Two days later, the summons came.
The Khatun Dowager requested Xiao Zhi in the Inner Hall, her first proper introduction to Tughril's inner court.
When she entered the hall, the air felt tight and watchful.
On a high wooden seat at the center of the room, sat the Khatun Dowager. Her expression was serene and unreadable. Power rested in her posture more than in her crown.
Around the Dowager sat noble consorts in layered robes and jeweled hair dress, their smiles gentle, but their eyes were sharp.
Oh great. This is the typical scene of palace women's power politics, isn't it? Very classic, Lin Rui.
Xiao Zhi bowed low, deeper than she would back in Hua. Tughril's courtesy was a different kind entirely, one that required flexible knees and zero ego. Thank the heavens Reihan had given her a lesson on day one, otherwise she'd probably face-plant in front of royalty right now.
But whether that crash-course in etiquette would save her today… well, she wasn't so eager to find out.
"Your Highness."
The Dowager regarded her greeting for a moment. There was no warmth or cruelty, only a calm weighing.
"Rise." Her voice was calm but thundered.
As Xiao Zhi straightened, whispers could be heard like a tiny cold wave.
"Skinnier than I expected."
"She dresses so oddly, does she not learn our customs?"
"Look how stiff she stands. She must not understand proper etiquette."
Each comment was dipped in poison. Xiao Zhi kept her eyes lowered, focusing on her own breathing. She would not let them know how nervous she was.
The Dowager lifted one hand and gestured for her to come closer.
"Come forward."
As Xiao Zhi took a very careful step forward, a servant approached with a silver tray. Two cups of steaming tea rested on it, herbs scent filling the air.
"Since you are to join this family," the Dowager said, "we will share tea. Our custom is that the bride serves first."
Xiao Zhi paused for a moment.
Great, another tea ceremony custom that I have zero knowledge of.
Her pulse fluttered, but she moved forward calmly and lifted the pot with almost steady hands.
Her sleeves flowed neatly as she poured. The liquid streamed smoothly, her movements controlled, though her palms felt damp. She tried so hard not to shake from her nervousness.
The Dowager watched her closely, weighing every tiny movement with silent judgment.
"Do you know the meaning of this tea?"
How would I know? I barely make instant coffee at home. Why did I skip tea lessons with my mom…
Xiao Zhi bowed her head.
"I do not know, Your Highness."
She then lifted her gaze, steady and polite.
"Perhaps I will learn, as I learn Tughril's ways."
A quiet shift swept the hall. The consorts expected fear or excuses. Instead, Xiao Zhi met the moment with soft honesty.
A faint curve touched the Dowager's lips.
"You speak with restraint, yet you speak truth. That is rare here."
One of the younger consorts leaned forward, voice sweet but cutting.
"Or she is simply reciting what she practiced. Hua girls are trained to obey and memorize lines."
The Dowager did not even look her way.
"Then perhaps you should practice more yourself."
A ripple of laughter spread. This time, it wasn't aimed at Xiao Zhi, thank goodness. She masked her surprise and kept her chin lowered.
The Dowager lifted her cup and drank before speaking.
"The wedding will be held in two weeks. The astrologers have chosen an auspicious date. Until then, you will stay in the East Pavilion and learn our customs. My attendants will guide you."
"Yes, Your Highness." Xiao Zhi kept her voice steady, though her heart beat like festival drums. She had to admit she was surprised it would be another two weeks before she wed Prince Kabil. But that was fine, she wasn't in a hurry. If anything, she was relieved.
"Good. You may leave."
Xiao Zhi bowed again and began to step back. But before she walked further, the Dowager's voice followed,
"Princess. Remember this. Beauty fades, grace weakens, but wisdom endures. In this palace, speech can protect you or destroy you. Know when to use it, and when to remain silent."
Xiao Zhi bowed even deeper.
"I will remember."
No, Xiao Zhi won't. Merely because she has no idea what that was supposed to mean. Why do Tughril people have to speak in riddles?
She turned around and walked away from the hall. Behind her, murmurs began again, low but still bitter.
"She will not last long."
"She thinks one clever reply earns favor?"
"Let us see how long she survives the Dowager."
Xiao Zhi did not look back. She ignored the whispers just like she ignored her own heartbeat.
This palace was beautiful, dangerous, and filled with hungry eyes.
Survival here was not only about courage.
It was about learning the rules of a game she never asked to play.
And today, she had placed her first piece on the board.
***
Later that night, in the same room, a shadow could be seen talking to the Khatun Dowager.
"Have you done what I asked for?" She asked in a calm but dangerous tone.
"Yes, Your Highness. We have put our men to guard the princess, and the maids in charge of her are also instructed to follow your order. They will report accordingly on the princess's movements." The shadow spoke.
"And the eunuch? Has he been taken care of?" she asked again, sipping her tea.
"He is unreadable, Your Highness. He seems to be putting his loyalty to the Khan."
"That is precisely why you should turn him to our side!" Her tone is getting louder
"Forgive me, Your Highness. I will find a way to make him our man."
"Find out about his background. Use it as leverage."
"Yes, Your Highness." The shadow then bowed and retreated. The warm tea from the Dowager's hand turned cold as a cold smirk formed on her lips.
"Kazrail…you are lucky to be handed the throne before your father died, but we'll see how long you will last there."