Chapter 23: Embers of Conspiracy

The sun had climbed high into the sky, yet a chill clung to the corridors of the eastern wing. Whispers followed Li Xiao as she made her way to Counselor Jin Tao’s chambers. Though the council had affirmed his title, the embers of dissent still smoldered in hidden corners. Factions jealous of his influence—nobles who preferred the old ways—plotted in secret.

Li Xiao paused at the carved doors, smoothing her lavender robes. In her hand, she held a sealed scroll marked with the imperial cipher: an urgent missive from the governor of the coastal provinces. She knocked softly.

“Enter,” came Jin Tao’s calm voice.

She stepped inside and knelt. “Counselor, this arrived at the harbor this morning.”

He rose, taking the scroll. His crimson eyes flicked over the seal before he broke it. Unrolling the parchment, he read:

Grand Advisor, urgent intelligence reports that a covert faction within the court is gathering support to undermine the treaty with the Western Isles. They plan to send emissaries to sow discord and bribe key ministers. If unopposed, they could derail our alliance.

—Governor Lan of the Coastal Provinces

Jin Tao’s expression darkened. He paced the room, the hem of his robes whispering. “They strike at our foundation—our unity with the Isles.”

Li Xiao rose. “We must act swiftly. If we expose the conspirators, we can preserve the alliance.”

He nodded. “You will help me identify the ministers involved. Your position grants you access to court records and correspondence.”

Li Xiao’s pulse quickened. “I will begin at once.”

The palace archives lay beyond winding corridors and heavy doors. Li Xiao moved among the shelves of scrolls, her brush at the ready. She searched for unusual entries: letters arriving after midnight, ledgers showing unexplained payments, petitions bearing hidden seals. Each discovery felt like following a trail of embers through dark wood.

By afternoon, she had identified three ministers whose correspondence with unknown envoys hinted at betrayal. Their names were Lady Meng of Rites, Minister Liu of Commerce, and Viscount Huang of the Western Gate. Li Xiao’s breath caught as she collated the evidence.

She knelt before Jin Tao, presenting her findings in neat columns. “These three have secret communications—and payments recorded in unmarked ledgers. They meet tonight in the inner court.”

Jin Tao studied the scrolls. “Well done. We will attend their meeting in disguise and gather proof.”

Li Xiao bowed. “I will prepare.”

That evening, under the cover of dusk, Li Xiao and Jin Tao donned simple scholar’s robes. Li Xiao’s silver lotus handkerchief was hidden beneath her sash; Jin Tao’s jade seal ring was concealed. They slipped into the inner court, where moonlight filtered through open windows.

Voices echoed from a private chamber: Lady Meng’s cultured tone, Minister Liu’s gruff laughter, Viscount Huang’s low baritone. Li Xiao and Jin Tao paused outside the half-open door, listening.

“…the Grand Advisor’s popularity grows,” Lady Meng was saying. “If we can break the Western Isles treaty, we can restore our power.”

Minister Liu spat, “I have bribed the customs officials. Soon, their ships will be turned away.”

Viscount Huang added, “And I will ensure the border patrols ignore their vessels. We’ll claim it was an oversight.”

Li Xiao’s blood ran cold. She steadied her breath and slipped a small ivory whistle from her sleeve. At Jin Tao’s signal, she blew softly.

In an instant, the chamber doors burst open. Jin Tao strode in, robes swirling, his crimson eyes ablaze. Li Xiao followed, her brush clenched like a dagger.

“You stand accused of treason,” Jin Tao announced, voice echoing off stone walls. “Your plots to undermine the empire’s alliances end here.”

Lady Meng shrieked, but Minister Liu drew a dagger. Jin Tao’s hand flashed to his sword hilt. Li Xiao released the whistle again—its shrill cry summoning palace guards.

Within moments, armored figures flooded the chamber, disarming Liu and restraining Huang. Lady Meng collapsed to her knees, tears in her eyes. Jin Tao advanced, his presence commanding.

“Show them the evidence,” he instructed Li Xiao.

She stepped forward, unrolling the scrolls. “These are their secret correspondences and ledgers—proof of bribery and betrayal.” The guards examined the documents, their expressions grim.

Jin Tao turned to the conspirators. “By imperial decree and the will of the emperor, you are hereby detained pending trial.” He nodded to the guards, who bound their hands and led them away.

In the aftermath, Li Xiao and Jin Tao stood in the silent chamber. Moonlight cast long shadows across the floor.

“You were brilliant,” Jin Tao said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Your courage saved the empire.”

She bowed, heart pounding. “I serve to protect our realm—and you.”

He lifted her chin, his crimson eyes warm. “And I am forever grateful.”

They departed together, the first light of dawn touching the horizon. Li Xiao’s steps felt lighter, her resolve stronger. Though conspiracies still lurked in hidden corners, they had proven that mercy, unity, and vigilance could overcome even the darkest plots.

Under the palace’s watchful gaze, Archivist and Grand Advisor walked side by side—champions of justice and guardians of the empire’s future.