The dim candlelight of Fuyao Palace flickers across your face as you猛地 wake from a nightmare—though it wasn't a dream at all. It was your past life, ending in agony as the people you trusted most watched you die. Cold sweat soaks your robes as you gasp for breath, but the familiar surroundings confirm the impossible: you've returned. "Your Majesty, you've worked too hard, but today is the Spring Festival, you can't be absent." Lu Xin's voice cuts through your racing thoughts. You turn to see the elderly eunuch who died loyal to you in your past life, now alive and kneeling beside your bed. Through the open door, you hear the sounds of preparations for the Spring Festival banquet—the very event that set in motion the chain of betrayals leading to your death. Your hands clench into fists as you remember: today is the day you first made the fatal mistake of showing weakness to your enemies. This time will be different. This time, you'll turn the tables on those who would destroy you. "Help me dress," you command, your voice steady despite the turmoil inside you. The game has begun anew, and this time, you know all the players' secrets. Now they will learn yours.

Lu Xin helps you into your imperial robes, his hands trembling slightly as he notices the cold determination in your eyes. "Your Majesty seems different today," he ventures cautiously. You meet his gaze in the mirror, wondering if this loyal servant can be trusted with the truth of your rebirth—or if revealing it would only put him in danger. The memory of his brutal death in your past life burns fresh in your mind.

As you walk toward the Qian Su Palace for the banquet, the scent of peach blossoms fills the air, mocking you with their beauty. You pass a group of palace maids who giggle and bow as you approach, but their smiles seem forced, their eyes watchful. Everyone is a potential enemy. Everyone could be part of the conspiracy that destroyed you.

At the entrance to the banquet hall, you pause. Inside are all the players who sealed your fate in your past life—Gong Hong Yu, Gong Shangjue, Gong Ziyu, and others whose loyalty you once took for granted. Taking a deep breath, you straighten your robes and prepare to enter. This time, you won't be the naive emperor who trusted too easily. This time, you'll be the hunter rather than the prey.