Princess Zhenhua hadn’t changed at all—still arrogant, ruthless, and above the law. She was the emperor’s only sister, his closest advisor, and had even killed her own husband for his sake.
The young emperor, now fourteen, still depended on her. She enjoyed endless luxury, countless lovers, and shared power with the throne itself.
She cared nothing for the people’s gossip, nor the lives she ruined.
Yet, she feared karma.
After I suppressed the haunting, she transferred me to the inner quarters, sparing me from menial work. She clearly found me dirty, even though I kept myself clean.
“Take her to be washed,” she ordered.
Of course, “washing” meant scalding hot water poured over me, again and again, as the maids laughed. They despised me for my lowly status and envied my reward.
When it was over, I changed into fresh clothes and went to pay respects, but was stopped at the door.
Inside, I heard the Princess Royal’s icy voice,
“Little brother, do you dare defy your sister?”
“Sister, I wouldn’t—”
“Then issue the decree—have Minister Lin executed! No, have him flayed alive!”
A long silence, then the young emperor’s timid voice,
“Minister Lin is my tutor. He’s done nothing wrong—”
“He insulted me, your royal sister! That’s a crime against the throne!”
Her voice broke into sobs.
“I killed my own husband for you, and now—”
The emperor caved under her tears. Their voices faded.
I knelt quietly outside.
After a while, the doors opened. Princess Zhenhua swept past, followed by the emperor in his golden robes.
He paused, frowning at my clothes.
“Sister, why is this maid dressed like you?”
I glanced down. The robe I wore had the same embroidery as the Princess’s. The maids must have given it to me on purpose.
I bowed lower. The Princess’s sharp laugh rang out.
“Filthy wretch.”
The emperor left, but Princess Zhenhua’s anger remained. Even without looking up, I could feel the tension in the air.
“You’re clever,” she said coldly. “How should I punish you so you’ll remember your place?”
The maids stayed silent, some even smirking at my misfortune.
I had to save myself.
The eunuch in charge of punishment whipped me with a salt-soaked lash. Pain seared my back, but I gritted my teeth, throwing myself at the Princess’s feet.
“Your Highness, I meant no offense! Tonight is crucial—the vengeful spirits will return. I wore your robe to draw their wrath, to protect you!”
The whipping stopped.
Princess Zhenhua eyed me suspiciously, but let me live.
She warned,
“Your life is mine to take at any moment. If you’re deceiving me, you’ll beg for death.”
That night, the resentment in the palace grew heavier. The wind howled, as if the spirits themselves were crying out.
I took a drop of her blood, stood at the palace’s central axis, and chanted.
The next morning, I lay sprawled on the stone path, covered in black handprints. My hair and clothes were filthy.
Princess Zhenhua finally let down her guard.
She ordered me dragged away to be washed,
“Keep her alive to ward off disaster.”
I knelt, trembling, hiding the ashes in my palm. A faint smile touched my lips.
Last night, I’d read the stars. Princess Zhenhua’s luck had run out.
Chapter 03
*