The secret passage opened quietly behind them, the heavy stone sliding back into place without a sound. Torchlight flickered along the narrow corridor, casting long shadows that stretched and twisted across the walls.
The Emperor stopped just before the final turn.
"Cover your head," he said in a low voice.
Lian An paused, then pulled the hood of her cloak forward, shadowing her face completely. Only her pale chin was faintly visible beneath the fabric.
Fen Yu leaned closer, whispering with mischief,
"Wow. Sneaking your own wife into the palace like a forbidden lover."
Wei Rong snorted.
"History books will never record this."
Li Shen adjusted his sleeves thoughtfully.
"This secrecy is politically sound. Emotionally questionable."
The Emperor ignored them all.
He lifted his hand, and a soft bell rang once.
Almost immediately, footsteps approached—measured, disciplined.
