Xueying walked through the palace halls alone.
Again.
Always alone.
The whispers didn't stop.
They didn't even try to hide anymore.
"She's bold for someone like her."
"Trying to seduce Lord Gu…"
"Does she think being a princess changes anything?"
Each word landed.
Heavy.
Relentless.
But this time—
She didn't bow her head.
She kept walking.
—
"Princess Xueying."
She stopped.
A court official approached, his expression stern.
"His Majesty wishes to see you."
Her heart tightened slightly.
"I understand."
—
The throne room felt colder than usual.
Li Jianhong stood at the center, his expression unreadable.
"You've heard the rumors," he said.
It wasn't a question.
Xueying knelt.
"Yes."
"Are they true?"
Silence.
Just for a second.
Then—
"No."
Her voice was steady.
Firm.
For the first time—
There was no hesitation.
The king watched her closely.
Searching.
Measuring.
Then—
"I believe you."
The words were simple.
But they carried weight.
Xueying's fingers tightened slightly against the floor.
"…Thank you, Father."
It was the first time she had called him that.
The room went still.
Li Jianhong paused—
Just briefly.
But something in his expression softened.
"However," he continued, his tone shifting slightly, "belief alone is not enough."
Her heart sank.
"The court will not remain silent."
"I understand."
"Then you must learn," he said, his voice firm, "to protect yourself."
Xueying looked up slowly.
"…How?"
A pause.
Then—
"By no longer being the girl who endures everything."
The words lingered.
Heavy.
Real.
Something inside her—
Shifted.
—
As she left the hall, her steps were slower.
But her mind—
Clearer.
Because for the first time—
Someone had told her she didn't have to just survive.
She could fight.
—
From a distance—
Zhao Meilin watched.
And this time—
She didn't smile.
Because something in Xueying's expression…
Had changed.
Just slightly.
But enough.
"…So you're starting to wake up," she murmured.
Her eyes darkened.
"Then I'll just have to break you faster."