Lin Meiqi had not expected the summons so soon.
It came at dusk, just as she was arranging her writing brushes—three shades of ink prepared for evening study. A eunuch knocked once, low and firm: "Lady Lin, His Majesty requests your presence."
Meiqi's hands stilled.
She stood, calm outwardly, but her thoughts reeled into motion. The Emperor himself. Not an inspection, not a banquet—an audience.
She changed into a soft bronze robe with wide sleeves, her hair coiled in a modest updo. No jewels. No scent beyond the faint sandalwood in her comb. She didn't want to appear desperate to impress.
Just prepared.
The palace halls were almost empty at this hour, filled only with the scent of pine and the steady footfalls of her escort. Red lanterns burned low. The quiet deepened every step she took toward the private audience chamber.
The doors opened without fanfare.
The room was warm and high-ceilinged, lit by bronze lamps and flanked with scrolls of calligraphy. No throne. Just a low table, a writing desk—and the Emperor.
He stood by the window, older than she'd expected, but striking. Silver threaded his hair at the temples. His gaze was dark and unreadable, shaped by decades of rule. This was a man who had outlived ministers, wars, and perhaps even the best parts of himself.
He turned slowly as she entered.
"Lady Lin Meiqi," he said, voice smooth but heavy with authority. "Daughter of Lin Guanshi of Yuezhou."
She bowed deeply. "Your Majesty."
"I have read of your skill with numbers and languages. Your father writes glowingly of you."
"He is prone to exaggeration," Meiqi said calmly. "Especially when he wants something."
A slight twitch curved the Emperor's mouth. "You don't hesitate to admit that."
"I find it saves time."
The Emperor stepped closer. He moved without hurry, the way only men with absolute power could.
"Tell me, Lady Lin—what does a merchant's daughter hope to gain here?"
Meiqi met his gaze steadily. "Relevance. A place where I am more than my father's extension."
"And what will you give in return?"
"A mind without fear." A pause. "And loyalty—if earned."
He studied her for a long moment.
"Do you know how rare it is," he said softly, "for someone in this palace to speak without trembling?"
Meiqi lowered her eyes. "I assume that depends on whether they plan to leave the room alive."
The Emperor gave a quiet, dry laugh.
"Enough," he said. "I have heard what I needed to hear." He returned to the window, back turned.
"You will remain in the Jade Tower. My scribes will deliver work to your chambers. If your wit proves useful, we'll speak again."
Meiqi bowed again and turned to leave.
Just before the doors shut behind her, his voice came—low and thoughtful.
"Clever minds cast long shadows, Lady Lin. Be sure yours does not stretch beyond your reach."
She walked out with her heartbeat steady.
Only when she reached the outer corridor did she let her hand brush the wall for support.
Not fear.
Just the sharpness of understanding.
The game had begun.