Life in the palace was like a beautiful cage.
Every corner was decorated with luxury. Every day was filled with rules. And every face wore a mask.
As the new empress, I was given a palace of my own , Yunhua Palace, where I lived with maids and eunuchs who served me day and night. I had riches, status, and the title of Empress.
But I also had enemies.
And they were already watching me.
"Your Majesty, Lady Mei has requested to visit you," said Xiu, my personal maid.
I had chosen Xiu from the palace servants the morning after the wedding. She was quiet, smart, and didn't ask too many questions. I liked that.
I turned from the mirror, where another maid was fixing my hair. "Tell her I'm tired. She may come another day."
Xiu bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."
In the past, I had welcomed Mei with open arms. She had come with sweet words and soft smiles. I had trusted and believed her. I even helped her get closer to Zhao Rui, thinking I was being kind.
But that kindness became the knife she used to stab me in the back.
Not this time.
I would not play the kind fool.
Later that morning, I sat in the garden with a cup of tea. The cherry blossoms had just started blooming, their pink petals floating gently in the breeze. It was peaceful here, quiet and safe, for now.
Xiu approached and bowed again. "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has sent a message. She wishes to speak with you."
My heart tightened slightly.
The Empress Dowager Zhao Rui's mother.
She had disliked me from the start in the last life. I was not from a powerful enough family. She had always wanted Zhao Rui to marry Lady Bai, the daughter of the Minister of War.
And I had tried so hard to win her favor back then.
I won't beg this time.
Still, I nodded calmly. "Prepare the carriage. Let's not keep her waiting."
The Empress Dowager lived in Jingxin Palace, surrounded by older maids and guards who had served her for decades. Her influence in the court was strong, especially over the inner palace.
When I arrived, she was already seated on a golden cushion, sipping soup slowly.
I bowed deeply. "Greetings to the Empress Dowager. May your health be strong and your days long."
She glanced at me, her sharp eyes cool and unreadable. "Rise."
I did, keeping my expression calm and respectful.
She set down her bowl. "You are quieter than I expected. Everyone says you're graceful and obedient."
"Thank you for your praise," I said softly.
She studied me for a long moment. "But obedience is not enough for an Empress. The harem is filled with vipers. And the court… even worse."
I nodded slightly. "I will remember your words."
She leaned forward. "Do not think that being the Emperor's wife means you are safe. You must keep your eyes open."
I smiled faintly. "I understand. I will not disappoint you."
She said nothing more, just waved her hand. "You may leave."
Back at Yunhua Palace, I sat down at my desk. A fresh scroll lay open in front of me, along with a brush and ink. It was time to start writing my plans.
I needed allies.
I needed information.
I needed to protect my family, especially my younger brother, Lian Ze. In his last life, he had been accused of treason and executed. All because I didn't see the trap in time.
I would not lose him again.
I picked up the brush and began writing a letter to my father, Lord Lian, asking to see my brother soon. Nothing suspicious. Just a sister's concern.
Then I called for Xiu.
"Send this letter through my family's trusted messenger," I said. "Not through the palace."
She bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."
I watched her go. I couldn't be sure of anyone yet, but Xiu had shown no signs of dishonesty so far. Still, I would test her loyalty soon.
That evening, while walking in the corridor with two maids, I saw someone unexpected.
A tall man dressed in dark blue robes stood under the lantern light. He had sharp eyes and an expression that made most people look away.
Prince Yan.
The Emperor's half-brother.
Feared by many, ignored by most.
In the last life, he had barely appeared in court until the end, when Zhao Rui accused him of rebellion and had him executed. Rumors said he had been planning a coup, but I always wondered if it was true.
He was powerful, quiet, and dangerous.
And now, he was here.
As I walked past him, our eyes met briefly.
He bowed slightly. "Your Majesty."
I returned the gesture. "Prince Yan."
He said nothing more, but he did not break eye contact. It was strange,he wasn't looking at me like the others. There was no fake smile, no hidden malice.
Just… curiosity.
I walked on without another word, but my thoughts stayed with him.
Perhaps he would be useful.
Or perhaps he was another trap.
Time would tell.
That night, I opened the wooden box hidden under my bed.
Inside were folded pieces of paper, notes I had written from memory. Names. Events. Dates. People I needed to watch.
Mei. General Wu. Minister Bai. Eunuch Chen.
And even Zhao Rui.
I was building a web, thread by thread.
In the past, I had believed too easily. I gave my love to the wrong man. I stayed silent when I should have spoken. I trusted snakes dressed in silk.
Now, I would speak less and see more.
I would not fight them openly at least not yet.
Let them think I was weak. Let them lower their guards.
And when the time was right…
I would strike.
Three Days Later
The first imperial court banquet was held, and as Empress, I had to attend. This time, it wasn't a celebration. It was politics, pure and sharp.
I sat beside Zhao Rui once again, dressed in formal robes, wearing the phoenix crown.
Around us were ministers, generals, and nobles. I recognized many faces. Some would become enemies. Some would fall before the year ended.
I watched General Wu closely. He bowed deeply to the Emperor and spoke politely. But I knew his ambition ran deep. In his past life, he had pretended to be loyal until Zhao Rui grew weak, and then he turned.
But even now, he was already testing his influence.
I smiled behind my wine cup. Let him.
Let them all move.
Because I had already begun.
That night, after the banquet, Zhao Rui turned to me.
"You've been more confident lately."
I gave him a small smile. "I am simply learning."
He raised an eyebrow. "What exactly are you learning?"
"To survive," I said softly.
He laughed. "Then you are already wiser than most in this palace."
Yes.
And one day, wiser than you.