The Moonlit Courtyard was still new to Lin Yue — quiet, serene, and filled with pale lanterns that glowed softly at night.
But peace never lasted long in the palace.
Just after breakfast, a palace maid arrived, bowing deeply.
"Noble Lady Lin, the Empress Dowager requests your presence."
Lin Yue set down her teacup. "Now?"
"Yes, my lady. Immediately."
Xiao An's face paled. "Again? But you were just promoted yesterday!"
Lin Yue stood, smoothing her sleeves. "That is why she wants to see me."
Xiao An grabbed her hand. "Please be careful."
Lin Yue gave her a small smile. "I will."
But her heart beat faster.
The Phoenix Hall
The Empress Dowager's hall was colder than before — as if the air itself sensed the shift in power.
Lin Yue entered and bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager did not tell her to rise.
Instead, she studied Lin Yue in silence.
"You have caused quite a storm," she finally said.
Lin Yue kept her gaze lowered. "I did nothing intentionally."
"That is what concerns me," the Empress Dowager replied. "You do nothing… yet everything changes around you."
She stood, descending the steps with slow, measured grace.
"You were a quiet girl in the shadows. Now you are a Noble Lady with your own courtyard."
Lin Yue remained still.
The Empress Dowager circled her, voice soft but sharp.
"Do you know how many women have begged for that title? How many have schemed for years?"
Lin Yue answered honestly. "I do not."
"Many," the Empress Dowager said. "And yet my son gives it to you without hesitation."
Lin Yue's fingers tightened slightly. "I did not ask him to."
"No," the Empress Dowager said. "And that is why he favors you."
She stopped in front of Lin Yue.
"Tell me, child… do you understand what it means to be favored by an emperor?"
Lin Yue lifted her gaze slightly. "It means I must be careful."
The Empress Dowager's lips curved faintly. "Good. You are learning."
She motioned to a maid, who brought forward a tray.
On it lay a small jade seal, carved with a phoenix.
Lin Yue blinked. "Your Majesty…?"
"This is a test," the Empress Dowager said. "A seal used by the harem to approve minor requests — food, fabrics, servants."
Lin Yue hesitated. "Why give this to me?"
"Because I want to see what you do with it."
Lin Yue looked at the seal again. It was small, but symbolic — a taste of authority.
The Empress Dowager's voice lowered.
"Power reveals a person's heart. Use it wisely, and you may survive. Use it foolishly, and you will be devoured."
Lin Yue bowed. "I understand."
"Do you?" the Empress Dowager asked softly. "You are kind. Too kind. Kindness is a luxury in this palace."
Lin Yue met her gaze. "I ca learn.
The Empress Dowager studied her for a long moment — then nodded.
"Rise, Noble Lady Lin."
Lin Yue stood.
The Empress Dowager turned away. "You may go. I will be watching."
Lin Yue bowed again and left the hall, the jade seal heavy in her sleeve.
Outside the Phoenix Hall
Xiao An rushed to her. "My Lady! What happened?"
Lin Yue showed her the seal.
Xiao An gasped. "This… this is a harem authority seal! Only high-ranking consorts have these!"
Lin Yue nodded slowly. "She is testing me."
Xiao An swallowed. "What will you do?"
Lin Yue looked at the seal again, her expression calm but determined.
"I will not fail."
Later That Night
The emperor visited her courtyard, finding her seated beneath the lanterns, the seal resting on the table.
He raised a brow. "She gave you that?"
"Yes."
He sat beside her. "Do you know what it means?"
Lin Yue nodded. "She wants to see how I use it."
The emperor smiled faintly. "And what will you do?"
Lin Yue looked up at him, her voice steady.
"I will use it carefully. And I will not let anyone twist it against me."
The emperor reached out, brushing her cheek gently.
"You're becoming stronger every day."
Lin Yue touched the seal lightly.
"I have to be."
The emperor's gaze softened. "And you will be."
Under the lantern light, Lin Yue felt something shift inside her — a quiet resolve, a growing strength.
The Empress Dowager had tested her.
And Lin Yue was ready for whatever came next.