The imperial bells rang at dawn.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Emergency court.
All ministers rushed toward the palace.
Lei Hua followed Lei Yue inside the grand hall.
Her steps felt heavy.
(*Every time these bells ring, something terrible happens.*)
---
### INSIDE THE GRAND HALL
The Emperor sat silently.
Zhen Ruo stood on the right.
And for the first time—
Zhen Wu, the Crown Prince, stood openly at the front.
No more observing.
No more silence.
His presence alone made the court feel steadier.
The Emperor finally spoke:
"The border has been provoked."
Whispers erupted.
Zhen Ruo stepped forward.
"Father, this is the fault of outside forces! We must strike first!"
Zhen Wu's voice followed immediately.
"And destroy our own people in the process?"
The hall froze.
Zhen Ruo turned slowly.
"Brother… are you doubting me?"
Zhen Wu met his gaze calmly.
"I am stopping you."
The tension cracked like thunder.
---
### LEI HUA'S FEAR
Lei Hua's palms were sweating.
(*TWO PRINCES. ONE THRONE. THIS IS THE POINT OF NO RETURN—*)
The Emperor closed his eyes.
A long breath passed.
Then he opened them.
"Zhen Wu."
"Yes, Father."
"I grant you military command of the capital."
The hall exploded.
Zhen Ruo's expression finally broke.
"You— You're giving him control?!"
The Emperor's voice was heavy.
"And I take yours."
Silence.
Pure, deadly silence.
Zhen Ruo slowly laughed.
"So that is how it is…"
His gaze slid toward Lei Yue.
"So the Queen has chosen her side at last."
Lei Yue looked back at him calmly.
"I never chose sides," she said.
"I chose the winning path."
Zhen Ruo's smile vanished.
---
### AFTER COURT
Zhen Wu approached Lei Yue.
"You finally forced him into the open," he said.
Lei Yue nodded.
"He is desperate now."
Lei Hua looked between them.
(*THESE TWO LOOK LIKE THE FINAL HERO TEAM… AND I'M THE PANICKED SIDE CHARACTER—*)
Zhen Wu glanced at Lei Hua.
Then said quietly:
"From today onward… she is under my protection."
Lei Hua's jaw dropped.
"WHAT—?!"
Zhen Ruo stood at the palace gates far away.
Watching.
Calculating.
And speaking softly:
"Then I will take the throne…"
"…or burn the entire country with it."
Lei Hua trembled.
(*WHY DO ALL MY VILLAINS TALK LIKE POETS—*)
END OF CHAPTER 17