The handwriting on this letter was not the Crown Prince’s. That meant the writer must be his hidden agent planted at her uncle’s side.
In her past life, it was precisely these fabricated proofs of treason that condemned her uncle and cousin, leading to the execution of their entire household.
Faced with “ironclad evidence” delivered personally to the capital by his most trusted deputy, her uncle must have found himself utterly unable to defend.
A shadow of malice spread across Baili Jun’s face, darkening her entire being.
At that moment, hurried footsteps sounded outside, followed by Qingwu’s voice at the secret chamber’s entrance.
“Your Highness, the Crimson Feather Guard has arrived.”
Baili Jun gathered all the evidence into her sleeve, then walked to the wall of military maps. She pulled down the chart marked with northern frontier secrets and stepped back toward the passage.
“Burn it.” She cast one last glance at the wall covered in defense maps, candlelight flickering in her eyes.
Qingluan turned, lifting a candlestick from the corner.
The candle fell onto the desk. The pile of documents ignited instantly, flames leaping half a man’s height.
Heat surged forward. Baili Jun narrowed her eyes, her pale face lit by fire, emotions burning fiercer than the blaze itself. She watched the maps curl, blacken, and finally crumble into ash.
Smoke filled the passage, stinging their eyes.
“Let’s go!” Baili Jun turned and left.
Qingwu waited at the study door. As they emerged, he pressed the mechanism, and the secret entrance closed slowly.
Seeing Princess Zhaohua, Qingxian dropped to one knee. “The Crimson Feather Guard has secured the entire mansion. Inside and out have been searched. Please give your orders.”
From beyond the courtyard walls came the clash of blades, punctuated by screams.
Baili Jun stepped to the doorway, the night wind lifting her hair. She gazed at the distant flames rising from the bridal chamber.
“Spread the order: Consort Ji Huai’an colluded with foreign enemies, framed loyal men, and plotted rebellion. Tonight, he was executed. Everyone in this mansion is to be treated as accomplices.”
Her voice was quiet, but each word cut like a blade. “Remember—leave no one alive.”
Qingxian bowed and departed.
Soon, the entire consort’s mansion rang with slaughter.
Baili Jun stood beneath the corridor, expressionless, listening to the screams echoing from afar. Were these people innocent?
The soldiers were Ji Huai’an’s men. Among the servants might be spies of the Crown Prince, Baili Yue, or even her father.
Perhaps some were innocent. But better to kill a hundred by mistake.
“Only two hours remain until morning court,” Qingluan murmured, glancing at the dark sky. “Your Highness, shall I lead men to intercept the northern messenger on the official road…”
“No need.” Baili Jun cut her off, her voice cold as ice. “I will personally go to the city gate to welcome this so-called ‘loyal messenger.’”
She wanted to see for herself who dared betray the Crimson Feather Guard and her uncle, and still come forward to deliver death.
Half an incense stick later, Qingxian returned, sword dripping blood.
“Master, all is dealt with. We found several of the Crown Prince’s men disguised as servants, trying to send messages out.”
“Kill them,” Baili Jun said without lifting her eyelids. “Throw the corpses into the alley behind the Crown Prince’s mansion. When it’s done, withdraw immediately. Leave no trace.”
“Yes.” Qingxian clasped his fists and vanished into the smoke.
The inner courtyard fire had already spread to the outer court. Flames roared, smoke billowed, the consort’s mansion glowing like a purgatory.
Baili Jun glanced once toward the bridal chamber, then left through a side gate without pause. The alley outside was dark and silent. Turning the corner, she saw men from the Bureau of Military Affairs rushing toward the consort’s mansion.
Tonight would be another sleepless night for many.
“Return to the manor.” Baili Jun withdrew her gaze and slipped deeper into the shadows.
…
As they neared the gates of the Princess’s residence, Baili Jun heard hurried footsteps at the street corner.
Moments later, Qingdai, commander of the princess’s guards, arrived with more than thirty retainers.
At the front was Nanny Lan, drenched in sweat, clutching a damp handkerchief.
“Your Highness!” Nanny Lan stumbled forward. “News just came that the consort’s mansion is ablaze—I was about to lead men there…”
“I am unharmed.” Baili Jun steadied Nanny Lan’s trembling hands, patting them gently in reassurance.
Her eyes swept over the armed guards. “All of you, return. Without my command, no one is to leave the manor.”
Qingdai hesitated, her gaze lingering on the princess’s blood-darkened wedding robe, but finally bowed in obedience.
Nanny Lan looked her over, suddenly seizing her wrist. “My poor princess… how did you come to be wounded so?”
Only then did Baili Jun notice a gash at the base of her right thumb, the blood already dried into a dark scab. She did not know when it had been cut. Quietly, she pulled her hand back. “It’s nothing. Let’s return.”
Back at the princess’s residence, Baili Jun went straight to the study, Qingluan and Qingwu close behind. Without delay, she took up a brush and wrote a secret letter, sealing it in a tube.
“Third watch of the night, all is safe…”
*Bang! Bang, bang!*
The clappers outside struck the third watch, echoing sharply in the silence.
“Split up!” Time was short, Baili Jun quickly laid out her plan.
She turned to Qingwu, her expression grave. “Qingwu, depart at once. Take the Crimson Feather Guard’s elite cavalry and ride for the northern frontier.”
From her bosom, she drew a jade token, along with the sealed letter, and handed them over. “These two items must be delivered into my uncle’s hands personally. Tell him…” Her voice dropped lower. “There is a traitor at his side. The army must harbor the Crown Prince’s spies. He must be on guard.”
Her uncle was too upright in nature. If she did not speak plainly, he might fall into the Crown Prince’s trap.
She paused, then added: “Remember—watch with your own eyes as he burns the letter.”
Qingwu inhaled deeply, tucking the items close to her chest. She nodded firmly. “I swear on my life, I will not fail Your Highness.”
Baili Jun turned to Qingluan, her gaze colder still. “Qingluan, inform Qingxian. He is to investigate the Crown Prince directly—begin with those shadowy strategists and sorcerers under his command. I must know what he is plotting.” Her voice was sharp as frost. “What secret lies within this heart… that makes the Crown Prince scheme so desperately?” Her fingers clenched, nails digging into her palm, yet she felt no pain.
Qingluan bowed solemnly and departed.
Soon, both attendants vanished into the night.
The candlelight flickered, casting shadows across Baili Jun’s cold, resolute face. She slowly unfolded the evidence taken from Ji Huai’an’s secret chamber, her gaze settling on the newest letter. After a moment’s thought, she lifted her brush and, imitating the handwriting, added a few words at the end. When she finished, her fingertips tapped lightly against the desk, thoughts surging in her mind.
These letters and maps of northern defenses could prove Ji Huai’an’s collusion with military spies to frame her uncle—but they were not enough to point directly to the Crown Prince. To truly shake his position as heir, a deeper strategy was needed.
The words she added were only a beginning. If she could not strike him down in one blow, then she would tear open a crack—enough to throw him into chaos. With careful guidance, she could lure him into his own trap and force him to reveal his weakness.
The night wind brushed the window lattice, candle shadows swaying.
Baili Jun’s eyes darkened, a hidden edge gleaming within.
This game had only just begun.