Masks beneath the crown
341 Words
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*Episode 6:
The palace buzzed with chaos after *Meiyin’s sudden illness*. Though the physician declared it “a temporary reaction,” those in the court began to question the purity of her hands—and her intentions.
Liyue, however, remained untouched.
In fact, the Empress Dowager personally summoned her for tea.
“You’ve grown sharper,” the Dowager said, eyeing her carefully. “I wonder what you’re planning.”
Liyue bowed respectfully. “I plan to survive, Your Majesty.”
The old woman chuckled, but her tone was laced with warning. “In this palace, survival means sacrifice.”
As she left the inner chambers, Liyue passed *Zhaohan*, his expression unreadable.
“You’ve changed,” he said.
“No,” she replied. “I just remembered who I am.”
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Later that day, Liyue entered the royal library—restricted to few—only to find *Tang Shi* already there, reading in silence.
“You’re following me,” she said flatly.
“Maybe,” he replied without looking up. “Or maybe I enjoy watching a woman sharpen her claws.”
She sat opposite him. “I need access to the palace records. From five years ago.”
He raised a brow. “That’s dangerous.”
“I’m done being careful.”He handed her a sealed scroll. “I already pulled them for you.”
She blinked. “Why help me?”
He met her gaze. “Because I hate betrayal more than I enjoy loyalty.”
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That night, alone in her room, Liyue read through the records. Hidden within financial reports was a *transfer of funds to Shen Weining’s family*, approved under the Crown Prince’s seal—shortly after her mother’s death.
It was the final piece.
*They bought her silence… with blood.*
As the candles burned low, Liyue pressed her hand to her chest, eyes burning with quiet rage.
*“One by one,” she whispered, “I’ll bring you all to your knees.”*
And from the shadows outside, someone was listening.
- Writer
