Suddenly, the palace doors burst open.
A eunuch rushed inside, clutching the same paper in trembling hands.
He fell to his knees. "Bixia! These papers are flying all over the capital city. Please… please take a look!"
Right Vice Chancellor Luo stepped forward, took the paper, and began reading aloud.
"People of Qinrong Imperial City, you live in darkness. What you were told about the incident seventeen years ago was a lie it was a conspiracy."
The hall fell into stunned silence.
He continued, "The real truth behind the death of Emperor Qin Wenzhao is something entirely different."
"I, the last descendant of the Yan family, will reveal the truth myself. Because of that conspiracy, my entire family was slaughtered."
"But I survived with evidence. You will soon be enlightened."
"I will clear my family's name from the accusations of rebellion."
"I, the last descendant of the annihilated Yan family of Yancheng City, return for justice and revenge. The royal family shall pay for their sins."
Vice Chancellor Luo finished reading.
A suffocating silence gripped the hall.
Then
Emperor Zhao Yan rose abruptly from his throne, fury blazing in his eyes.
"Outrageous!" he thundered. "Such scandalous lies! Who dares to spread such slander?"
Every official immediately dropped to their knees, begging the Emperor to calm his wrath.
But Emperor Zhao Yan's anger only intensified.
"Step forward!" he commanded. "Anyone who knows anything about this or can uncover the truth speak now!"
These papers were dangerous. If left unchecked, they could tarnish the royal family's reputation beyond repair.
Whispers began to ripple through the kneeling officials.
"The last descendant of the Yan family?"
"Seventeen years ago, the Yan family and Empress Yan Lingshu conspired to poison the late monarch, Emperor Wenzhao."
"Yes! Everyone knows that truth."
"Our current Emperor took justice into his own hands he avenged his elder brother, executed Empress Lingshu, and eradicated the Yan family in Yancheng City."
"This so-called survivor should have died long ago. How is he still alive?"
Yet among the murmurs were quieter, more cautious voices.
"I always found the events of seventeen years ago… strange."
"It all happened in a single night. Emperor Wenzhao died, the rebellion was exposed, and by the next morning, His Majesty Zhao Yan ascended the throne."
"Does that not seem… too swift?"
As the whispers grew louder, cold sweat formed on the brows of Grand Chancellor Lian and Emperor Zhao Yan alike.
The seed of doubt had been planted.
At that moment, a man stepped forward.
He wore light green brocade robes, adorned with simple accessories. His demeanor was calm and composed.
He requested permission to examine the paper.
The man was Cheng Wenmao, Chancellor of Chaoyang Imperial Academy the most respected institution in Qinrong Capital.
After carefully inspecting the sheet, he bowed.
"Bixia… the paper and ink used here are unusual. They are not commonly found in the capital."
Grand Chancellor Lian narrowed his eyes. "What are you implying, Chancellor Cheng?"
Cheng Wenmao replied steadily, "Bixia, this paper is made from the bark of a rare tree, and the ink is composed of a distinctive mixture of materials. These are typically used by only one organization."
Emperor Zhao Yan's gaze sharpened. "Speak clearly, Chancellor Cheng."
Cheng Wenmao continued, "These materials are commonly used by Ying Xuan Assassination Hall. The most likely explanation is that they are using the name of the Yan family to spread chaos within Qinrong Capital."
He paused before adding,
"If any true descendant of the Yan family had survived, they would have attempted rebellion long ago. Why would they wait seventeen years?"
The hall fell silent once more.
But somewhere in the shadows
Someone was smiling.
Emperor Zhao Yan exchanged a subtle glance with Grand Chancellor Lian before rising from his throne.
"With so many disturbances in a single day, this banquet ends here," he declared coldly.
The guests were immediately dismissed.
Crown Prince Yuyan left alongside Empress Ruoxi, while the Emperor remained behind with Grand Chancellor Lian and Vice Chancellor Luo to discuss the crisis in private.
The once-celebratory hall emptied in uneasy silence.
On their way out, Lady Wenrou and Madam Xie Yueqing briefly met each other's gaze.
Both wore calm, unreadable smiles.
For once, the ever-curious Lady Wenrou asked no questions.
The youngest among the pavilion mistresses, Hua Lianyi the mistress of the Fifth Pavilion spoke gently, "Xie Furen, Wen Shijie, we should return home immediately."
"Xiao Yue is waiting for us. It's the Spring Festival; family should dine together."
She smiled faintly. "He is waiting with Xiangling Shijie. The five of us will celebrate together. Xiao Yue is already a little sad Second Sister, Fourth Sister, Sixth Sister, and Eighth Sister are not with us this year."
The three women quietly departed.
Inside the Red Pavilion, Yuehuang waited patiently with Lady Yao Xiangling.
Lady Yao sighed. "Something mysterious must have happened in Qinrong City tonight. Madam Xie, Sister Wenrou, and Junior Hua are still at the royal banquet, and we have no news at all."
Yuehuang reassured her softly, "Don't worry, Aunt Yao. I trust Aunt Xie. Everything will be fine."
He forced a small smile. "Let's prepare for dinner. It's unfortunate that Second, Fourth, Sixth, and Eighth Aunts are out of town… but the five of us will celebrate together."
The Red Pavilion consisted of nine palaces, each representing a virtue of a courtesan. Lanterns glowed warmly across the courtyards as night deepened.
Meanwhile, in his private chambers, General Han Ruozhi sat upright despite the severity of his wounds.
The military physician carefully applied ointment across his torn back.
After a moment, Han Ruozhi dismissed him.
"Send in Commander Shen and Lieutenant Commander Ming."
The two officers entered swiftly and bowed.
Han Ruozhi's voice was calm but cold.
"Find out who distributed those papers. Discover who knows my identity and who is using it to spread chaos in the royal city."
Commander Shen and Lieutenant Commander Ming immediately knelt. "We accept the mission."
They withdrew without hesitation.
Left alone, Han Ruozhi's thoughts drifted.
To the mysterious woman in Yuexi the Third Palace of the Red Pavilion.
Her beauty was one matter.
But her connection to the former mistress of the Third Palace… that was another.
Somewhere, someone had already set up the weiqi board.
The first move had been made.
Now it was time for him to step into the game.
A faint smirk appeared on his pale lips as his gaze fell upon his Phoenix Sword.
He had sworn long ago
To restore justice to the Yan family.
To reclaim the honor of his father and grandfather.
To find the real Imperial Seal…
And the final edict left behind by his aunt, Empress Yan Lingshu.
The smoke over Qinrong had not yet cleared.
But the game
Had truly begun.
TO BE CONTINUED....