Morning light filtered softly into the Empress's courtyard, painting the white stone paths with warm golden colors. The air was cool, carrying the scent of blooming plum blossoms from the garden outside.
Inside the chamber, Lian An sat beside the window finishing her breakfast when her maid hurried inside.
"Your Majesty," the maid said with excitement, bowing slightly. "The dresses you selected have been completed."
Lian An looked up with interest.
"So quickly?"
The maid smiled and gestured toward the door.
A group of palace servants entered carefully, each carrying long lacquered boxes decorated with gold patterns. They placed the boxes on the table and respectfully stepped back.
The maid opened the first box.
Inside lay the red silk dress Lian An had chosen earlier. The fabric was now perfectly tailored, its sleeves embroidered with delicate golden plum blossoms. The hem shimmered with fine threadwork that caught the morning light.
Beside it were the matching accessories.
