Ru yi kept tossing and turning in Shen Yexue’s bed. She’d managed to sneak back into her residence, grateful that the last triplet wasn’t back to her chamber.

The Peony seal was hidden somewhere at the back of the shelf that held old books and other ornaments.

Was she really doing this?

Selling out the triplets so she could save herself?

She wanted to convince herself that she’d had no choice whatsoever. But deep down—she knew she could’ve said no.

Everyone always had a choice, whether the options were favorable to them or not. And just like the beginning, Ru Yi had chosen herself, because nobody else would.

The sound of the door being pushed open made Ru Yi immediately shut her eyes and school her breath.

That soft scent like a summer breeze followed Shen Yexue in. She looked at the small bundle in the middle of her bed and sighed.

But it wasn’t relief that coursed through her veins. It was something worse—

Regret.

Hopelessness.

She’d almost fought her sisters because she couldn’t bear the thought that one day she’d come back and Ru Yi wouldn’t be waiting for her.

"Are you awake?" she asked softly, sighing again when there was no response from Ru Yi.

That was good, she didn’t think she could say the words she’d turned over and over again in her head to Ru Yi’s face.

"I know it’s a bit too late but...I’m sorry."

Ru Yi’s breath hitched under the covers.

"Being under the influence of that powder—" Yexue shrugged out of her robe. "Is not an excuse. My sisters seem to think I like you, but I don’t think that’s true. I just...you keep the nightmares from haunting me."

"You help me sleep great, and I don’t want to lose that." Yexue sat on the bed, pulling the covers away from Ru Yi’s face. "How can I possibly like you?"

The laughter that fell from her lips was a little broken. "You’re the prettiest, or the smartest..."

Ru Yi’s hand almost curled into a fist. Her looks and brain had been criticized enough for the day, and it was threatening to take a dig at her self confidence.

"But..." Yexue shook her head.

What the hell was she doing talking to herself in the dark? She got up from the bed and picked up her cloak.

It smelt faintly of Ru Yi.

-

-

As expected, the person Shen Yexue was seeking sat in the same spot she knew she’d find her. They both had hoods over their faces in the dimly lit tavern, but they recognized each other’s silhouette just fine.

Yexue threw a few gold coins at the table and was served wine immediately. This was her favorite place to unwind.

It was a plus that the owner never asked questions, providing the perfect anonymity she needed.

"Nursing another heartbreak?" Yexue asked, not turning in the slightest to look at the person beside her.

Han Shuying tsked.

"Why were you in my room?" Yexue asked. "You’d be more stupid than the maid if you thought you could sneak in and I wouldn’t know."

Han Shuying drank a generous amount of wine before requesting a refill. "And why are you just asking now?"

"I had urgent matters to attend to." She cast a side glance at Han Shuying. "Are you making a move on her?"

Han Shuying laughed, which was a rare sight to everyone who knew her.

In that moment, Yexue was gifted with a glimpse of why she used to follow Han Shuying like a lost puppy years ago.

"I’ll have you know she’s not my type." Han Shuying looked at Yexue now. "Is that all you’re worried about?"

"No," Yexue suddenly turned defensive. "What are you planning with the old hag?"

The corner of Han Shuying’s mouth lifted briefly in a scowl. "I can strike you down right now for treason."

"Still slaving around for her in hopes she’d consider you worth her time?" Yexue continued. "Love is a useless thing to hope for from someone that grew up in a whorehouse."

Yexue smiled when Han Shuying’s punch landed on her mark—which was her mouth.

"Speak of her in that manner again and I won’t be as merciful."

Yexue pressed a finger to her bruised mouth. "Willing to do all her dirty work and be a devoted worshipper?"

"Why don’t you worry about yourself first? Going around trying to rally supporters for a useless cause is getting pathetic."

The planes of Yexue’s face hardened. "You’re asking for it."

"Let the past stay in the past. You’ll only hurt yourself trying to dig it up."

This was a warning, Yexue knew it. "How can you support someone so brutally evil and deceptive?"

Han Shuying looked at her with something that could be mistaken for sadness. "How else can you survive in a place like this? You know better than me to go where the real power lies."

Yexue gulped. "I didn’t care about any of that until I found out she killed my mother." She’d always been happy staying on the sidelines and supporting Qingyue whichever way she could.

And now?

All she could think about was making the Empress pay.

"I know," Han Shuying replied in a soft voice. "For what it’s worth...I’m sorry."

The two shared a look of understanding, seemingly staring into each other’s bare hearts. If only things had been different.

"She already has you hooked around her finger," Yexue said, breaking into a nervous laugh. "But I hate your guts even more. You know I’d protect you if you supported us."

Han Shuying threw another round of wine down her throat. "I’d rather meet my end in battle than be at your mercy. Now that you’re here...let me give you a little advice."

Shen Yexue perked up.

"Whatever you’re planning, abort it. The Empress is too powerful for even the three of you combined. She has more support in court than you can ever have."

"Is that a challenge?"

Han Shuying shook her head, then dared to look apologetic as she looked at Yexue. "I’m only saying it as it is. Drop the case against the Empress, it’s the only way you and your sisters can leave. And that maid you seem to be obsessed with too."

Her walls immediately sprung up. "I’m not obsessed with anyone."

"If you insist."

"I swear I don’t like her! Why is everyone getting on my nerves?"

Han Shuying shrugged. "Why then did you save her that night?"

"Oh, please..." she rolled her eyes. "You would’ve gotten rid of her body if your intention was really to kill her."

Han Shuying said nothing. She’d only acted on a whim that night, and it almost cost her her life. Good thing the Empress had let her redeem herself, even rewarded her with a smile after she delivered Ru Yi to her.

"She’s serving her purpose now," Han Shuying replied but didn’t explain further. "Chase after an empty truth or save everyone you love. It’s up to you."