The morning was quiet.
Unlike the lively chaos of the Duke residence, the small shrine at the edge of the estate remained peaceful.
Incense smoke curled gently into the air.
Wind chimes rang softly with the breeze.
It was a place meant for stillness.
Reflection.
Distance from everything else.
—
The Dowager Empress stepped inside.
But today—
She was not dressed as the powerful woman of the palace.
No heavy robes.
No jewels.
—
Only simple clothes.
Plain.
Unassuming.
—
A woman who could pass as anyone.
—
Her steps were slow.
Measured.
—
She had come to pray.
Or perhaps—
To think.
—
But the moment she entered—
Her gaze stopped.
—
Not on the altar.
—
But on someone else.
—
In the courtyard beyond the shrine—
The Empress.
—
Lian An.
—
She was kneeling beside a small table.
Arranging offerings.
Fixing incense.
Helping a maid carry water.
—
Her sleeves slightly rolled.
Her movements—
Natural.
Unforced.
—
No complaints.
No hesitation.
—
And—
