Episode 2 – The Ghost Walks Again

The palace buzzed with whispers long before the morning sun touched the jade tiles of the imperial court.

“Consort Lin is attending court today.”

“Impossible. After what happened?”

“I heard he collapsed. Perhaps he’s… different now.”

Lin Xie let them talk.

He stood before the polished mirror in his chambers, draped in deep red silk embroidered with golden phoenixes — a robe no consort had ever dared wear outside of festivals. His long ink-black hair flowed freely down his back, a crimson pin holding the top half in place like a dagger poised to strike.

His Golden-hazel eyes stared back at him, calm… and cruel.

Xu Mian fussed behind him nervously. “Your Grace… the ministers won’t take this kindly. The Empress Dowager—”

“Let them choke on it,” Lin Xie said simply. “The moment I start asking for approval, I become who I was again. That man is dead.”

He walked out without another word.

—

The court doors opened.

A hundred eyes turned as Lin Xie stepped onto the jade-carved floor, his presence slicing through the room like a blade. Gasps echoed as they caught sight of the robe — and the man wearing it.

Not a shy consort, but a sovereign shadow.

Golden tassels swayed with each step he took. He met every glance with his own — unbothered, unbending. Not even the Chancellor’s scowl made him flinch.

The Crown Prince, seated at the throne’s right, stiffened as their eyes met.

“Lin Xie…” Jian Yu’s voice was low, unreadable.

Lin Xie smiled with perfect poison. “Your Highness. I thought it appropriate to stand by your side today. I am, after all, still your only official consort.”

The room turned to ice.

The mention of the word “only” was deliberate.

Especially with the recent rumors — about a woman from the noble clan claiming to carry the Crown Prince’s child.

“You seem well,” Jian Yu said, gaze unreadable. “After your collapse.”

“Better than ever,” Lin Xie replied smoothly, taking his place beside the throne, his head held high. “Death changes a man.”

Silence reigned.

Until the Empress Dowager’s voice rang out, sharp as a whip. “Such boldness. Do you believe a red robe and arrogance makes you powerful, Consort Lin?”

He turned to her, lips curling.

“No, Your Majesty,” he said sweetly. “But watching you squirm when I wear it… now that’s power.”

Gasps.

Even Jian Yu looked startled.

Lin Xie gave a slight bow. “If anyone has a problem, they’re free to bring it up with His Highness. I’m sure he’ll… defend his consort.”

His eyes flickered to Jian Yu for a beat longer than needed.

Let him remember how easily loyalty dies.

Today, Lin Xie didn’t come to beg.

He came to remind them all —

The ghost they tried to bury… just walked back into the light.

And he’s no longer kind.

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