Chapter 2: “Whispers Among Plum Blossoms”

The palace garden was dressed in early spring frost, delicate plum blossoms blooming against the pale sky like bloodstains on white silk. Courtiers strolled beneath curved pavilions, careful not to step too loudly. After all, the Crown Prince and his Princess Consort were present.

Shi Yue knelt on a stone bench, silent and poised, pouring tea into fragile porcelain for the Crown Prince’s favored concubines. He was one of them—on paper. In practice, he was decoration.

“System, remind me again what the host’s final wish was?”

> “To make sure the Crown Prince and Princess Consort fall in love... and to die with dignity instead of being poisoned by jealous consorts.”

“Fabulous.” Shi Yue’s mental tone dripped with sarcasm. “Basically: babysit the royals and die gracefully.”

> “Also, you must increase General Li Zhen’s favorability while keeping everyone else convinced you’re harmless and forgettable.”

“Easy, right?”

“You absolute parasite.”

Just then, the Princess Consort—Lady Xiyan—turned to him.

“Yue-er, bring me more of those candied lotus roots. You always pick the sweetest ones.”

Her tone was soft, almost teasing. She wasn’t cruel like the rumors suggested. Just wary. Isolated.

Shi Yue stood with a quiet smile and obeyed, his steps as light as snow. When he returned and gently set the plate beside her, she met his eyes. For a moment, something shifted. Curiosity, maybe. Or empathy.

> [Ding! Female Lead’s Alertness: -2 | Affection: +1]

“One step at a time,” he mused, smiling politely.

Then—thunder rolled beneath silk slippers.

General Li Zhen arrived.

He was not dressed in finery like the others. His black armor gleamed dully beneath a crimson cloak, and his hair was bound in a no-nonsense topknot. He bowed to no one, simply nodded at the Crown Prince with the barest hint of restraint.

The Crown Prince’s eyes narrowed.

“General Li. A rare honor.”

Li Zhen gave a half-smile. “The battlefield is quieter than the court these days. Thought I’d enjoy some… peace.”

His gaze flicked to Shi Yue—brief, unreadable, intense.

> [Ding! Villain Favorability: +2]

Shi Yue’s hand didn’t tremble, but he wanted to scream. “Why is this demon gaining points for staring?!”

> “He likes your face. It soothes his murderous intent.”

“Unbelievable.”

“Concubine Shi,” the Crown Prince suddenly said, his tone light but laced with steel. “You’ve caught the general’s attention. I hope you’re not trying to charm the court’s strongest sword.”

A few concubines tittered, delighted to see Shi Yue in trouble.

Shi Yue lowered his head, voice sweet and trembling. “Your Highness jokes. I wouldn’t dare breathe without your blessing.”

That got a laugh—cold and hollow.

But Lady Xiyan's smile faltered.

She was watching now. Not cruelly. Just... trying to understand.

Later, when the others left, she caught his sleeve.

“Tell me, Yue-er. Do you believe men like General Li can feel affection?”

Shi Yue paused.

Then, he smiled, just a little. “I think... even blades have sheaths, my lady. If not, they’d rust.”

> [Ding! FL Favorability: +2 | Alertness: -1]

She let him go without another word.

As he left the garden, Shi Yue could feel Li Zhen’s stare on his back. Not possessive. Not hostile.