The next afternoon, sunlight poured across the Imperial Palace.
The gardens were beautiful.
The lotus pond shimmered.
Birds sang among flowering trees.
From the outside—
Everything looked peaceful.
Yet inside the palace, tensions were quietly growing.
Especially inside the heart of the Dowager Empress.
Since receiving the report from her invisible guard, she could no longer look at Shin Gu the same way.
Every smile.
Every word.
Every action.
The Dowager Empress found herself observing carefully.
Watching.
Analyzing.
Questioning.
And so—
She arranged a luncheon.
A simple gathering.
At least that was what everyone believed.
The invited guests were few.
The Empress.
Princess Zhi.
Lady Chen.
And Shin Gu.
The luncheon was held in the Dowager Empress's private garden pavilion.
Soft curtains fluttered in the breeze.
Delicate dishes were arranged across the table.
Tea steamed gently from porcelain cups.
When the Empress arrived, Princess Zhi was already present.
