Stepping Into the Serpent's Nest
Jin Meihui's hair gleamed like a river of black silk, expertly arranged in a graceful phoenix style, adorned with delicate jade pins. Her robe of deep crimson was embroidered with golden peonies — a symbol of wealth and power. Yet beneath the serene smile she wore, her heart was an iron fortress, and her gaze was a blade cloaked in silk.
Gu Lianhua followed a step behind, her hands neatly folded, her gaze lowered in quiet loyalty. The morning air was fresh, and the sound of swaying bamboo whispered through the palace gardens. But for Jin Meihui, this was a battlefield.
The Phoenix Palace's main courtyard was bustling with activity. Eunuchs hurried past with scrolls, while palace maids tended to the blooming flower beds. Guards stood at attention, their polished armor gleaming in the sunlight. Servants whispered and bowed as she passed, their expressions respectful — but their eyes curious, watchful.
They watched her — the new Empress.
Her steps were calm, her face a tranquil mask. But behind those dark eyes was a storm, cold and calculating. They saw an Empress, a young bride blessed with beauty and status. They did not see the silent fury coiled beneath her gentle smile.
"Your Majesty," Gu Lianhua whispered, a touch of pride in her voice. "Everyone admires you."
Jin Meihui's smile remained gentle. "Admiration is a delicate thread, Gu Lianhua. It can snap at the slightest touch."
Just then, a familiar, grating voice sliced through the soft murmurs of the garden. "Sister Meihui! Such a lovely morning, isn't it?"
Jin Meihui turned, her gaze settling on the woman she most loathed — Combine Jin Fang. Dressed in a pale pink gown adorned with silver blossoms, Jin Fang's face glowed with a bright, eager smile. A smile that Jin Meihui knew hid poison.
But Jin Meihui did not smile. Her gaze remained cool, unyielding. "Concubine Jin Fang."
The words fell like a gentle blade.
Combine Jin Fang's smile faltered, and in an instant, she remembered her place. A slight tremor passed through her, but she quickly stepped forward, lowering herself into a deep, respectful curtsy. "This concubine greets Your Majesty, the Empress."
The maids around them paused, exchanging nervous glances. Respect and obedience were etched into the hierarchy of the palace. An Empress was the ruler of the inner palace. A concubine was but a favored servant.
Jin Meihui's lips curved ever so slightly, a polite, distant smile. "Rise, Concubine Jin Fang. It is a lovely morning, and the flowers are in bloom. But I hope you remember that in the Phoenix Palace, respect is the first blossom that must never wither."
Combine Jin Fang's smile remained strained, her head still slightly bowed. "Of course, Your Majesty. I would never forget."
Jin Meihui continued walking, Gu Lianhua quietly following. But she did not miss the flicker of fury in Jin Fang's eyes, nor the way her fingers curled, crushing the delicate petals of a peony she passed. A snake denied its strike.
It was almost amusing.
As she walked further, a murmur swept through the courtyard. The Emperor was returning. The great bronze gates of the outer palace opened, and a procession of ministers and guards accompanied a tall figure in robes of black and gold — Emperor Wang Qiang.
The ministers bowed deeply, and the servants and maids dropped to their knees, foreheads nearly touching the ground. Even the birds in the trees seemed to fall silent.
"Long live His Majesty!" the courtyard echoed.
Jin Meihui stood with perfect grace, a serene smile on her lips as she offered a gentle, dignified curtsy. But her heart was still, her gaze unflinching. Wang Qiang's gaze swept across the courtyard, and his expression softened as it settled on her.
"Your Majesty," he called, his voice warm, carrying across the courtyard. "You are up early."
Jin Meihui raised herself, her voice a soft melody, graceful and calm. "Your Majesty's diligence is an inspiration. I wished to greet you and enjoy the morning air."
Wang Qiang stepped closer, his eyes lingering on her, and the gentle smile on his lips deepened. "The morning is indeed more radiant with your presence."
Jin Meihui's smile did not waver. The same charming words, the same kind eyes. But what lay beneath them? The man who had once ignored her suffering, who had let her wither in darkness. Was he a liar? A coward? Or simply blind?
Beside her, Combine Jin Fang's head was bowed, her teeth clenched behind her forced smile. The Emperor had not even glanced at her.
But Jin Meihui had no interest in petty jealousy. Her thoughts were a cold, sharp river. Wang Qiang's affection could be a weapon — a shield if wielded well. But it could also be a trap.
"Your Majesty's presence graces the garden," she continued, her voice sweet and respectful. "Would you care for a walk with this humble one?"
Wang Qiang's smile brightened. "I would be honored."
"Your Majesty!" Combine Jin Fang's voice cut in, desperate, a touch too eager. "Perhaps this concubine may also—"
"Concubine Jin Fang," Jin Meihui's voice was calm but firm. "His Majesty wishes for a quiet walk. As the Empress, it is my duty to accompany him."
Combine Jin Fang's face paled, but she bowed low, forcing her voice to remain steady. "Of course… this concubine understands."
"Gu Lianhua," Jin Meihui's voice softened. "Escort Concubine Jin Fang back to her residence. Ensure she is comfortable."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Gu Lianhua curtsied, her face a perfect mask of obedience.
Combine Jin Fang's fists trembled, hidden within her long sleeves, but she did not dare speak. The servants around them exchanged silent glances, recognizing the quiet authority Jin Meihui now wielded.
Wang Qiang offered his hand, and Jin Meihui placed hers lightly within his grasp. They began walking along the winding path, pale petals drifting in the breeze. Around them, ministers watched, servants bowed, and the quiet whispers followed.
But for Jin Meihui, this was a stage — and she was the perfect actress.
"Your Majesty seems more confident today," Wang Qiang remarked, his tone light, his gaze curious.
Jin Meihui's smile never wavered. "I have only just begun to understand my duties, Your Majesty. To be your Empress is both an honor and a responsibility."
"Indeed," Wang Qiang chuckled. "I believe you will bring great harmony to the Phoenix Palace."
Harmony. Such a sweet word. But harmony was an illusion — a mask of calm stretched over the fangs of ambition and the claws of envy.
"Your Majesty's trust is my greatest treasure," she whispered, her voice tender.
And as Wang Qiang's gaze softened, Jin Meihui's heart was a frozen lake, her thoughts as sharp as glass.
She would smile. She would bow. She would speak with grace.
But in the shadows, she would weave her web — a web of vengeance.
And one by one, they would all fall into it.