Fate's Enchantment

Aoi sat down on the ornate chair, her eyes scanning the room filled with servants and maids. She began counting softly, "One, two..." Her voice trailed off as she continued, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. After a moment, she concluded, "Thirteen servants and fourteen maids."

Leaning forward, her elbows resting on her knees, she addressed the maids with a tone that was meant to be serious but came off as slightly playful, "Maids, introduce yourselves." It was clear she wasn't used to commanding others in this manner.

One by one, the maids stepped forward, each bowing slightly before speaking their names. "Mei," "Li," "Hua," "Ling," "Xiu," "Yan," "Jing," "Fen," "Lan," "Ning," "Qian," "Rui," "Shan," "Ting." The names echoed softly in the room, each maid standing with a mix of nervousness and pride.

Aoi observed them thoughtfully. She knew that these maids didn't have surnames until they were sold off, usually adopting the surname of their mistress. However, Aoi herself came from a village and had no parents, thus no surname. Marrying Zhao Han meant her surname should be Zhao, but she pondered over her mother's name, Yueliang, and the surname Yue.

With a sudden decision, she clasped her hands together and grinned, "Your surname is Yue! I choose Yue Ning and Yue Qian to be my personal maids!" Her voice carried a note of excitement, and the chosen maids stepped forward, their faces lighting up with a mix of surprise and gratitude.

Despite looking masculine... they're gentle.

Aoi glanced at the servants, judging them. They could be in the military as first-ranked soldiers. They're old and not handsome, too. The only eye-candy she could see is Zhao Han. Such a pity. She sighed. "Where is his highness?" she asked Ning.

"His Highness is preparing for the ceremony. He'd spend the night in your chamber, Her Highness," Ning answered with a slight bow. The ceremony of upgrading her title soon starts.

As the grand ceremony unfolds, the atmosphere is filled with anticipation and excitement. Aoi, dressed in her exquisite ceremonial robe, stands before the Emperor and Empress, ready to be officially declared the Crown Princess. The hall is adorned with silk banners, lanterns, and fragrant flowers, creating an air of splendor and reverence.

Just as the Emperor is about to present Aoi with the jade scepter, a high-ranking official steps forward, holding a scroll. "Your Majesty, I have urgent news," he announces, his voice echoing through the hall. The room falls silent, and all eyes turn to the official.

The emperor gestures for the official to approach. "Speak," he commands.

The official unfurls the scroll and begins to read aloud. "This document contains evidence of a conspiracy against the throne, orchestrated by none other than the Crown Princess herself." Gasps of shock and disbelief ripple through the assembly.

Aoi's heart races as she listens in stunned silence. The official continues, "These letters, written in the Crown Princess's hand, reveal her plans to ally with foreign enemies and overthrow the Emperor."

"These letters are not written by me!" Aoi protests.

The Emperor's face darkens with anger as he examines the documents. Aoi, bewildered and desperate to defend herself, steps forward. "Your Majesty, I swear I am innocent. These documents are forgeries! I-"

The official smirks, "The evidence is clear. We must act swiftly to protect the empire. I propose that the Crown Princess be detained and questioned until we uncover the truth."

"You're framing me! Where are my maids?!" she demanded.

"Guards, take her away," the emperor commanded, his voice raising from anger.

As the grand ceremony unfolds and Aoi is unjustly accused of treason, the atmosphere in the hall becomes tense and charged with uncertainty. The guards move to escort Aoi away, but just as they reach her, a commanding voice echoes through the hall.

"Stop!" Zhao Han, a respected figure in the court, steps forward with a determined expression. "I will not allow this injustice to continue."

The official's face reddened with fury. "You're just a consort and a woman, why did you speak-" His voice was abruptly cut off by Aoi.

"You mean you're superior to the royal family? The one planning for rebellion is you!" Aoi smirked slightly, the expression barely noticeable but not missed by Zhao Han.

The hall fell silent, the tension palpable. The Emperor's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the official. "Is there truth to these accusations?" he asked, his voice cold and commanding.

The official stammered, his confidence wavering. "Your Majesty, I... I only sought to protect the throne."

Zhao Han stepped forward, his presence commanding. "Your Majesty, I request a thorough investigation into this matter. Let us examine the documents and the circumstances surrounding their discovery. If Aoi is truly guilty, the evidence will hold up under scrutiny. But if there is foul play, we must uncover the true culprits."