Yan Shu walks through the palace gates in her bridal red, looking up at massive walls. The jade glows at her throat.

Yan Shu notices Second Prince Jin. His careful blankness.

Yan Shu notices the bastard third son. His uncomfortable stillness.

Yan Shu is left alone in the bridal chamber. The jade pulls at her.

Yan Shu tests the jade on Ruan. Warm then uncertain.

Yan Shu tests the jade on Jin. Cold rejection.

Yan Shu tests the jade on the bastard. Confused reaction.

Yan Shu removes her veils. Time to work.

Yan Shu forges her first seal. A smuggler's skills for palace work.

Yan Shu in the palace records room. Learning Ruan's history.

Yan Shu learns Jin's history from records.

Yan Shu learns the bastard's history. Almost nothing there.

Yan Shu realizes guessing will kill her. She needs to test directly.

Yan Shu researches the ritual touch. What it requires.

Yan Shu understands the cost. The jade will use her body to test.

Yan Shu realizes the only clean test is the one that doesn't hurt her.

Cliffhanger. Yan Shu must test directly. She begins positioning herself.