My Husband Is A Stranger (BL)

The imperial court was a chessboard, each piece carefully placed, each move a calculated risk. And tonight, Rui was about to make his next move.

The golden lanterns flickered in the corridors as Rui made his way toward the emperor's private study. The palace was quieter than usual, the usual flow of attendants and ministers seemingly thinned. It was an unnatural stillness—the kind that came before a storm.

As he reached the entrance, the guards bowed but did not stop him. They had long since learned that Prince Rui's presence in the emperor's study required no announcement.

Rui stepped inside.

Li Yuan sat at his desk, dressed in deep imperial gold, his long hair loosely tied back. A single candle illuminated his face, casting sharp shadows along his strong jawline. He was studying a scroll, his fingers idly tapping against the polished wood of his desk.

"You move quickly," Li Yuan murmured without looking up.

Rui did not react. "You knew I would come."

Li Yuan finally lifted his gaze. His golden eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "Of course."

Rui stepped closer, his silver robes trailing behind him. "Minister Zhang is gathering support. He has not acted outright, but he is testing the waters. If left unchecked, he will strike when the time is right."

Li Yuan leaned back, exhaling slowly. "I am aware."

Rui's brows furrowed slightly. "And you do nothing?"

Li Yuan studied him for a long moment, then smirked. "You underestimate me, Rui."

A flick of his wrist, and Li Yuan gestured to the documents spread before him. Rui stepped forward, scanning the contents. They were letters, reports—lists of names. Ministers, generals, advisors.

Some were loyal. Some were not.

"You think I sit idle while Zhang schemes in the shadows?" Li Yuan's voice was calm, but there was steel beneath it. "I have watched, waited. I let him believe he is in control."

Rui's fingers traced one of the names on the list. "You are luring him deeper."

Li Yuan nodded. "And when the moment is right, I will remove him."

A flicker of admiration stirred in Rui's chest, though he did not show it. The emperor was ruthless in his strategy—far more patient than Rui would have expected.

"And if I had not intervened?" Rui asked.

Li Yuan's lips curved slightly. "Then I would have learned where your loyalties lie."

A test.

Rui held his gaze. "And have you found your answer?"

Li Yuan stood, closing the distance between them. "Not yet." His fingers brushed against Rui's sleeve, a light but deliberate touch. "But I will."

Rui exhaled softly, his pulse steady despite the intensity of the moment.

This was not just about politics.

This was about power.

And neither of them would surrender easily.

A Court Divided

The next morning, the imperial court gathered in the grand hall, the air thick with anticipation.

Minister Zhang stood near the front, his expression carefully neutral, but Rui could see the tension in his shoulders. He knew something was coming—he just didn't know when.

Li Yuan took his seat upon the dragon throne, his presence commanding. When he spoke, his voice was smooth, unwavering.

"There are whispers of discord," he said, his gaze sweeping across the ministers. "Whispers that question my rule, my decisions, my alliances."

A murmur rippled through the court.

Li Yuan continued, "I have ruled with strength. I have expanded our borders, secured our empire's future. And yet, there are those who doubt me."

His gaze locked onto Zhang.

Rui watched as the minister stiffened.

Li Yuan's lips curved into something resembling a smile. "Minister Zhang, step forward."

Zhang hesitated for the briefest moment before obeying, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty."

"You have long served this court," Li Yuan said. "Tell me, Minister—where do your loyalties lie?"

Zhang's expression did not waver, but Rui could see the flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

"With the empire, Your Majesty," Zhang replied smoothly.

Li Yuan nodded. "Then let us test that loyalty."

A scroll was presented, its contents unknown to all but the emperor.

Rui's breath caught slightly.

This was it.

The game had begun.

And soon, there would be no turning back.