Fate's Enchantment

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a soft golden hue across the palace grounds, Zhao Han stirred from his restless sleep. The weight of the previous day's revelations still hung heavy on his mind, but he knew he couldn't afford to linger in bed. Today was crucial.

He rose quietly, careful not to disturb the stillness of the early morning. The palace was a labyrinth of shadows and silence at this hour, the corridors empty save for the occasional guard patrolling the grounds. Zhao Han moved with purpose, his steps echoing softly against the marble floors.

After freshening up, he donned his robes, the rich fabric whispering against his skin as he fastened the intricate clasps. His mind was already racing ahead to his first destination: Aoi's chamber. The healer's quarters were tucked away in a secluded part of the palace, a sanctuary of peace and quiet amidst the bustling royal residence.

As he approached Aoi's room, Zhao Han felt a familiar mix of anticipation and apprehension. He paused for a moment outside her door, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The scent of morning dew and blooming flowers wafted through the open windows, mingling with the faint aroma of herbs and medicinal concoctions that always seemed to linger around Aoi's quarters.

With a gentle knock, he announced his presence. The door creaked open, revealing Aoi standing in the soft glow of the morning light. Her eyes, still heavy with sleep, widened slightly in surprise at the sight of him.

"Zhao Han," she greeted, her voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves. "You're up early."

Zhao Han smiled softly, "Good morning, Aoi," His voice soft and steady.

"Morning," She managed to speak out, stumbling on her steps as she sat down on her bed. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the morning light and she opened her eyes.

"Quite heavy sleeper you are," Zhao Han's voice amused as he teased her slightly.

He looked around and locked the doors, his tone suddenly changing from playful to serious. "Walls have ears, you know. I want to talk about something important," his gaze intense as he met her eyes. "I want you to be Taizifei."

Aoi's eyes widen in shock. Is he out of his mind? He still has my aunt locked up, I need to be careful. Aoi Nodded, ignoring the gut feelings of something is wrong. This man is not simple. He could find out my whole past in just few days, he's been stalking me as well.

"How... how will you do it?" Her voice was steady even though she was nervous.

"Force Huang Taihou, give you the title of Taizifei, the crown princess," He smirked, a dangerous smirk.

Aoi knew she can't refuse. She quietly nodded and forced a smile, "Thank you, His Highness!"

Aoi's heart raced. She knew the Empress Dowager, Huáng Tàihòu, was a formidable woman who wielded immense power within the palace. For Zhao Han to force her hand was no small feat. "But... Huáng Tàihòu is not easily swayed. She won't just agree to this."

Zhao Han's smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with a mix of determination and cunning. "Leave that to me. I have my ways of persuasion. She will have no choice but to comply."

Aoi felt a chill run down her spine. The man standing before her was not just a prince; he was a strategist, a manipulator who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. She knew she couldn't refuse him, not without endangering herself and her aunt.

Zhao Han stepped closer, his gaze intense. "Remember, Aoi, this is for the greater good. My father's life depends on it. And so does the future of our empire."

Aoi swallowed hard, her mind racing with the implications of his words. She had no choice but to play along, at least for now. "I understand," she replied to the retreating figure of Zhao Han, her voice barely above a whisper. She can't believe this is the boy she saved. He looks so different yet same. If the plan of getting the title Taizifei fails, she's done for. She needs to play it safe.