EPISODE 4

The words had barely left his lips when a shadow detached itself from the darkness near the beam of the ceiling.

A figure landed soundlessly on one knee behind him.

“Your Majesty.”

It was Liang Shenyuan—his most trusted guard.

Zhao Wenzhe’s eyes remained on the courtyard outside.

“She talks a lot.”

Liang Shenyuan said nothing.

The emperor let out a soft breath, almost like a quiet laugh.

“Cheerful. Friendly. Curious.”

His gaze lowered slightly.

“Almost convincing.”

He turned his head just enough for the moonlight to catch the red mark on his forehead.

ZW: “Do you know what that reminds me of?”

Liang Shenyuan waited.

“A spy.”

The word fell calmly into the night.

Zhao Wenzhe’s expression remained relaxed, but his eyes were completely cold.

“A princess traded for peace… suddenly so comfortable speaking to a stranger emperor.”

His fingers lightly tapped against the wooden window frame.

He tilted his head slightly.

ZW: “Let’s see how this unfolds.”

Then his voice turned quiet again.

ZW: “Watch her.”

Liang Shenyuan bowed deeper.

LS: “This subordinate understands.”

In the next moment, the guard disappeared back into the shadows as silently as he had arrived.

The chamber returned to stillness.

Zhao Wenzhe stood there for a few more moments before turning back toward the bed.

Lin Yue had not moved.

She still slept peacefully, unaware of the conversation that just happened.

The emperor approached slowly.

For a brief moment, his gaze rested on her sleeping face again.

Then he lay down beside her.

The moonlight stretched across the bed as he closed his eyes.

And the palace returned to silence once more.

________________________

Morning light falls on Lin Yue's sleeping face making her awake.

Lin Yue stirred slightly before opening her eyes.

For a brief moment she simply lay there, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling above her.

Then she remembered.

Right… the palace.

She turned her head instinctively.

The other side of the bed was empty.

The blankets were neatly arranged, untouched as if the person who had slept there had left long before dawn.

Lin Yue sat up slowly.

Already gone…

Before she could think further, the doors slid open and two palace maids entered quietly, bowing.

“Niangniang, it is time to prepare for the day.”

The maids helped her wash and change into lighter robes suitable for daytime. Warm water was brought in a basin, and the scent of fresh tea leaves drifted faintly through the room.

As they worked, Lin Yue thought quietly.

'Emperors really do wake up this early, huh…'

Once she was ready, she paused near the door, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

Then an idea appeared.

LY: “If His Majesty is already working…” she murmured softly, “he probably hasn’t eaten yet.”

A small smile formed on her face.

LY:“Prepare some food.”

The maid looked at her as if she has gone mad.

Not long after, Lin Yue walked through the quiet palace corridors carrying a small box with food inside.

The guards stationed along the path lowered their heads as she passed.

Soon she arrived outside the emperor’s study.

Before she could step closer, a figure appeared in front of her.

An elderly eunuch in dark robes blocked the entrance calmly.

It was Zhao Wenzhe’s most trusted attendant.

“Consort Lin.”

Lin Yue thought 'Isn't he Gao Ren, the most trusted Eunuch by Zhao Wenzhe himself. He even sacrificed himself to save the villain, such loyal man'

His voice was polite, but firm.

GR: “May I ask why Niangniang has come to the emperor’s study?”

Lin Yue smiled naturally.

LY: “I heard His Majesty has been working since early morning,” she said.

LY: “He must be tired.”

She lifted the box slightly.

LY: “So I brought him something to eat.”

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