The imperial palace was quiet that morning, but tension hung heavily over the Dowager Empress's courtyard.
A line of servants stood at the courtyard entrance carrying lacquered red boxes decorated with gold ribbons. The boxes were filled with wedding sweets, silk cloth, and ceremonial gifts.
At the front stood Chen Guowei, father of Lady Chen and head of the powerful Chen family.
His posture was straight and calm, but anyone who knew the politics of the palace understood that this visit was not simple courtesy.
Chen Guowei had come to personally invite the Dowager Empress and Lady Chen to the wedding of his younger daughter, Chen Ruyi, who would soon marry Lian Rou, the nephew of the Duke and cousin of the Empress.
It was a marriage that had shaken many noble families.
Especially the palace.
The guards outside the Dowager's courtyard bowed respectfully but did not allow him to enter immediately.
A palace maid stepped forward and spoke politely.
