Two days before the Tang family was arrested…

"Daiyu, I want you to be careful when you go out today."

"Why, Father?"

"There's in increase in Imperial guards since Emperor Jianyuan in on edge about Heping. War might be imminent. I just want you to be safe. Take Shi Yu with you. He'll protect you."

"Yes, Father."

A younger Tang Daiyu left the Tang residence with her bodyguard. They walked through the busy streets of Chang'an. As they passed a stall, a little boy darted out from a side alley. He barrelled into her, knocking her over. The boy grabbed her hand and dragged her a ways away.

She watched in horror as Shi Yu was suddenly surrounded by the Emperor's suicide warriors. Her bodyguard fought as best he could, but he was eventually defeated. The warriors' swords all pointed at Shi Yu. Tang Daiyu was about to cry out, when a man's hand covered her mouth. She kicked and fought, but her struggles were to no avail.

A deep bass voice warned her, "Do not cry out. Do not make a single noise, or you will surely die."

Frightened, she choked on her tears and nodded.

The man led her away from Shi Yu and took her down back alleys and side streets. tang Daiyu walked quickly alongside him, trying to match his bigger strides. Soon, they came upon a worn door. The man opened it and pushed her inside. The door closed right after her. Afraid, she turned around and walked further into the room.

Then, a voice said, "Stop right there, Tang Daiyu."

She froze immediately and shook in fear. Soon, another man stepped forward out of the shadows. She looked up at him and recognized him.

He's Li Xun, the Emperor's Head Eunuch.

The eunuch peered down at her before squatting down to better match her height.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"You seem like a smart, young girl. Tell me, Tang Daiyu, have you heard anything in your household regarding palace affairs or political decisions?"

She shook her head no.

"Are you sure? This is very important. The future of Chang depends on it."

Tang Daiyu bit her lip, hesitant.

"If you don’t tell me, you’re going to regret it."

Still, she shook her head. Angered, Li Xun ordered for a couple of the guards to beat her. She felt their hits and kicks against her dainty and pampered body.

When they stopped, Li Xun asked again, “Have you heard your father mention anything regarding palace affairs, Young Lady Tang?”

Scared and sore, she weakly nodded.

"What have you heard?"

~~~

Tang Daiyu was eventually returned to the Tang residence. Tang Baobao waddled forward.

"Elder Sister! Elder Sister!" he cried.

She smiled and limped over to him, trying her best to ignore the pain she was in.

"What is it, Baobao?"

"Someone's in with Baba."

Her stomach twisted with guilt.

"I'm sure everything's going to be alright, Baobao. Father knows what he’s doing. Don't worry."

Suddenly, a screech of steel and a crash came from her father's study. Tang Daiyu ran forward, stumbling, and burst into the room. She saw a man inside, sword unsheathed, pointed towards her father. Chancellor Ru's eyes flicked towards her.

"Daiyu, go. Get Baobao and go back to your room."

The man turned towards her also. His piercing black eyes bored into her. She shivered with fright.

"You heard your father. Go!"

Tang Daiyu yelped in surprise and fled. She picked up her brother and made for her residence. Her bruised legs pumped hard as she ran. Back in her room, she set Tang Baobao down and fell onto her bed, grimacing in pain.

"Elder Sister, is Baba okay?"

"Yes, everything's fine, Baobao. We just have to stay here for a while."

Her brother nodded, and Tang Daiyu tried her best to keep him occupied.

~~~

That night, the nightmares began.