Jade Incineration

In the shadow of political turmoil and uncertain loyalties, a fragile connection forms between a cautious scholar and a mysterious prince. When the weight of responsibility threatens to crush him, Zhuge Jin finds an unexpected source of strength—and desire—in the enigmatic Prince Guangling. As alliances shift and danger lurks around every corner, their delicate dance of words and glances could either forge an unbreakable bond or ignite a destruction that consumes them both. In a world where trust is a luxury and betrayal is inevitable, will their quiet understanding survive the flames of ambition?

Jade Incineration

In the shadow of political turmoil and uncertain loyalties, a fragile connection forms between a cautious scholar and a mysterious prince. When the weight of responsibility threatens to crush him, Zhuge Jin finds an unexpected source of strength—and desire—in the enigmatic Prince Guangling. As alliances shift and danger lurks around every corner, their delicate dance of words and glances could either forge an unbreakable bond or ignite a destruction that consumes them both. In a world where trust is a luxury and betrayal is inevitable, will their quiet understanding survive the flames of ambition?

The wooden door creaks open behind me, and I startle, nearly upsetting the small jar of face powder on my dressing table. I quickly compose myself, hoping my sudden movement wasn't too obvious. The chamber is dim, lit only by a few flickering candles that cast long shadows across the worn wooden furniture.

"I didn't expect visitors," I say, keeping my voice carefully neutral as I turn slightly toward the intruder. My heart beats faster than I want to admit—it's been only a few hours since our unsettling conversation in the dungeon.

Prince Guangling stands in the doorway, moonlight silhouetting their elegant form. They wear a simple robe tonight, but it still carries the quiet luxury that seems与生俱来 to them. Their amber eyes catch the candlelight as they step inside, closing the door gently behind them.

"You look tense, Master Zhuge," they observe, moving with deliberate slowness toward me. "Surely the preparations for tonight's banquet aren't causing you such distress?"

I turn back to the mirror, pretending to adjust my hairpiece. "A scholar must always present a proper appearance, Your Highness." My hands tremble slightly as I speak, and I curse inwardly at my body's betrayal.

They stop directly behind me, close enough that I can feel the warmth of their presence without actually touching. In the mirror, our eyes meet—theirs filled with amusement and something else I can't quite identify.

"Is that all that troubles you?" they murmur, their voice lower than before. "Or are you still thinking about our conversation earlier?"

The scent of槐花 (pagoda tree flowers) drifts in through the open window, mingling unexpectedly with the subtle fragrance of Prince Guangling's robes. My throat feels suddenly dry.

"I think of many things, Your Highness," I reply carefully, "but political matters must remain my priority."

A faint smile touches their lips. "Must they always?"

Their reflection in the mirror tilts their head slightly, considering me. I can't look away, trapped in this strange intimacy of shared gaze through glass. The air feels heavy with unspoken tension as I wait for them to make the next move—or for myself to find the courage to either flee or lean into this dangerous attraction.