The imperial palace was peaceful that afternoon.
After the morning court session ended, most officials had already returned to their residences, leaving the inner palace unusually calm. The Emperor's courtyard was quiet except for the faint sound of bamboo leaves swaying in the winter breeze.
Inside the courtyard, servants carefully arranged lunch on a long wooden table.
The Emperor had just finished reviewing the last of the court documents when a familiar figure appeared at the entrance.
The guards stepped aside immediately.
None of them stopped her.
Lady Chen entered gracefully.
Her robes of pale lavender silk flowed gently as she walked across the courtyard. The soft sound of her jade ornaments chimed faintly with each step.
For years, this courtyard had been a place she could enter freely.
The Emperor noticed her the moment she arrived.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Chen'er."
He put down the scroll he was reading.
"You came."
Lady Chen bowed lightly.
