Morning court was unusually full.
Too full.
Zhen Luo noticed it the moment he stepped inside. Officials who normally avoided eye contact were watching him openly now, curiosity sharp, judgment sharper.
Someone wanted a spectacle.
Han Jian stood behind him, expression blank, posture obedient. Only Zhen Luo knew how alert he truly was—like a blade resting in its sheath.
The Emperor cleared his throat. "Crown Prince."
Zhen Luo stepped forward. "Father."
"There are whispers," the Emperor said slowly, eyes heavy. "Whispers that disturb the harmony of the court."
Li Shuran lowered her gaze modestly, fingers tightening around her sleeve.
"Whispers," the Emperor continued, "that you are neglecting your duties… and your future."
Zhen Luo did not respond.
The Queen spoke instead. "Your marriage to Lady Li has been delayed long enough."
Her eyes flicked, sharp as needles, toward Han Jian.
"This matter will be settled soon."
The words landed like a sentence.
Han Jian's fingers curled once, then relaxed.
From the side of the hall, Bai Zehan felt his stomach twist. Luo Xian stood beside him, calm on the surface, but his sleeve brushed Bai Zehan's hand—just once.
A warning.
After court dismissed, Li Shuran intercepted Zhen Luo in the outer corridor.
"Your Highness," she said softly, smiling. "I worry about you."
Zhen Luo looked at her with polite distance. "You shouldn't."
Her smile faltered for half a breath.
"I know you feel pressured," she continued. "But if you lean too heavily on… certain people, others may misunderstand."
Behind Zhen Luo, Han Jian lowered his gaze.
Li Shuran noticed.
And smiled.
That night, the palace guards changed rotation.
Han Jian noticed immediately.
"This isn't your usual path," Feng Huai whispered as they walked.
Han Jian nodded. "She's testing."
Elsewhere, Bai Zehan was pulled into a quiet pavilion by Luo Xian.
"You're being watched," Luo Xian said calmly.
Bai Zehan scoffed. "When am I not?"
"This time," Luo Xian replied, stepping closer, "it's serious."
Bai Zehan frowned. "Because of you?"
Luo Xian did not deny it.
Silence stretched between them, heavy with things unspoken. Then Bai Zehan laughed quietly.
"So what?" he said. "We pretend harder?"
Luo Xian's lips curved faintly. "We disappear better."
Meanwhile, Han Jian stood alone beneath the eaves, rain dripping steadily from the roof.
Zhen Luo approached, stopping just short of touching him.
"They're forcing the engagement," Zhen Luo said quietly.
Han Jian smiled faintly. "I know."
"They may try to move you."
"I know."
"They may try to kill you."
Han Jian finally turned to look at him. "They already tried."
Zhen Luo's breath caught.
Han Jian leaned in just enough that only Zhen Luo could hear.
"She's making mistakes," he whispered. "Because she thinks I'm the weakness."
Zhen Luo's voice was low. "And are you?"
Han Jian's eyes darkened, amused.
"No," he said softly. "I'm the knife."
Across the palace, Li Shuran met secretly with a court official.
"Arrange it," she said sweetly. "An accident. Nothing that points back to me."
The official bowed. "And the Crown Prince?"
Li Shuran paused, then smiled. "He'll thank me later."
That same night, Bai Zehan nearly stumbled into a trap meant for Han Jian.
Only Luo Xian's hand, gripping his wrist and pulling him back into shadow, saved him.
Their breaths mingled in the dark.
"That was close," Bai Zehan whispered.
"Yes," Luo Xian replied, eyes sharp. "And intentional."
Far above them all, Han Jian stood on the palace roof, watching lanterns flicker below.
"So," he murmured to himself, "she's chosen violence."
He smiled.
"Good."