Chapter 21: The Crimson Oath

The dawn mist clung to the palace’s eastern gardens as Li Xiao made her way to the Secretariat. Today marked the fifth anniversary of Counselor Jin Tao’s appointment—an occasion the emperor commemorated by renewing his oath of service. In honor of the day, Li Xiao donned her finest archivist robes, the lavender silk trimmed with silver lotus embroidery. Her jade hairpin and silver handkerchief were in place, tokens of her journey alongside Jin Tao.

She paused before his chambers, heart fluttering with anticipation. Rumor held that the emperor would bestow a new title upon Jin Tao during the ceremony—a title that could shift the balance of power in the court. Li Xiao entered quietly, finding him standing by the balcony, gazing at the sunrise.

“Good morning,” she said softly, kneeling to present a small tray of ceremonial tea.

He accepted the cup, his crimson eyes thoughtful. “Good morning. Are you ready for today?”

She bowed. “I am honored to stand by your side.”

He offered a rare smile. “Then let us prepare.”

The grand hall thrummed with courtiers and officials, their robes a kaleidoscope of color. At the far end, the emperor’s throne gleamed beneath a canopy of gold and crimson. Banners bearing the imperial phoenix and Counselor Jin Tao’s personal emblem—an entwined lotus and phoenix—hung in tribute.

Li Xiao stood beside Jin Tao as they entered, her heart pounding. The emperor, seated upon his gilded throne, regarded them with calm authority. Two heralds stepped forward, announcing the occasion.

“By imperial decree, on this fifth anniversary of service, Counselor Jin Tao shall receive the title of Grand Advisor of Harmony, in recognition of his wisdom, mercy, and unwavering loyalty.”

A hush fell over the hall. Li Xiao’s chest tightened with pride and awe. The emperor beckoned Jin Tao forward.

Jin Tao knelt on the polished marble, his crimson eyes lowered. The emperor placed a jeweled sash across his shoulders and presented a ceremonial seal carved from jade. “Rise, Grand Advisor of Harmony,” the emperor intoned.

As Jin Tao stood, the court erupted in applause and cheers. Li Xiao bowed deeply, tears pricking her eyes. She watched as the new Grand Advisor—her mentor, her confidante—accepted his elevation with measured grace.

After the ceremony, a reception was held in the imperial gardens. Lanterns swung from blossoming trees, and musicians played gentle melodies on zithers and flutes. Tables groaned under the weight of delicacies: steamed dumplings, honey‑glazed spareribs, and rose‑scented pastries.

Li Xiao moved among the guests with Jin Tao, offering scrolls of congratulations and noting the whispers of respect. Lord Gao approached, his expression unreadable. He bowed stiffly to Jin Tao, then inclined his head to Li Xiao.

“Archivist Li Xiao,” he said, voice cool. “Your work has served the realm well.”

She inclined her head. “Thank you, Minister Gao.”

He offered a thin smile before drifting into the crowd. Li Xiao exhaled quietly—another small step toward reconciliation.

As dusk fell, the emperor signaled for a quieter moment. Li Xiao found herself drawn to a secluded pavilion at the garden’s edge, where soft lantern light flickered across a koi pond. She knelt by the water, watching the fish glide beneath the surface.

A familiar voice made her look up. Jin Tao stood beside her, his expression gentle. “May I join you?”

She nodded, and he sat on the pavilion’s edge, his reflection mingling with hers in the water. They sat in companionable silence, the music and laughter of the reception distant.

Finally, Jin Tao spoke. “Today’s ceremony honors duty and loyalty. But it also marks a new chapter—for the court, and for us.”

Li Xiao’s heart fluttered. “It was beautiful to see you honored.”

He turned to her, crimson eyes earnest. “None of this would have been possible without you, Li Xiao. Your wisdom, courage, and unwavering support have been my strength.”

Her cheeks warmed. “I only followed your lead.”

He reached out, taking her hand in his. “Then walk with me into this new chapter—both as Grand Advisor and as the woman I cherish.”

Her breath caught. The koi pond’s lanterns glowed like watchful eyes as she looked into his crimson gaze. “I will,” she whispered.

He smiled, and for a moment, the world narrowed to the two of them—Archivist and Grand Advisor, bound by duty and love.

But as the lanterns swayed overhead, a sudden gust of wind rustled the cherry blossoms. From the shadows emerged Lord Gao, his expression grave. He bowed to Jin Tao and Li Xiao.

“Grand Advisor, Archivist,” he said quietly, “I bring urgent news.” He glanced around before continuing in a low voice: “A faction within the council seeks to challenge your new title. They question the emperor’s favor and plan to propose a vote of no confidence.”

Li Xiao’s heart pounded. She turned to Jin Tao, whose face remained calm, but his grip on her hand tightened.

“How many?” he asked, voice low.

Gao hesitated. “Enough to force a council decision. The vote occurs at dawn.”

Li Xiao swallowed. “What can we do?”

Jin Tao’s crimson eyes hardened with resolve. “We will stand before the council and defend the emperor’s will—and our service to the realm.”

Lord Gao inclined his head. “I will lend my support.” He bowed again and slipped away into the night.

Li Xiao and Jin Tao remained in the pavilion, the koi pond’s surface rippling beneath lantern light. She pressed her hand to his.

“We face a storm tomorrow,” she said softly.

He nodded. “But together, we will weather it.”

She looked up at him, determination shining in her dark eyes. “We will.”

Under the pavilion’s shelter, they clasped hands, hearts bound by the crimson oath of loyalty and love. Beyond the palace walls, the court’s intrigue gathered like storm clouds—but Li Xiao and Jin Tao stood ready, united in duty, trust, and the unbreakable promise of tomorrow.