The atmosphere inside the lady chen residence had been warm all evening.
Servants moved around carrying trays of tea while
Inside the palace—
A different kind of tension quietly spread.
—
The Emperor walked through the palace corridor with steady steps.
Behind him, servants and guards followed silently.
No one dared speak.
Because everyone could feel it—
His mood was strange tonight.
Quiet.
Heavy.
—
The events of the ambush still lingered in his mind.
The strange attacks.
The unnatural strength.
The feeling that something hidden was moving inside the palace walls.
And now—
Another incident had occurred.
—
Earlier that evening, palace maids had suddenly found Lady Chen unconscious near one of the inner gardens.
No injury.
No poison.
No explanation.
—
Only darkness.
—
The Emperor stopped outside Lady Chen's courtyard.
The head maid immediately bowed.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
—
"How is she?"
—
"She has awakened, Your Majesty."
