As Princess Zhao Yuyan and her personal maid strolled through the royal gardens, the morning sunlight poured gently over the flowering trees. A soft breeze carried the scent of blooming peonies and plum blossoms. Yuyan breathed in deeply, the fresh air bringing clarity to her mind after a restless night.
Suddenly, she paused mid-step.
"I haven't visited the Emperor and Empress today," she said, turning to her maid with a thoughtful expression.
The maid gave a small nod, her tone respectful yet warm. "Would you like me to accompany you to the throne room, Your Highness?"
Yuyan shook her head gently. "No, I'll go alone."
She turned and walked with grace and purpose toward the imperial palace, her silk robes whispering against the stone pathway. As she approached the grand hall, two guards standing at attention bowed deeply and opened the towering doors of the throne room. Inside, the air was still, heavy with incense and solemnity.
Seated upon their majestic thrones were the Emperor and Empress — her father and mother — robed in splendid imperial garments embroidered with dragons and phoenixes. Yuyan paused at the base of the steps and lowered herself into a deep, formal bow, her hands folded together as she knelt on one knee.
"Your daughter pays her respects, Imperial Father, Imperial Mother."
The Emperor's expression softened, and he motioned for her to rise. "Yuyan, come closer, my daughter."
The Empress smiled with maternal warmth. "Welcome, my child."
A smaller throne-like seat was placed beside the Empress — Yuyan's personal seat during court visits. She gracefully sat, her back straight, every movement elegant and composed. For a moment, the hall felt less like a formal court and more like a family sitting in quiet harmony.
"How are your training sessions progressing?" the Emperor asked, his voice deep and measured.
"They're going well, Father," Yuyan replied with a slight nod. "I've been working hard."
The Empress leaned forward slightly. "And the book?"
Yuyan hesitated, her voice gentle. "I've read part of it... I was planning to continue tonight."
Her father nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "You might not yet understand the wisdom that lies within its pages. But this is no ordinary book, Yuyan. My father gave it to me, as his father gave it to him. It has been passed down through our bloodline — a legacy wrapped in ink and prophecy. He once told me... that this book carries hope."
She looked at him, moved by the solemnity in his voice. "I understand, Father. I'll read it with more care."
A gentle silence followed. To lighten the moment, Yuyan reached for a ripe apple resting in a nearby fruit basket carved from jade and gold. She took a bite, the crisp sound echoing softly.
Her father raised a brow. "Yuyan, you didn't wash that apple."
She gave a small smile, chewing slowly. "It was in the basket. It's clean enough."
"You're a princess," her mother chimed in, half-laughing. "Do you want to get sick and set an example for the entire court?"
"You must behave like royalty," the Emperor added, though his tone was more amused than stern.
Yuyan grinned, gave a theatrical sigh, and stood to wash the fruit at a basin nearby. "Yes, yes... I shall behave like one."
The Empress chuckled softly and shook her head. "Yuyan, you will never change."
As the royal family sat conversing warmly in the grand throne room, their laughter echoed faintly through the marbled halls. Princess Zhao Yuyan sat beside her parents, the Emperor and Empress of Lian Hua, nestled in her ornate, smaller throne. The family, though regal, shared a closeness that brought ease to even the most formal chambers. As the Empress kept on talking about behaving like a princess to Yuyan, the moment felt light, almost carefree.
But the peace shattered like fragile porcelain.
The great doors of the throne room burst open with a loud creak, and a man—his robes dusty, his face streaked with sweat—rushed in. The guards surged forward to stop him, weapons partially drawn.
"Let him speak," the Emperor commanded, raising a calm but firm hand.
The man immediately dropped to his knees and bowed deeply, performing the formal kowtow, pressing his forehead to the floor before the sovereigns. "Your Majesty," he said breathlessly, "I bring urgent news from the marketplace."
The Emperor narrowed his eyes. "Speak. What news disturbs our peace this morning?"
The man swallowed. "There are sightings__ the townspeople have seen unfamiliar men lurking. Mercenaries... not ours. They bear the crest of the Black Scorpion."
The room went still.
Princess Yuyan frowned, glancing between her parents. Who is the Black Scorpion?.
The messenger continued, urgency in his voice. "They move like scouts. We believe they are assessing our defenses. This is how he begins—always. First scouts, then war."
The Emperor's face hardened. He turned to his commander. " Rush to the market square, Take a battalion. Flush them out and warn them—we are not a kingdom to be trifled with."
The commander saluted and left at once.
Yuyan watched the sudden change in her father's demeanor, concern blooming in her chest. "Father... who is this Black Scorpion?"
The Emperor sighed, his voice deep and heavy with memory. "He is known as the Black Scorpion, but his true name is Hei Xiezhi. Born of cruelty and raised in wickedness. His father ruled through fear, but Hei Xiezhi is even worse. He conquers not just lands, but great empires"
The Empress nodded gravely. "He owns houses of vice—where women are held against their will, most of them once princesses of kingdoms he has destroyed."
The Emperor continued, voice sharp with sorrow. "He strips kingdoms of dignity. He kills their kings, weds their queens, and turns their daughters into servants of his pleasure. He is not a man, Yuyan. He is a plague."
Yuyan's hands tightened in her lap, her pulse quickening.
The Emperor's voice softened, but remained stern. "You, my daughter, my beloved Yuyan, must stay within the palace walls until I say otherwise. This is not a punishment. It is protection."
"But, Father!" Yuyan protested, rising from her throne. "I can't lock myself away because of some... vile insect with a title. I'm strong enough to defend myself. You trained me to be!"
"I admire your bravery, Yuyan," he said with a bitter smile, "but losing you is a pain I cannot bear."
Yuyan took a step forward. "Then why train me at all? Why ask me to be strong, if the moment danger comes, I am caged like a bird?"
The Emperor stood slowly, his voice rising. "Didn't you learn anything from that story I gave you?!"
The throne room fell deathly silent. The servants froze, eyes lowered. Yuyan looked up at her father, tears gathering in her eyes. It had been a long time since he had raised his voice at her.
A maid stepped in quietly. "Your Majesty?"
"Nina," the Emperor said, his voice heavy, "escort the princess to her chambers."
"No," Yuyan said softly, trying to maintain her pride. "I can walk on my own."
She bowed respectfully, turned, and exited slowly, her silk shoes echoing against the stone floor.
The Empress turned to her husband. "Do you not think you were too harsh with her?"
The Emperor closed his eyes for a moment, before speaking with resignation. "You know what Hei Xiezhi is capable of, my love. Our daughter is brave, yes. But bravery must bow to wisdom in times like these."
He then turned to one of the guards. "Tell the young prince he is to stay indoors as well. No exceptions."
As the guard rushed off, the Emperor sat heavily upon his throne, rubbing his temple. The joy of the morning had faded. Shadows loomed at the gates of Lian Hua, and in his heart, he knew a storm was brewing.
The Black Scorpion had begun his approach.