News traveled fast in the Shen household. By midday, even the kitchen maids were whispering that the Prime Minister's quiet daughter had requested to join the palace selection.
Some said she was jealous of her sister. Others believed she had gone mad.
Shen Lian heard it all and said nothing.
She had more important matters to address.
Doctor Lu arrived just after lunch, summoned to examine the boy Shen Lian had taken in. He was an old man with a clever mind and a sharper tongue, known for treating soldiers and ignoring bribes.
He stepped into the quiet room where the boy slept, then turned to Shen Lian.
"Knife wounds," he said simply. "Deep. And recently reopened. Whoever hurt him didn't want him dead—just punished."
"Can you keep him alive?"
Doctor Lu gave her a look. "If he dies, it won't be because of the wounds. It'll be because of starvation or fever."
"I'll provide everything he needs."
Doctor Lu narrowed his eyes. "Who is he to you, girl?"
Shen Lian's smile was polite and cold. "A stray dog I pity."
The physician grunted and got to work.
That evening, Shen Lian sat by the window, ink brush in hand, writing out lists—her allies, her enemies, and the uncertain.
She paused, then added a new name.
Shen Yue.
The soft knock on her door came exactly as expected.
"Come in," she said.
Shen Yue stepped inside, dressed in pale blue, her hair adorned with a single pearl pin. She looked hesitant, vulnerable. Calculated.
"Sister," she began. "I heard you've decided to enter the selection as well."
"Yes."
"I only worry… we will both be judged. Compared."
Shen Lian set her brush down. "That is the nature of the palace, Yue'er. You must learn to be measured against others. Or you will be devoured."
Shen Yue flinched. "I… I thought we would support each other."
"I will," Shen Lian said sweetly. "I will support you until you fall."
Shen Yue stared.
Shen Lian rose, her smile never fading.
"After all," she added softly, "if you can't handle me, you'll never survive the Empress."