Chapter Text
Tian Chuang was unforgiving, and so was the Ghost Valley. Years ago, a gruesome battle broke out between the groups, where bodies filled the area. Zhou Zishu never forgot, how could he, the screams and the terror that echo mercilessly haunt him every passing day. People he shared laughter and made memories with fell like flies, the soul in their eyes fading as they fell into death’s arms.
Hatred festered inside of him, growing, glowering and spreading. That flame of revenge that remains lit even during the darkest nights, never to be snuffed out.
He hated them, he loathed them all. Blood that had split, tears that fell, memories replayed. Although both sides suffered equal tragedies, the grudge each one holds has never loosened.
By the will of the gods above, an opportunity arises, perhaps a birthday surprise from the celestials. The Ghost Valley master has opened its doors in search of a new concubine, suitable to produce an heir for the throne. The one to be wed in question was none other than the Chiefs' adopted son - Wen Kexing.
He was a mystery in Jianghu, only known by his name and nothing else. He lurked in the dark before revealing himself as the main show during that blood bath. Slitting Tian Chuang's disciple's throat like paper before preying on the next without a glint of hesitation or humanity in his eyes. That was the first time his abilities were showcased to the world, and Zhou Zishu was one of the lucky few people to witness it.
Zhou Zishu experienced it firsthand, the way that bastard entangled and played with the lives of his juniors. With a flick of a fan, more than five disciples had lost their lives.
He knew too little to be able to judge accordingly, with still so many unsolved puzzles, Zhou Zishu could only ponder - maybe he was under the influence of his Yifu, or maybe that was just in his nature. Regardless, he wasn't going to turn down this opportunity to assassinate the Valley master, avenging his fallen comrades so they can finally rest in peace.
The plan was for Zhou Zishu to infiltrate the Valley, Under a disguise, a fake identity, gaining trust, closing in the gaps and striking at any moment of vulnerability.
Never in Zhou Zishu’s life would he have guessed that one day he’ll need to disguise as a concubine to complete a mission. Sure, he had done plenty of undercover jobs before this. Dressing as a homeless person to gain the trust of his target, and even once as a young lost teenager to lure his target into an alleyway.
This was entirely new; disguises were meant to be a tool to blend in; however, in this case, he was going to have to bring attention to himself, enough for his targets to take interest in him and approve of him. This was just out of character for him, and honestly, if it were under different circumstances, he would decline such a mission, but for his fallen juniors, he'd endure anything.
A knock on his door leading into his sleeping quarters disturbed his thoughts, the door creaking open soon after.
“Zishu, are you sure you’re up for this?” A familiar voice squeaked anxiously.
Zhou Zishu scoffed, picking up a makeup brush and applying a heavy beige cream on his face. “If I wasn’t so sure, would I have accepted so quickly?” Using his fingers to smooth out the texture, blending it into his skin flawlessly. Making his face seem rounder, more feminine in mere seconds. Silence fell upon them both, Zhou Zishu eyeing the other from his mirror.
He didn’t seem to mind, and continued the routine. Now grabbing blush and smearing it on his cheeks, lightly dabbing some on his nose as well. Once that was done, he dipped his finger into a small porcelain container filled with rouge so red you’d mistaken it for pure blood. Zhou Zishu separated his lips slightly, tapping the rouge-covered finger over them. Blending it in by smashing his lips together, rubbing them to create a blurring effect.
Prince Jin watched in awe, but also in pure astonishment at how Zhou Zishu was practically shapeshifting in front of his eyes.
To finish the look, he used the remaining rouge on his finger and drew a huadian on his forehead. Looking into the mirror, a different person looked back at him. Zhou Zishu had practically changed everything about his face that he possibly could, from his eyebrows down to his jawline.
The only thing he couldn’t quite tamper with, however, was his eyes. No matter what makeup he applied, nothing could change that gaze who has seen countless deaths. He shook the thought away, popping one of the other porcelain bottles open. Shifting a pill out of it, and popping it in his mouth and swallowing without a second thought.
“Does the prince think the alias ‘Zhou Xu’ fits this lowly one?” Zhou Zishu spoke, with a voice that didn’t belong to him. It was soft, feminine and dare one say, sweet.
Prince Jin blinked in shock, clearing his throat to remind himself that the person before him was still a man and not some random lady who accidentally found herself in Zhou Zishu’s quarters. “It suits you, but wouldn’t it be dangerous to still go by your surname?”
Zhou Zishu smirked, looking back at the mirror. “I want to keep at least some of me in her.”
—
The gates of the palace opened, with a cloaked person on a horse galloping out quietly. Rocking back and forth, trying to beat the harsh cold weathers of winter. Zhou Zishu let out a breath of exhaustion, directing his horse into the nearby forest.
Looking back at the gloomy castle, with the sun cascading over it like a blanket. It almost felt like freedom for just a second, that feeling of leaving it all behind and never coming back. An open door for new opportunities, new challenges. For once Zhou Zishu was terrified, yet a new seed of emotion sprouted within him.
The forest started to envelop his surroundings, the further he went, more and more snow-covered branches blocked the palace’s view. Zhou Zishu was no longer in that dreadful place, and even if it was temporary, it felt exhilarating.
From this day onwards, he would be referred to as Lady Zhou Xu.