The imperial envoy arrived without ceremony.
No banners.
No announcements.
Just a small procession entering Shen City through the eastern gate.
Qin Wang Shan noticed immediately.
"The empire has finally opened its eyes," he murmured.
The carriage stopped before the city lord's residence. A man stepped down—thin, composed, dressed in dark official robes trimmed with muted silver. His movements were slow but deliberate, his gaze sharp enough to miss nothing.
"I am Lu Zheng," the man said calmly.
"Imperial Inspector of Wushen."
Behind him, several soldiers dismounted, their posture relaxed yet alert.
Qin Wangshan stepped forward.
"Prince Qin Wang Shan greets the Inspector."
Lu Zheng studied him for a moment longer than necessary.
"So this is the seventh prince," he said. "You appear healthier than the reports suggested."
Qin Wang Shan smiled faintly.
"Shen City is not kind to the weak."
For the first time, Lu Zheng's eyes flickered with interest.
The inspection began immediately.
Granaries were opened.
Barracks examined.
Markets observed.
Lu Zheng asked few questions, but every glance carried weight. He noted the organized ration lines, the guarded supply routes, and the strange calm among the citizens.
"This city was on the verge of starvation," Lu Zheng said casually. "Yet now, people eat."
"They eat because we chose action," Qin Wangshan replied, "not because we waited for mercy."
Lu Zheng stopped walking.
"The empire sent no supplies," he said. "And yet, your stores are stable."
Qin Wang Shan met his gaze.
"Starving cities find ways to survive."
A thin smile appeared on Lu Zheng's lips.
"Be careful, Your Highness," he said softly. "The empire dislikes… unsanctioned solutions."
"And the empire," Qin Wang Shan replied evenly, "dislikes being reminded of what it ignored."
Silence followed.
Then Lu Zheng laughed quietly.
That night, Lu Zheng requested a private audience.
Lantern light flickered between them as rain tapped softly against the roof.
"There are rumors," Lu Zheng said, tapping the table once.
"Hidden trade routes. Unauthorized exchanges."
Qin Wang Shan did not deny it.
"Would you prefer the city to starve?" he asked calmly.
Lu Zheng's eyes sharpened.
"Do you intend to rebel?"
"No," Qin Wang Shan answered without hesitation.
"But I will not let Shen City die quietly."
The inspector studied him for a long moment.
"You are dangerous," Lu Zheng said finally.
"Not because you seek the throne—but because you make people question the system."
He stood and turned toward the door.
"I will submit my report," he said. "Whether this city survives… depends on how convincing it appears to the court."
At the threshold, he paused.
"Do not force the empire to choose between stability and control, Prince Qin Wangshan."
Then he left.
That night, Qin Wang Shan stood alone on the balcony.
Below him, lanterns burned steadily across Shen City.
The city breathed.
But he knew the truth.
From this moment on, Shen City was no longer invisible.
And the empire had begun to watch.