The winds of the Imperial Capital always carried a certain unspeakable chill, especially recently.
The news of Madam Joseph being beheaded and the Kaladi Clan facing reckoning spread throughout the entire circle of the Imperial Nobility in just half a day.
The rumors ran rampant, and the banquets and salon gatherings in the mansions turned exceptionally quiet.
Everyone was whispering about one thing: this time, the Emperor had acted too harshly.
"No matter the case, they were nobles for five generations... removed without a word, roots and all?"
"Sigh, Kaladi... after all, wasn't someone the Emperor personally elevated."
"Don't forget, this is the third prominent noble purged this year."
"It's still the same... 'balance of power.' In the end, nobody but the Emperor can stand firm."
No one dared openly criticize the Emperor, but beneath the thin veneer of respectful words lay undeniable fear and vigilance.
