The west wing of the princess's mansion was quiet.
Seated in the main seat, Emperor Wei had his eyes closed, robes of deep yellow draped over his shoulders. No one could tell whether he was asleep or deep in thought.
On his right, led by the crown prince, the princes sat in a row—heads slightly bowed, watching their father in silence.
On his left, the ministers of war, headed by Left Minister Shi stood next to the civil ministers led by Right Minister Li.
No one spoke; the only sound was the soft crackle of the incense burner placed next to a slightly open window.
The silence in the room lasted for what felt like hours until a pair of rhythmic footsteps were heard.
"This way" a calm voice said
Before Eunuch Tan opened the door and urged someone inside.
Hearing the door behind him close, Shen Yao walked in. His brow was slightly raised as he glanced around the room—old ministers, generals, and there, at the front of the war ministers' side was Pei Shu.
A face he hadn't seen in a while
Feeling his gaze Pei Shu turned to look at him and their eyes met. Pei Shu smirked.
Shen Yao's eye twitched slightly. He looked away.
The emperor opened his eyes.
Shen Yao turned and bowed
" This humble one greets his Majesty"
The emperor nodded.
He then greeted the crown prince and the other princes, then stepped into line next to Pei Shu. Prince Xie seated not too far away glanced at Shen Yao for a while before turning away.
Pei Shu who had been observing the princes' reactions frowned.
The emperor observed Shen Yao for a long moment.
"Since everyone is here," he said quietly, "let's begin."
Pei Shu bowed then stepped forward, his usual smirk gone. His face was grim.
"Your Majesty, the borders have been attacked. The Xeng tribe has captured thirteen mining port cities."
A murmur rippled through the room.
"Quiet " the emperor said.
The room fell into silence with the command.
He then turned to Pei Shu
"Saying all of this, am sure you came up with an idea, General Pei"
"Indeed, your majesty" Pei Shu bowed again and stepped back
Pei Shu glanced at Shen Yao. "I recommend we send someone who knows the north."
Every eye landed on Shen Yao.
He did not flinch. "Your Majesty, the Shen family has guarded the northern borders for generations. But the Xeng have changed their tactics. Perhaps what is needed is not a new general, but a new strategy."
The emperor's eyes flickered. "Go on."
Shen Yao lifted his head. "If we cut off their access to trade, they cannot sustain a long campaign in the borders. But to do that, we need the cooperation of the coastal provinces and the ally nations."
The emperor brows furrowed slightly
The left minister's lips pressed into a thin line. The crown prince leaned forward slightly.
The emperor was silent. Then he smiled—cold, brief.
"Young Master Shen, your idea is good, but you should be aware taking this step is-."
Shen Yao bowed. "They will agree as long as we give them something in return."
The emperor picked up a scroll, rolling it between his fingers. "We will discuss this further. For now, you may all return to the banquet."
The princes rose. The ministers bowed.
Shen Yao turned to leave. Pei Shu fell into step beside him.
"That was bold," Pei Shu murmured. "Targeting the financial ministers."
"And the allies indeed, bold"
"It was merely a suggestion."
Pei Shu chuckled. "Suggestions like those make you enemies way faster than you think."
They walked out of the west wing's inner room.
Behind them, the emperor watched.
The ministers dispersed and the banquet resumed.
Unbeknownst to anyone, a scheme was set in motion elsewhere in the mansion.
And somewhere within the cover of the blooming flowers of the royal garden a woman handed a maid a vial and the pouch of silver.