The village still smoldered.
But for the first time, it felt like home.
Children no longer flinched from Shen.Men looked to him with pride.And women whispered prayers of thanks when he walked by.
He had become the village's silent protector.
But peace… was not made to last.
A Letter from the Capital
Ru Chen approached with a sealed scroll wrapped in silk.
"It's from the Palace of Eternal Harmony," he said cautiously.
Shen broke the seal.His eyes narrowed.
"By command of the Empress Dowager:The one known as Shen of Ember Village is invited to the Phoenix Banquetto honor the Heavenly Crown Prince's triumph against rebellion.Attendance is mandatory.Dress in form.Do not bring weapons."
Shen looked up, voice dry. "It's a trap."
Meanwhile… In the Golden Palace
The Empress Dowager, draped in peacock-feathered robes, sipped crimson wine.
"He resisted a royal mercenary company," she said, voice like silk and razors."And saved a village?"
A shadowy servant bowed. "The boy is no ordinary peasant."
She smiled coldly. "No. He is something… curious."
"Prepare the inner court," she said."Let's see what crawls when we pull the veil aside."
Crown Prince Xiyuan's Fury
The Crown Prince stood before a shattered mirror, hands bloodied.
"Thirty men," he spat,"and they were torn apart by a nameless bumpkin?"
A eunuch trembled nearby. "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager has summoned him to the banquet…"
"Good," Xiyuan growled."Let her try to tame that mongrel. When she fails—he's mine."
Yueyin's Decision
Shen stared at the scroll for a long time.
"I'm going," he finally said.
Yueyin's eyes widened. "Are you mad? That's the heart of the empire! One wrong word and—"
"Exactly," Shen replied, "I'll know who my enemies are."
Ru Chen added, "You'll also be watched by a thousand spies. And if they learn even a hint of who you truly are…"
Shen smiled. "Then I'll give them a show they'll never forget."
Preparing for Court
The next morning, Old Man Bo presented Shen with a folded bundle.
Inside: a deep-blue court robe stitched with silver firebirds.
"Found it in the attic. My son wore it once. Before the Empire took him," Bo said softly."You wear it now. And you stand tall."
Shen bowed his head. "I'll bring it back… clean."