The afternoon sun hung high above the Imperial Palace.
Unlike the bustling morning court, the palace was now unusually peaceful.
Golden light filtered through carved wooden windows.
A gentle breeze stirred the silk curtains.
After lunch, most nobles had retired to their chambers for their afternoon rest.
Even the palace guards spoke in quieter voices.
For a brief moment...
The enormous palace seemed calm.
No one knew that within moments, that peace would be shattered.
---
Princess Zhi's Courtyard
Princess Zhi sat beneath the shade of a flowering osmanthus tree.
A half-finished embroidery frame rested on her lap.
Since recovering from her previous illness, she had gradually regained her cheerful nature.
Beside her stood her most trusted personal maid.
Her name was Mei Lan.
Mei Lan had served Princess Zhi since the princess was five years old.
She was more than a servant.
She was family.
