The outer garden was swallowed by sudden light.
Torches flared to life along the winding paths as soldiers flooded in from every direction, their footsteps heavy against stone and soil. The quiet that had lingered moments ago was torn apart by shouted orders and the sharp clatter of armor.
Shadows retreated beneath hedges and trees, chased away by the glow of lanterns.
Long Mingze strode into the garden without slowing, his robes sweeping across fallen petals. His presence alone pressed down on the space like an invisible weight. The night air was cool, yet the killing intent radiating from him made every breath feel sharp.
"Seal all exits," he commanded coldly. "No one leaves the garden."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Eunuch Fu hurried after him, heart pounding. "Your Majesty, the people working in the garden—"
"Summon everyone," Long Mingze interrupted. "Immediately."
The order spread at once.
