Zhen Li pressed trembling fingers against her cheek, still cold from lingering memories of death. Her heartbeat thundered loudly, a restless drum echoing through her chest. She studied the reflection in the polished bronze mirror again—young eyes, bright with both innocence and ambition; cheeks soft and free from the bitterness of betrayal; black hair cascading gently down her shoulders. Seventeen, beautiful, and dangerously naive.
Her breaths steadied. Fate had offered her a second chance, one she would not squander chasing empty dreams and false affections. This time, she'd mold destiny with her own hands.
A soft knock startled her thoughts. "Miss, are you awake?"
Her maid, Meilin, entered quietly. Zhen Li's heart tightened at seeing the girl's familiar round face—her maid had died defending her, loyal to the bitter end. Seeing Meilin breathing, smiling innocently, was both painful and comforting.
"Yes, Meilin," Zhen Li replied softly, composing her emotions. "Is everything alright?"
"Master called you to the hall," Meilin announced carefully, lowering her gaze, her fingers twisting anxiously in her sleeves. "It seems the Emperor sent a decree this morning."
Zhen Li's lips tightened briefly. The Emperor's decree—this was the moment that had set everything in motion in her previous life. The decree for her betrothal to Crown Prince Li Tianhao. Last time, she'd felt joy, elation even, believing herself to be chosen by fate. She'd been blind, mistaking chains for roses.
But she wasn't that fool anymore.
Taking a deep breath, Zhen Li smiled faintly, placing a hand gently on Meilin's shoulder. "It's alright. Let's go."
Meilin blinked, momentarily puzzled by her mistress's composed calmness. But the obedient maid didn't question further, simply following closely behind.
The Zhen family hall was expansive, elegantly adorned in dark polished wood, with intricate calligraphy banners lining the walls. Her father, Zhen Guowei, sat sternly in his master's chair, his gaze sharp and assessing. Beside him stood her eldest brother, Zhen Xiang, ever poised, ever responsible, his brows knit thoughtfully.
She'd missed them terribly after their deaths—deaths she'd unknowingly contributed to, all for the sake of a man whose love was as hollow as the winter wind.
"Father, Brother," she greeted respectfully, dipping gracefully into a curtsy.
Her father's tense expression softened upon seeing her, though only slightly. "Li'er, come closer."
Obediently, she moved forward and knelt at his feet, eyes lowered respectfully, hiding her simmering emotions.
"An imperial decree came," Zhen Guowei spoke, voice firm, yet laced with concern. "It seems you've been chosen as Crown Prince Li Tianhao's future consort."
She'd heard these words before. Once, they'd thrilled her—now, they only brought bitterness.
Still, she schooled her features into carefully controlled neutrality, raising her head gracefully. "Has Father accepted?"
Her brother, Zhen Xiang, frowned slightly, sensing something off in her calmness. "You seem troubled, sister. Aren't you pleased? It's a great honor, after all."
She met his worried gaze, offering a soft, distant smile. "Brother, honor often has hidden costs. I merely wonder if our family has considered the implications carefully enough."
Zhen Guowei stiffened slightly, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. "Explain yourself, daughter."
She rose slowly, smoothing the folds of her pale green dress. "The Zhen family holds significant power—military strength, wealth, and widespread influence. If I marry the Crown Prince, we become targets for others seeking to limit the Crown Prince's authority. Are we prepared for that storm?"
Her father watched her silently, intrigued by her thoughtful caution—a trait she'd never displayed so openly before. "Li'er, do you doubt our ability to protect you?"
Zhen Li shook her head calmly. "No, Father. But perhaps we can request more favorable conditions, or at least ensure our clan isn't sacrificed lightly. A simple betrothal without adequate protection leaves us vulnerable."
Zhen Xiang folded his arms, clearly surprised yet impressed by her sudden maturity. "You've changed, sister. When did you become so calculating?"
She allowed herself a delicate smile. "Life teaches harsh lessons. It's best we learn them early, Brother."
Zhen Guowei stroked his chin thoughtfully, eyes sharpening with approval. "I underestimated your insight, Li'er. Perhaps you're right—we must tread carefully. I'll speak to the Emperor personally. Our family's honor must be safeguarded."
She bowed deeply, hiding the relief fluttering in her heart. A subtle shift—but enough to start altering the tides of fate.
As they spoke further, a commotion at the gates interrupted their discussion. The hurried steps of guards echoed through the halls before a breathless servant rushed inside.
"Master, General Xu Wei has arrived. He requests an audience immediately."
Her heart jolted at the mention of that name. General Xu Wei—the Empire's ruthless War God. He was the only person the former Emperor, Tianhao's father, ever genuinely feared. Xu Wei's legendary military victories and merciless temperament had made him both revered and dreaded throughout the Empire.
In her previous life, she'd scarcely known him—his cold, indifferent nature kept everyone at bay. But she remembered clearly, in her final moments, rumors of him marching toward the capital, too late to save her, yet swift enough to avenge her death, slaughtering rebels mercilessly in her name.
The door opened sharply, and the General entered, his black armor shining coldly, his eyes deep and unreadable. Xu Wei was tall, his presence imposing, shadows seemingly clinging to him. His piercing gaze swept across the hall, pausing briefly when it landed on Zhen Li.
For a heartbeat, their eyes met—a fleeting glance heavy with unspoken meaning.
Xu Wei turned back to her father, offering a respectful salute, yet his voice was like tempered steel. "Forgive the intrusion, Lord Zhen. I bring news from the border. The southern rebels are stirring trouble again."
Zhen Guowei's expression darkened, swiftly understanding the implications. "How severe?"
"Severe enough to need immediate action," Xu Wei replied tersely. "The Emperor wishes me to deploy troops at once—but I lack adequate supplies. The Emperor suggested you might aid with resources."
Zhen Li studied Xu Wei intently, her heart racing. She knew the future—knew the border conflicts would become severe enough to cripple the Empire. But that future wasn't set. She could intervene here—establish a relationship, perhaps a critical alliance.
Boldly, she stepped forward, ignoring etiquette momentarily. "Father, General Xu's mission is essential. Our clan should fully support him, not merely with provisions, but also additional troops."
Xu Wei turned slowly to face her, his gaze intense. "Your daughter speaks wisely, Lord Zhen. Additional support would change our odds significantly."
Zhen Guowei hesitated briefly before nodding. "Very well. Our Zhen clan will fully support your endeavor, General Xu. I will arrange resources and men immediately."
Xu Wei inclined his head respectfully. "Your generosity will not be forgotten."
As the General departed swiftly, Zhen Li felt his gaze linger briefly upon her, unreadable yet curious. For the first time, she felt she'd caught the attention of a key player in this dangerous game.
When the hall finally emptied, her brother approached, intrigued and cautious. "Li'er, what exactly are you planning?"
She smiled calmly, eyes glinting with determination. "Survival, brother. Survival, revenge, and perhaps… redemption."
As Zhen Xiang stared in bewilderment, Zhen Li turned and walked away, footsteps resolute. The past might have shattered her heart, but the future belonged entirely to her.
This time, she was ready to play—armed with knowledge, determination, and a heart wrapped in thorny steel.
She would rewrite fate itself, one careful step at a time.