As we arrived back at the palace, Zhong Yi tried to rouse me, but I was sleeping so soundly that I did not stir. Without a word, he gently lifted me into his arms and carried me all the way to my chambers.
Holding me close, he looked down at my peaceful face and whispered softly into the silence, "What should I do with you, my wife? We haven't even consummated our marriage yet, yet you keep doing so many unexpected things... things that make me want to lock you away and keep you all to myself."
I slightly opened my eyes, hearing a voice speak so near. Through my blurred vision, I saw Zhong Yi looking down at me. His gaze was dark and intense, like a predator staring at its prey.
It must just be the alcohol, I thought drowsily. My eyelids felt heavy as lead, and I slowly closed them again, drifting back into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Upon reaching the door of my chambers, he laid me down carefully on the bed. He then instructed the two waiting maids to help me change out of my outer robes and get ready for the night. Once they had finished their tasks, Zhong Yi looked at me one last time, whispered "Goodnight," and quietly took his leave.
While I lay sleeping soundly, there was someone else who remained wide awake, his mind restless over what he had witnessed earlier that afternoon.
It was none other than Lei Wen, the Discarded Crown Prince of the Lei Kingdom. He had arrived in the Empire of Zhou secretly and in advance, without the Emperor's knowledge, intending to survey the layout and structure of the kingdom he was destined to live in from now on.
However, what he had not expected to see was his own fiancée surrounded by her future husbands and consorts, arguing and fighting over her so-called "rudeness" and behavior.
Lei Wen stood in the shadows, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
"Is this truly her real character?" he wondered silently. "Or is it all just a facade?"
He let out a heavy sigh. Based on the scene he had just witnessed, he came to a conclusion: perhaps the rumors surrounding his future wife were false. Or maybe this bold behavior was simply her way of protecting her position and preserving her power within the palace.
But little did he know... it was neither.
The Discarded Crown Prince could not find sleep that night, troubled by his own assumptions and conclusions about the "Crown Prince" he was to marry. He believed he saw through her act, underestimating her completely.
However, what Lei Wen did not know—and what no one else truly realized—was that Zhou Tianyi commanded a vast, secret intelligence organization. This network held every hidden truth and secret of this empire, and even those beyond its borders.
It was a terrifying power that lay dormant, unseen by the naked eye... and certainly unknown to Lei Wen, who foolishly believed he held all the cards.
As these thoughts lingered in his mind, questioning the truth behind Zhou Tianyi, the first rays of dawn began to peek through the curtains. The morning light caught Lei Wen's snow-white hair and reflected in his grey eyes as the sun finally rose from its slumber.
This gave him a sudden realization. "I shouldn't dwell on assumptions. I need to face him directly and get to know the real him."
With that decision made, he sat up straight and ordered his guards, "Stand by. I shall rest in my own chambers now."
"Yaawn..."
I opened my eyes slowly, covering my mouth with my hand as I yawned.
Zhou Tianyi woke up late, the effects of the alcohol still lingering heavily in his system. As consciousness returned, a throbbing headache hit him hard.
Groaning, he sat up and loudly called out for his two maids.
The two maids entered immediately and bowed low. "Your Highness, what are your instructions?"
"Prepare some tea to soothe this hangover," Zhou Tianyi commanded.
The two maids nodded and quickly retreated. Soon, they returned carrying a pot of Honey Chrysanthemum Tea, known for its properties to clear the head and relieve headaches.
Gulp.
He drank the warm tea in one go, feeling the soothing liquid ease the pain in his temples. As he set the cup down, he noticed the two maids standing there with hesitant expressions, clearly having something to say but lacking the courage to speak.
"You two seem troubled," Zhou Tianyi said calmly. "Just say what is on your mind."
The two maids bowed deeply. "We beg for Your Highness's forgiveness, but today is the day we must report back. The Shadow Petals require your guidance, Your Highness. We have obtained new information regarding..."
Wait... wait a minute!
Zhou Tianyi's mind raced. Are these two actually members of the Shadow Petals? The organization that this villain created? When did this happen...? There was absolutely nothing written about this in the novel!
He looked at them, his face completely devoid of emotion. Showing surprise would be dangerous; it would expose the fact that the master standing before them was no longer the same soul.
Well, no matter, he thought. We share the same aura and vibe anyway. There is no need for unnecessary panic.
He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even hear them calling him.
"Your Highness! Your Highness!" the maids called out softly.
"Huh... ah, yes," Zhou Tianyi snapped back to reality, leaning back lazily against the headboard. "Say it again, and make it brief. I have to attend the court session soon."
"Yes, Your Highness," one of the maids replied respectfully. "We have obtained new information regarding the location of a mysterious mountain. It is a place that seems impossible to enter, protected by some kind of unknown force."
"Is that so?" Zhou Tianyi raised an eyebrow, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes. He sat up straight, a smirk slowly forming on his lips. "Tell them to strictly monitor the entrance. If anyone approaches—especially a woman—stop them immediately. Tell them this land belongs to the Crown Prince of Zhou. Spread rumors about the place being cursed or dangerous so that no one dares to sneak inside."
Hehehe...
Internally, he was ecstatic. So this is the information they bring me? These guys are really helpful! The Female Lead's first golden finger... it's going to be mine!
This land—or rather, this mountain—possessed a mystical power that controlled its own entry. According to legends, the previous owner had gained immense power, capable of vanishing into thin air. But in truth, it was nothing more than a Spatial House—a portable dimension contained within the land. And as far as Zhou Tianyi knew, the old owner was long dead.
The timing of this information was perfect. He could use this place as a safe haven, a secret residence where he could escape the suffocating politics of the palace whenever he wished.
Let me recall, Zhou Tianyi thought, closing his eyes as the memories of the novel surfaced in his mind.
In the original story, this mountain only appeared later in the plot. It happened when the Female Lead was taken hostage by the villain—his current self, the original Zhou Tianyi. During the chaos, as she tried to escape his grasp, she stumbled upon the mountain's entrance.
That was where she obtained the ability to disappear into thin air.
The novel described how she found a peculiar stone embedded in the cliff face. There was a strange indentation, shaped exactly like a handprint. Out of curiosity or desperation, she placed her hand inside it. The moment her skin touched the stone, it glowed with blinding light, and the entire mountain recognized her as its new master.
That power became one of her greatest assets, allowing her to appear and disappear whenever she wanted, saving herself from countless dangerous situations.
It was just one of the many lucky encounters and "cheats" the Female Lead was destined to obtain. But now... the plot had changed.
Zhou Tianyi opened his eyes, a dangerous smile playing on his lips.
Sorry, My dear Female Lead, he thought mockingly. But good things belong to those who get here first. Your magical space and your disappearing power... they are mine now.
"You may leave, and remind the other maids to Dress me up" Zhou Tianyi said dismissively, waving his hand. "Continue the surveillance and report any movement immediately."
"Yes, Your Highness!" The two maids bowed once more and silently retreated, and move towards the Door .
Alone in his chambers, Zhou Tianyi looked out the window at the rising sun. The game had officially begun. He wasn't just going to survive as a villain; he was going to curve a new path for herself or for this land.