Beneath the ashes, Fire
322 Words
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*Episode 8:
The shattered hairpin in Liyue’s palm was more than a threat—it was a confession. Someone knew she was digging into her mother’s death, and they were getting nervous.
She called for *Xiao Ran*. “Who entered my chambers today?”
“No one unannounced, my lady. Only the usual palace maids…”
“Then one of them has a master hiding behind silk and smiles,” Liyue said coldly.
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Meanwhile, in the eastern courtyard, *Shen Weining* knelt before *Zhaohan*, trembling.
“She’s growing too bold. Tang Shi shadows her every step. If we don’t stop her now—”
“We will,” Zhaohan said, eyes like ice. “She was nothing before I chose her. I’ll remind her.”
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That night, Liyue visited *Tang Shi’s estate*, uninvited.
His guards stepped back the moment they saw her. She walked into his study, where he sat, sipping wine.
“I need you to intercept a message.”
He smirked. “To whom?”
“To the southern informants. Someone’s trying to frame me… or warn me.”
Tang Shi leaned forward. “And what do I get in return?”
She didn’t hesitate. “A future Empress in your debt.”
That made him pause.
“You’re not afraid of selling pieces of yourself anymore, are you?”Liyue paused.
*Aligning with Tang Shi meant protection… but also danger. His enemies were not few.* Still, she saw in him what she needed: fire to match her frost.
She slipped her arm into his. “Then let’s make a deal.”
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Back at her residence, she found a box placed on her bed.
Inside was a *shattered hairpin*—the very one her mother once wore. And a note:
*“The past should stay buried, Liyue. Or it will bury you.”*
Liyue’s eyes narrowed.
*“You should’ve buried me deeper.”*
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