POV: Lin Yue
The grand hall of the Imperial Palace shimmered in hues of vermillion and gold, but Lin Yue felt none of its splendor. Her heart was still, eyes sharper than any blade. The whispers of betrayal were over. Today, she would carve truth into the bones of liars.
She walked with poise — clad in flowing crimson silk that kissed the marble floors — and every nobleman, courtier, and official watched in silence. Once disgraced, now undeniable.
At the far end of the court, Crown Prince Rui Shen (Crown Prince) sat high upon the dais, the weight of judgment in his eyes. Beside him stood her father, Yue Jian (Father), a man whose pride had once blinded him. The stepmother, Madam Lian (Stepmother), clutched her silken sleeves. Her face was powdered calm, but her trembling fingers betrayed the storm beneath. The stepsister, Yue Meixiu (Stepsister), stood rigid, her eyes spitting venom and panic.
Lin Yue bowed low but not submissively.
> "Your Highness," she began, voice like velvet over steel. "I stand here not to beg, but to reveal."
Crown Prince (Rui Shen):
"Speak, Lady Yue. The court listens."
She raised her head, smile subtle, deadly. A court scribe unfurled a scroll she handed over.
> "This is the original letter that allegedly came from my hand. But this—" she pulled another from her sleeve, "—is my handwriting. Anyone with eyes can see the difference. The letter was forged."
Gasps rippled through the court. An official hurried over, comparing the scrolls. The difference was clear. Too clear.
> "More than that," Lin Yue turned to the side, "there are witnesses — servants who were bribed, silenced. But the Lustbound System granted me clarity. One touch, one truth."
She motioned, and two maids were brought forward. Their heads bowed, their voices quivered, but they told everything.
Maid #1:
"M-my Lady Meixiu... ordered us to place the forged letter in her Highness's chamber... we... we were paid in silver... threatened."
Maid #2:
"Madam Lian said the Crown Prince must break the betrothal… she said Lady Yue was a threat to her daughter's future…"
Madam Lian (Stepmother):
"Lies! This is slander!" Her voice rose, but no one missed the fear creeping into her eyes. "She—she bewitched them! Her system—it's evil!"
Lin Yue:
"Evil?" she laughed. "Is it evil to survive? Is it evil to want truth?"
Yue Meixiu (Stepsister):
"She... she's manipulating you all! She only wants power—!"
Yue Jian (Father):
"Enough!"
His voice boomed through the court. He stood slowly, shame coloring his features.
Yue Jian (Father):
"For years, I... I turned my back on Yue. I let jealousy paint her in lies. Today, I see my folly."
Lin Yue didn't flinch. She didn't cry. Her tears had dried lifetimes ago.
Crown Prince (Rui Shen):
"In respect to Minister Yue's name, and to protect the court's dignity... the incident will be blamed on a disgraced scribe already in exile. But know this—" his gaze pierced the crowd, "—Lady Lin Yue is absolved. Her honor restored."
The courtiers bowed. Some murmured approval. Some clenched teeth.
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POV: Court Noblewoman
> "To rise from disgrace like that... and so poised. I fear we've all underestimated the First Daughter."
POV: Rival Official
> "This girl... she is no longer prey. She is predator."
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The Lustbound System pulsed within Lin Yue's soul.
Reward granted:
✨ Charm +5
✨ Intelligence +3
✨ Seduction Skill Unlocked: Tongue of Temptation
And as the court dispersed, whispers of admiration followed.
Crown Prince (Rui Shen):
"She shines... like a flame I can't put out."
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POV: Lin Yue
> "They tried to silence me. They forgot — I was born to roar."
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