Love declared. Power tested. As court and family close in, Ai Miao chooses not retreat—but war.
That night, upon returning to the capital, before the palace gates were locked, Gu Lian was summoned alone to the imperial study.
The Emperor was not, as usual, reviewing memorials. He stood by the window with his hands behind his back, gazing into the heavy night. The Empress sat nearby, holding a cup of tea, her expression unreadable.
"Your son greets Father and Mother," Gu Lian said calmly, bowing.
The Emperor turned slowly, his gaze sharp as a hawk. He scanned Gu Lian's seemingly composed face and finally spoke: "You handled the northern frontier well. Without bloodshed, you brought Beicang to heel. Da Sheng's prestige has soared."
"This was due to Your Majesty's far-reaching influence and the soldiers' dedication. I dare not claim credit," Gu Lian replied respectfully.
The Empress set down her tea, her voice gentle but unmistakably firm: "Lian'er, you've grown steadier with age. That pleases me. But your lifelong matters must be settled. Wanqing has waited for you for years. The Su family has always been loyal…"
Gu Lian raised his head and met their eyes. "Father, Mother. I came tonight to speak of the marriage. I have made my decision."
The air in the study froze.
The Emperor's eyes narrowed. "Oh? What decision?"
"I wish to annul the engagement with Miss Su." Gu Lian's voice was clear and unwavering, echoing through the silent room.
"Absurd!" the Emperor slammed the desk, fury erupting. "Marriage is no trifling matter! You think you can cancel it on a whim?"
The Empress quickly rose, trying to soothe him. "Your Majesty, please calm yourself." She turned to Gu Lian, her tone tinged with reproach. "Lian'er, why? Is there something wrong with Wanqing? Or is it… someone else?" Her final words carried pointed implication.
Gu Lian stood tall under their scrutiny. "Miss Su is blameless. But my heart belongs elsewhere. I cannot delay her future, nor betray my own conscience."
"Your heart belongs elsewhere?" the Emperor sneered, eyes like blades. "Is it… Ai Miao?"
Gu Lian paused, then said: "My heart is clear before heaven and earth. In this life, I will marry no one but him. I ask Your Majesties to grant your blessing."
"Blessing?" the Emperor paced furiously. "You want me to bless a union between two men? To let the Crown Prince become a laughingstock? To shame the royal family?"
"Father!" Gu Lian's voice rose, defiant. "Ai Miao's talent is unmatched. His service to the realm is beyond measure. What we share is not mere affection—it is a bond of ruler and minister that strengthens Da Sheng's foundation. Why—"
"Enough!" the Emperor cut him off. "Remember who you are! You are the Crown Prince of Da Sheng—the future emperor! Your marriage concerns the nation. You will not act recklessly! Reflect on this. Tomorrow, I expect you to present yourself as a proper heir!"
Gu Lian wanted to speak again, but the Empress gave him a subtle shake of the head.
He swallowed his words, bowed deeply. "Your son… takes his leave."
As he walked away, the Emperor rubbed his temples in frustration. "He's bewitched by that Ai Miao!"
The Empress's gaze was deep. "Your Majesty, suppression may not be the answer. Perhaps… it's time we tried another approach."
—
The next morning, the Grand Court Assembly.
Civil and military officials lined the hall in solemn ranks. Gu Lian stood at the head of the steps. Ai Miao stood at the front of the civil officials. Both maintained perfect decorum.
The Emperor sat upon the dragon throne. After receiving the officials' bows, he began by praising the northern campaign. Gu Lian, as commander, received the highest honors—but his expression remained indifferent, as if the gold, jewels, and silks meant nothing to him.
When it came to Ai Miao, the Emperor's tone was unreadable. "Deputy Minister Ai Miao, your brilliance brought Beicang to heel without a single battle. Your merit is great. You are hereby promoted to Minister of War and granted the title of Marquis Wen'an, with a thousand households."
The hall was stunned. The Minister of War was the highest post in the Privy Council. A marquis title was rare, reserved for military heroes or noble lineage. The Emperor's favor was unmistakable.
Ai Miao stepped forward and knelt. His voice was calm as ever. "I thank Your Majesty for your grace. But the northern victory was due to Your Majesty's strategy, the Crown Prince's leadership, and the soldiers' valor. I dare not claim sole credit. I humbly request Your Majesty to reconsider."
"The decision is made. No need to decline," the Emperor said coolly. "I expect you to serve the Crown Prince with utmost dedication."
"I shall give my all, unto death," Ai Miao replied, then returned to his place.
He felt the weight of countless gazes—envy, suspicion, disdain. Some old ministers didn't bother to hide their contempt. He lowered his eyes, shutting out all emotion.
Gu Lian's lips tightened slightly. His father's move, though dressed as reward, was a trap—elevating Ai Miao to provoke jealousy, isolating him, and testing his ambition.
After the honors, court matters resumed. Soon, a censor stepped forward, targeting Ai Miao.
"Your Majesty, I have a memorial!" An elderly official raised his jade tablet. "I've heard that Marquis Wen'an behaved improperly during the escort of the Beicang princess. His relationship with the Crown Prince is overly intimate—damaging the heir's reputation! His rapid rise may not serve the nation well. I urge Your Majesty to investigate!"
The hall fell silent. Eyes darted between Gu Lian and Ai Miao.
Gu Lian's face darkened, about to speak—when Ai Miao's voice rang out, calm and cold.
"Censor Li." Ai Miao stepped forward, bowed to the throne, then turned to the accuser. "The northern mission was fraught with danger. I worked closely with His Highness to ensure peace. That is my duty. What exactly do you mean by 'overly intimate'? Do you have proof? As for my promotion," his tone sharpened, "it was granted by His Majesty. Are you questioning His judgment?"
Censor Li flushed. "You… twist words! I speak for the Crown Prince's honor!"
"His Highness's honor," Gu Lian finally spoke, voice icy, "lies in serving the people, expanding the realm, and discerning loyalty from treachery—not in baseless rumors and slander! If you accuse without evidence, sow discord between ruler and minister—what punishment should you face?"
His gaze swept the hall. Many officials who had considered joining in now lowered their heads.
The Emperor watched silently, then spoke. "Enough. This is unbecoming of court. Censor Li, you are old—I will not pursue this. But if you speak again without proof, you will be punished. Step down."
"…I obey," Censor Li muttered, retreating.
The Emperor looked at Gu Lian and Ai Miao. "Crown Prince, Ai Miao—you are ruler and minister. Know your place. Uphold propriety. Do not disappoint me."
"We obey Your Majesty," they replied in unison.
The court bell rang. Officials departed.
Gu Lian and Ai Miao walked one behind the other, eyes upon them still complex. At the fork leading to the Eastern Palace and the Privy Council, Gu Lian paused and looked back.
Ai Miao nodded slightly. Their eyes met—silent understanding passed between them.
"Marquis Wen'an." A voice called out. It was the Prime Minister—Ai Miao's father. His face was grim.
"Come with me."
Ai Miao glanced at Gu Lian, who gave a subtle nod. "Yes, Father."
Gu Lian watched Ai Miao leave, his gaze darkening. He knew—family pressure would be no easier than court politics.
—
In the Prime Minister's study, the air was heavy.
"Kneel!" his father ordered.
Ai Miao obeyed, but kept his back straight.
"You… you've gone too far!" The Prime Minister's hand trembled as he pointed. "Minister of War! Marquis! Our Ai family has always been loyal and restrained. Never have we produced someone like you—a man who seduces his lord!"
Ai Miao looked up calmly. "Father, the northern victory was earned through strategy, not seduction. The honors were granted by merit."
"Merit?" his father scoffed. "Without the Crown Prince's favor, would you have received such rewards? Do you know what people say? 'Favored pet!' 'Corrupt consort!' You've shamed our family!"
Ai Miao was silent, then said slowly: "Father, the innocent need not fear. I have no regrets. As for His Highness…" He paused, voice firm. "Our relationship is not what the world imagines. Please… do not worry."
"Not worry?" His father was anguished.
"Do you know what the Emperor meant today? That was a warning. A reminder.He is the prince. You are the minister. That boundary—once crossed—is ruin. Not just for you, but for him. For the entire Ai clan."
The Prime Minister's voice trembled with fury and grief. He stared at his son's face—so like his late wife's, yet more resolute, more unyielding.
He let out a long, weary sigh. "Miao'er, listen to me. While there's still time, resign. Leave the court. Find a quiet place to live out your days…"
"Father," Ai Miao interrupted, his voice clear and unwavering. "I will not leave. His Highness needs me. Da Sheng needs me. Even if the road ahead is fire and blades—I will walk it with him."
He bowed deeply. "Your unfilial son Ai Miao… has disappointed you."
Then he rose, no longer looking at his father's stunned and pained expression. He turned, back straight, and walked out of the Prime Minister's residence.
Sunlight fell on his deep-purple robes, marking him as the newly appointed Minister of War. The light cast a solitary silhouette—proud, but stark.
He knew: from this moment on, he stood truly and irrevocably at the eye of the storm.
But he had no regrets.