Before the sun rose, Yue slipped quietly from the Emperor's side, unaware that a dark truth awaited in the misty silence beyond the tent. What deadly scheme lies hidden beneath the surface of the hunting camp—and who was the tiger really meant to kill?
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Yue woke up before the sun; it was still dark outside the tent.
The sky was just beginning to brighten, casting a gentle, pale light through the tent's small openings.
Inside, a deep, warm silence surrounded her.
She stayed still, listening to the sounds outside—birds starting to wake and the soft whisper of the wind.
Beside her, she sensed the Emperor sleeping. His presence gave her a rare feeling of safety.
At the same time, it made her anxious, and she worried about what might happen if she let her guard down too much.
She moved quietly to the bed's edge. Her feet made no sound on the cool floor, knowing any sudden movement might wake him.
She picked up her outer robe and slipped out of bed, careful not to break the fragile peace in the tent.
The first morning light greeted her eyes as she gently pulled open the tent flap.
Yue walked out. The cold air settled in, and frost formed on the grass. The cold bit against her skin.
When Emperor Li Zhao woke up, he realized Yue was no longer beside him.
The spot where she slept still felt warm, but she was gone.
He lay there staring at the ceiling for a long time, feeling a quiet sense of disappointment in his chest.
He wasn't sure what he had hoped for—perhaps he hadn't expected anything, or maybe he had hoped for something more.
The early mist wrapped around the trees like ghostly hands, making the camp noises seem distant.
Yue padded, with her thoughts spinning like leaves in the wind.
The Emperor's words echoed in her ears, refusing to disappear.
She knew she wasn't supposed to care about these things. This all felt wrong.
Yet, she felt a strange pull, like a magnet drawing her towards something unknown.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice the sounds around her.
Suddenly, an urgent voice broke the morning's quiet. She quickly hid behind a frost-covered bush, observing what was happening nearby.
Two stable hands crouched outside a wooden pen.
One scratched patterns in the dirt, maybe looking for clues or distracting himself. The other spoke quickly and quietly, looking anxious.
"They said the cage door wasn't closed right," the younger man said, worried.
"But I checked it yesterday—it was locked for sure." The first man didn't believe it.
"Someone must have let it out on purpose," he said, shaking his head.
"It didn't escape by accident. Someone wanted it free."
The younger man's voice got quieter.
"But why? Who would put the Emperor at risk by letting a tiger out? It doesn't make sense."
The second stable hand continued. "He brought a concubine with him..."
They paused, thinking.
Then the first man spoke again, doubtful.
"Maybe the tiger wasn't meant for the Emperor."
Yue felt her stomach tighten with fear and curiosity. She remained frozen behind the bush, listening to the troubling whispers.
Worried for the Emperor's safety, Yue walked swiftly back to the Emperor's tent.
The guards at the entrance recognized her and allowed her through without hesitation.
Inside the tent, the atmosphere had changed. The Emperor was awake but still weak and injured. He sat on a low cushion, leaning forward slightly.
His wounds were carefully bandaged, indicating recent treatment.
As Yue entered, the Emperor immediately looked up.
"You left," he said softly, with no anger but with a specific weight in his voice.
Yue paused at the entrance for a moment.
"I went for a walk," she admitted quietly. "But I overheard something..."
Moving closer, she recounted what she had overheard. Her words were quiet but full of intent.
She described the conversation she had accidentally heard — the exchange between the stable hands near the camp's edge.
His expression grew more serious as she spoke, and the lines around his eyes deepened. It wasn't anger directed at her but a colder, more calculating look as he considered her news.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked finally, his voice steady but tinged with concern.
The question was serious and demanded a confident answer.
Her mind raced despite her composed appearance. Would he believe her? Had she overstepped?
A concubine—even a favored one—was not expected to bring accusations or political concerns to an emperor.
But this wasn't just court gossip. It was a threat. And not just to him.
Yue quickly nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The men didn't know I was listening."
He remained silent for a moment, weighing her words carefully.
The silence felt heavy as he assessed the risks and the truth of her information.
Finally, he spoke. "I will see it investigated,"
Then he turned slightly, beckoning one of the trusted eunuchs outside the tent.
The man entered quickly and bent close as the Emperor murmured a string of low commands, voice hushed but firm.
Yue couldn't hear the words, but the eunuch's face grew grim. He nodded and departed swiftly.
He concluded softly, "Thank you, Yue."
She lowered her gaze, her fingers brushing against the edge of her sleeve.
Later in the afternoon, the Emperor rested in his tent, leaning against soft silk pillows.
The air was filled with the subtle scent of medicinal herbs and the warm aroma of burning incense.
Yue sat quietly beside him, her hands placed neatly in her lap.
She had just gently placed a damp cloth on the Emperor's forehead when the tent entrance suddenly opened.
A eunuch entered, bowing deeply.
"Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady but slightly tense, "the Empress has arrived at camp."
The tent fell silent.
She quickly lowered her eyes, but not before a flicker of worry appeared on her face.
Next to her, the Emperor's relaxed demeanor changed.
He frowned slightly as he attempted to sit up, causing his shoulder to ache further.
"She didn't send any message before coming?" he murmured, almost to himself.
"No, Your Majesty," replied the eunuch.
Yue kept her head bowed, sensing the shift in the Emperor's mood. It was as if the air had grown colder.
He let out a slow breath. "Let her in," he said finally.
The eunuch bowed again and left to deliver the order.
With the tent flap falling shut, the Emperor leaned against the pillows. He remained silent for a moment.
"Her Majesty is here," Yue said softly, maintaining a respectful tone. "I will take my leave—"
The Empress stepped out of her palanquin, her eyes surveyed the camp, and stopped at the Emperor's tent, where Yue stood outside, her hands folded and eyes lowered.
"Why, if it isn't Lady Yue," the Empress addressed her in a smooth, polite voice.
"Such dedication. Waiting outside His Majesty's tent without being called."
Yue bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty. I was just ensuring that His Majesty is not disturbed."
The Empress offered a slight, unreadable smile.
"That's thoughtful. You've become quite attentive since gaining His Majesty's favor."
Yue kept her eyes down and hands steady.
"I only wish to repay His Majesty's kindness in any way I can."
"Loyalty is a virtue," the Empress remarked, her eyes glinting slightly.
"Especially for those who have little else."
Yue nodded, her voice calm.
"I am grateful for the chance to serve. I strive to prove worthy of His Majesty's trust."
Their exchange was gentle in words, but tension lingered beneath.
Without delay, the Empress entered the tent.
The Emperor, reclining on cushions, stirred as she entered but did not rise.
"You are here," he greeted, his voice polite but distant.
She settled beside him with practiced ease, her robes flowing around her like a silken tide.
She glanced briefly at Yue, who stood at the entrance, respectful yet unobtrusive.
"I heard of your injury," the Empress began. "I left the palace immediately."
He nodded. "You didn't have to."
"I'm worried for you," she continued softly.
"This environment isn't ideal for recovery. It might be wise to return to the capital. The doctors there are more skilled, and it's more comfortable."
"I am too injured to move now; I shall return in a few days, " the Emperor said in a cold tone.
She nodded gracefully. "Of course, Your Majesty."
A moment of silence followed.
Then, the Emperor gestured to his eunuch.
"Before you go," he instructed, "bring the gift I prepared for the Empress."
The eunuch briefly departed, returning with a large silk-wrapped bundle.
He unfolded it to reveal a fresh and gleaming tiger pelt, its stripes vivid against the golden-brown fur.
"This is the beast that attacked me," the Emperor explained calmly.
"It is my gift to you."
The Empress's smile flickered momentarily. She ran her fingers over the pelt, feeling the sharp claws and soft fur.
"A striking trophy."
She nodded slightly, showing respect.
"Your Majesty honors me," she said.
The Emperor responded calmly, with a hint of caution in his voice.
"It seemed appropriate. A reminder of what happens when predators forget their place."
The Empress rose, her expression unchanged but her posture slightly more rigid.
"His Majesty needs rest," she said smoothly.
"I'll take my leave to ensure he is not disturbed."
Yue bowed deeply as the Empress left the tent.
The Empress gave Yue a last look before departing, her attendants quickly gathering the pelt.
Soon after, a soldier appeared at the tent entrance, bowing urgently.
"Your Majesty. We found something near the tiger's pen. You'll want to see this."