"What?" Prince Han breathed. "Mother, you must be wrong. All the Tangs are dead."

"All but one," Tang Daiyu said in a monotone. "Well, soon to be two."

She turned and bowed to her old mentor. "Greetings, Sixth Concubine Luli. I apologise for ruining things."

"Nonsense, my dear. In fact, I could not be more proud of you right now."

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "I don’t understand. What do you mean?"

"While you were my companion, did I groomed you for success and redeeming your family name? Yes. But unbeknownst to you, I also groomed you to be Empress."

She rocked backwards in surprise. "Why me?"

"To finish what your father had started. He meant for you to be a worthy wife for any man, especially a Prince."

Tang Daiyu stepped forward. "If I may, Sixth Concubine, how do you know this?"

"Because your father asked it of me four years ago."

"How?"

"Just before Chancellor Ru and Tang Mingyu were brought before Emperor Jianyuan. I approached him, and he slipped me a piece of paper."

So that was that exchange! Tang Daiyu thought.

She remembered that Sixth Concubine Luli had handed the guard a piece of cloth for her father's gag. But she had also neared Chancellor Ru for a brief moment.

Tang Daiyu breathed in realisation, "This was planned from the start. That's why my father agreed to the betrothal."

Her mentor nodded. "And when Tang Bao was born, you had already had many of your father's teachings. So, your brother would be reared to be the next Chancellor, while you would marry Prince Shandong. Unfortunately, only one part of the plan happened."

Tang Daiyu nodded solemnly. Memories of her brother flooded her mind. Sadness washed over her features, but then anger replaced it as her mentor's words seeped in. Fury alighted in her eyes.

"You knew the whole time! You planned everything along with Prince Yelang and Rong! My family is dead! We were just pawns in your political schemes. You played with my family's lives, with my life!"

She faced no one in particular and snapped, "I watched my parents be executed right here in front of me. I held my baby brother as he died in my arms. I lost everyone I loved in the past four years just for someone else's gain."

Tang Daiyu felt her qi surge and threw her hands up in exasperation. "Well, I'm done being a pawn! Done!"

Then, she whirled towards the doors. Her silk dress fanned out as she stormed out of the Front Hall.

~~~

Later that evening, Feng Rong entered their guest residence in Gaomen Hall. Tang Daiyu turned her back to him, arms crossed, and he sighed.

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"Daiyu, please."

"What do you want, Rong?"

"Can we talk?"

"About what? About how I trusted you only to find out I was being played?" she asked as she stood. Turning around to face her husband, she added, "Do you even genuinely care about me, or is your protection only guaranteed as long as I help you keep your throne or give you an heir?"

"Daiyu," he murmured sadly.

He reached out towards her, but she drew away, shaking her head. "I need to go for a walk, clear my head. Don't wait up for me."

Then, she brushed past him and exited the residence.

~~~

Tang Daiyu wandered the grounds of the Imperial Garden and Pond slowly. Only the quiet breeze of February and the crunching of snow under her shoes could be heard. Snow lightly fell all around her. The bright, creamy moonlight and starlight contrasted with the pitch dark of the rest of the clear night sky.

Her thoughts raced. Everyone I thought was kind to me was really just making sure I fell in line with what they wanted. How can I trust anyone anymore? Who could I even trust other than myself?

Suddenly, she began to cough, holding up her arm. When she lowered it, her eyes widened at the blood that stained her sleeve. A faint pain tugged at her heart.

No. It’s already begun.

Seeing a stone seat nearby, she stumbled over and nearly fell onto it. Clutching at her chest, she started to pant.

This is bad. But there was a reason I learned martial arts. Now, I understand.

Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. A devious smirk spread across her lips.

Everyone will regret the day they crossed me. I will make sure chaos rains down upon each and every one of them. They will all pay for the Tangs' demise.

Tang Daiyu leaned forward and rested her elbows on the stone table in front of her, eyes closing, and began to work through her plan for revenge.

~~~

Meanwhile, back in Gaomen Hall…

Sixth Concubine Luli entered the guest residence. Feng Rong stood up, bowed, and greeted her respectfully.

"Where is Daiyu?"

"She went out for a walk."

"Is she still upset?"

Feng Rong nodded. "I feel bad for betraying her trust. After the pressure she was under here, Jianning seemed like a reprieve for her. She trusted me to take care of her, and what have I done? I've betrayed her."

"No, Feng Rong. She just doesn't understand. You need to make her understand that her family stood in the way of everything we've worked for. That's why they had to die. It was to keep chaos from breaking out between Chang and Heping."

"But..."

"No, Daiyu will come to accept the truth someday. Until then, keep her in the dark about the rest of the plan. If she really is her father's daughter, then she will attempt to stop things before they ever get a chance to start."

"That's not fair to Daiyu though."

"Don't you want to reform Heping? She is an obstacle that you must keep in check. Otherwise, there will either be a new Emperor of Heping or Heping will not exist at all."

His eyes narrowed at her. "You dare to threaten me? I'm the Emperor."

"And who got you that position? Me. With your father's help, of course. But I did most of it. All Prince Yelang had to do was poison Emperor Taio's food. I took care of the whispers and quiet pushes toward you becoming his successor."

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I know, alright? I know what you've done for me, and I appreciate it."

"Hmm, if you really do, then keep an eye on your wife. She's more intelligent than any of us gave her credit for, much more. She can never find out the full truth behind her family's end. Do you understand, Feng Rong?"

He swallowed and nodded slowly. "Yes, I do. When we get back to Heping, I will personally destroy any evidence regarding the Tangs' supposed treason." Feng Rong paused before saying quietly, "Daiyu will never know."