The Royal Secret: Princess in the Prince's Arms

Mingzhu village

The golden sunrise bathed Mingzhu Village in a warm glow, casting a soft light over the wooden houses and blossoming trees. The scent of morning dew mixed with the fragrance of wildflowers, creating an atmosphere of peace. Birds chirped as villagers slowly emerged from their homes, beginning another day.

Inside the healer's hut, Feng Xiangling sat beside her brother, Feng Yichen. Exhaustion had finally caught up to her, and she had fallen asleep while holding his frail hand. Her face was weary, her hair slightly disheveled, but she had refused to leave his side.

A weak, raspy voice broke the silence.

"Sister…"

Feng Xiangling stirred slightly before her eyes shot open. She gasped as she saw Feng Yichen's pale eyelids fluttering. His lips, once dry and lifeless, were now moving, albeit weakly.

"Yichen!" she exclaimed, grasping his hand tightly. "You're awake! How do you feel?"

"I… I feel tired," he whispered.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but this time, they were not of sorrow. Relief washed over her. "It's okay. Just rest. The medicine is working."

The healer entered, nodding in satisfaction. "His condition has stabilized. It will take time, but with proper care, he will recover."

Lin Liangchen and Zhou Jinyu stood at the doorway, watching the scene. Lin Liangchen, who rarely showed emotions, sighed in relief. "Finally, some good news."

Zhou Jinyu grinned. "Seems like our efforts weren't in vain."

Feng Xiangling turned to them with gratitude. "Thank you… both of you."

Lin Liangchen simply nodded, sipping his tea, while Zhou Jinyu waved her off. "We're comrades, aren't we?"

Yet, despite the joy in the room, a lingering sense of unease remained. Their journey was far from over.

---

Xianxi River - village

Imperial soldiers and volunteers worked tirelessly, distributing food and tending to the injured.

Imperial Princess Xu Jiayi stood in the midst of it all, her pristine robes stained with dirt as she personally assisted the wounded. Despite being of royal blood, she had always believed in serving her people.

Beside her, Imperial Guard Commander Zhao Jin directed soldiers. "Make sure the children are given priority! The elderly need warmth—get more blankets from the supply carts!"

A sudden gust of wind blew past them as a figure rushed forward at an incredible speed.

"Commander Zhao!"

It was Tan Li, one of Zhao Jin's most trusted subordinates who mastered Dragon Soaring Steps. His breathing was labored, sweat dripping down his forehead, but his eyes were sharp with urgency.

"What happened?" Zhao Jin asked.

"The flood relief fund…" Tan Li gasped. "It's been stolen."

Xu Jiayi's eyes widened. "What? How?"

Tan Li clenched his fists. "The convoy carrying the funds was ambushed on the way here. All soldiers guarding it… were killed."

A heavy silence fell over them. The very money meant to rebuild the lives of the flood victims was now in the hands of criminals.

Zhao Jin cursed under his breath. "Who would dare?"

"We don't know yet," Tan Li replied. "The attackers left no survivors."

Xu Jiayi's mind raced. If the funds had been stolen, it was likely orchestrated by someone with power.

"We must report this immediately." Xu Jiayi turned to Zhao Jin. "I'll return to the palace. The Emperor must be informed."

Zhao Jin nodded. "Be careful, Your Highness."

With determination in her eyes, she mounted her horse and galloped away.

Prime Minister 's Residence

Zhizhen Hall (Prime Minister 's room)

Prime Minister Feng Wehao sat behind his ornate wooden desk, reviewing official documents. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on his stern face as he carefully read each report.

Standing before him was his trusted advisor, Zhang Zhongyuan, a man known for his intelligence and loyalty.

"How are my son and daughter?" the Prime Minister asked, setting down a scroll. "Have you received any reports on their well-being?"

Zhang Zhongyuan bowed respectfully. "Yes, My Lord. They are doing well."

A rare smile appeared on Feng Wehao's face. "Good. Xiangling is a strong girl, and my son will carry on my legacy."

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed through the halls. A messenger stormed in, bowing hastily.

"My Lord, urgent news from the palace."

Feng Wehao's expression darkened. "Speak."

"The flood relief fund has been stolen. His Majesty has summoned all high-ranking officials to court immediately."

Feng Wehao's grip on his desk tightened. "Prepare my carriage."

As he left, Zhang Zhongyuan's eyes followed him with a hint of unease. If the funds were stolen, it meant someone powerful was pulling the strings.

And in court, truths often unraveled.

Ruyun Palace - Residence of Noble Consort Wang Meiling

Noble Consort Wang Meiling lounged gracefully in her chamber, sipping a delicate cup of tea. Her face was serene, but her eyes held amusement.

A maid, Chu Chu, knelt beside her, whispering, "Your Highness, the flood fund has been stolen."

A slow, knowing smile crept onto Wang Meiling's lips.

"Oh?" she said softly. "How unfortunate."

Chu Chu hesitated before speaking again. "It seems someone took action… just as Your Highness predicted."

Wang Meiling set down her teacup, chuckling. "Fate always moves according to careful planning. Let's see how the court handles this disaster."

Her gaze shifted toward the window, where the palace loomed in the distance.

"Xu Jiayi, let's see how you fix this."

Mingzhu village

Outside the healer's hut in Mingzhu Village, Lin Liangchen sat beneath a large tree, sipping his tea. The morning breeze was cool, carrying with it the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers. Zhou Jinyu stood nearby, stretching his arms.

"For once, things feel calm," Zhou Jinyu remarked, exhaling in relief.

Lin Liangchen nodded slightly, but his sharp eyes remained observant. Peace was often short-lived in times like these.

Suddenly, the rustling of wings cut through the quiet morning. A pigeon swooped down, landing gracefully on the wooden railing of the hut. Zhou Jinyu, always quick to notice, narrowed his eyes at the tiny scroll tied to its leg.

"A messenger pigeon?" Zhou Jinyu muttered, stepping forward.

Lin Liangchen set down his tea and reached for the parchment, carefully untying it. His fingers unrolled the note, and as his eyes swept over the words, his expression darkened.

Zhou Jinyu, noticing the change in his demeanor, leaned in. "What is it?"

Lin Liangchen didn't respond immediately. His grip on the paper tightened slightly.

Lin Liangchen rolled up the parchment and slipped it into his sleeve, his gaze distant. "Unexpected news," he said, voice unreadable.

Zhou Jinyu frowned. "Good or bad?"

Lin Liangchen's jaw clenched slightly. "That depends."

Lin Liangchen finally met Zhou Jinyu eyes, his own unreadable. Then, after a brief pause, he spoke.

"Something has happened in the capital."

Zhou Jinyu stiffened. "What do you mean?"

Lin Liangchen didn't elaborate. Instead, he looked toward the distant horizon, where the capital lay.

"We'll find out soon enough," he said.

The morning, once peaceful, now carried an air of unease. And though no more words were spoken, a silent understanding passed between them. Something had shifted. Something big.

To be continue...