The sun had barely begun to descend when Lady Chen quietly left the Dowager's courtyard.
The palace corridors were still busy.
Servants carried dinner trays from one hall to another. Palace maids hurried between buildings, carrying folded clothes, water, and lamps. Guards stood at their usual posts, their expressions disciplined and indifferent.
To anyone watching, Lady Chen's departure looked completely ordinary.
But beneath the calm appearance, she carried an important task.
Tonight, the plan would begin.
And before the night arrived, everything had to be ready.
---
The Monk's Powder
Lady Chen kept her pace steady as she entered a quieter section of the palace.
She did not look around suspiciously.
She did not speak to the guards.
She simply walked as though she had somewhere ordinary to go.
After passing through several courtyards, she entered a small side building where a trusted servant was waiting.
The servant bowed.
"Lady Chen."
"Has it arrived?"
