Everyone in the court knew that Shen Tinglan, an imperial censor, and Xiao Yu'an, a powerful minister, were sworn enemies. They would never rest until one of them was dead.
Shen Tinglan was cool and aloof as the moon, and hated Xiao Yu'an to the bone. He even ordered the teacups Xiao Yu'an had used smashed to pieces.
Xiao Yu'an was wicked and unruly, regarding Shen Tinglan as a thorn in his side. He stopped him for an ambush in an alley, framed him in court, and would stoop to anything to bring him down.
But no one knew the truth.
Every night, Xiao Yu'an, who spent his days wishing he could tear Shen Tinglan limb from limb, would climb into his bedroom like an affectionate stray cat, greedily begging for a hug, with a packet of Shen Tinglan's favorite osmanthus cakes tucked in his arms.
The impeachment that rocked the capital was a trap Shen Tinglan had laid to save Xiao Yu'an's life. The assassination that spilled blood across the main street was an opportunity Xiao Yu'an used to slip him a secret message that could save his life.
In this cannibalistic court, they were each other's only accomplices.
Until the factional struggle reached its end, leaving no room to turn back.
On the night of the palace coup, Xiao Yu'an deliberately let his guard down and smiled as Shen Tinglan's sword plunged toward him, allowing his white robes to be stained red with blood.
Amid the cheers of the assembled court officials, Shen Tinglan's sword hand trembled so badly he could barely hold on.
Summoning the last of his strength, Xiao Yu'an leaned close to his ear and smiled fondly. “Now... no one will ever know about us.”
“Lord Shen, you can become a statesman for the ages. I'll take our secret with me... and clear the way for you.”
