The palace glittered beneath the afternoon sun, its golden tiles reflecting a brilliance that felt almost blinding. Yet beneath that polished surface, Jin Wei sensed currents moving in silence—currents sharper than blades.
After the formal audience with the Emperor and Empress, they were guided toward the Eastern Inner Court, where the Imperial Consort resided. The atmosphere shifted gradually as they walked. The rigid ceremonial tension surrounding the Queen's quarters faded, replaced by softer lantern light and the faint scent of sandalwood drifting through the corridors.
When they entered, the Consort was already seated beside a low table, calmly pouring tea.
She rose when she saw Jin Wei.
"General Jin," she greeted with measured warmth.
Jin Wei bowed deeply. "This subject greets the Imperial Consort."
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, not hostile, not overly affectionate—simply observant. She had watched him grow from a distance, especially after his mother's passing, but she had never stepped beyond her place.
"You resemble your mother more with each passing year," she said gently.
Jin Wei's expression did not change, though his fingers stiffened briefly at his side.
"She would be honored by the Consort's remembrance," he replied.
Her eyes softened slightly, but she did not continue the topic.
Instead, she turned toward Xueyi.
"This must be Lady Xueyi."
Xueyi stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "This one greets the Consort."
The Consort studied him with quiet intelligence. "The palace rarely whispers about someone so quickly. You must be… remarkable."
Xueyi answered calmly, "This one simply follows where fate leads."
A faint smile touched her lips, as if amused by the answer.
Two young men stood nearby.
"This is my eldest son," she said. "Second Prince Liang Shen. And this is the Third Prince, Liang Rui."
Liang Shen stepped forward first. He was taller than Jin Wei, carrying himself with the ease of someone raised within the palace yet trained far beyond it. His gaze lingered on Jin Wei with open curiosity.
"It has been many years," Liang Shen said.
Jin Wei inclined his head. "Second Prince."
Liang Shen chuckled lightly. "Still so formal? We barely knew each other as children. I was sent away to study before I could even learn your temper."
"When the Second Prince returned," Jin Wei replied calmly, "this subject had already been stationed at the northern borders."
"Then today is truly our first proper meeting," Liang Shen said.
There was no hostility in his voice—only genuine interest, perhaps even faint admiration.
Liang Rui offered a polite nod, quieter but observant, his gaze shifting occasionally toward Xueyi with mild curiosity.
Tea was served.
The conversation remained polite, drifting between border affairs, recent court celebrations, and scholarly topics Liang Shen had studied during his years away. The atmosphere felt unexpectedly comfortable, lacking the sharp undertones common in royal gatherings.
Still, Xueyi noticed how Jin Wei remained composed rather than relaxed, his posture unwavering, his words measured. The palace was never a place he allowed himself to forget.
At one point, the Consort spoke again.
"You have protected the empire well," she said. "Your mother would have been proud."
Jin Wei lowered his gaze slightly. "This subject has only fulfilled his duty."
Her expression suggested she wanted to say more—but chose not to.
As Jin Wei and Xueyi prepared to leave, Liang Shen escorted them through the outer corridor.
"I have heard many stories about you," Liang Shen said quietly. "Most of them terrifying."
"Stories grow with distance," Jin Wei replied.
Liang Shen smiled faintly. "Perhaps. Still, I am glad they did not turn you into someone unreachable."
He paused before they parted.
"Be cautious, General. The palace often appears calm right before it changes."
Jin Wei met his gaze steadily. "Thank you for the warning."
---
In the Western Palace, calm had already shattered.
The First Prince paced inside his chambers, agitation burning through him. When the trembling eunuch whispered that Xueyi had entered the palace, his restraint collapsed instantly.
"Open the doors," he ordered.
The guards hesitated.
Before he could shout again, the doors swung open.
The Queen entered, her expression carved from fury.
The slap came without warning.
The sharp sound echoed across the chamber.
"I have done everything for you," she hissed. "Everything. I destroyed rivals, silenced opposition, endured humiliation—all so you could sit upon the throne."
The First Prince stared, stunned. "Mother—"
"And you ruined it," she continued, voice trembling with rage. "For that pathetic girl."
"She is not pathetic," he said desperately. "She—"
"Enough."
The Queen stepped closer, her eyes blazing.
"I cannot punish you," she said coldly. "Not yet. The court still needs its Crown Prince."
A chilling smile curved her lips.
"But she… can be punished."
The First Prince's face drained of color.
"No. Mother, you cannot do this. She is important to me."
The Queen studied him as though confirming her worst fears.
"Then she has already become your greatest weakness," she said quietly. "And weaknesses must be removed."
She turned toward the guards.
"Lock him inside."
He lunged forward in panic. "Mother, please—"
"You will remain here," she said without turning back, "until I settle this matter personally."
The doors closed.
The lock slid firmly into place.
The First Prince staggered backward, horror tightening around his chest.
"No… Xueyi…"
Outside, palace bells rang softly, announcing the evening hour.
Within its golden walls, however, shadows had already begun to gather.