Morning sunlight filtered softly through the carved windows of the Dowager Empress's chamber.
The room smelled faintly of sandalwood incense.
Outside, palace servants moved quietly through the courtyard, careful not to disturb the silence surrounding the older woman's residence.
Inside—
The Dowager Empress sat beside the window, slowly turning prayer beads between her fingers.
Her expression remained calm.
Controlled.
But her thoughts—
Restless.
—
The palace had not been peaceful lately.
Too many incidents.
Too many whispers.
Too much unease spreading through the halls.
Even the servants walked more carefully now, lowering their voices whenever the Empress's name was mentioned.
—
The Dowager Empress closed her eyes briefly.
Then finally spoke.
"Where is Princess Zhi?"
—
A maid immediately stepped forward and bowed.
"Your Highness, the princess is still confined to her courtyard."
—
The Dowager Empress's fingers paused slightly against the prayer beads.
