The first rays of dawn spilled across the imperial palace, bathing the jade rooftops in a soft golden glow.
Morning mist lingered over the lotus ponds, while dew sparkled like tiny pearls upon the flower petals.
Inside the Phoenix Courtyard, everything was peaceful.
The fragrance of jasmine drifted gently through the open lattice window.
A cool breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming peonies.
The palace had not yet awakened to the bustle of the day.
Only birdsong broke the silence.
Lian An sat beside the carved wooden window, dressed in a simple pale blue robe embroidered with white plum blossoms. Her long black hair flowed freely over her shoulders, still slightly damp from her morning bath.
A cup of warm tea rested beside her.
She wasn't reading reports.
She wasn't discussing court affairs.
Instead, she quietly admired the garden outside.
Butterflies fluttered between the flowers.
A pair of white cranes stood near the pond.
For the first time in many days...
