They stand side by side—not just in love, but in strategy. As enemies surface and court pressure mounts, their unity becomes Da Sheng's strongest shield.
Night had fallen. Ai Miao slipped into the Eastern Palace, avoiding all eyes.
Inside the study, Gu Lian sat in silence beneath the lamplight. When Ai Miao entered, he rose immediately to greet him. In the flickering candlelight, both men bore the weariness of the day—but the moment they saw each other, they exhaled in quiet relief.
"The Prime Minister… gave you a hard time?" Gu Lian asked, taking his hand. His fingertips were cold.
Ai Miao shook his head and wrapped Gu Lian's hand in his own, passing him warmth. "It's nothing. My father just needs time to accept it." He looked up into Gu Lian's worried eyes. "Your Highness, today in court…"
"The more they try to divide us," Gu Lian said firmly, "the more I'll make them see clearly. You are my Minister of War, my Marquis Wen'an—and the one I've chosen. No one can change that."
He led Ai Miao into the inner chamber and pointed to the mountain of documents on the desk. "Come. A Lie sent back a report."
They sat side by side beneath the lamp, carefully reviewing the intelligence from the northern frontier.
"As we suspected," Ai Miao said, eyes flashing as he pointed to a line, "The remnants of Beijing's 'Crimson Flame Division' have long colluded with a faction inside Beicang that opposed the alliance. Their goal was never just chaos."
Gu Lian frowned. "You mean… they intended to sabotage the marriage alliance? Even provoke war between Da Sheng and Beicang?"
"Yes." Ai Miao nodded. "The first assassination attempt on the princess—brutal on the surface, but deliberately restrained. It was a test. And pressure. They wanted to push her into desperation. Her elopement played right into their hands. What they didn't expect… was that we used it to gain control over Beicang."
He traced a line across the report. "There's more. A Lie uncovered that the anti-alliance faction in Beicang has suspicious ties to certain court officials."
Gu Lian's eyes sharpened. "Any proof?"
"No hard evidence yet. But the trail leads to…" Ai Miao lowered his voice. "A disciple of Minister Su. He had secret contact with Beicang's envoy."
Minister Su. Su Wanqing's father.
The air in the study grew heavy. If the Su family was involved, the implications ran deep.
"Clearly, someone doesn't want us united. Doesn't want peace in the north." Gu Lian sneered. "Then we'll show them what true unity looks like. What it means when ruler and minister stand as one."
—
The next day, Gu Lian and Ai Miao jointly requested an audience with the Emperor.
In the imperial study, the Emperor regarded the two standing side by side. The echoes of yesterday's court storm still lingered. He waited to see how they would respond.
"Father," Gu Lian began, presenting A Lie's report and Ai Miao's analysis. "There are hidden threats in the northern frontier. We suspect collusion between court officials and remnants of Beijing and Beicang's anti-alliance faction. Their goal: to sabotage peace and destabilize the border."
The Emperor read the report carefully. His expression grew darker with each line. He was no stranger to political danger—he saw the weight and menace in every word.
"Ai Miao," he said, eyes sharp, "what is your assessment?"
Ai Miao stepped forward, voice clear and precise. "Your Majesty, they aim for three outcomes. First, to destroy the alliance and block Da Sheng's union with Beicang. Second, to smear the Crown Prince and myself, sowing discord and shaking the foundation of the court. Third, if chaos erupts at the border, they stand to profit. Their intentions are treacherous."
He continued, "The priority is to stabilize the frontier and root out traitors. I suggest we publicly increase diplomatic gestures toward Beicang, while secretly coordinating the Shadow Bureau and General A Lie to investigate further. We must also discreetly review officials with prior contact with Beicang or Beijing."
Gu Lian added, "They failed this time. But they won't stop. We must prepare."
The Emperor was silent for a long time, eyes shifting between the two. He had to admit—they were a perfect match. One bold and decisive, the other sharp and strategic. The report and plan were flawless.
"Approved," he finally said. "You two will take full charge. I want answers."
"We obey."
—
Outside the study, the sunlight was blinding. Gu Lian turned to Ai Miao and said quietly, "It seems… Father has temporarily accepted our 'partnership.'"
Ai Miao nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Because right now, no one is better suited to handle this. His Majesty is a wise ruler."
Sometimes, shared interests bind more tightly than emotion.
—
In the days that followed, Gu Lian and Ai Miao were nearly inseparable. Whether in the Eastern Palace or the Privy Council, they worked tirelessly—managing frontier affairs, coordinating investigations, reviewing endless documents.
The court saw their terrifying efficiency and seamless cooperation. Orders from the Crown Prince flowed smoothly through the Privy Council. Strategies from the Council were executed swiftly with Gu Lian's approval. The northern frontier, far from descending into chaos, grew more stable under their dual command.
Rumors of "favoritism" and "corruption" faded in the face of real achievements and rising authority. At least, no one dared speak openly anymore.
—
Late one night, in the Privy Council's office, Ai Miao finished the last document and rubbed his aching temples.
A warm cloak was gently draped over his shoulders.
He turned to see Gu Lian standing behind him, eyes filled with concern. "Go rest. The rest can wait."
Ai Miao looked at the dark circles under his eyes and softened. "You've just finished too, haven't you?"
Gu Lian smiled and pulled him up. "Then we should rest together." He held Ai Miao's hand, and they walked out side by side.
Moonlight bathed the quiet palace path. Their shadows stretched long, leaning into each other.
"Ai Miao," Gu Lian said suddenly, voice clear in the night, "When this is over—no matter what Father and Mother say—I will declare to the world: you are mine."
Ai Miao paused, turned to him. Under the moonlight, Gu Lian's face was resolute and tender.
He gripped Gu Lian's hand tightly, voice soft but heavy with meaning. "Alright."
—
Days later, A Lie confirmed the suspicions. The Shadow Bureau captured a key figure in the capital—a disciple of Minister Su, caught trying to pass messages to Beicang.
Though the man insisted he acted alone, the implications were clear.
Pressure shifted instantly to the Su family.
The Emperor acted swiftly. The disciple was convicted and exiled. Minister Su was publicly reprimanded, docked a year's salary, and ordered to remain at home in reflection.
With that, talk of the Crown Prince's marriage quietly faded.
—
In the Eastern Palace courtyard, the sea crabapple trees swayed in the evening breeze, releasing a gentle fragrance.
Gu Lian and Ai Miao stood beneath the corridor, gazing at the crescent moon.
"It seems… we've passed this trial," Gu Lian said.
Ai Miao nodded. "The Su family has been warned. They won't act rashly for now. But the true mastermind remains hidden. The danger isn't gone."
"No matter." Gu Lian turned to face him, brushing a hand against his cheek, eyes burning. "As long as you're with me, I fear nothing."
Ai Miao held his hand, pressing it to his face. In his ink-dark eyes, the moonlight and Gu Lian's reflection shimmered—clear and unwavering.
"So do I. My heart is steadfast as stone. It will not turn."