After the Eastridge banquet quelled the unrest, the royal court in the capital remained roiled by hidden currents. As the April rainy season approached, the damp chill failed to douse the ambitions of old nobles and remnant Church factions. In the morning, Evelynn sorted feedback reports from last night's "Springwater Retreat" in the Royal Study, where the desk overflowed with letters and field logs from Eastridge, the southern region, and Luo Han. Lucian stood by the door, his gaze sharp: "Your Highness, the earl and Church representative revealed themselves last night, but more covert forces may still lurk in the shadows."
Evelynn closed the reports, her eyes resolute. "Whoever stirs trouble in secret will show their hand at today's 'Fulong Pavilion' council." She pointed to the files, ordering Mei Xia to deliver a message: "Summon the six senior ministers of Fulong Pavilion and three Church elders to discuss 'post-disaster water conservancy reconstruction.' I will guide the conversation to test who seeks private gain."
In the afternoon, Fulong Pavilion—once the chamber where the former Grand Preceptor and Prime Minister held secret councils—resumed its role as a council chamber. Around the ebony round table sat six senior ministers and three Church elders; Evelynn took the main seat, clad in a light gray robe with the holy light emblem fixed at her chest. She opened bluntly: "Though Luo Han has pledged allegiance, Eastridge is under supervision, and the south is being repaired, hidden worries remain. Today, I wish to hear your insights and devise strategies to root the new policies in practical affairs."
Silence fell in Fulong Pavilion until Elder Darian spoke first: "Your Majesty is wise. With new laws in place, we vow to assist in supervision, but rewards and punishments must be strict, lest grassroots officials grow negligent." Evelynn nodded: "Well said. Tomorrow, I will order the Inspection Company and Silver Oath Patrol to conduct joint audits and issue regular public reports."
Church Elder Enos murmured: "While church repairs benefit the people, the Church also hopes to retain some donations for aiding the poor. The scales must balance royal law and compassion." Evelynn replied gently: "Church relief and public funds can coexist. Once I promulgate the Poverty Relief Ordinance and establish a 'People's Aid Department' jointly managed by the Church and elected officials, both needs will be met." Enos agreed: "Holy light and royal power together protect the people—this plan is feasible."
As the council proceeded orderly, Elder Aigraff suddenly rose, his face grave. "Your Highness, someone has stolen the Eastridge tour report and may leak secrets again. This foreshadows rebellion and must be guarded against." He presented a torn note bearing faint marks of Eastridge's confidential seal. Evelynn took it, her gaze sharpening: "Someone aims to sow distrust through this report—where is the culprit?"
Mei Xia, already lurking in the shadows, gripped her longsword and subtly pointed to the eastern corridor. Evelynn stood, her tone rising slightly: "Please remain calm." Her voice turned gentle yet uncompromising: "Follow me."
She led Lucian and two Silver Oath guards through the corridor, winding to a hidden chamber in the palace's east wing. Mei Xia lifted a mural, and a secret door opened slowly. Inside, a long table lay cluttered; a corner held an open Eastridge logbook with vigorous ciphertext inscribed. Evelynn ran her fingertips over the words: "This is the Eastridge military governor's handwriting, but not approved by the earl..."
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows—Lanwell, the former scribe of the Regency Council. His face paled at the sight of Evelynn, his hands shaking over a secret letter he intended to burn: "Your Majesty... I came on orders, never to show disrespect..."
Evelynn stepped forward, her gaze icy, snatching the letter. "This man secretly conveys messages for old nobles and Church agitators, aiming to plant seeds of distrust in Eastridge, incite local chaos, and constrain royal power." She signaled Lucian, who nodded to the guards: "Arrest him for interrogation."
After Lanwell was escorted away, Evelynn bent to read the secret letter, finding mentions of "Military Governor Kalman of Eastridge allying with northern mountain bandits to launch robberies during water conservancy reconstruction." She looked up, her expression returning to normal: "They seek not just to delay but to destroy trust in new policies through turmoil."
Back in the council chamber, Evelynn resumed her seat and addressed the assembly: "Today's trial confirms hidden agitators. Next, I will dispatch two confidants to Eastridge in disguise to first resolve the 'northern outpost' threat in the secret letter, then deploy Eastridge guards and Silver Oath patrols for joint pacification. Meanwhile, keep this strictly confidential to prevent panic."
Ministers and elders agreed unanimously. Evelynn's gaze hardened: "Dark tides have risen; if not cleared promptly, they will swell into greater storms. A true ruler leads through tempests, never letting shadows the light."
That night, Evelynn and Lucian walked by the Royal Garden's stream. Staring at the flowing water, she whispered: "New policies advance step by step, each step fraught with danger. Only by thoroughly purging hidden currents can trust flow like an endless river." Lucian drew her into his embrace, saying softly: "Wherever you go, I will stand beside you through fire and water."
Under the moon, they leaned on each other as candlelight and flower shadows intertwined. Though dark tides surged, they dissolved before them—and a new journey had just begun.