Chapter 8: Quiet Questions and a Royal Visit
Morning sunlight spilled across Shen Yifan's room, warm and gentle. Her leg still throbbed from the arrow wound, but the pain was manageable now. She sat upright, sipping herbal tea, replaying the ambush in her mind — the shouting, the clash, the moment the arrow struck.
A sharp knock broke the silence.
"Come in," she said.
The door opened to reveal Shen Rui, her elder brother. His face was calm, unreadable. He stepped inside with his hands clasped behind his back.
"You're awake," he said flatly. "I heard about what happened yesterday."
Yifan inclined her head. "Yes. Just an accident."
"An accident that drew royal attention." His eyes lingered on the bandage around her leg. "The guards say you handled yourself well. Unusual, for someone raised in the inner court."
"I did only what anyone would do," she replied evenly.
He studied her a moment longer, as if weighing her words. "Did you see who they were?"
"No faces. Just chaos."
"Mm." He turned toward the door. "Father will want a report. Rest, and don't make a scene. The household doesn't need more rumors."
With that, he left — no smile, no warmth — only the faint scent of ink and iron trailing behind him.
Yifan exhaled. Whatever his intentions were, kindness wasn't among them.
---
By midday, the stillness of the residence shattered again. From outside came the rumble of hooves and a chorus of gasps.
"The Crown Prince is here!" a servant whispered.
Her heartbeat quickened. Why would he come personally? She straightened her dress, smoothing the soft white fabric as footsteps approached.
The doors opened, revealing Li Wei, the Crown Prince — tall, composed, his presence filling the room like sunlight after rain. Behind him trailed attendants and the Shen family, all bowing low.
"Your Highness," Yifan greeted softly, attempting to stand but wincing as her leg protested.
"Stay seated," he said gently. "I came only to see how you fare."
Her sisters hovered by the wall, curtsying with tight smiles. Her stepmother's eyes flicked between them, calculating.
"I'm much better now," Yifan said. "The physician's medicine works wonders."
Li Wei's gaze swept over her injury, then back to her face. "I was told you were attacked. Did you recognize the assailants?"
She shook her head. "No, Your Highness. It happened too quickly."
"I see." His tone softened. "Even so, you showed courage. Many would have panicked."
A faint warmth touched her cheeks. "Anyone would defend themselves."
He set a small jade box on the table beside her. "A token for your recovery. Take it as encouragement, not obligation."
Inside, a simple yet elegant hairpin gleamed — white jade carved with a lotus.
She hesitated. "Your Highness, this is—"
"A gift," he finished, a hint of a smile playing at his lips.
Their eyes met — calm, steady, curious. Around them, the room held its breath.
After a few polite exchanges with the elders, Li Wei rose. "Rest well, Lady Shen. May your wound heal swiftly."
Yifan bowed her head. "Thank you, Your Highness."
As he turned to leave, his gaze lingered once more — a silent promise she couldn't quite read.
---
When evening came, the halls grew quiet again. Yifan sat by the window, the hairpin resting in her palm, catching the last rays of light.
The morning's cold questions, the prince's gentle concern, the whispers of jealousy — they all tangled in her mind.
For the first time, she realized how many eyes were now on her — some curious, some envious, some dangerous.
She looked out at the darkening sky and whispered,
> "If fate wants to test me, then I'll meet it head-on."