Meanwhile...
The heavy doors of the Regent Empress's personal residence closed behind her with a soft thud.
Fen Ling walked slowly into her private chambers.
The luxurious yet cold interior felt especially empty tonight.
Her intricate phoenix robes swayed with each step, the golden embroidery catching the lantern light.
The long day of managing state affairs, suppressing hidden factions within the palace, and dealing with the increasingly unpredictable plague had left her mentally exhausted, despite her powerful cultivation.
Just then,
Two personal maids immediately approached her with practiced reverence.
"Welcome back, Your Highness."
Without a word, the Fen Ling raised her arms slightly.
The maids began to carefully undress her, their movements gentle and precise as they removed the heavy outer phoenix robe layer by layer.
