The palace buzzed with life, yet Xiang Ru drifted through it like a phantom, unbothered by the sneers and whispers of the servants and nobles alike. After his polite greeting to Jin Qiu, nothing significant occurred. The man stood stoically, enduring the insults with a grace that Xiang Ru couldn't help but admire.
Meanwhile, his work as a double agent continued smoothly, albeit without yielding much valuable intelligence from either the Western Continent or the elusive Jin Family.
To maintain his guise as the Emperor’s favored companion, Xiang Ru adorned himself daily with extravagant silks and dazzling jewels, parading through the court like a radiant star. The nobles clamored for his attention, desperate for a kind word to reach the Emperor’s ears. Disgusting sycophants, Xiang Ru thought, though he played the role effortlessly. Even the warlords got along with him quite well, including the aloof young Imperial Doctor, whose shy demeanor invited Xiang Ru’s teasing.
Yet one man remained an immovable wall—Pan Zhiqiang. The commander’s suspicion of Xiang Ru was unwavering, and the tension between them was palpable. One misstep, and Xiang Ru knew Pan Zhiqiang would be the first to cut him down.
That day, as boredom gnawed at him, Xiang Ru found himself wandering the palace grounds. He stopped by the guards’ training yard, drawn by the rhythmic clash of swords and the sweat-slicked determination on their faces.
He lingered at the edge, watching the guards move with strength and precision. Their prowess was a reminder of the things he could never achieve. He could manipulate, deceive, and survive, but he could never wield a sword with honor.
"Master Xiang?" A young guard approached, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Would you like to join us?"
Xiang Ru laughed, slipping into his playful persona. "Join you? Do I look like someone who needs to lift a sword? His Majesty’s protection is all I require."
The guard smiled earnestly and extended his weapon. "Even so, it wouldn’t hurt to try."
For a moment, Xiang Ru hesitated. The weight of the sword in his hand felt foreign, heavier than he expected. Yet, instead of handing it back, he stepped onto the training field.
Under the guard’s patient guidance, he learned the basics, awkwardly mimicking the movements. Despite his clumsiness, a spark of joy ignited within him. It was new, challenging, and oddly satisfying.
As he swung the sword, the world narrowed to the whistle of steel and the rhythm of his breathing. The blade moved with increasing fluidity, and for a fleeting moment, Xiang Ru felt invincible—until a firm hand caught his wrist.
Pan Zhiqiang.
The commander loomed behind him, his expression unreadable. “Your grip is wrong,” he said simply, removing the sword from Xiang Ru’s grasp. "You’ll injure yourself."
Xiang Ru tilted his head, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Since when did you care for my well-being, Commander Pan? Should I feel honored, or is this another layer of your suspicion?”
Instead of answering, Pan Zhiqiang handed him a small jar of ointment. “For your wrist,” he said curtly. "Use it if there’s pain later."
Xiang Ru inspected the jar, noting the delicate fragrance of flowers. The Imperial Doctor’s handiwork, no doubt. “How thoughtful of you, Commander,” he teased.
But Pan Zhiqiang’s gaze hardened. “Don’t misunderstand. My concern ends where His Majesty’s safety begins. If you ever betray him, I’ll be the first to see you dead.”
Xiang Ru chuckled softly, watching the man retreat with measured steps. “What a curious contradiction you are, Commander,” he murmured.
˙˚∘⊹🦋⊹∘˚˙
Later that day, the palace bristled with intrigue as nobles presented gifts to Xiang Ru, each vying for his favor. Draped in opulent finery, he entertained their flattery with practiced grace, all the while noting the underlying schemes woven into their words.
Among them, Jin Rong—the elder brother of the First Concubine—overstepped with familiarity, wrapping an arm around Xiang Ru’s shoulder. “Master Xiang, you outshine my brother in every way,” Jin Rong proclaimed, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Xiang Ru brushed the man off with calculated elegance. “Young Master Jin flatters me. But I am but a humble servant to His Majesty.”
Before the nobles could respond, the Emperor arrived, his presence silencing the room. His gaze swept over the lavish offerings and the simpering nobles before settling on Xiang Ru.
“My Emperor,” Xiang Ru greeted with a dazzling smile, stepping forward to meet him. Their interaction was a flawless display of affection, convincing even the sharpest skeptics.
But as Ren Zhengsheng spoke, his words carried an edge that left the nobles trembling. “Do not forget your place,” he warned Jin Rong, his tone like a blade. “Address Xiang Ru with the respect he deserves.”
The tension hung in the air like a storm cloud, but Xiang Ru thrived in the chaos. This was his domain, a delicate web of lies and alliances where he reigned supreme.
˙˚∘⊹🦋⊹∘˚˙
As the day drew to a close, Xiang Ru’s mind lingered on the pieces moving across the chessboard of the palace. Trust was scarce, and danger lurked behind every smile. Yet, as he prepared for his outing to the pavilion, Pan Zhiqiang’s voice stopped him once more.
“I’m coming with you,” the commander declared.
Xiang Ru’s laughter was soft but cutting. “Afraid I’ll run off and plot treason in broad daylight, Commander?”
Pan Zhiqiang didn’t flinch. “It’s my duty to ensure the Emperor’s interests are protected.”
Their gazes locked, the air between them charged with unspoken tension. Xiang Ru smiled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Then follow me, Commander. Let’s see where your loyalty takes you.”
As they departed, Xiang Ru’s thoughts danced between strategies and secrets. The game was far from over, and he intended to play it to the bitter end.
˙˚∘⊹🦋⊹∘˚˙
Note : Sorry for the very short chapter. The chapter disappeared from my draft before I could publish it. And unfortunately, I didn't keep any spare in my phone. And since the next chapter has been made, I can't make much change to this. I'm really sorry 😭
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A Tale of Loyalty and Desire
RomanceBorn from a prostitute, Xiang Ru learned how to be the best in the industry. His dream is to stand on a high position, looking down on those who looked down on him and his mother because of their origin. He thought he wouldn't need the emotion calle...
