The Royal Secret: Princess in the Prince's Arms

Grand Chancellor's Mansion

The dim glow of lanterns flickered inside , casting shifting shadows on the ornately carved wooden walls. Grand Chancellor Yang Chenzi sat in his private chamber, leisurely swirling a cup of fine tea in his hands. The fragrance of aged tea leaves filled the room, but the true pleasure he savored was not in the drink—it was in the turmoil spreading through the imperial court.

Across from him, his trusted subordinate, Zhao Qing, kneeled respectfully, his sharp eyes gleaming in the candlelight.

"The court is in disarray, Chancellor," Zhao Qing reported, his voice low and measured. "The ministers are restless, questioning the security of the empire. Emperor Xu Tianguan is furious, and Prime Minister Feng Wehao is under immense pressure to explain himself."

A slow smirk formed on Yang Chenzi's lips as he set his cup down with a deliberate motion. "The loss of the flood fund was unexpected, but the chaos it has stirred is far more valuable than the gold itself."

Zhao Qing nodded. "Many ministers have already started voicing doubts about Feng Wehao's capabilities. Some are even whispering that his time as Prime Minister may be nearing its end."

Yang Chenzi chuckled softly. "Let them whisper. Let them doubt. A house divided is easier to topple." He leaned forward slightly, his voice a mere whisper now. "And when that happens, I will be there to seize the opportunity."

Zhao Qing bowed his head. "Shall I proceed with the next phase of the plan, Chancellor?"

Yang Chenzi took another sip of his tea, savoring the taste before answering.

"No need to rush. Let Feng Wehao struggle a little longer. Desperation makes men careless."

Cangqiu - Mingzhu Village

Outside The healer's house

The crisp morning air carried the scent of dewdrops and fresh earth as Feng Yichen sat outside the healer's house. The rustic wooden bench creaked slightly beneath his weight, but he found comfort in the peaceful atmosphere of Mingzhu Village. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant laughter of children running along the dirt paths filled the air.

For the first time in days, he felt like himself again. Though his body was still weak from the poison, he could at least breathe without the weight of pain pressing down on his chest.

"You look much better," a familiar voice said.

Feng Yichen turned to see his sister, Feng Xiangling, walking towards him, her long robes swaying with the breeze. She sat beside him, watching him carefully.

"I feel better," he admitted. "But I can't shake this feeling… we've been away from home for too long. I miss our family." His voice held a wistful note, his mind drifting to the familiar halls of their home in the capital.

Feng Xiangling lowered her gaze, guilt creeping into her heart. Their journey had been anything but ordinary, and she knew that returning home might not be as simple as they wished.

Before she could respond, a sudden flutter of wings caught their attention.

A pigeon soared down from the sky, landing gracefully on the wooden railing in front of them. A small scroll was tied to its leg.

Feng Yichen leaned forward, carefully untying the parchment. As his eyes scanned the words, his expression shifted from curiosity to deep concern.

"What is it?" Feng Xiangling asked, her heart pounding.

Feng Yichen slowly exhaled before handing her the letter.

"We must return to the capital as soon as possible." His voice was firm, his earlier sense of longing now replaced with urgency.

Feng Xiangling clutched the letter tightly, unease settling in her chest. Something was terribly wrong.

Shengda Hall – Residence of Emperor Xu Tianguan

The grandeur of Shengda Hall was undeniable—golden pillars rose high, intricate dragon carvings adorned every inch, and the air carried the faint scent of ink and burning incense. But within the hall, tension hung heavier than the ornate tapestries that draped the walls.

Seated at his desk, Emperor Xu Tianguan tapped his fingers impatiently against the polished wood. His sharp gaze flickered toward the entrance as Chief Eunuch Xiang Bohan stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, Lord Xu Zixuan requests an audience."

The Emperor straightened. "Let him in."

The heavy doors creaked open, and Lord Xu Zixuan, the Emperor's younger brother, stepped inside. Unlike the officials who trembled before the Emperor, Xu Zixuan walked with a steady, calm presence. He was not just a prince—he was a man the Emperor trusted above all others.

As he approached, he did not bow right away but instead gave his brother a long look. "Elder Brother, you look exhausted."

The Emperor scoffed but did not hide his tired sigh. "And yet, the burden of the empire does not lessen."

Xu Zixuan finally gave a respectful bow before speaking again. "Then allow me to share some of that burden." His voice was soft yet firm, a tone only a younger brother could take with a man who ruled an empire.

The Emperor's lips twitched in amusement. "If only it were that simple."

The tension in the room eased slightly. For all his authority, Emperor Xu Tianguan had always been softer toward his younger brother.

"Speak," the Emperor commanded, shifting back to formality. "What have you found?"

Xu Zixuan took out a sealed scroll and placed it on the Emperor's desk. "The evidence at the robbery site confirms our worst suspicions."

The Emperor's eyes darkened. "And?"

"This was no mere act of bandits," Xu Zixuan stated firmly. "The attack was precise. The guards were not just overpowered but tactically eliminated. Whoever orchestrated this knew exactly how to strike."

Emperor Xu Tianguan's hands curled into fists. "Who would dare organize such treachery?"

Xu Zixuan hesitated before speaking again, his voice softer. "Brother… you must be prepared for the possibility that this was done by someone within our own court."

A heavy silence filled the room. The Emperor exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. "So even the imperial treasury is no longer safe."

Xu Zixuan's expression darkened. "The empire is vast, but there are many shadows lurking within it. I fear this is only the beginning."

For a long moment, the Emperor said nothing. Then, unexpectedly, he reached out and placed a firm hand on Xu Zixuan's shoulder.

"You have always been my most trusted brother," he said quietly. "If there is anyone I can rely on in this storm, it is you."

Xu Zixuan met his gaze, his usual calm replaced with something warmer. "I will not fail you, Brother."

The Emperor squeezed his shoulder before withdrawing his hand. "Then go. Find the ones responsible."

Xu Zixuan bowed deeply. "I swear on my life—I will."

As he turned to leave, the Emperor spoke again, his voice softer. "And Zixuan… take care of yourself."

Xu Zixuan paused at the doorway, then smiled faintly. "I will, Brother."

The doors closed behind him, leaving Emperor Xu Tianguan alone in the candlelit hall. He stared at the flickering flames for a long time before sighing.

In the end, even an Emperor was still a brother.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over Lingyun Pavilion. The elegant courtyard was filled with blooming orchids and the sound of a gentle stream flowing through stone-carved pathways.

Lingyun Pavilion - Residence of Crown Prince Xu Yuheng

Through the main gates, Crown Prince Xu Yuheng walked with confident strides, though his body betrayed signs of exhaustion. His subordinate, Song Renxi, who mastered Flesh Palm Technique followed closely, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.

The moment they stepped inside, servants rushed forward, bowing deeply.

"Welcome back, Your Highness."

Xu Yuheng barely acknowledged them, his mind already occupied with the state of affairs in the capital. He made his way to his personal chambers, where the familiar scent of sandalwood greeted him.

As soon as he entered, his knees nearly buckled. A sharp pain shot through his chest, making him grimace.

Song Renxi stepped forward in alarm. "Your Highness—"

"I'm fine," Xu Yuheng interrupted, though the slight tremor in his voice betrayed the truth.

He slowly lowered himself onto a cushioned chair, pressing a hand against his ribs. His long journey to the eastern provinces had taken its toll, and he knew his body was reaching its limit.

But rest was a luxury he could not afford. The empire was on the brink of chaos, and if he faltered now, the consequences would be severe.

As the cold wind whispered through the open balcony, Xu Yuheng closed his eyes for a moment.

Time was running out.

To Be Continued…