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The main hall lay in silence, only the faint murmur of wind stirred the curtains, carrying with it the scent of dust and extinguished incense.
Han Yan's footsteps echoed softly as he entered.
Madam Wei stood near the center of the hall, her expression composed yet strained. All trace of earlier arrogance had faded, leaving behind a chill, brittle calm. Her gaze swept over the bundle in his hands, and her eyes darkened.
"Hopefully you did not take anything beyond your clothes," she said at last, each word clipped and cold. "We can no longer afford to provide for you."
The sarcasm in her voice cut through like a sharp blade. She spoke loudly enough for those lingering outside to hear desperate to reclaim some shred of authority after being humiliated before the villagers.
