruiwen cleared his throat.
"Awu."
Shen Xuan looked at him.
"Father."
"Receive the decree."
She sighed again.
"Yes, Father."
She knelt.
The eunuch slowly unfolded the imperial decree.
"By His Majesty’s command..."
Now, several hours later, Shen Xuan was standing inside the imperial palace.
The eunuch led her into the emperor’s study.
The moment she stepped inside, the atmosphere became noticeably heavier.
The room was spacious but dignified rather than extravagant.
A large imperial desk stood near the center, covered with memorials and documents.
An incense burner released a faint fragrance into the air.
Several palace attendants stood silently along the walls.
Shen Xuan immediately lowered her head.
She could feel the weight of the imperial presence even without looking directly at the person seated behind the desk.
Her father was there.
That surprised her.
Why is Father here?
She didn’t have time to think about it.
She stepped forward.
Then she bowed deeply.
"This subject pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years."
Silence.
Shen Xuan remained kneeling.
One breath passed.
Then another.
Nothing.
Did he not hear me?
Another breath passed.
Maybe emperors are naturally slow.
She waited.
Or perhaps this is another test of patience.
Another moment passed.
Shen Xuan’s knees began to hurt.
Your Majesty...
Please.
I’m still young.
My knees have done nothing to deserve this.
She carefully shifted her weight.
Then she heard a quiet cough.
Shen Xuan immediately froze.
She recognized that cough.
She slowly lowered her head again.
Father.
Of course.
Her father had noticed her moving.
I was only adjusting my knees!
Does the emperor expect me to kneel like a statue?
Three long minutes passed.
Then finally—
"You may rise."
The voice was deep, mature, and authoritative.
Shen Xuan’s body stiffened.
Something about that voice struck a strange chord in her memory.
She had heard it before.
Her heart suddenly began beating faster.
I know this voice.
She slowly raised her head.
And the moment her eyes lifted, the words she wanted to say died completely in her throat.