Chapter 12: Poison
Three days later, the Imperial Palace was ablaze with ten thousand lanterns.
The Grand Spring Banquet was the social event of the year. Every noble, minister, and royal was in attendance. The Emperor sat heavily on the elevated Dragon Throne, looking fatigued and pale, his own health failing. Xiao Chen sat below him, looking exceptionally smug.
And beside Xiao Chen, defying all logic, sat Lin Wan.
She had somehow managed to manipulate her way out of the ancestral hall punishment, likely using her System to brainwash the guards or draining her remaining points for a charisma boost. She was dressed in a shimmering silver gown, looking ethereal and untouchable once more.
When I entered the great hall, dressed in midnight blue silk, the whispers started instantly.
"There she is. The madwoman who broke the engagement."
"She looks arrogant, but the Emperor is furious with her."
"I heard His Highness is going to officially propose to Lin Wan tonight and sentence Shen Luoyan to exile!"
I ignored the buzzing flies, taking my seat at the Shen family table. I sipped my wine calmly, waiting for the play to begin.
Halfway through the feast, Xiao Chen stood up, puffing out his chest, and bowed to the Emperor.
"Imperial Father," Xiao Chen announced, his voice carrying over the music, demanding silence. "Tonight, I wish to present a supreme treasure to the Empire. And the miraculous woman who discovered it."
He gestured grandly to Lin Wan, who stood up, looking bashful and perfectly demure.
"Lin Wan, though born of humble origins, has been blessed by the heavens," Xiao Chen proclaimed loudly. "She has discovered a mystical technique to condense spiritual energy. She wishes to offer a Pill of Vitality to ensure Imperial Father’s longevity. In return, I beg for her to be bestowed the title of Holy Maiden, and be granted to me as my official Crown Princess!"
The crowd murmured in awe. Lin Wan stepped forward, holding an ornate wooden box. She opened it, revealing a glowing white pill.
I almost laughed out loud.
[System Alert: Target is presenting a 'Basic Energy Pill' purchased from her System Store for 50 points. It provides a temporary caffeine-like rush, but severely damages the mortal liver within months.]
The Emperor leaned forward, intrigued, desperation in his eyes. "A pill of vitality? Bring it forward."
"Wait!"
My voice cut through the hall like a steel whip. I stood up, smoothing my skirts.
Xiao Chen glared at me, his face twisting in hatred. "Shen Luoyan! Are you insane? Do not interrupt the Imperial presence with your petty, bitter jealousy!"
"Jealousy?" I scoffed, walking leisurely to the center of the hall. I bowed lazily to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, I must intervene to save your life. That pill is a fraud. It is a temporary stimulant that will rot your internal organs within a year."
Lin Wan let out a perfect, tragic gasp. "Sister! Why do you hate me so much? You dumped His Highness, yet you still accuse me of treason? I only wish for His Majesty's health!" She dropped to her knees, crying softly.
The Emperor frowned deeply, his imperial pressure descending upon me. "Shen Luoyan, you make a grave accusation against the Crown Prince's guest. If you cannot prove this, you will be executed tonight for disrupting the court."
Xiao Chen smirked triumphantly. "She is just bitter, Imperial Father. Execute her!"
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