The Grand Princess's mansion glowed beneath lantern light, every corridor polished to perfection, just as it always had been.
Grand princess wumeng reclined against embroidered cushions, silk robes pooling around her like spilled wine. Her fingers tapped idly against a jade armrest, but her eyes burned with restrained fury.
"Released," she scoffed. "After all these years… released."
One of her trusted servants, Mei'er, knelt beside her, head lowered. The other, Qiu-shan, stood by the screen, silent and watchful.
"When Imperial Father declared Wushuang's release," Wumeng continued, lips curling into a smile that held no warmth, "I thought heaven had finally remembered me."
Her nails dug into the jade.
"And then," she spat, "he orders him to marry a Xu."
A lowborn general's daughter. Married. To him.
Mei'er dared to speak.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince advised you to let go. He said the past.... "
"The past?" Wumeng snapped, sitting upright.
"I grew up with Wushuang. We learned characters together. He protected me when I was scolded. He was mine before the world decided otherwise."
Her voice trembled, not with grief, but with possession.
Qiu-shan stepped forward carefully.
"Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince still dotes on you. If you wish it."
"I always get what I want," Wumeng interrupted, cool and sharp.
She rose to her feet, walking toward the open window where the capital lights shimmered like a sea of fireflies.
"We are not blood siblings," she said slowly.
"Only step-siblings. And even that was forced upon us."
Her smile returned, sharp, satisfied.
"With my brother's help… a marriage can be undone."
She turned back to her servants, eyes glinting.
"And if the Xu woman disappears,"
Wumeng added softly,
"who would dare question fate?"
Mei'er and Qiu-shan lowered their heads in unison.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Wumeng laughed quietly, the sound sweet and poisonous.
"Wushuang will be mine," she whispered.
"He always was."
**********************************************************
Incense burned low in the emperors Hall of Tranquil Governance. its smoke curling lazily toward the painted beams above.
The Emperor sat behind the long sandalwood table, fingers drumming once, slow, deliberate.
"The imperial banquet must surpass the last," he said.
"Foreign envoys will attend. Any mistake will be remembered for years."
The Crown Prince inclined his head.
"I will ensure the Ministry of Rites coordinates properly."
The Emperor nodded, then turned his gaze to Wushuang.
"You," he said.
"You've returned to court after a long absence. The nobles will watch your every move."
Wushuang stood straight, hands clasped behind his back.
"I understand," he replied.
The Emperor studied him for a long moment, then spoke with calculated calm.
"Your marriage to the Xu daughter was necessary. It stabilizes certain factions."
Wushuang did not respond immediately.
"At present," he said finally, "my personal matters will not interfere with court affairs."
A faint smile tugged at the Emperor's lips.
"Good. That is what I expect."
The Crown Prince glanced between them, then spoke lightly.
"Father need not worry. My brother has always known how to endure."
The word endure hung heavy in the air.
Before the Emperor could reply
"Grand Princess Wumeng arrives...."
The doors swung open.
Wumeng entered in a swirl of embroidered silk, cheeks flushed as if she had hurried.
Her eyes went straight to Wushuang, ignoring all formality for half a breath.
"Imperial Father!" she exclaimed, bowing quickly, then straightening and crossing the room.
"Brother Wushuang," she said brightly, taking his hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Wushuang's fingers tightened slightly.
Then he smiled.
A practiced, gentle smile.
"Wumeng," he said. "You should mind your manners in front of Imperial Father."
She laughed, unfazed, clinging for a heartbeat longer before letting go.
"You're still so serious."
The Emperor chuckled.
"You've arrived at the right time."
Wumeng turned eagerly.
"Is this about the banquet?"
"Yes," the Emperor said.
"I intend for you to oversee it."
Her eyes lit up.
"Truly? I would be honored!"
The Crown Prince smiled indulgently.
"You always excel at such things."
Wumeng preened, then hesitated, eyes flicking briefly to Wushuang.
"If I may make a suggestion," she said sweetly.
The Emperor gestured.
"Go on."
She clasped her hands.
"Brother Wushuang has recently married. Sister-in-law Xu Xiaolan is new to the capital. Perhaps… she could assist me."
Wushuang's smile did not falter.
But his eyes darkened.
The Emperor considered.
"That would introduce her properly to court."
He nodded once.
"Very well. I approve."
Wumeng beamed.
"Thank you, Imperial Father."
She turned to Wushuang, voice gentle.
"Brother, you don't mind, do you?"
Wushuang inclined his head slightly.
"If it pleases Imperial Father," he said.
His tone was calm, measured, unreadable.