The palace was unusually lively that evening.
Golden lanterns illuminated the corridors.
Servants hurried through the halls carrying trays, wine jars, and decorations.
The fragrance of freshly cooked food drifted through the air.
Tonight was not an imperial banquet.
Not a political gathering.
Not a royal ceremony.
It was simply—
A feast.
A feast prepared personally by the Empress.
And the guests were few.
The Emperor.
Princess Zhi.
Prince Liang.
The Dowager Empress.
Lady Chen.
A simple gathering.
At least on the surface.
---
The Imperial Kitchen
Long before sunset, Lian An had entered the kitchen.
The chefs were already waiting.
As were the staff from Whisper Bowl.
Nobody dared be careless today.
The Empress herself was supervising.
---
Steam filled the room.
Large pots simmered.
Knives moved rapidly across cutting boards.
The kitchen buzzed with energy.
---
Lian An stood in the center.
Calm.
Focused.
Her sleeves tied neatly.
Her hair pinned up.
