The breeze of spring carried a swirl of falling petals through the imperial palace. Flowers of all kinds bloomed in radiant splendor across every corner. Yet beneath the delicate hues and fragrant scents… something darker lurked.
This year's Imperial Blossom Festival was unlike those of the past.
Not only were the palace women required to display their talents through "The Art of Flowers" in tribute to the royal court,
but the event had become a battlefield—where blades clashed without ever being drawn.
Though the sun shone warmly above,
the atmosphere within the Eastern Hall, where the festival was held, felt as cold as a silent storm on a moonless night.
⸻
"This humble servant invites the Third Princess to participate in the Blossom Attire Competition, representing the Inner Palace," one court lady announced with a deep bow.
A ripple of whispers stirred among the women present.
"Princess Su Lian's outfit is stunning…"
"I heard the Noble Consort prepared it for her since the start of the year…"
"She still looks lovely, but that harmless smile… gives me chills."
And when Su Lian stepped into the center of the courtyard, silence fell across the gathering.
Her kimono, embroidered with gardenias and adorned with pearls, was breathtaking—
a flower in full bloom… but one without fragrance, without soul.
⸻
Not long after, another wave of gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Is that… the Fourth Princess!?"
"Xianlan?" came the breathless reply.
Xianlan walked slowly through the crowd, dressed in a gauzy gown of greyish blue,
intricately embroidered with the pattern of "Cloud-Sea Blossoms."
She moved like a calm stream—gentle, unforced.
Her brows arched, her eyes cool and composed. Her entire being radiated serenity—
but in a way that quietly unsettled the hearts of all who looked upon her.
Xianlan had never appeared more beautiful.
Not because of jewels or garments—
but because she now controlled the stage with absolute ease.
⸻
"If one must choose a flower to represent the grace of women," Xianlan spoke when it was her turn,
"I would choose the ume blossom."
"Though its petals seem delicate, the ume blooms in winter. It withstands the bitter cold and solitude—blossoming even amidst snow.
Much like the women of the inner court… who, if not strong enough, wither before they even get the chance to stand where I stand."
Silence followed her words.
And then, someone applauded.
Then another.
Then more.
⸻
From one corner of the courtyard, Noble Consort Suzhen clenched her hidden hand beneath her sleeve,
eyes sharp and cold.
She had come face to face with a new truth—
the Fourth Princess she once dismissed had become a piece too dangerous to ignore.
Standing behind her, Su Lian wore no expression of anger or jealousy.
Instead, her smile… was calm to a degree that chilled the spine.
"It's alright, Mother," she whispered.
"It's time for the gardenia to bloom in the shadows."
⸻
Elsewhere, in a hidden alcove, Jiang Xinluo watched the event quietly.
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she noted that every eye was fixed on Xianlan—
not in pity, but in admiration.
"The courage to stand tall… beneath the shadow of blossoms," she murmured,
"is no ordinary thing."
Just then, a young servant boy approached and whispered discreetly.
"My lady… the black feather you requested has arrived."
⸻
At the heart of the event, drums thundered like a heartbeat as music rose in herald.
The Prince of Silence had arrived.
Feng Yuhan appeared in a long jet-black robe, embroidered with the image of a soaring bird surrounded by blossoms.
He walked with unshaken grace—
none had expected his presence.
And no one knew why he had come.
"Crown Prince Fenglan presents the Royal Blossom Box to His Majesty," an attendant announced.
But inside the box was no ordinary flower—
it was the legendary Blood Blossom, found only in the frozen western borderlands.
It bloomed only under –30°C nights…
and was said to react to poison.
⸻
Feng Yuhan's voice rang out, sharp and clear:
"Last month, poison was discovered in one of the palace wells.
I investigated… and found that this blossom, when placed in water laced with certain toxins, turns pitch black."
He opened the box, placing it before the crowd.
Water from the royal storage was poured onto the petals—
and they turned black instantly.
The court fell into utter silence.
"I make no accusations," Feng Yuhan continued calmly.
"But if there is someone within the palace attempting to bring ruin from the inside…
as an adopted son of this dynasty—
I cannot remain silent."
⸻
Xianlan met his gaze briefly.
She understood—
this was the shield he had forged for her.
A silent protection amid the flowers and venom of the palace.
⸻
Behind the scenes,
a hushed conversation took place in the shadows—
Jiang Xinluo handed a sealed envelope to a cloaked figure.
"Send this to Yuanlong Kingdom.
Tell them… Su Yan has begun his bid to seize the throne."
The figure nodded and vanished into the dark.
⸻
Petals drifted down from the trees above,
carried on the breeze,
along with a faint scent of danger.
And behind Xianlan's calm gaze,
a new strategy was beginning to take shape.
No matter how beautiful a blossom may be—
it still casts shadows beneath the moonlight.
And within that shadow…
stands the future Empress—
ready to rise in blood and tears.