Chapter 4 : The Banquet

The night air outside the Minister of War’s mansion was cold—unnaturally cold, as if the stone lions guarding the entrance had exhaled frost. Lanterns burned along the wide staircase, illuminating the rows of armored guards standing like statues. But their posture shifted—ever so slightly—the moment they saw Lu Zeyan. Not fear. Recognition of power. Because although the Minister of War held authority… the Marshal commanded the empire. On the battlefield, in the capital, in every corridor of influence—his word carried steel.

Ruyu stepped beside him, her expression serene, hiding the rapid beat of her pulse. Servants bowed so deeply their foreheads nearly touched the ground. The Minister’s chief steward hurried forward, plastering a practiced smile on his lips.

“Marshal Lu, Madam Lu—this humble servant welcomes you.” Ruyu noticed the steward’s eyes flick to her for a split-second. Sharp. Curious. Assessing. She lowered her lashes, letting mystery settle around her like a second veil.

Lu Zeyan’s voice cut through the air. “Where is the Minister?”

The steward swallowed. “Awaiting you in the Jade Hall, Marshal.”

“Then we won’t keep him waiting.” He didn’t offer Ruyu his hand. He didn’t need to. His presence alone was a shield, a silent decree that she belonged at his side. Together, they walked past kneeling guards, the silk of her qipao whispering against the cold marble.

**Inside the Jade Hall**

The banquet hall shimmered with gold and jade. Musicians played soft melodies, servants moved like shadows, and noble guests paused mid-conversation when Lu Zeyan entered. All eyes shifted to Ruyu. Whispers rose—not insulting, not bold— but sharp with speculation.

“Is that the new Madam?”

“So beautiful…”

“She looks delicate. Will she last?”

“She does not look simple.”

“The Marshal actually brought her—publicly?”

Ruyu kept her gaze forward, spine straight, every step measured. Tonight she was not a victim.

She was a blade wrapped in silk. Then she saw him—The Minister of War. He stood near the center of the hall, surrounded by officials. His hair streaked with silver, his eyes narrow with cunning, his smile the kind worn by a man who had seen blood spill for decades.

When he spotted Lu Zeyan, his brows lifted, and he stepped forward with a hearty laugh.

“Marshal Lu! You honor my humble home.”

Ruyu immediately lowered into a perfect bow. “Ruyu greets the honorable Minister.”

But the Minister did not speak to her. His gaze slid over her like one analyzing a puzzle piece.

“Ah,” the Minister murmured, “so this girl behind you is your new bride.”

A meaning lingered beneath his tone. Something like amusement. Or suspicion. Ruyu’s fingers curled inside her sleeves. Before she could speak, Lu Zeyan stepped slightly in front of her—subtle, protective, intentional.

“She is Madam Lu,” he said calmly.

“And she stands at my side. Not behind me.”

The hall stilled. Ruyu’s heartbeat slowed, steadied.

Even she had not expected him to declare her status so sharply. The Minister’s smile tightened at the edges. “Of course… the Marshal always treasures what belongs to him.”

Lu Zeyan’s expression did not change. “I do more than treasure,” he replied. “I protect.”

A heavy silence wrapped the hall. Everyone heard the threat beneath his words.

The Banquet Begins—

The guests moved to their seats, and servants poured wine. Ruyu sat beside Lu Zeyan, her face composed, her senses sharpened.

The Minister raised his cup. “A toast to new alliances.”

Lu Zeyan clinked his cup lightly, though his eyes never left the Minister. “A toast,” he echoed.

“To transparency.”

The Minister’s smile faltered. Ruyu almost inhaled sharply. Only a ruthless man could turn a simple word into a blade.

Food arrived—delicate dishes, aromatic broth, spiced fish. Ruyu lifted her chopsticks. The Minister watched her.

“Madam Shen,” he said casually, “you handle yourself well for someone so new to the capital. Where is your family from?”

Ruyu offered a soft, polite smile. “From the countryside, Minister. Nothing worth boasting of.”

“A pity,” he murmured. “A woman’s background can be her greatest weapon.”

“Or her greatest protection,” she replied sweetly.

“After all, no one looks twice at a harmless girl.”

The Minister’s eyes narrowed—just slightly.

Lu Zeyan set down his cup with a quiet, decisive click. “Do not underestimate her,” he said without emotion. “She is sharper than she looks.”

Ruyu felt her breath catch. Why was he defending her like this? Why was he pushing her into the spotlight?

The Minister laughed. “Marshal, you praise her highly.”

“I do not praise,” Lu Zeyan replied. “I state facts.”

The table fell cold. Ruyu’s pulse throbbed, a mix of tension and thrill. The Minister leaned back in his chair, watching her with an interest that made her skin prickle. “Tell me, Madam… have I met your father?”

Ruyu stilled. Time slowed. Conversations dimmed to echoes. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

But before she could open her mouth—Lu Zeyan answered. “No,” he said, voice cold as a drawn blade. “You have not.”

The Minister raised a brow. “You answer for her?”

“I answer,” Lu Zeyan said, “because a harmless girl’s past does not concern you.”

Ruyu almost exhaled in relief—but the danger was nowhere near over. A Sudden Interruption

A guard rushed into the hall, kneeling. “Marshal! Minister! Forgive the intrusion—urgent report from the front gates.”

The Minister scowled. “Speak.”

The guard trembled. “A man… claims to know Madam Shen... no...Madam Lu.”

Ruyu’s blood froze. Every eye turned to her. Lu Zeyan’s gaze sharpened instantly—predatory, calculating.

The Minister smiled slowly, dangerously. “Oh?” he murmured. “This banquet grows more interesting by the minute.”

Ruyu forced her expression to remain calm, though her heart hammered violently. Lu Zeyan rose from his seat, the air around him turning lethal. “Bring him,” he ordered.

The hall buzzed with tension. The guard bowed and hurried out.

Ruyu swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper. “General… I—”

“Quiet,” Lu Zeyan murmured, not unkindly. “Do not speak. Not yet.”

His eyes locked onto the entrance, his stance cold and murderous. Whoever walked through those doors could destroy everything. Or reveal everything. And the Marshal was ready to kill if necessary.

The double doors creaked open— A figure was dragged inside. Ruyu’s nails dug into her palm.

Because she recognized him. Her past had arrived. And the game had only just begun.

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