The conversation in the Dowager Empress's hall had ended.
Yet the words refused to leave her mind.
"Whenever Shin Gu disappears, something happens..."
Lady Chen's observation echoed repeatedly in her thoughts.
The Dowager Empress sat alone in her chamber.
A cup of tea rested untouched beside her.
Normally she would have dismissed such suspicions immediately.
But tonight felt different.
For the first time—
She found herself remembering details she had ignored before.
The lake incident.
The strange events surrounding the Empress.
Princess Zhi's tragedy.
The recent attack.
And always—
Shin Gu seemed absent.
The Dowager Empress closed her eyes.
"No..."
She whispered.
"Perhaps I am overthinking."
Yet even as she said it—
She did not believe her own words.
A strange unease had settled in her heart.
Finally she stood.
The maid nearby immediately bowed.
"Your Majesty?"
The Dowager Empress shook her head.
"Do not announce me."
The maid looked surprised.
