After Shayue's figure disappeared beyond the doors, the imperial study fell into a suffocating silence.
For a brief moment, the emperor remained still.
Not anger.
Not regret.
Only indifference.
Then—
Bang!
His hand struck the table with force.
"Unfilial child! She has grown more and more arrogant day by day."
His voice was cold, carried no emotion, as though he were speaking of a stranger...
"To speak in such a tone before me… she has truly forgotten her place."
A eunuch cautiously stepped forward.
"Your Majesty… shall this servant—"
The Emperor's gaze darkened.
"No."
The Emperor interrupted without even looking at him.
"She will understand her place soon enough." Emperor said coldly
"For years, I allowed her freedom…allowed her to involve herself in matters she should not have touched."
His voice lowered' dangerous.
At that moment, soft footsteps approached. A graceful figure entered the study.
"Your Majesty."
The Empress bowed gracefully, her voice was gentle, yet carried a subtle sharpness.
The Emperor did not turn, but his expression
eased slightly. He finally lifted his gaze.
"Empress, the matter has settled."
The Empress smiled faintly.
She walked closer, her sleeves brushing lightly against the floor.
"The Crown Princess has agreed?"
The Emperor replied flatly:
"She has."
A brief silence followed.
The Empress's eyes flickered slightly.
"She may hold resentment."
The Emperor gave a cold, almost dismissive scoff.
"Resentment is irrelevant."
He leaned back slightly.
"As long as she fulfills her role. Daughters are not meant to be cherished forever."
A pause—"she is meant to be used, after all we have done so much for her."
The Empress lowered her gaze, hiding her satisfaction.
"Your Majesty is wise."
Then softly:
"The Lin Empire will not refuse this marriage. The Lin Empire has long been a threat. If this marriage can bring peace…."
She lifted her eyes.
The Emperor picked up a scroll, already
uninterested.
"If this sacrifice is worth for our Empire then it is decided."
No hesitation.
No emotion.
As if he had not just sacrificed his own blood daughter.
--
The corridors were quiet.
Shayue walked steadily, her steps neither fast nor slow, her expression as calm as ever.
But the moment she entered her bedchamber—
The doors closed behind her.
And the silence became heavy.
She stood still for a long moment. Then slowly, she exhaled.
"..So this is how it ends."
Her fingers tightened slightly at her sleeves.
For years, she had given everything—yet in the end; she was nothing more than a piece to be sacrificed.
Ying stepped forward first, her expression serious.
"Your Highness… what did His Majesty say?"
Behind her, the other maid Mei Yi hesitated, clearly anxious.
"Y-Your Highness… is everything alright?"
Shayue turned to them.
A faint smile appeared on her lips—gentle, calm… and distant.
"Nothing Important."
She hesitated to tell them yet about the marriage, she wanted to calm down and think about it once more, she walked past them slowly.
"I wish to be alone for a while."
Her tone was soft—but left no room for refusal.
Ying immediately bowed her head.
"This servant understands."
Mei Yi also looked reluctant but followed.
"We will be outside, Your Highness…"
The doors closed once again.
This time—completely.
The smile on Shayue's face faded instantly.
Her eyes grew colder and in a dark tone she said—
"….If I am to be sacrificed…"
"….then I will decide who burns with me."
To be continued....