The palace was too quiet.
Wei Wuxian noticed it first.
Not because of sound—
But because of pattern.
Guards rotated normally.
Lanterns burned steadily.
Servants walked properly.
Everything looked correct.
Too correct.
He stood on the balcony of the Empress Palace, watching the moon reflect on the lake.
Behind him, Lan Wangji reviewed military reports.
Northern armies were moving faster than expected.
Wei Wuxian tapped the railing lightly.
“Your Majesty.”
Lan Wangji looked up immediately.
“Yes.”
“Tonight feels organized.”
A small pause.
Lan Wangji understood instantly.
“Too organized.”
Wei Wuxian smiled.
“Exactly.”
Midnight.
A soft metallic sound.
Barely audible.
But Wei Wuxian’s eyes opened instantly.
Lan Wangji was already awake.
They did not speak.
Did not panic.
Just listened.
A shadow moved across the courtyard roof.
Fast.
Silent.
Professional.
Lan Wangji reached for his sword.
Wei Wuxian caught his wrist lightly.
“Wait.”
Lan Wangji paused.
Wei Wuxian whispered calmly,
“If he wanted you dead, he would not enter through
the outer courtyard.”
Lan Wangji’s gaze sharpened.
“You are the target.”
Wei Wuxian smiled slightly.
“Most likely.”
The window slid open silently.
A masked assassin entered.
Light.
Precise.
Blade aimed directly at Wei Wuxian’s position on the bed.
But—
The bed was empty.
The assassin froze.
Too late.
Wei Wuxian dropped from above, landing behind him.
“You should always confirm your target.”
The assassin spun—
Lan Wangji’s sword blocked instantly.
Metal clashed softly.
Three moves exchanged.
The assassin was skilled.
Very skilled.
He threw a smoke pellet.
The room filled with gray mist.
But Wei Wuxian laughed softly.
“Smoke indoors? Poor planning.”
He kicked a hidden lever near the wall.
Windows opened automatically.
Airflow cleared the room.
Lan Wangji disarmed the assassin in one precise strike.
The blade fell.
Guards rushed in.
The assassin bit down—
Poison.
Dead within seconds.
Silence returned.
Wei Wuxian crouched beside the body.
He examined the fabric.
“Not northern style.”
Lan Wangji nodded.
“Internal faction.”
Wei Wuxian pointed to the stitching.
“Western Province.”
Lan Wangji’s expression turned cold.
“Governor Qin.”
“Possibly.”
Wei Wuxian stood calmly.
“They wanted to test something.”
Lan Wangji looked at him.
“Test what?”
Wei Wuxian smiled faintly.
“How much you value me.”
Silence.
Lan Wangji stepped closer.
“They already know.”
Wei Wuxian blinked.
“Oh?”
Lan Wangji’s voice was steady but lower.
“You are not a weakness.”
“You are my decision.”
Direct.
Clear.
No hesitation.
Wei Wuxian felt that strange warmth again.
Annoying.
He covered it with humor.
“Well, Your Majesty, at least assassins think I’m important.”
“You are.”
Morning Court
The assassination attempt was announced publicly.
Lan Wangji stood before the court.
His presence was icy.
“The Empress was attacked.”
The entire hall froze.
Wei Wuxian stood beside him calmly.
A minister nervously spoke.
“Your Majesty, perhaps security should increase around the Emperor instead—”
Lan Wangji’s gaze turned sharp.
“The Empress’s safety equals mine.”
Silence.
Absolute.
Wei Wuxian added lightly,
“If anyone else wishes to try, please schedule properly. Midnight is inconvenient.”
A few younger officials almost choked trying not to laugh.
Even some generals hid smiles.
Lan Wangji’s lips moved slightly.
Almost a smile.
Almost.
Later — Private Chamber
Lan Wangji cleaned his sword slowly.
“You predicted the attempt.”
Wei Wuxian leaned against the table.
“I predicted a move.”
“You placed the airflow mechanism beforehand.”
“Yes.”
Lan Wangji looked at him directly.
“You prepared the room as a trap.”
Wei Wuxian grinned.
“Marriage into a foreign empire without preparation
would be foolish.”
Lan Wangji stepped closer.
“You do not need to fight alone.”
Wei Wuxian raised an eyebrow.
“Are you offering protection?”
“Yes.”
Simple.
Firm.
No ego.
Wei Wuxian studied him carefully.
“You’re not angry I interfered?”
“No.”
“You’re not offended I handled the assassin?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Lan Wangji answered immediately.
“You are capable.”
Pause.
“And I like that.”
Wei Wuxian stared at him for a second.
Then laughed softly.
“You really are different from rumors.”
Lan Wangji’s hand gently adjusted Wei Wuxian’s sleeve.
“Rumors do not matter.”
Only him.
Evening — Strategy Hall
Investigation results arrived.
Governor Qin of the Western Province had secret communications with foreign merchants.
Bribes traced.
Movements suspicious.
Wei Wuxian analyzed the letters quickly.
“He won’t confess.”
Lan Wangji nodded.
“He doesn’t need to.”
Orders were sent.
Governor Qin was arrested by dawn.
No chaos.
No public drama.
Clean.
Precise.
Like everything Lan Wangji did.
That night—
Wei Wuxian stood by the window again.
Lan Wangji approached quietly.
“You should rest.”
Wei Wuxian smiled faintly.
“War is near.”
“Yes.”
“And now internal factions move.”
“Yes.”
Wei Wuxian turned to him.
“You will leave for the battlefield soon.”
Lan Wangji did not deny it.
“Yes.”
Silence lingered.
Not emotional.
Not heavy.
Just realistic.
Wei Wuxian crossed his arms.
“Good.”
Lan Wangji blinked once.
“Good?”
“Yes.”
“You’re strongest at the front.”
Lan Wangji stepped closer.
“And you?”
Wei Wuxian smiled slowly.
“I’m strongest where people underestimate me.”
Lan Wangji’s hand gently rested at his waist again.
Warm.
Steady.
“Then we divide the battlefield.”
Wei Wuxian nodded.
“Deal.”
Outside—
The moon hid behind clouds.
War drums echoed faintly from distant borders.
The empire was about to split into two battlefields.
One led by the Ice Emperor.
One guarded by the Genius Omega.
And neither side would fall.
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