Ruhan caught the knife midair, his hand moving faster than anyone could see. With a sharp twist, he turned it around and aimed it straight at Consort Ling's heart.
But Shen Han was quicker. He flung his sword, and the metal flashed between them, striking the blade aside with a loud clang.
Consort Ling stumbled back, falling to the ground. Her eyes were wide in shock.
"Mother!" Xiao Zhi cried as she rushed to her side. She grabbed her mother's trembling hands. "Are you hurt?"
Consort Ling shook her head, too shaken to speak.
Across the hall, Shen Han stood protectively in front of them, his sword pointed straight at Ruhan, ready to strike again.
Ruhan, strangely calm, just smiled. "My, my… I was only defending myself. Is this even fair, General Shen?" His tone was playful, as if the chaos entertained him.
"Enough!" The emperor's roar echoed through the hall. He slammed his hand against the armrest. "What is this madness? Consort Ling, how dare you try to harm an envoy!"
"Father, wait—" Xiao Zhi tried to speak, but the emperor's hand shot up.
"Guards!" he barked. "Apprehend Consort Ling!"
Two guards stepped forward immediately.
"No! Stop!" Xiao Zhi's voice cracked as she stood between them and her mother. She looked at the emperor, eyes pleading. "Father, please! She didn't mean to! She was just desperate. It's all my fault."
"Lian Zhi," the emperor snapped, "Are you trying to defy me now?"
Xiao Zhi dropped to her knees instantly. "No, Father. I don't dare. But please…let mother go. I'll go to Tughril, I'll obey. I'll go peacefully." Her voice trembled but didn't break. "Just… spare her."
Shen Han's sword didn't move. His jaw clenched. "Your Highness—"
"Shen Han!" Her voice cracked with urgency. "Put your sword down. Trust me. I'll be fine."
He hesitated.
"Trust me," she said again softly, meeting his eyes. "I'll be okay. Just protect my mother. That's all I ask. Everything else...leave it to me."
Shen Han froze, his eyes locking on hers. Slowly, he lowered his sword, though his knuckles stayed white.
The emperor's eyes softened slightly at his daughter's composure. The tension in the room slowly thinned, though the air still trembled with uneasiness.
"I'll be okay, Mother," Xiao Zhi whispered as she turned to Consort Ling. She gently brushed her mother's tears away with her finger, "I'm strong now. Trust me." She smiled to reassure her crying mother.
Consort Ling nodded weakly, her lips were quivering. "My Zhi'er…" she whispered, her voice breaking. "You shouldn't have to bear this."
Xiao Zhi smiled faintly, forcing strength into her tone. "It's fine. I've made my choice."
The emperor let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples before straightening his robe. "Enough. Proceed with the preparations. The bride will leave with the envoy. I will not tolerate further delays or distractions."
"Yes, Your Majesty," said the eunuch, bowing.
Xiao Zhi helped her mother up and turned to Shen Han. "Take her back to her quarter," she said quietly. "And make sure she rests. I'll visit later."
Consort Ling clung to her one last time, her voice trembling. "Zhi'er…"
"It will be okay, mother. Go with Shen Han for now," Xiao Zhi promised, even though she wasn't sure she could keep it.
She watched as Shen Han guided her mother out of the hall. When she turned back, her eyes met Ruhan's. His expression was unreadable. Xiao Zhi held his gaze firmly, her look saying what her lips didn't.
Don't think I'll give up. This isn't over.
She bowed to the emperor. "Your Majesty, I shall take my leave and prepare for the journey."
The emperor gave a tired nod, waving his hand in dismissal.
Once she was out the door, she turned her gaze briefly toward the Great Hall in the distance. In the original novel, that hall had been drenched in blood, her mother's blood, after a desperate attack gone wrong. But in this version, it stood quiet and untouched.
Her fate hadn't changed, but she had already altered something. A small victory, yes, but a precious one.
For that, she could endure the rest.
***
Back in her quarter, Xiao Zhi folded her clothes quietly. Qin Yan and another maid helped beside her, the air heavy and tense.
Her hands paused when she reached for a small bundle at the corner of the table, the one her mother had given her days ago. She opened it slowly.
Inside were a short blade and a small vial of poison.
Xiao Zhi stared at them for a long moment. Her expression was unreadable. Then she sighed, wrapped them back up neatly, and placed the bundle beneath her folded robes.
"Are you done packing, Your Highness?" Qin Yan asked softly.
"Almost," Xiao Zhi said, forcing a small smile. "Just… making sure I don't forget anything."
Her tone was calm, but deep inside, her heart was already bracing for what would come next.
Before she could finish, the door flung open.
Consort Ling and Shen Han rushed in.
"Mother!" Xiao Zhi blinked in surprise. "I told you I'd visit you later."
"I couldn't wait," Consort Ling said, her voice shaking. "You think I can just let you go like this?"
"Mother, please…" Xiao Zhi took her hands. "I'll be fine. I promised."
"Do you still have what I gave you?"
Xiao Zhi nodded.
"Good," Consort Ling said firmly. "Use it if you must. Don't worry about me. The Emperor won't dare to harm me."
Shen Han stepped forward. "She'll have me. Don't worry, Lian Zhi. I'll protect your mother."
Xiao Zhi met his eyes. "Thank you, Shen Han."
He bowed his head. "Lian Zhi, I—"
"I know," she interrupted softly. "It's all right. This is the path I chose."
Shen Han clenched his fists. "It's not enough. I swore to protect you, but you still have to face this alone. I have failed you."
"You didn't fail me," she said gently. "You helped me save my mother. You've already done more than enough." She smiled at him.
Shen Han's voice dropped low, "Then trust me a little longer. I promise you I will find a way to bring you back."
Xiao Zhi's expression softened with his words, "I trust you. But for now… take care of my mother for me."
He bowed deeply, "I promise, my princess."