The moon hung over willow branches, and the fragrance of flowers filled the air.
The envoy from Southern Chu approached, cupping his hands in greeting toward Shen Wei. "This foreign official pays his respects to the Noble Consort."
A momentary silence fell over the surroundings.
The Southern Chu envoy lifted his gaze, studying Noble Consort Shen Wei, who stood less than six feet away. Years had passed, yet her appearance remained unchanged—her skin fair, her features exquisitely painted, draped in the resplendent ceremonial robes of a noble consort, her elegance surpassing even that of a peony.
Shen Wei cast a cool glance at the peculiar envoy and commanded, "Guards, seize this intruder and deliver him to the Court of Judicial Review for rigorous interrogation."
For a foreign envoy to trespass into the inner palace in the dead of night was nothing short of courting death.
Shen Wei showed no courtesy.
