The sun shone brightly overhead, glinting off the snow-covered ground as the emperor’s dispatched army finally reached the shelter.
The steady clatter of hooves and the rhythmic march of soldiers filled the air, a disciplined orchestra of movent.
Hua Jing stood silently beside Zhao Yan, her posture relaxed, yet her sharp gaze followed the procession with curiosity and a growing sense of unease.
As the soldiers ca into view, their precision evident in their every step, a lacquered carriage rolled to a stop at the forefront of the group.
The imperial emblem was emblazoned proudly on its side, but it was the figure stepping out of the carriage that drew Hua Jing’s attention.
A man in dark green robes, intricately embroidered with golden dragons, descended with languid grace.
His attire scread wealth and power, from the silk that shimred under the winter sunlight to the jade-encrusted fan tucked neatly at his side.
Yet it wasn’t the extravagance of his appearance that made Hua Jing’s stomach churn—it was the aura he carried, a kind of oppressive confidence that set her on edge.
She couldn’t explain it. She had never seen him before, but there was sothing about the way he walked, the way his eyes scanned the area as if calculating everyone’s worth, that unsettled her deeply.
Her deanor shifted instinctively, her shoulders straightening, and her sharp gaze locking onto the man.
Zhao Yan, ever perceptive, noticed her reaction and turned slightly to observe her.
His own expression remained neutral, but a faint, eerie smile began to form on his lips as his attention shifted to the approaching figure.
The man stopped a few steps away from Zhao Yan and Hua Jing, his face splitting into a practiced smile.
It was wide and accommodating, yet hollow—a mask of concern that only added to Hua Jing’s discomfort.
"My prince," the man greeted, bowing deeply, his voice smooth and polished. "I heard of the unfortunate events that befell you. I ca personally to oversee the investigation and ensure justice is served."
Zhao Yan stepped forward, his presence commanding.
His voice was calm but carried a razor-sharp edge. "How fortunate to have you here, Pri Minister Gu. I trust that with your diligence, those responsible for this heinous act will be found swiftly."
Hua Jing blinked, her thoughts whirling as she connected the na to the man before her. Pri Minister Gu.
She had heard his title ntioned in hushed tones, but this was her first ti seeing him in person.
The unease bubbling within her now had a na, and it made her dislike the man even more.
Pri Minister Gu chuckled softly, the sound ringing false as his fan flicked open with a graceful snap.
"Rest assured, Your Highness, those who dare to act against the imperial family will face the severest consequences."
Zhao Yan’s smile remained, but his eyes sharpened. He took a single step forward, his voice dropping to a low murmur that only the Pri Minister could hear.
"I’ll hold you to that, Pri Minister. When you uncover anything—anything at all—I expect to be the first to know."
For the briefest mont, Pri Minister Gu’s mask slipped.
A flicker of discomfort crossed his features before he quickly nodded, his confidence restored. "Naturally, Your Highness. Every individual involved will be brought to justice."
Zhao Yan tilted his head, his piercing gaze boring into the Pri Minister’s. His tone was mild, almost conversational, as he asked, "Really?"
The question lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken aning.
Pri Minister Gu stiffened slightly, the weight of Zhao Yan’s words pressing down on him.
He forced a smile and nodded again, his voice losing a fraction of its steadiness. "Yes, of course, Your Highness."
Hua Jing observed the exchange quietly, her instincts screaming that this man wasn’t to be trusted.
Zhao Yan’s calm deanor only seed to confirm her suspicions. While she didn’t know the full extent of the Pri Minister’s role in this world’s politics, she could tell he was dangerous.
Zhao Yan stepped back, his smile returning to its eerie sharpness. "I’ll be counting on you, Pri Minister."
Pri Minister Gu bowed deeply, a show of exaggerated respect that only served to make Hua Jing feel even more uneasy.
He straightened and turned his attention fully toward her, his sharp eyes glinting beneath the furrow of his brow.
"Seventh Consort," he began smoothly, his voice carrying a practiced warmth, "this is the first ti I have had the honor of eting you in person. I only wish it could have been under more pleasant circumstances."
Hua Jing, instinctively stiffening under his gaze, forced a polite smile.
The weight of his words and the intensity of his gaze made her skin crawl.
Her mind scread at her to stay on guard, but outwardly, she kept her expression neutral.
"The honor is mine, Pri Minister," she replied, her tone asured. "It is unfortunate that our first eting happens after such a perilous ordeal."
Pri Minister Gu tilted his head, a small, knowing smile curving his lips. "Indeed, perilous is an apt word. I hope you did not suffer any injuries during this terrible attack."
Hua Jing felt an urge to dismiss his concern with a casual wave but thought better of it. "Thankfully, I ca out of it unscathed," she said instead.
"That is a relief," the Pri Minister replied, his tone almost too genuine. "It would have been a tragedy if soone as cherished as you had been hard. His Highness would have been inconsolable."
His words, while outwardly complintary, carried a weight that Hua Jing couldn’t quite place.
She could feel his gaze studying her, dissecting her. It was as if he was probing her for information, trying to gauge her worth—or perhaps her threat.
The uneasy feeling in her chest only grew as he continued. "The Prince is truly fortunate to have soone he treasures so dearly by his side. It is rare to see him so..." He paused for effect, his smile widening slightly. "...smitten."
Hua Jing laughed nervously, her unease deepening. "Is that so?"
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