Sure enough, news came a few days later.
The emperor did not execute Minister Lin as the Princess demanded. He only demoted him and ordered thirty lashes—a harsh punishment for a scholar, but not enough for her.
Princess Zhenhua was furious, smashing vases before storming into the palace.
The emperor, overwhelmed by her tears and tantrums, tried to recall the decree, but the ministers refused. They’d long resented her interference and seized the chance to impeach her.
The emperor was beset by memorials condemning his sister.
Princess Zhenhua, more irritable than ever, vented her rage on the maids. Even her beloved nurse was slapped.
But I knew my chance had come.
One afternoon, I slipped into her private chambers. She glared at me, ready to scold, but I dropped to my knees.
“Congratulations, Your Highness!”
She kicked me hard.
“How dare you mock me!”
“I would never dare. Last night, I read the stars and discovered—”
I looked up, voice trembling with sincerity and fear.
“Your Highness is destined for greatness!”
“Greatness?” she repeated, puzzled. “I’ll never be empress.”
“Not empress,” I whispered.
“Legend says Empress Wu was born under the same sign.”
The words hit her like thunder.
She jumped to her feet, eyes wide.
“Are you trying to turn me against my brother?”
I kowtowed.
“Please forgive me! I only wish to serve you. I heard that the late emperor once considered making you crown princess. If you had ascended the throne—”
I lowered my voice. Princess Zhenhua fell silent, lost in memories.
Those were the happiest days of her life. She’d been one step from the throne, the late emperor guiding her hand in state affairs.
No one expected it, but after years without bearing a child, Empress Dowager Liu suddenly carried a pregnancy to full term and gave birth to a baby prince. The moment he entered the world, little Prince was named Crown Prince, the future of the dynasty seemingly secured.
Princess Royal Zhenhua had resented this turn of fate, even hated it, but in the end, she had no choice but to accept reality. Fortunately, the young Emperor, Yucheng, still respected and relied on her, allowing her to continue her reign as the untouchable Princess Royal.
But time marched on. Emperor Yucheng grew older, and soon it was time for him to select an empress. If the Empress’s family turned out to be powerful, and if she whispered sweet words in the Emperor’s ear, what place would there be for Zhenhua in court? Wouldn’t it be better, she thought, to seize the throne herself and rule with true freedom?
After all, in the past centuries, only Empress Wu had ever become a female sovereign. But the possibility wasn’t zero—there was always a chance.
A strange light flickered in Princess Zhenhua’s eyes, though she quickly suppressed it, feigning irritation as she glared at me.
“Now the ministers are impeaching me, I’m trapped. What good is this so-called phoenix destiny? I think you’re just talking nonsense. Maybe I should have you beaten to death for it.”
I bowed deeply, voice steady.
“Your Highness, I am willing to serve you with my life. In three days, please have the Imperial Astronomer read your fate. Your troubles will be solved.”
She lounged on her couch, eyes narrowed in suspicion. After a long pause, desire overcame her doubt.
“I’ll trust you—just this once.”
I slipped into the shadows, a cold smile on my lips. Years ago, Princess Zhenhua had falsely accused the Jiang family of treason, leading to their massacre. Now, she would taste that same fear and helplessness. The difference? Wenhai had died for a crime he never committed. She, however, truly harbored treasonous ambitions.
Chapter 04
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