Chapter 2: The imperial decree
598 Words
"Impossible!"
The loud shout echoed through the Lin Manor.
Lord Lin Jian had just returned from the border after months away. Still wearing his official robes, he stared at the imperial decree in disbelief.
"My daughter... is to marry His Majesty?"
Lady Su Meilan lowered her eyes and sighed.
"My Lord, this servant tried to object, but it was an imperial decree. Who would dare refuse?"
She secretly smiled.
Everything was going according to plan.
If Lin Qingyue entered the palace, she would surely die sooner or later.
No one could survive beside the feared Blood Emperor.
Lin Yuerou gently held her father's arm.
"Father, Elder Sister is fortunate. His Majesty personally chose her."
Lord Lin frowned.
"Fortunate?"
He had heard countless rumors about the emperor.
Cold.
Merciless.
Untouchable.
Many officials feared even meeting his gaze.
How could he believe this marriage was a blessing?
Just then, Lin Qingyue entered the hall and bowed respectfully.
"Father."
Seeing his eldest daughter, Lord Lin's expression softened.
He suddenly realized how much she had changed. She looked thinner than he remembered, and her clothes were far plainer than those of Lady Su and Lin Yuerou.
A trace of guilt crossed his face.
"Qingyue..."
"I've neglected you."
Lady Su quickly interrupted with a warm smile.
"My Lord, Qingyue has always insisted on living simply. We have never mistreated her."
Qingyue remained silent.
She had learned long ago that speaking without proof would only bring more punishment.
Lord Lin sighed.
"The imperial decree cannot be changed."
He looked at his daughter with concern.
"Do not be afraid. Once you enter the palace, remember to protect yourself."
Qingyue nodded gently.
"I understand, Father."
Lady Su lowered her head to hide the satisfaction in her eyes.
She had finally removed the biggest obstacle from her path.
Soon, the Lin family's true daughter would disappear forever.
...
That night, deep inside the Imperial Palace...
The Emperor knelt in a hidden chamber as another wave of poison tore through his body.
Dark veins spread across his arms.
Blood stained the floor beneath him.
Shadow Guard Commander Mo Ying stepped forward anxiously.
"Your Majesty, the poison is spreading faster than before."
Imperial Physician Gu Shen shook his head.
"I have tried every remedy in the empire."
"Nothing can stop the Nine Nether Venom."
The emperor slowly wiped the blood from his lips.
His voice remained calm.
"How long?"
The physician lowered his head.
"If this continues... perhaps one year."
Silence filled the chamber.
No one dared speak.
At that moment, a shadow landed silently outside.
"Report!"
An assassin from the Shadow Guards knelt.
"We have uncovered evidence that Prince Xiao Rong is gathering troops in secret."
"The Second Prince has also begun meeting with several powerful ministers."
Mo Ying gripped the hilt of his sword.
"They're preparing to rebel."
The emperor's expression did not change.
"I expected as much."
His golden eyes grew colder.
"Continue watching them."
"As you command."
The assassin disappeared into the darkness.
Left alone, Xiao Liwei looked toward the distant moon.
"The poison is killing me..."
"But before I fall..."
"I will drag every traitor into the abyss with me."
Far across the capital, in her small courtyard, Lin Qingyue gazed at the same moon.
She touched the jade pendant her late mother had left behind.
It felt strangely warm in her hand.
She didn't know that, at that very moment, the pendant had begun to awaken a forgotten power hidden within her bloodline.
And within seven days...
She would enter the Imperial Palace, where her fate would become forever intertwined with the emperor's.
- Writer
