"You entered the storeroom?"
The main hall of the academy was dimly lit. Zhu Yuanzhang stood by the window, his back to me. His voice was calm, yet it carried a warning—like spring snow falling into an icy pond, rippling with layers of vigilance.
I straightened my posture, suppressing the faint tremor in my heart. "Yes. Shen Ci’s movements were suspicious. I feared the academy might be entangled in someone else’s schemes."
Zhu Yuanzhang turned slowly. Those eyes, always so amiable, now held a sharpness that made it nearly impossible to meet his gaze.
"A newly arrived scholar, yet you dare sneak into a forbidden place and subdue Shen Ci alone. You are no ordinary person."
I remained silent.
At that moment, I knew—no disguise, no matter how cunning, could forever conceal a blade’s edge.
"I thought you were merely a shrewd scholar from humble origins."
He stepped closer, his tone gentle yet laced with pressure. "But now, I begin to doubt… that you are not a man at all."
The words struck like thunder.
My spine stiffened; my palms grew damp with cold sweat.
Of course. This was Zhu Yuanzhang—a man who had once maneuvered through court politics before retreating into Moonlit Shadows. How could he fail to notice the softness in my features, the traces of femininity I could never fully hide?
"I care not who you are, nor what secrets you keep." His voice dropped suddenly, carrying an unexpected note of… anticipation? "But if you can truly help me uproot the rot festering in this academy, in Moonlit Shadows, even in all the Central Plains—then I will aid you. Even protect you."
My head snapped up, our eyes locking.
His words were both a threat and a bargain.
Back in my room, I leaned against the door and slid slowly to the floor, my thoughts in chaos.
The academy’s master had grown suspicious. My disguise would not last much longer. And with the enemy drawing nearer, the next step might well be my unmasking.
Then, a light knock sounded at the door.
"Hey, little scholar. You in there?"
Li Jun’s voice. I hurried to open the door. He stood there, holding a bag of steaming congee and sugar cakes, grinning. "You’ve looked pale lately. Something sweet might help."
I stared at the cakes, stunned. "Where did you get the money?"
"Been carving seals in the southern district. Three coppers a day. Think of the cakes as a little reward."**
He chuckled, stepping inside and helping himself to a bite before pushing one into my hands.
In that moment, the tension inside me eased just slightly—amidst the schemes and lurking blades, here was someone who could still laugh, eat cakes, and bring congee without a care.
I lowered my gaze and took a bite.
Sweet.
So sweet.
Yet I knew—no sugar could mask the deepening game I was caught in.
Next, I would have to trace the corruption to its highest source. Perhaps even deliver it all—personally—to the palace, to the man who had once stood beside me in court and was now the Crown Prince.
It was time to return.
But not as that palace eunuch—
No.
This time, I would be the player who overturns the board.
ns216.73.216.174da2
and then Add to home screen.