I was left alone

A Seed of Affection

Back in her chambers, Shenmiao reclined against the plush cushions of her opulent bed, her injured ankle elevated on a delicately embroidered pillow. The rich tapestries draped across the walls showcased scenes of historical triumphs, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the cold, calculated nature of court life. A maid gently applied balm to her minor sprain, her skilled hands soothing the discomfort while Shenmiao’s thoughts raced.

Her mind flickered back to the moment with Prince Yu—his stern expression softening as he knelt beside her. It was a fleeting glance, but it lingered like the sweet scent of blooming flowers, igniting a sense of hope within her. She felt a rush of triumph, her lips curling into a smile of victory. In that instant, she had positioned herself as a damsel in distress, earning his attention and concern.

The atmosphere in her chambers, filled with the scent of jasmine and the soft glow of lanterns, felt almost enchanted. Yet, beneath the luxurious facade lay the weight of her ambitions. She was not just the daughter of Empress Chu; she was determined to rise above the shadows cast by her family's tragedies. The thread of affection she sensed from Prince Yu was a means to an end, a way to weave herself into the fabric of his loyalty.

Shenmiao leaned back against her pillows, her heart racing with excitement and a touch of fear. The memories of her mother’s kindness echoed in her mind, reminding her of the warmth Prince Yu had once shared with Empress Chu during his years of imprisonment. If he felt even a fraction of that warmth for her, she could use it to navigate the treacherous waters of the imperial court.

Yet, a flicker of doubt gnawed at her resolve. Would Prince Yu see through her carefully constructed facade? Could he understand the depths of her determination? She quickly pushed those thoughts aside, allowing herself to relish the moment. She had laid the foundation for a powerful alliance, one that would shield her from the cold machinations of the palace. Soon, she would test the lengths of Prince Yu’s loyalty, gauging how far he would go to protect her, the niece of his beloved Empress.

With her heart pounding, Shenmiao embraced the potential of what lay ahead. In this game of power, she was ready to pull at the strings of affection woven around his heart, carefully manipulating them to secure her place in the court and, ultimately, her revenge.

The following day, Shenmiao awoke to a lingering ache in her ankle—a perfect excuse to remain within the luxurious confines of Fenxing Palace. Sitting beside the grand window, she gazed out over the sprawling palace grounds, her mind a flurry of thoughts. She knew that Prince Yu’s past attachment to her mother was beginning to resurface, like the gentle unfurling of spring blossoms after a harsh winter. All she needed to do was cultivate those memories further, embedding her own presence in his heart and loyalty.

As she watched the garden’s vibrant colors shift in the sunlight, she reflected on her strategy. Memories were powerful tools, and Prince Yu’s nostalgia for Empress Chu could be the key to gaining his trust. She envisioned the subtlety of her approach, each action carefully orchestrated to elicit his protective instincts.

That evening, Shenmiao ventured once more to the imperial library, a sanctuary of knowledge and secrets. She quietly positioned herself at a reading table near a window, the flickering light of a nearby lantern casting a warm glow on the well-worn pages of the books scattered before her. The scent of aged parchment and ink enveloped her, wrapping her in a cocoon of safety. A few minutes later, Prince Yu entered, his demeanor calm yet guarded. His piercing gaze met hers, and for a moment, the world outside faded away.

“Little Uncle,” she greeted softly, inclining her head in respect. The title flowed effortlessly from her lips, a deliberate choice that layered their relationship with warmth. She extended a hand, offering him the book she’d been engrossed in, its pages filled with tales of valor and hardship. “I came across this—it’s about the Western Campaigns. I thought you might find it interesting.”

Prince Yu’s lips pressed into a thin line, a habit of his that hinted at the weight of unspoken thoughts. Yet, a flicker of appreciation glimmered in his eyes as he took the book from her hands, their fingers brushing together in a fleeting connection that sent an unexpected thrill coursing through her.

“You read about the campaigns?” he inquired, his tone low but laced with curiosity as if she had piqued an interest long dormant within him.

Shenmiao nodded, her gaze steady. “Yes. I want to understand... the hardships you faced. My mother spoke of you often. She said you had a strength others could not see.”

His reaction was immediate—a flicker of surprise that swiftly morphed into a complex mix of emotions. For a brief moment, he looked away, his gaze drifting toward the window as if the fading light outside might provide him with the clarity he sought. She could almost see the wheels turning in his mind, the memories of the past battling against the present.

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**Flashback: Empress Chu’s Kindness**

Years ago, Prince Yu had been a fragile youth, just on the brink of adolescence, navigating the perilous waters of palace politics. Within those gilded walls, he found little respect, often treated like a mere shadow among the other princes. His father, the emperor, barely acknowledged his existence, dismissing him as weak and unworthy of the imperial lineage. Court officials and even servants looked upon him with contempt, their disdain palpable. For a boy barely in his teens, the isolation was suffocating, pressing down on him like an oppressive weight.

Yet, amid that darkness, there had been a glimmer of light. Empress Chu—then merely a young noblewoman in the palace—had extended a rare kindness that became a lifeline for him. One evening, while wandering the palace gardens in despair, he had found himself alone, tears of frustration streaming down his cheeks after a particularly humiliating encounter with the other princes. It was in that moment of vulnerability that Empress Chu had approached him, her presence warm and reassuring.

“You don’t have to prove anything to them,” she had said softly, offering him a silk handkerchief, the fabric cool against his flushed skin. “One day, they’ll see your worth. Until then, know that you’re stronger than their scorn.”

Her words resonated deep within him, a soothing balm for his wounded spirit. He could still remember how her gentle smile seemed to chase away the shadows of loneliness. When he was later ordered to be sent to the neighboring country, it was she who had come to him in secret. Though powerless at the time to change the emperor’s decree, she had provided him with essential resources—money, food, and even a small group of guards—ensuring his safety on the arduous journey ahead.

Throughout his exile, Empress Chu continued to support him from afar. Her unwavering faith in him shone like a beacon during his darkest days. By the time she ascended to the throne, she had orchestrated his return to the capital, restoring not just his status but also his dignity. It was she who had seen the potential within him, nurturing it until he emerged as the dynasty’s fiercest warrior, earning the title of the War God. Yet, through it all, he had never forgotten that she was the only one who had dared to believe in him when the world had turned its back.

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As Shenmiao observed the subtle shift in Prince Yu’s demeanor, she felt a rush of hope and determination. Each moment spent weaving their connection was a step toward her ultimate goal. She would ensure that his loyalty was not just a shadow of the past but a guiding light for their future together.