The palace was still filled with celebration.
Music echoed through the halls, and laughter could be heard from every corner. The grand wedding had just been completed, and the guests continued to enjoy the night.
Wu Jinhai walked alone along a quiet corridor.
Away from the crowd.
Away from the noise.
Her steps were calm, her expression unchanged.
The lanterns along the path flickered softly, casting shadows on the walls.
She paused for a moment.
Taking a breath.
But suddenly—
A figure stepped in front of her.
Blocking her way.
Wu Jinhai's eyes lifted.
Qiu Minyu.
His expression was tense.
"Jinhai," he said.
Her face showed no reaction.
"Move," she said calmly.
Qiu Minyu did not move.
"We need to talk," he said.
"There is nothing to talk about," she replied.
Her voice was cold.
Distant.
Qiu Minyu stepped closer.
"You misunderstood that day," he said quickly. "I can explain—"
Wu Jinhai's eyes sharpened slightly.
"I do not need your explanation."
Her words were clear.
Final.
But Qiu Minyu did not stop.
He reached out, trying to grab her arm.
"Just listen to me—"
Before he could touch her—
A force pushed him back.
Hard.
Qiu Minyu lost his balance and fell to the ground.
The sudden movement broke the silence of the corridor.
Wu Jinhai turned.
Qiao Yu Zhen stood beside her.
His expression was calm.
But his eyes—
Cold.
Qiu Minyu looked up in shock. "You—"
Qiao Yu Zhen stepped forward slightly.
"Do not touch her again," he said.
His voice was low.
But filled with warning.
Qiu Minyu clenched his teeth.
"This has nothing to do with you," he said angrily.
Qiao Yu Zhen did not move.
"It does now."
The air grew tense.
Wu Jinhai glanced at Qiao Yu Zhen.
Then back at Qiu Minyu.
"Stay away from me," she said.
Her voice was firm.
Without another word—
She turned and walked away.
Qiao Yu Zhen followed her.
Qiu Minyu remained on the ground.
Watching them leave.
His hands tightened.
But he did not stop them.
The celebration continued in another part of the palace.
The newly crowned Crown Princess Consort—
Qiu Ying'er—
Sat quietly in her chamber.
The heavy robes of the ceremony still rested on her shoulders.
A maid stood beside her, lowering her head.
"Your Highness, please drink this," the maid said.
Qiu Ying'er nodded slightly.
She took the cup.
Without suspicion—
She drank.
Moments passed.
Then—
Her expression changed.
Her hand trembled slightly.
The cup fell from her grasp.
"What… is this…?" she whispered.
Her body weakened.
The maid stepped back suddenly.
Fear filled her face.
Qiu Ying'er collapsed.
The room fell into chaos.
Guards rushed in.
"What happened?!"
"She has been poisoned!"
The maid tried to run—
But was immediately captured.
She struggled, shaking.
"I… I didn't mean—"
"Speak!" a guard shouted.
The maid fell to her knees.
"I was jealous!" she cried. "I could not bear it… I poisoned her…"
The room fell silent for a moment.
The truth was clear.
Qiu Ying'er lay unconscious.
The wedding celebration—
Turned into fear.
Night grew deeper.
The palace slowly quieted.
But the tension remained.
Wu Jinhai returned to her home.
She stood near the door, looking out at the dark sky.
There was no expression on her face.
But her thoughts—
Moved quietly.
Qiao Yu Zhen stepped there.
"I was told to escort you," he said.
Wu Jinhai turned slightly.
Her eyes met his.
"You did not need to," she said.
Qiao Yu Zhen shook his head.
"It is my duty now."
Silence followed.
Wu Jinhai walked past him.
Toward the center of the room.
"You should be careful," he said.
"There are too many things happening."
Wu Jinhai stopped.
"I know," she replied.
Her voice was calm.
But serious.
Another silence.
Then she said—
"Thank you."
Qiao Yu Zhen looked at her.
"For earlier."
He did not respond immediately.
Then he said quietly, "You do not need to thank me."
Wu Jinhai looked at him.
For a brief moment—
Their eyes met again.
Then she turned away.
"You can leave now," she said.
Qiao Yu Zhen nodded.
He stepped back.
And walked toward the door.
Before leaving—
He paused.
But said nothing.
Then—
He left.
The door closed softly.
Wu Jinhai stood alone again.
The night outside was still.
But inside the palace—
Everything had begun to change.
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