A heavy silence settled over Princess Zhi's courtyard.
The cheerful atmosphere that had once filled the elegant pavilion was gone.
Yesterday's horrifying incident still lingered in everyone's minds.
Princess Zhi's personal maid...
Dead.
Not from poison.
Not from a weapon.
Not from illness.
A black shadow had passed through her body before the life disappeared from her eyes.
Now the Emperor had summoned everyone to discuss the matter.
The Emperor sat at the head of the stone table.
Beside him sat the Empress, unusually quiet.
Princess Zhi looked exhausted, having barely slept after witnessing her maid's death.
The Dowager Empress slowly rolled her prayer beads between her fingers.
Prince Liang stood beside one of the carved pillars with his arms folded across his chest.
Lady Chen also sat in the pavilion, her expression filled with concern.
Several imperial guards stood outside the courtyard.
No one dared speak loudly.
The atmosphere itself felt oppressive.
