While Xiao Zhi was struggling for survival beneath the blazing desert sun, the world inside Hua Palace remained calm and unbothered.
The East Wing, once filled with worried whispers and concerned looks, was now quiet. Princess Lian Yue sat on a wooden bed, her skin clear as glass and her posture straight and composed. The red rashes that had covered her face the day before were gone, leaving her with the smooth skin she took pride in.
The beautiful princess was back.
She brushed her fingers lightly over her cheek, admiring the reflection in a nearby mirror. A small, satisfied smile curved her lips. Everything was going according to her plan. She had successfully avoided being married off to the barbaric Tughril prince, and, most importantly, she had gotten rid of her sister. And soon, she will have the man she always desired.
The maidservant at her side flinched slightly at the expression on the princess's face. That look always scared her.
"Your Highness," the maid said softly, "His Majesty has summoned you to the great hall. A decree will be read."
Lian Yue's eyes gleamed. "Finally," she smiled in satisfaction, as she already knew the content of the decree. She rose gracefully and glided down the corridor. Her every step was filled with confidence, as though the wooden floor itself acknowledged her triumph.
When she entered the great hall, every eye turned toward her. Ministers, court officials, and even Shen Han had stood waiting. Unlike her, Shen Han's expression was tense, a mixture of anger and helplessness in his eyes. Lian Yue's smile remained flawless and triumphant, as if the world itself had bowed to her will.
The Emperor lifted his gaze and addressed the hall with authority. "Now that Princess Lian Yue has arrived, we shall proceed with the matter at hand."
A eunuch then stepped forward, rolling open the parchment containing the decree. Everyone in the hall knelt, heads lowered in respect. Lian Yue followed.
"Princess Lian Yue," the Emperor began, "graceful, intelligent, and filial. Possessing the virtues of a wise princess. General Shen Han, skillful and loyal. Renowned for his courage and unwavering service to the empire. They are a most fitting match. By Imperial decree, the two shall wed on a day of good fortune."
Shen Han's hands clenched tightly at his sides. He forced himself to stand tall, swallowing the lump in his throat. Lian Yue's smile widened not so slightly. A victorious smile glimmered in her eyes. They both stepped forward and accepted the decree with formal bows, expressing their gratitude to the Emperor.
"The wedding shall take place in seven days," the Emperor then announced, nodding in satisfaction.
As the court dispersed, Shen Han walked out into the open courtyard. His steps were heavy. He stopped beside the koi pond, staring at the rippling reflection of the sky. His fists were clenched so tightly it felt as if his veins might burst.
Seven days.
Seven days before he has to bow, to smile, to marry a woman he did not love, while the one he truly cared for remained beyond reach.
His heart clenched at the thought of Lian Zhi. She had been gone for days, and her fate and safety were unknown. He let her go, just like that. He failed to protect her, and now he had even failed to protect their love.
"General Shen," a soft voice called, cutting through his thought and the stillness of the courtyard.
He turned to see Lian Yue approaching. Her victory smile never faltered.
"Your Highness," Shen Han said immediately, straightening, his tone polite but distant.
Lian Yue studied him, eyes sharp and calculating. "I told you I would have you eventually," she said slowly, savoring each word. She paused, allowing the threat to hang in the air for a dramatic effect. "You cannot escape now."
Shen Han's expression remained unchanged. "I follow His Majesty's will," he said firmly.
"Say what you will, Shen Han. You are mine now, whether you like it or not," Lian Yue said, stepping closer to him.
Shen Han lifted his gaze firmly. "You will never have my heart."
Lian Yue's eyes narrowed, her victory smile faltering slightly. "And where does your heart lie? With Lian Zhi, the one already sent away to marry another man?"
"You are a fool, Shen Han," she snapped, anger rising in her voice. "I can offer you power, prestige, and the position of prince consort. Your family will rise in status. Your obedience would serve you well. And Lian Zhi? She is gone. You have no choice but to accept your situation."
"She may be gone for now, but I will find her," he muttered, voice low and resolute. "I will bring her back to my side. I will be with her again. No matter what I must do, I will do everything in my power to make it happen."
Lian Yue laughed softly. "You are indeed a fool, Shen Han." She walked closer, her eyes hardened with determination. "You are a general, yes. But you are merely a soldier under the Emperor's control. As for me, I am the Emperor's precious daughter. I control him. And so you, my precious general, have no power." She leaned in, her lips close to his ear. "You are under my control."
Shen Han clenched his fists harder, trembling against his will. As much as he hated to admit it, she was right. In this palace, he had no power. Who was he kidding? Determination and will alone could not help Lian Zhi. Even the best general, with the sharpest sword, was powerless against Lian Yue's hold over the emperor. What could he do?
Seeing the despair spread across Shen Han's face, Lian Yue felt a thrill of satisfaction. She turned gracefully, ready to leave, when she paused. "Prepare yourself, General. Seven days cannot come soon enough." She smiled over her shoulder as she walked away. Every step radiated confidence and victory.
Behind her, Shen Han's hands remained clenched. He exhaled slowly, a mix of fury and despair coursing through him, the weight of the Emperor's decree pressing down harder than the palace walls themselves.