The midday sun shimmered warmly over the courtyards of Duke Lian's estate, turning the tiled roofs gold and the air fragrant with the scent of freshly brewed medicinal tea.
Inside the main hall, servants bustled in excitement. Crates of silk and porcelain were being carried in one after another — golden seals marking each box with the imperial emblem of the dragon and phoenix intertwined.
The long-awaited convoy from the palace had finally arrived.
When the steward announced the contents, Duchess Xiu could hardly contain her joy. "Imperial gifts!" she exclaimed, eyes shining. "Herbs from the southern mountains, jade boxes of medicine, even sea rubies! The Emperor truly has a generous heart."
A dozen servants gathered at the doors, whispering in awe as they glimpsed the glittering treasures — tonics, silver, even rolls of soft brocade.
